Top draft eligible running backs entering 2021 season

275133747_4796292347117549_592518599057046758_nby:Jonathan Wagner•07/22/21•

Jonathan Wagner

Only eleven backs have been taken in the first two rounds of the previous three NFL Drafts. That makes it tough to predict who some of the top draft-eligible running backs might be in 2021. Phil Steele ranked the top 75 draft-eligible running backs for 2021 in his annual College Football Preview.

Here are the top ten backs in Steele’s rankings:

10. Mohamed Ibrahim, Minnesota: Ball security is one of Ibrahim’s strengths, and that is a coveted asset. He is more of a short-yardage back who won’t break away because of his speed, but his patience and power in addition to his blocking ability make him a strong all-around back. If he can stay healthy, he has a shot to solidify this position.

9. Tyler Allgeier, BYU: A former linebacker, Allgeier saw instant success when he transitioned to running back. He finished 2020 with 1,130 yards and 13 touchdowns while averaging 7.5 yards per carry. Allgeier is strong and tough to bring down, and another year growing comfortable at the position should help his stock.

8. Jarek Broussard, Colorado: If you’re looking for a workhorse back, Broussard is it. Despite the Pac-12’s shortened schedule in 2020, Broussard finished with nearly 900 yards and five touchdowns on the ground. His 179 yards per game helped him become the Pac-12 offensive player of the year. He is one of the most underrated draft-eligible running backs entering 2021.

7. Zamir White, Georgia: A highly touted recruit out of North Carolina, White has good size at 6’0, 215 with decent speed to go with it. He had 11 touchdowns and 779 yards in 2020, and he is poised for a big 2021 season. His ability to block in the passing game is another strong part of his game.

6. Kevin Harris, South Carolina: Being the leading rusher in the best conference in the world will have you sitting pretty well on draft boards. The fact that Harris did this at South Carolina in 2020 while only playing other SEC teams is even more impressive. He is one of the most productive returning backs in the nation after rushing for 1,138 yards and 15 touchdowns a year ago. He is powerful, tough to bring down, and likely to be one of the first running backs taken on draft night.

5. Master Teague III, Ohio State: Despite not having a chance to be Ohio State’s feature back, Teague has still produced with limited carries. He ran for 789 yards in 2019 and found the endzone eight times in 2020. He did all of that while playing behind J.K. Dobbins in 2019 and Trey Sermon in 2020. Teague’s athleticism and explosiveness have him looking like the next great Buckeye running back.

4. Kennedy Brooks, Oklahoma: If he hadn’t opted out in 2020, Brooks would likely be even higher on this list. In his two previous seasons, Brooks is a consecutive 1,000-yard rusher and has shown he is one of the most productive players in college football when on the field. Another strong season in 2021 will put him in contention to be the first back taken.

3. Kyren Williams, Notre Dame: A big part of Notre Dame’s offense in 2020, Williams ran for 1,125 yards with 14 total touchdowns. Despite coming in at just 5’9, he weighs in at 185 and has a good build for his size. Williams is elusive and has the ability to contribute in the passing game. He is one of the most versatile draft-eligible running backs.

2. Isaiah Spiller, Texas A&M: Spiller is a big back at 6-foot-1, 220 pounds and that makes him a back that players hate to tackle. His vision to go along with his size makes him a very valuable prospect. Spiller finished with over 1,000 yards and nine total touchdowns in 2020. Another strong season will have him firmly in contention to be the first back taken in the draft.

1. Breece Hall, Iowa State: Another back with good size at 6’1, 215, Hall might be the most intriguing running back prospect in 2021. He is an extremely tough player to bring down and he also has the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. His 1,572 yards and 23 total touchdowns in 2020 are eye-opening. He is the clear top draft-eligible running back right now. Another productive season could result in him being a first-rounder.