2015 NFL Draft Prospects: Running Backs

By Charlie Campbell.
Send Charlie an e-mail here: [email protected]
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The top 2015 running back prospects available for the 2015 NFL Draft. * – denotes 2016 prospect. ** – denotes 2017 prospect.

This page was last updated April 27, 2015. Follow Walter @walterfootball for updates.

1. Todd Gurley*, RB, Georgia
   Height: 6-1. Weight: 222.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.45.
   Projected Round (2015): Top-20 Pick.
   4/27/15: In speaking with team sources, they have a feeling that Gurley will most likely get selected in the top 10 and shouldn’t last long if he gets into the teens. They say there is no chance he makes it into the 20s, and they wouldn’t be surprised if a team trades up for Gurley. The latest medical reports are that Gurley should be ready for the start of training camp.
   
   Throughout his college career, Gurley was utterly dominant and demonstrated a great combination of speed and power. He can run over defenders and break off long runs with a threat to score on almost any carry. Before his injury, Gurley was drawing comparisons to Herschel Walker and Bo Jackson.
   
   Gurley averaged 7.4 yards per carry in 2014 on his way to 911 yards with nine touchdowns. He also made 12 receptions for 57 yards. After a suspension, Gurley returned to the field against Auburn and quickly picked up where he left off. Gurley ran for 128 yards on 29 carries with a touchdown. The junior also returned a kickoff for a touchdown, but it was called back on a penalty. Even though Georgia was up 27-7 with five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, Gurley was still in the game running between the tackles, and while being tackled he tore an ACL, so that ended up being the final game in his collegiate career.
   
   Gurley had been suspended for four games before that Auburn contest for signing autographs. Sources with multiple teams told WalterFootball.com that the suspension won’t hurt Gurley’s draft stock. They say that this is more tyrannical NCAA nonsense. League contacts say their character reports on Gurley are strong. They say he’s a good kid who loves football.
   
   Gurley showed that the hype is justified in a dominating performance against Clemson in Georgia’s 2014 season opener. He finished with 198 yards on 15 carries with three touchdowns rushing to go along with a 100-yard kick return for a touchdown. Gurley showed it all against the Tigers as he ran with speed and power. That trend continued against Troy and South Carolina. Against Tennessee, Gurley racked up 208 yards on 28 carries with two touchdowns. In his penultimate game against Vanderbilt, he totaled 163 yards on 25 carries with two touchdowns.
   
   8/27/14: Todd Gurley has the physical skill set to be a dominant runner. He has a great burst with speed to go along with size and power. Georgia has lost quarterback Aaron Murray to the NFL, so Gurley should be the bell cow of the Bulldogs’ offense in 2014. For him to end the streak of running backs not going on Thursday night, much less a high first-rounder, he needs to prove as a junior that durability is not a concern. There is no doubt that Gurley is a special runner with his quickness to break away from defenders and his power to run over them.
   
   When healthy, Gurley was awesome in 2013. He averaged six yards per carry for 989 yards and 10 touchdowns. The sophomore also had 30 receptions for 344 yards and five touchdowns. Gurley was phenomenal against South Carolina (30-132) and Clemson (12-154) before getting injured. He missed three games and played well after returning to the lineup.
   
   Alabama’s T.J. Yeldon wasn’t the only freshman running back to burst onto the scene in the SEC in 2012. Gurley had a superb debut to lead the Bulldogs’ ground game. He averaged 6.2 yards per carry while totaling 1,385 yards with 17 touchd owns. Gurley ran for 122 yards on 22 carries with two touchdowns against Alabama in the SEC Championship.



2. Melvin Gordon*, RB, Wisconsin
   Height: 6-1. Weight: 215.
   40 Time: 4.52.
   Projected Round (2015): 1.
   4/27/15: Gordon is a play-maker with excellent speed to along with enough size and toughness to be an every-down back. He has superb cutting ability, vision, patience and balance. Gordon also has blocking ability, and he was consistently dominant in 2014.
   
