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2014 NFL Draft Prospects: Running Backs

The top 2014 running back prospects available for the 2013 NFL Draft. * - denotes 2015 prospect. ** - denotes 2016 prospect.

This page was last updated May 4, 2013. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.

2012 NFL Draft Position Rankings:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | OG | C | DE | DT | 3-4 OLB | 3-4 DE | NT | 4-3 OLB | ILB | CB | S | K | P

2013 NFL Draft Position Rankings:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | OG | C | DE | DT | 3-4 OLB | 3-4 DE | NT | 4-3 OLB | ILB | CB | S | K | P

2014 NFL Draft Position Rankings:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | 3-4 DE | NT | 3-4 OLB | 4-3 OLB | ILB | CB | S | K | P

D'Anthony Thomas*, RB, Oregon
Height: 5-9. Weight: 173.
Projected 40 Time: 4.37.
Projected Round (2014): 1-2.
5/4/13: Obviously every season is big, but this is a huge year for Thomas. He finally has the opportunity to be the lead back for Oregon now that LaMichael James and Kenjon Barner are in the NFL. Thomas has the glaring size concern, so he has to show durability in 2012. There have been running backs his size who have had NFL careers, Warrick Dunn for example, but they are few and far between. There definitely will be talk of moving Thomas to slot receiver in the NFL, but he could be used in a variety of ways.

Thomas ran for 701 yards (7.6 average) and 11 touchdowns in 2012. He also caught 45 passes for 455 yards and five scores. Thomas also handled kicks, averaging 24 yards per kick return and 17 yards per punt return. He took back both a kick and a punt for a touchdown.

Thomas is perhaps the fastest player in college football entering the 2013 season. He actually earned his way into playing time as a true freshman even with the Ducks having experienced play-makers like James and Barner. Though Thomas only received 55 carries in 2011, but he averaged 10.8 yards per carry and totaled 595 yards with seven touchdowns. Thomas was also used as a wide receiver. He hauled in 46 passes for 605 yards and nine touchdowns. Thomas got in on kick returns, too, averaging 27 yards per return and taking two back for touchdowns.

There is no doubt that Thomas is an electric play-maker who is a threat to score on any touch. If the junior was bigger, he would be sure fire first-round pick in the 2014 NFL Draft.

Personal: Communications major. Son of Anthony Thomas and Gaylian Dupree.

Lache Seastrunk*, RB, Baylor
Height: 5-10. Weight: 210.
Projected 40 Time: 4.55.
Projected Round (2014): 2-3.
5/4/13: Seastrunk finished the 2012 season in impressive fashion with 843 yards across the final six games. He averaged 7.7 yards per carry for the year and totaled 1,012 yards and seven touchdowns. Seastrunk ran over some tough opponents including Kansas State (19-185), Oklahoma State (16-178) and UCLA (16-139).

The past two seasons the Bears have lost good passing quarterbacks in Robert Griffin III and Nick Florence along with receivers Kendall Wright and Terrance Williams. Seastrunk should be the focal point of Baylor's offense in 2013 and looks poised for a massive season. He has stated that his goal is to win the Heisman Trophy this year.

Seastrunk is an intriguing runner with size and speed. He has nice cutting ability and a real burst to break off long runs. Seastrunk needs to avoid the tendency to dance around and run more downhill. Originally, he signed with Oregon and redshirted as a freshman in 2010. Seastrunk sat out 2011 after transferring to Baylor.

Personal: Majoring in general studies. Son of Evelyn Seastrunk.

Ka'Deem Carey*, RB, Arizona
Height: 5-10. Weight: 196.
Projected 40 Time: 4.55.
Projected Round (2014): 2-3.
5/4/13: Carey took college football by storm in 2012 as he led the nation in rushing with 1,929 yards and an average of 6.4 yards per carry. Carey scored 23 touchdowns on the ground. He hauled in 36 receptions for 303 yards and a score, too.

Carey ran for 425 yards and six touchdowns with 15 receptions for 203 yards and two scores in 2011. The freshman was just used as a backup

Carey is a slasher who has nice quickness and a burst to get into the second level. While he isn't a big back, he has some physicality to him and can pick up yards after contact. Carey had a number of big runs after breaking a tackle in the first 10 yards. He isn't a burner back, so defensive backs can catch him from behind.

