THE EXTRA YARD: 2020 NFL DRAFT Top 5 RB’s

Welcome to the Five Reasons Sports 2020 NFL Draft Guide.

We will be bringing you a top 5 list compiled by Alfredo Arteaga (@Alf_Arteaga), and a counter list by Simon Clancy (@SiClancy) for each position, for the 2020 NFL Draft. By offering you rankings of prospects 1 thru 5 for each position, we hope you will better understand this most important draft. Enjoy!

Miami Dolphins Picks:
Round1· Pick 5(5)
Round1· Pick 18(18)PIT > MIA
Round1· Pick 26(26)HOU > MIA
Round2· Pick 7(39)
Round2· Pick 24(56)NO > MIA
Round3· Pick 6(70)
Round4· Pick 35(141)Compensatory
Round5· Pick 7(153)
Round5· Pick 9(154)JAX > PIT > MIS
Round5· Pick 28(173)BAL > LA > MIN
Round6· Pick 6(185)
Round7· Pick 13(227)IND > MIA
Round7· Pick 32(246)KC > MIA
Round7· Pick 37(251)Compensatory

RUNNINGBACKS

1. J.K. DOBBINS- Ohio State-5’-10” 209 lbs.

Dobbins didn’t run at the combine, but did meet with Dolphins RB’s coach Eric Studesville for close to two hours. J.K. Dobbins is the best one cut RB in this draft for a team that has Chan Gailey, so it’s hard to find a better fit than Dobbins for the system they are running. Dobbins has a strong, squat build that powers through grab tackles. His one cut ability allows for further acceleration in the hole, and makes every carry that gets past the first level an opportunity for a house call. His transition from catch to carry is not as clean as you would like, and he is more of a positional pass blocker than a punishing one.

2. JONATHAN TAYLOR- Wisconsin-5’-10” 226 lbs.

Jonathan Taylor has the size, speed, production combination that usually lands a RB in the first round. His 4.39 forty yard dash time at the combine was an eye popping one in the sense of how smooth he was moving at 226 lbs. Taylor is a patient runner, but also has considerable one cut ability. In the passing game, he has displayed a care for and attention to route running which is nice to see. A bit more of a punisher than his colleagues as a pass protector. The fear with Taylor is that he was over-used at Wisconsin, and that the tread on the tire is a bit thin. Had 18 fumbles in 3 seasons at Wisconsin with 15 of them lost. That is a problem.

3. D’ANDRE SWIFT- Georgia-5’-8” 212 lbs.

The latest in very successful Georgia backs. Swift is quick to get to top speed and is rather intelligent as a runner, pass protector. Not too many wasted motions, when setting up blocks. One of the better perimeter runners in this draft. Best adept at zone running, but is not hopeless in one cut lead schemes. The smoothest of the top 5 as a pass catcher, as he transitions easily from the catch to ball security. Has been accused of being a bit too cavalier with how he totes the ball, and transitioning from left to right carry. Tends to drop his head in pass pro, but has been effective in the past.

4. CAM AKERS- FSU- 5’-10” 217 lbs.

Cam has consistently shown top end speed when loose, and very good balance when receiving contact. Akers playing on bad FSU teams and remaining productive has to be taken into consideration. Very good body build consistent with those successful in the NFL. Good definition and full lower body build which NFL scouts like in high draft pick RB’s. Hard to project as a pass catcher and protector due to his team’s failings, but the film suggests that he recognizes nano blitzes, and has a good sense for plugging the A gap. Can be a bit of a dancer and not very decisive when presented with options. Very much a zone runner, and has shown little as far as pressing the hole, cinching blocks for his guys and then taking open run lanes. Poor supporting cast makes him hard to project.

5. CLYDE EDWARDS-HELAIRE- LSU-5’-7” 207 lbs.

A bowling ball. Main criticism is that he seeks contact instead of avoiding it. Plays with a mean streak rarely seen in guys his size. Yes, he sometimes seeks contact, but his jump cut is as good as any in this draft. He does make people miss. Smart in option route running and a killer in pass pro. You are not gonna get many home runs with him, but you will get steady work. Film shows a propensity to seek daylight to the perimeter after breaking tackles. It’s an instinct that has been rather consistent. Would rather he be more vision conscience, than instinct based.

SIMON CLANCY’S (@SiClancy) VIEW:

1. D’Andre Swift – Georgia
2. Clyde Edwards-Helaire – LSU
3. Jonathan Taylor – Wisconsin
4. J.K. Dobbins – Ohio State
5. Cam Akers – Florida State

Alfredo Arteaga (@Alf_Arteaga) and Simon Clancy (SiClancy) are two-thirds of the trio that does the Three Yards Per Carry (@3YardsPerCarry) podcast.