   At the Combine, Gordon ran a little slower than expected but still produced a quality time. He also did well in the field work. Gordon ran better at his pro day, but nobody was truly questioning whether he was a fast back.
   
   Gordon ended his 2014 season like he started it: tearing up an SEC defense. He totaled 251 yards on 34 carries with three touchdowns against Auburn. Gordon ran hard all game and left it all on the field. He didn’t play like he was trying to protect himself or attempting to avoid injury.
   
   Halfway through the year, Gordon became the first back in the nation to cross the 1,000-yard mark. He averaged 7.5 yards per carry in 2014 for 2,587 yards with 29 touchdowns. Gordon caught three passes for 153 yards and three touchdowns, too. His amazing speed had him tied for the FBS record in career average in yards per carry with stellar mark of 8.26 yards per carry after a massive performance versus Bowling Green (13-253).
   
   Gordon set the NCAA single-game record in mid-November versus Nebraska with 408 yards on 25 carries with four touchdowns in only three quarters of playing time. It wasn’t a perfect game, as Gordon had a couple of fumbles, but he overwhelmed the Cornhuskers in a manner that no back had in the history of the sport. Unfortunately for Gordon, his record was broken a week later.
   
   8/27/14: In 2013, Gordon averaged 7.8 yards per carry for 1,609 yards and 12 touchdowns on only 206 carries. He has a rare combination of being extremely fast while having quality size. The lightning-fast ball-carrier brought an explosive element to the Badgers’ backfield that Montee Ball never provided during his great college career.
   
   Thus far, Gordon has been reasonably durable. He injured his knee against Ohio State in 2013 and didn’t finish the game, but he came back the next week to run for 172 yards against Northwestern. Gordon recorded just one reception for five yards as James White handled the receiving duties out of the backfield.
   
   Gordon stood out while backing up Montee Ball and James White in 2012. While Gordon didn’t get a lot of opportunities, he made the most of his limited his chances while averaging 10 yards per carry. Gordon ran for 621 yards and three touchdowns on only 62 carries.
   
   Personal: Son of Melvin Gordon.





3. T.J. Yeldon*, RB, Alabama
   Height: 6-2. Weight: 226.
   40 Time: 4.61.
   Projected Round (2015): 1-2.
   4/27/15: Yeldon went under the radar in a crowded running back class, but he is talented with a good skill set. Sources say that Yeldon could be a second-round steal and multiple franchises feel that Yeldon is being underrated. A lot of teams like Yeldon and are targeting him at the top of the second round. Some teams think that Yeldon could go late in the first round.
   
   For the next level, Yeldon should drop some weight. That was apparent at the Combine as he ran slower than expected, as if that weren’t already clear the past two seasons. Like the Steelers Le’Veon Bell, if Yeldon drops weight, he should get some speed back and be a more dynamic runner.
   
   Yeldon is a smooth runner who has quickness, balance, cutting ability and vision. He runs a little upright as a result of his height, and that plays a role in his ball-security issues. Yeldon can improve on those issues at the next level.
   
   In 2014, Yeldon averaged five yards per carry for 979 yards with 11 touchdowns. He had 15 receptions for 180 yards and a touchdown, too. Yeldon had ball-security issues in 2013, and while he was better as a junior, those didn’t go away completely.
   
   8/27/14: The Crimson Tide program has been a factory for elite running backs that has sent a number of special backs to the NFL in recent years. Yeldon is the next model in line. In 2013, he averaged six yards per carry for 1,235 yards with 14 touchdowns. The sophomore chipped in 18 catches for 160 yards, too. After gaining weight follwoing 2012 for a bigger work load, Yeldon seemed to lose some of his burst and explosiveness. He also had some issues with fumbles.
   