If Carey can added 10-20 pounds while maintaining his speed, it could help his draft stock.

Personal: Son of Tisha and Jack Carey.

Bishop Sankey*, RB, Washington
Height: 5-10. Weight: 200.
Projected 40 Time: 4.57.
Projected Round (2014): 2-3.
5/4/13: The Huskies didn't have the 2012 season they had hoped to have, but Sankey was the bright spot as he had an excellent year replacing Chris Polk as the feature back. Sankey averaged five yards per carry and totaled 1,439 yards with 16 touchdowns in 2012. He also caught 33 passes for 249 yards. Sankey ended the season in impressive fashion with 205 yards on 30 carries against Boise State. The toughest defense he saw all season was Stanford, yet he gained 144 yards on 20 carries.

Sankey is a well-balanced runner. He has quickness, strength, toughness and receiving ability. If Sankey can add some weight, it would help his draft stock.

Damien Williams, RB, Oklahoma
Height: 5-11. Weight: 214.
Projected 40 Time: 4.60.
Projected Round (2014): 2-4.
5/4/13: Williams had a quality junior year running for 946 yards and 11 touchdowns with an average of 5.7 yards per carry. He showed some nice receiving ability with 29 receptions for 301 yards and a touchdown. Williams has a nice combination of quickness, elusiveness and size. He also is a patient runner and does a nice job of setting up his blocks. With Landry Jones and Kenny Stills in the NFL, Williams could be the focal point of the Oklahoma offense in 2013. If the senior can stay healthy, he could have a huge season.

Carlos Hyde*, RB, Ohio State
Height: 6-0. Weight: 242.
Projected 40 Time: 4.64.
Projected Round (2014): 3-4.
5/4/13: Hyde is a big downhill power back. He averaged 5.2 yards per carry for 970 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2012. Hyde is a good short-yardage and goal line back, but may not have enough speed for the next level. He is very tough to bring down and constantly runs through tackles. For the NFL, Hyde should trim down to get quicker.

Personal: Majoring in criminology. Son of Dermida Hyde and Carlos Britton.

Ben Malena, RB, Texas A&M
Height: 5-8. Weight: 195.
Projected 40 Time: 4.54.
Projected Round (2014): 3-4.
5/4/13: When Christine Michael got in the doghouse of new coach Kevin Sumlin, the Aggies turned to Malena to be their primary back in 2012. Johnny Manziel led Texas A&M in rushing, but Malena ran for 808 yards with eight touchdowns. He averaged 5.9 yards per carry with 18 receptions for 111 yards and a touchdown. Malena is a quick back who has some explosiveness. He is a short back, but is built compactly.

Personal: Undecided major. Son of Renee and Ben Malena.

Devonta Freeman*, RB, Florida State
Height: 5-9. Weight: 209.
Projected 40 Time: 4.64.
Projected Round (2014): 3-4.
5/4/13: Freeman was the second leading rusher for the Seminoles with 660 yards and eight touchdowns in 2012. He averaged 5.9 yards per carry. Freeman took over as the starting running back after Chris Thompson went out for the season. Freeman is a quick back with some strength.

James Wilder Jr.*, RB, Florida State
Height: 6-2. Weight: 226.
Projected 40 Time: 4.64.
Projected Round (2014): 3-4.
5/4/13: Wilder is a big back who has some quickness. The sophomore ran for 635 yards in 2012 while averaging 5.8 yards per carry. He also showed some receiving ability with 19 receptions for 141 yards and two touchdowns.

Wilder is a downhill runner who can move a pile. He figures to see more carries as a junior in a backfield tandem with Devonta Freeman since a number of the Seminoles' players have moved on.

Personal: Son of former Buccaneers running back James Wilder.

Kenny Hilliard*, RB, LSU
Height: 6-1. Weight: 231.
Projected 40 Time: 4.63.
Projected Round (2014): 3-4.
5/4/13: LSU utilizes a running back-by-committee approach which makes it tough for any one back to stand out. Hilliard was part of that group in 2012. Like a lot of the Tigers' backs, Hilliard is a big power back who has some quickness. he had the second highest total with 464 yards and six touchdowns.