   Yeldon will have to earn his carries in 2014 as the Crimson Tide is loaded in the backfield. Kenyan Drake and Derrick Henry finished 2013 in strong fashion, and there will be a competition to be the lead back.
   
   As a freshman in 2012, Yeldon helped contribute to Alabama’s National Championship and had an excellent debut season. He occasionally outshone starter Eddie Lacy, a second-round selection of Green Bay’s in the 2013 NFL Draft. Yeldon received only 175 carries in 2012, but totaled 1,108 yards and 12 touchdowns. He also caught 11 passes for 131 yards and a score. While Lacy was a large downhill runner, Yeldon had some explosiveness. He ripped off a number of big gains with mismatch speed.



4. Jay Ajayi*, RB, Boise State
   Height: 6-0. Weight: 221.
   40 Time: 4.57.
   Projected Round (2015): 2-3.
   4/27/15: Ajayi looks like a second-day steal, but he could rise in the final leadup to the 2015 NFL Draft. Ajayi has a superb skill set with power, speed, phenomenal balance and versatility.
   
   Ajayi was excellent for Boise State during the 2014 season. He averaged 5.4 yards per carry for 1,689 yards with 25 touchdowns. Through the air, the redshirt junior had 45 receptions for 536 yards and four touchdowns.
   
   Ajayi has the speed to break off yards in chunks, while also being athletic and tough. He can pick up yards after contact, but his biggest flaw is ball security. Ajayi puts the ball on the ground too often. That plagued him in 2013 and could be seen again in 2014, although he improved his ability to avoid fumbles.
   
   In the 2014 season opener, Ajayi played well against Ole Miss’ land-shark defense and matched up well against the Rebels’ fast stop unit. He ran for 86 yards on 20 carries while catching 12 passes for 93 yards and a touchdown.
   
   8/27/14: Ajayi had broke out for Boise State in 2013 as he averaged 5.7 yards per carry for 1,425 yards with 18 touchdowns. He also dragged down 22 receptions for 222 yards and a score. Ajayi ran for 548 yards and four scores as a freshman. He has some quickness to go along with quality size.



5. Tevin Coleman*, RB, Indiana
   Height: 5-11. Weight: 206.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.58.
   Projected Round (2015): 2-3.
   4/27/15: Sources say that there are some medical concerns with Coleman having to do with a condition. They say that could be seen after long runs at Indiana where Coleman would need time to recover. He also may not be able to play in high altitude like NFL veteran safety Ryan Clark.
   
   Coleman did not run the 40 or participate in the field drills at the Combine. The junior was very productive in 2014. He averaged 7.5 yards per carry for 2,036 yards with 15 touchdowns. Coleman also snagged 25 receptions for 141 yards. He was huge in Indiana’s upset win over Missouri. Coleman has a nice burst to him while being well built. He always is ripping off long runs and is looking to take every carry the distance.
   
   As as sophomore in 2013, Coleman had 958 yards and averaged 7.3 yards per carry. He made 19 receptions for 193 yards.
   
   Personal: Son of Wister and Adleia Coleman. Majoring in general studies.





6. Ameer Abdullah, RB, Nebraska
   Height: 5-9. Weight: 205.
   40 Time: 4.60.
   Projected Round (2015): 2-3.
   4/27/15: NFL scouts have told WalterFootball.com that Abdullah was very impressive to them this year. That isn’t hard to believe because the senior was dominant at times. Abdullah averaged 6.1 yards per carry in 2014 for 1,611 yards with 19 touchdowns. He had 22 receptions for 269 yards and three touchdowns, too.
   
   Abdullah has shown enough that evaluators feel he’ll be a good contributor in the passing offense. Abdullah may be undersized, but he is quick back who can slash through defenses. Even though Abdullah isn’t big, he is tough and demonstrated durability during his collegiate career. At the Senior Bowl, Abdullah had a quality week and continued to impress talent evaluators. He ran slower than expected at the Combine.
   
   8/27/14: Abdullah isn’t the biggest of backs, but he’s been a workhorse for Nebraska. Abdullah topped 100 yards in 11-of-13 games in 2013. The junior totaled 1,690 yards with an average of six yards per carry and scored nine touchdowns. He also caught 26 passes for 232 yards and two touchdowns.
   
   In 2012, Abdullah averaged five yards per carry for 1,137 yards with eight touchdowns. He caught 24 passes for 178 yards with two scores. For the NFL, Abdullah also offers kick and punt return skills. He was Nebraska’s primary returner as a freshman and sophomore.
   
   Personal: Son of Kareem and Aisha Abdullah. Active in Nebraska charities and is on the Honor Roll as a history major.



7. Duke Johnson*, RB, Miami
   Height: 5-9. Weight: 207.
   40 Time: 4.54.
   Projected Round (2015): 2-3.
   4/27/15: At the Combine, Johnson ran a little slower than expected, but he looked good in the field drills.
   
   Johnson averaged 6.8 yards per carry in 2014 for 1,652 yards with 10 touchdowns. He also had 38 receptions for 421 yards and three scores. Johnson played well for the Hurricanes. He had a monster game against Virginia Tech (29-249 rushing, 2-37 receiving) and played well against Florida State. Some NFL sources told WalterFootball.com they see Johnson as a third- or fourth-rounder, while others think of him as a late first-round or early second-round pick.
   
   8/27/14: Johnson is a speed back who can take any carry the distance. He is extremely fast and capable of ripping off yards in chunks. In 2013, Johnson totaled 920 yards with six scores (6.3 average) before missing the final five games after breaking his ankle against Florida State. The junior is said to have add some bulk preparing for the 2014 season.
   
   Johnson was one of the best freshman in college football in 2012. He led Miami on the ground and racked up a ton of all-purpose yardage. Johnson averaged 6.8 yards per carry while running for 947 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also caught 27 passes for 221 yards and another score. Johnson was phenomenal on special teams, too. He was second in the nation in kick returns with an average of 33 yards per return. The freshman standout also brought back two kicks for touchdowns.
   
   With his versatility and play-making ability, it wouldn’t be surprising if Johnson ends up rising in these rankings.



8. David Johnson, RB, Northern Iowa
   Height: 6-1. Weight: 224.
   40 Time: 4.50.
   Projected Round (2015): 3-4.
   4/27/15: If you’re looking for this year’s Alfred Morris or Zac Stacy, check out Johnson. The Northern Iowa wide receiver-turned-running back could be a huge steal in the 2015 NFL Draft. Johnson is a powerful runner and an excellent receiver out of the backfield who will be a mismatch nightmare going against linebackers and safeties. Some teams question his running instincts, but feel Johnson is a superb receiver.
   
   Johnson was impressive enough in 2014 to earn an invitation to the Senior Bowl and made the most of the opportunity. He was a downhill runner who showed a burst to hit the hole all week. Johnson rushes with power and is tough to bring down with his ability to pick up yards after contact. Sources from multiple teams told WalterFootball.com that they were very impressed with Johnson. He also ran fast and impressed at the Combine.
   
   2014 was the senior’s best as he ran for 1,553 yards and picked up almost another 1,000 yards in all-purpose yardage. As a junior, Johnson ran for 1,286 yards with 393 yards receiving. He ran for 1,021 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2012.
   
   Personal: Son of Regina Johnson.



9. Mike Davis*, RB, South Carolina
   Height: 5-9. Weight: 217.
   40 Time: 4.61.
   Projected Round (2015): 3-4.
   4/27/15: Davis played with injuries in 2014 that basically caused him to miss the season opener and limited him in several games, but he was still a productive contributor for South Carolina. Davis averaged 4.9 yards per carry on the year with 982 yards and nine touchdowns. He also had 32 receptions for 368 yards and two scores.
   