Personal: Majoring in general studiues. Son of Brenda Hilliard and nephew of former Saints running back Dalton Hilliard.

Glasco Martin, RB, Baylor
Height: 6-1. Weight: 220.
Projected 40 Time: 4.60.
Projected Round (2014): 3-4.
5/4/13: The Bears have a tough one-two combination with Martin and Seastrunk. Martin didn't play very much his first three seasons at Baylor before a breakout 2012 season. He ran for 889 yards and 15 touchdowns while averaging five yards per carry. Martin is not a receiving back as he has only two receptions in his career. With Seatsrunk providing the speed, Martin is a downhill power runner who can pound the ball between the tackles.

Personal: Majoring in speech communication. Son of Glasco, III and Lavernita Martin.

Silas Redd*, RB, USC
Height: 5-10. Weight: 200.
Projected 40 Time: 4.53.
Projected Round (2013): 4-5.
5/4/13: Redd averaged 5.4 yards per carry in 2012, collecting 905 yards and nine touchdowns. The Nittany Lions transfer was solid for the Trojans, but made the right decision to return for his senior season.

Redd saw his first playing time for Penn State as a freshman in 2010, backing up Evan Royster. Redd ran for 437 yards and two touchdowns. He had an excellent 2011 season for Penn State. Redd totaled 1,241 yards and seven touchdowns with an average of 5.1 yards. He only caught nine passes for 40 yards.

With Penn State sunk by the Sandusky scandal, Redd transfered to USC. He has a decent team around him and should produce a solid senior season especially with the departure of Curtis McNeal. As a runner, Redd combines nice quickness with elusiveness and the strength to break tackles. The Trojans' West Coast offense looks like a nice fit for him, assuming he has more receiving skills than were evident with the Nittany Lions.

Personal: Son of Silas and Yvonne Redd.

LaDarius Perkins, RB, Mississippi State
Height: 5-10. Weight: 190.
Projected 40 Time: 4.60.
Projected Round (2014): 4-5.
5/4/13: Perkins had a quality 2012 season, running for 1,024 yards and eight touchdowns while averaging five yards per carry. The junior also caught 19 passes for 160 yards and two touchdowns. He was the change-of-pace back in 2011 for the powerful Vick Ballard. Perkins ran for 422 yards on 87 carries. He is a smaller and quick back who could be a rotational back in the NFL.

Personal: Son of Robert and Vanessa Perkins.

Alfred Blue*, RB, LSU
Height: 6-2. Weight: 220.
Projected 40 Time: 4.60.
Projected Round (2014): 4-5.
5/4/13: The LSU Tigers have had a running back by committee approach which makes it tough for any one back to stand out. Blue won the competition to be the starting running back for the 2012 season. He only played in three games but ran for 270 yards and two touchdowns on 40 carries. Blue suffered a knee injury that caused him to miss the rest of the year. He ran for 539 yards on 78 carries with seven touchdowns in 2011.

Personal: Majoring in sports administration. Son of Alfred Blue, Jr. and Erica Clement.

Tre Mason*, RB, Auburn
Height: 5-10. Weight: 196.
Projected 40 Time: 4.60.
Projected Round (2014): 4-6.
5/4/13: Mason was one of the few bright spots in a dismal season for Auburn. He ran for 1,002 yards and eight touchdowns while averaging 5.9 yards per carry in 2012. Mason is a smaller back and may not have the size to be a feature back in the NFL.

Personal: Majoring in business. Son of Vincent and Tina Mason.

James White, RB, Wisconsin
Height: 5-10. Weight: 197.
Projected 40 Time: 4.52.
Projected Round (2014): 5-6.
5/4/13: White would be a starter for most programs, but at Wisconsin he was the secondary back behind Montee Ball the past three seasons. White should be the starting back for the Badgers in 2013 since Ball was drafted by the Broncos.

White ran for 806 yards and averaged 6.4 yards per carry with 12 touchdowns last year. The sophomore ran for 713 yards and six touchdowns in 2011, which was definitely less production than in 2010. The freshamn ran for 1,052 yards with 14 touchdowns, averaging 6.7 yards per carry as part of a running back rotation. White has 26 receptions for 238 yards in his career. He has also contributed to the Badgers as a kick returner, but averaged only 20 yards per return. Like Ball, White also needs to prove that he could be more than a system back.

Personal: Son of Tyrone and Lisa White. Related to Redskins wide receiver Santana Moss and Giants wide out Sinorice Moss.

Isaiah Crowell*, RB, Alabama State
Height: 5-11. Weight: 215.
Projected 40 Time: 4.49.
Projected Round (2014): 5-7.
5/4/13: Crowell ran for 842 yards and 15 touchdowns on 159 carries (5.3 yards per carry) last year at Alabama State. He caught 11 passes for 95 yards, too.

Crowell couldn't stay out of trouble enough to survive at Georgia. He was twice suspended and finally kicked off the team due to weapons charges that were eventually dismissed.

Crowell was a highly touted recruit for the Bulldogs and played extremely well as a true freshman. He was named the SEC Freshman of the Year, running for 850 yards (4.6 average) and five touchdowns, while dealing with some injuries. The junior knows he can't afford to get in any more trouble if he wants a shot at the NFL.

Michael Dyer**, RB, Arkansas Baptist
Height: 5-9. Weight: 210.
Projected 40 Time: 4.48.
Projected Round (2013): 6-FA.
5/4/13: Dyer is hoping to play for Arkansas this season. If these rankings were based solely on football talent, Dyer would be one of the highest-rated backs. He was on his way to being a first-round pick before off-the-field problems derailed his career and caused him to transfer from Auburn to Arkansas State.

Dyer was suspended by Auburn after providing a gun to teammates who were involved in an armed robbery. He followed Gus Malzahn to Arkansas State where Malzahn became the head coach. Shortly after joining his new program, Dyer was dismissed from the team after police found a gun and marijuana on Dyer at a traffic stop.

Dyer ran for 1,093 yards with five touchdowns as freshman in 2010, averaging six yards per carry. That broke Bo Jackson's freshman running record at Auburn. With Cam Newton gone, Dyer carried the load for the Tigers offense in 2011. He ran for 1,242 yards (5.13 average) with 10 touchdowns. Dyer was a First-Team All-SEC selection alongside Alabama running back Trent Richardson.

One big question mark about Dyer's game is his receiving ability. He only caught three receptions for 16 yards in two seasons at Auburn.

Marcus Coker, RB, Stony Brook
Height: 6-0. Weight: 230.
Projected 40 Time: 4.60.
Projected Round (2013): 7-FA.
5/4/13: Coker totaled 1,018 yards and nine touchdowns on 210 carries (4.8 average) for Stony Brook in 2012. He ran for 1,384 yards (4.9 average) and 15 touchdowns for Iowa the year before. Coker had some off-the-field concerns while a Hawkeye and was suspended for the 2011 Insight Bowl. After that suspension, he was granted a release from his scholarship and transfered to the FCS level.

Coker ran for 622 yards and three scores as a freshman backup in 2010. He is a physical power back who is a one-cut downhill runner. The character concerns will be an issue for Coker.

Henry Josey*, RB, Missouri
Height: 5-10. Weight: 190.
Projected 40 Time: 4.53.
Projected Round (2013): FA.
5/4/13: Josey did not play football for Missouri in 2012 but returned to contact practices in the spring of 2013. He was one of the best running backs in the Big XII in 2011 before he had had his knee devastated versus Texas, coming away with a torn ACL, torn MCL, torn cartilages, a torn meniscus and torn patellar tendon. All that required three separate surgeries to repair. Josey ran for 1,168 yards and averaged 8.1 yards per carry with nine touchdowns in only eight starts.

Personal: Grandson of grandparents, Thomas and Eula Josey.

unlvfan 05-20-2013 09:06 am xxx.xxx.xxx.254 (total posts: 1)

I know nobody watches UNLV football, but the obvious top 5 running back plays there!!!! Tim Cornett is one of the best RBs but is getting over looked because of his school!!!!! look up UNLV vs. hawaii 2011 on youtube and the kid busts open a huge play and smokes every one... look him up!!!!