   Davis is a physical, downhill runner who has the quickness to hit the hole. He also is a versatile player with some natural athleticism for the passing game. However, sources say they were disappointed in Davis’ play as a junior and view him as a No. 2 back in the NFL rather than a future starter.
   
   8/27/14: Davis had big shoes to fill in 2013 as Marcus Lattimore was a legend at South Carolina, yet Davis managed to address the void. Sources believe that Davis is actually better than Lattimore. Davis was a physical beast for South Carolina in 2013. Even with teams selling out to stop him, he ran over defenders on a weekly basis. Davis averaged 5.8 yards per carry with 1,183 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also had 34 receptions for 352 yards. Davis showed some natural receiving ability and was phenomenal on screen passes.
   
   David runs with excellent pad level, vision and balance. As a freshman in 2012, Davis averaged 5.3 yards per carry for 275 yards and two touchdowns.



10. Javorius Allen*, RB, USC
    Height: 6-0. Weight: 221.
    40 Time: 4.53.
    Projected Round (2015): 3-4.
    4/27/15: Allen was the workhorse for USC in 2014 and put together an excellent season. The junior averaged 5.4 yards per carry for 1,489 yards with 11 touchdowns. As a receiver, he had 41 catches for 458 yards and a score.
    
    Allen is a physical back who has a nice burst. He has had some ball-security issues though. Allen is a one-cut downhill runner who would fit well in a zone-blocking scheme. He also has enough strength to him to pick up yards after contact. At the Combine though, Allen recorded one of the lowest bench press totals of any back (11) and that was surprising considering his size. However, he bounced back with a nice run in the 40.
    
    8/27/14: After firing Lane Kiffin, the Trojans rediscovered their ground game. They had a stable of talented backs, but Allen managed to stand out. He finished the season on tear with big games against Oregon State (16-133), California (6-135), Colorado (21-145) and UCLA (20-123). Allen averaged 5.8 yards per carry for 785 yards and 14 touchdowns. He also caught 22 passes for 252 yards. Allen should be better in 2014.





11. David Cobb, RB, Minnesota
    Height: 5-10. Weight: 229.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.65.
    Projected Round (2015): 3-5.
    4/27/15: Cobb had a good week at the Senior Bowl and helped himself. He showed more burst than previously thought, and that had been the biggest question mark about his game. However, Cobb didn’t participate in the field work at the Combine and had a disappointing total in the bench press (17 reps).
    
    Cobb was one of the most productive runners in the nation in 2014. He is a physical back who can handle a big work load. Cobb fights for yards after contact and plays really hard. If he were faster, he could be a second-day prospect. Cobb averaged 5.2 yards per carry in 2014 for 1,626 yards and 13 touchdowns. He also had 16 receptions for 162 yards.
    
    In 2013, Cobb averaged 5.1 yards per carry for 1,202 yards with seven touchdowns. He had 17 receptions for 174 yards.
    
    Personal: Son of Caeser and Nina Cobb.



12. Jeremy Langford, RB, Michigan State
    Height: 5-11. Weight: 208.
    40 Time: 4.42.
    Projected Round (2015): 4-6.
    4/27/15: Langford had a superb Combine 40 time to help him stand out in a crowded running back class. However, he doesn’t play as fast as he times. Langford totaled 1,522 yards and 22 touchdowns in 2014 while averaging 6.0 yards per carry. He also had 11 receptions for 62 yards.
    
    Langford is a physical back, and would be best as rotational back. He was the workhorse for the Spartans’ offense and subjected to a heavy load. Langford’s performance at the Senior Bowl was just average.
    
    8/27/14: Langford had the tough task of replacing Le’Veon Bell as the Spartans’ feature back in 2013, but he did a great job of filling the huge void left by Bell. Langford was the workhorse of the Michigan State offense, averaging 4.9 yards per carry on his way to 1,422 yards and 18 touchdowns. He caught 28 receptions for 157 yards and a score. For the NFL, Langford may be best as part of a rotation as he can handle duties in the passing offense.
    