Foosball 05-04-2013 01:49 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.236 (total posts: 1)

Your 40 times are severely off. Hyde ran a 4.43 in spring camp last year, and the others guys play faster than the mid 4.5s you gave everyone.

Richard 05-04-2013 12:46 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.130 (total posts: 1)

I think you might be overlooking Northwestern RB Venric Mark. He surpassed recent draft picks like Eddie Lacy, Mike Gillislee, and Zac Stacy in rushing yards last season and was 12th nationally in all-purpose yards. All this behind a offensive line that was not very good. He's certainly a better talent than James White from Wisconsin.

Fan 05-04-2013 11:08 am xxx.xxx.xxx3.37 (total posts: 1)

Hyde runs a 4.4

KS 03-03-2013 06:07 pm xxx.xxx.xxx4.61 (total posts: 1)

105

Raymond Maples- Army
6-1, 218 lbs
2012 Stats
1215 yards on 223 carries (5.4 average)
2 TD's (That's their style)

Absolute Leader of the team
Made solid defenses who kept rushing at him look dumbfounded (producing 150+ yard games)
Had a bum offense

Even though he does play on a small school team against easy competition, he was also the majority of their offensive production... He was so explosive that teams would have to rush at him even if he was obviously not going to get the ball, and we are talking guys like Leon McFadden from SD State who has the potential to go 2nd round in the 2013 draft, not just these small school teams. I think he deserves a lower round consideration considering that these moves have paid huge benefits to certain teams (Alfred Morris). A 5-7 round range seems appropriate for now, with the potential to go higher if he produces another stellar season.

Wise Man 02-18-2013 12:03 am xxx.xxx.xxx2.77 (total posts: 1)

Carlos Hyde. Round 2-3. Enough said.

MD 01-12-2013 11:49 am xxx.xxx.xxx8.47 (total posts: 1)

wow everyone slow down. This list hasn't been updated since Sept 5th, 2012.

I am sure once the 2013 draft lists are updated this one will as well.

Les1 01-04-2013 04:09 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.137 (total posts: 1)

Underrated jyruss Edwards ULM war hawks

CatMG 12-20-2012 12:45 am xxx.xxx.xxx.254 (total posts: 1)

While as a UA alum, I sure hope Kadeem Carey does't leave until the 2015 draft, it is ridiculous that he isn't on the list should he leave after his Jr. season. Absolutely ridiculous.

JoshB 12-15-2012 11:40 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.131 (total posts: 1)

Kerwynn Williams from Utah State?

Josh P 12-15-2012 05:55 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.141 (total posts: 1)

Carlos Hyde?

Bruce Wayne 12-15-2012 04:06 pm xxx.xxx.xxx8.19 (total posts: 1)

Kadeem Carey???? Leading rusher in the nation

s.harv 12-06-2012 01:50 pm xxx.xxx.xxx3.54 (total posts: 1)

How are Todd Gurley and Keith Marshall not on any of these lists? These two Georgia backs are definitely good enough to be in the top 10 let alone the top 25

miz-sec 11-14-2012 12:52 am xxx.xxx.xxx.184 (total posts: 1)

Henrey Josie is much faster than the 4.53 predicted. He is much closer to a 4.4

Vince 11-12-2012 05:58 pm xxx.xxx.xxx3.99 (total posts: 1)

San Diego State's Adam Muema will be a junior next season, but that'll be his last year. As a sophomore this year, he has 1100 yards on only 185 carries, plus has twelve touchdowns. He has caught only six passes, but that's because the Aztecs usually use their running backs to block, because of the incredible depth at WR and TE. He has limited speed, but is a terrific inside runner with fantastic vision, and his 5-10 205 pound frame will be bigger next season.

Pages: 12

2013 Fantasy Football Rankings - May 25

2013 NBA Mock Draft - May 22

2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 21

Charlie's 2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 20

NFL Picks - Feb. 3

2014 NFL Draft Prospects: Running Backs

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