    Personal: Son of Jeffery and Shamine Langford. Majoring in sociology.



13. Akeem Hunt, RB, Purdue
    Height: 5-9. Weight: 189.
    40 Time: 4.35.
    Projected Round (2015): 4-6.
    4/27/15: Hunt averaged 5.5 yards per carry in 2014 as he totaled 949 yards and six touchdowns. The senior also caught 48 passes for 293 yards and two touchdowns. The speedy Hunt (5-9, 189) has generated a lot of buzz behind the scenes. At his pro day, he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.35 seconds and has a lot of teams showing interest in him. Sources say teams love Hunt’s position versatility as he can be used as a wide receiver as well as a running back and returner. Hunt has received interest from Atlanta, Tampa Bay, Houston, Kansas City, Indianapolis and the New York Giants.



14. Cameron Artis-Payne, RB, Auburn
    Height: 5-10. Weight: 212.
    40 Time: 4.53.
    Projected Round (2015): 4-6.
    4/27/15: Artis-Payne replaced Tre Mason for Auburn, and the Tigers received a solid season from their tailback. Artis-Payne averaged 5.3 yards per carry for 1,608 yards with 13 touchdowns. The senior also had 13 receptions for 147 yards. In 2013, he averaged 6.7 yards per carry on 91 attempts for 610 yards with six scores.
    
    Artis-Payne is a well-rounded runner who isn’t overly fast or physical. He looks like a backup running back in the NFL.



15. Josh Robinson*, RB, Mississippi State
    Height: 5-8. Weight: 217.
    40 Time: 4.70.
    Projected Round (2015): 4-6.
    4/27/15: At the Combine, Robinson had an ugly 40 time that could hurt his draft stock significantly. It definitely pushes him deeper into Day 3.
    
    Robinson broke out for the Bulldogs in 2014. He ran with quickness and toughness to pace the Mississippi State offense. Robinson averaged 6.3 yards per carry for 1,203 yards with 11 touchdowns. He also had 28 receptions for 370 yards. Robinson turned in huge performances to help the Bulldogs win close games against LSU (16-197) and Kentucky (23-198). He had some ugly plays against Alabama though, including taking an unnecessary safety.
    
    Robinson averaged 5.9 yards per carry for 459 yards and three touchdowns as a sophomore. In his freshman year, he totaled 335 yards (6.1 average) and a score.



16. Terrence MaGee, RB, LSU
    Height: 5-8. Weight: 213.
    40 Time: 4.61.
    Projected Round (2015): 5-7.
    4/27/15: MaGee is another LSU runner who has some physical talent but got lost in the shuffle. The senior averaged 5.1 yards per carry in 2014 for 571 yards with three touchdowns. He also caught 17 receptions for 171 yards. MaGee isn’t as physical as the other LSU runners, but he is quicker and more sudden.
    
    Personal: Son of Carroll and Terrence Magee.





17. Dominique Brown, RB, Louisville
    Height: 6-2. Weight: 234.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.65.
    Projected Round (2015): 5-7.
    4/27/15: Brown is a physical running back who can be a load at the point of attack. WalterFootball.com knows of some teams that were very impressed with him at the East-West Shrine. Brown missed five games as a senior, and the Cardinals shared the carries among a stable of backs. He averaged 3.9 yards per carry for 378 yards with four touchdowns. 2013 was his best season as he averaged 5.1 yards per carry for 825 yards with right touchdowns and 24 receptions for 228 yards and a score. Brown looks like a backup power back for the next level.



18. John Crockett, RB, North Dakota State
    Height: 6-0. Weight: 217.
    40 Time: 4.62.
    Projected Round (2015): 5-7.
    4/27/15: At the East-West Shrine, Crockett ran the ball well and showed off a burst to go with size. He also was impressive in the blitz-pickup drill. In speaking with sources, they like Crockett as a potential third-day pick. He has good size and showed a nice burst. Crockett definitely helped himself at the East-West Shrine. He didn’t run well at the Combine though.
    
    In 2014, Crocket ran for 1,994 yards with 21 touchdowns for an average of 5.1 yards per carry. He also had 30 receptions to total 397 yards and a score. Crockett produced for the Bison as a junior (6.7-1,277-11) and sophomore (5.4-1,038-9).
    
    Personal: Son of Jackie Martin and John F. Crockett. Majoring in university studies with a minor in communication.



19. Matt Jones*, RB, Florida
    Height: 6-2. Weight: 231.
    40 Time: 4.61.
    Projected Round (2015): 5-7.
    4/27/15: Jones ran well in 2014, but the struggles of Jeff Driskel and the offensive line limited his opportunities. Jones averaged 4.9 yards per carry for 817 yards with six touchdowns. He also had 11 receptions for 65 yards and a touchdown. The junior was banged up during the season, and durability is a real weakness for him as he never had a healthy season as a starter.
    
    Jones is a one-cut downhill runner who can pick up yards after contact. However, he has durability and speed issues for the NFL. Jones decided to enter the 2015 NFL Draft rather than return to school. From a family perspective, it may have been the right decision, but from a football standpoint, Jones should have returned for his senior year. He didn’t run well at the Combine.
    
    8/27/14: Florida expected Jones to have a big 2013 season as its feature player, but he never got off the ground. Jones had a viral infection before the year and never got into a groove before a season-ending knee injury. Jones ran for 339 yards (4.3 average) and two touchdowns in his limited action.
    
    Jones was a backup as a freshman in 2012 and didn’t get a lot of playing time. He was a prize recruit who flashed a physical, downhill running style with a burst that year. Jones ran for 275 yards and three touchdowns on only 52 carries in 2012. He ran for 81 yards and a touchdown against Florida State to conclude that regular season.
    
    In 2014 though, Jones will have to earn his carries. Florida has Kelvin Taylor (son of Fred Taylor) and other talented young backs who are fighting for carries.



20. Michael Dyer, RB, Louisville
    Height: 5-8. Weight: 218.
    40 Time: 4.58.
    Projected Round (2015): 6-FA.
    4/27/15: Dyer would be ranked higher if it weren’t for all of his off-the-field issues, including a suspension to end the 2014 season. He also missed four games with injuries. Dyer averaged 4.4 yards per carry for 481 yards and five touchdowns. He also caught three passes for 40 yards. Dyer had a huge game against N.C. State (24-173) and Florida State (28-134-3). Following the Florida State game, he recorded only 32 carries across the final three games.
    
    8/27/14: Dyer played decently in his return to college football while serving in a rotation with the Cardinals’ other running backs. He averaged 5.1 yards per carry with 223 yards and two touchdowns in 2013. Dyer came to the team late, and his knowledge of the offensive playbook was said to be a work in progress for most of the season. His carries only surpassed 10 in one game, and he received only one attempt against Central Florida. Dyer missed multiple games with groin and hip injuries. He should be back with Louisville in 2014.
    
    Dyer started out his career at Auburn before being suspended 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 him at a traffic stop.
    
    Dyer ran for 1,093 yards with five touchdowns for Auburn as freshman in 2010 and averaged six yards per carry. That broke Bo Jackson’s freshman running record with the Tigers. Dyer carried the load for Auburn’s offense in 2011 following the departure of Cam Newton for the NFL. Dyer ran for 1,242 yards (5.13 average) with 10 touchdowns. He 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.



21. Kenny Hilliard, RB, LSU
    Height: 6-0. Weight: 226.
    40 Time: 4.83.
    Projected Round (2015): 6-FA.
    4/27/15: Hilliard ran well for LSU in 2014. He averaged five yards per carry for 447 yards with six touchdowns. Hilliard also had four passes for 35 yards. He didn’t get a lot of carries because he was part of a stable of backs getting carries for the Tigers.
    
    Hilliard is a big, physical bruising back who could be part of a rotation for the NFL. He may not have the speed to be a feature starter. Teammate Alfred Blue was a steal for the Texans in the 2014 NFL Draft, and Hilliard could be a similar value as both talented runners lost carries to LSU’s rotation. Hilliard had an impressive week at the East-West Shrine, but ran very slowly at the Combine.
    
    8/27/14: Hilliard totaled 310 yards on 68 carries (4.6 average) with seven touchdowns in 2013. With Jeremy Hill in the NFL, Hilliard could see more opportunities this coming season. LSU utilizes a running back-by-committee approach that makes it tough for any one back to stand out though. Hilliard was part of such a 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 stat line among LSU’s backs in 2012 with 464 yards and six touchdowns.
    
    Personal: Majoring in general studies. Son of Brenda Hilliard and nephew of former Saints running back Dalton Hilliard.



22. Dee Hart*, RB, Colorado State
    Height: 5-7. Weight: 199.
    40 Time: 4.80.
    Projected Round (2015): 6-FA.
    4/27/15: Hart was a highly recruited star out of Orlando, Florida who decided to head to Alabama. However, he fell behind Eddie Lacy, T.J. Yeldon and others on the depth chart. Hart had meager production as a freshman (21-88) and sophomore (22-78) with the Crimson Tide before transferring to Colorado State to be reunited with Jim McElwain.
    
    The move paid off as Hart averaged 6.6 yards per carry in 2014 for 1,275 yards and 16 touchdowns. He caught 18 passes for 189 yards and two scores, too. Defenses were concerned with Garrett Grayson, so Hart had some good running fronts. At the Combine, Hart ran much slower than expected.



23. Tre Williams*, RB, Texas A&M
    Height: 5-7. Weight: 195.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.56.
    Projected Round (2015): 6-FA.
    4/27/15: Williams flashed at times in 2014, but the junior still only totaled 81 carries for the year. He ran for 560 yards (6.9 average) and seven touchdowns with 16 receptions for 105 yards and one touchdown. His best game was the bowl win over West Virginia when he did well running (11-86-1) and receiving (2-46-1). Williams posted modest production in 2013 (58-407) and 2012 (65-376).
    
    Personal: Son of Philip and Donna Williams. Agriculture leadership and development major.



24. Zach Zenner, RB/FB, South Dakota State
    Height: 6-0. Weight: 220.
    40 Time: 4.60.
    Projected Round (2015): 6-FA.
    4/27/15: Zenner was a good producer for the Jackrabbits in 2014 and also put together a respectable showing at the East-West Shrine. For the NFL, he may be better off adding some weight and moving to fullback. Zenner probably will have to make a roster by being a standout on special teams.



25. Karlos Williams, RB, Florida State
    Height: 6-1. Weight: 230.
    40 Time: 4.48.
    Projected Round (2015): 7-FA.
    4/27/15: Williams really hurt his draft stock with off-the-field issues in 2014. The Tallahassee Police Department is looking into a domestic assault of Williams’ ex-girlfriend. She is the mother of two of his sons and was pregnant with the second child at the time. Considering the domestic violence problems the NFL has faced recently, Williams could easily fall into the undrafted ranks. Teams also feel that Williams lacks instincts as a runner. He did have a good Combine workout with a fast 40.
    
    On the field, Williams was disappointing in 2014 as he didn’t run with the power or speed that he displayed in 2013. Dalvin Cook took over as the feature back for the Seminoles. Williams averaged 4.6 yards per carry for 689 yards with 11 touchdowns. He had 29 receptions for 265 yards and one touchdown.
    
    8/27/14: It took some time, but Williams finally showed some of the play-making ability that he was billed to have. After being one of the top recruits in the nation, Williams had a hard time seeing the field in the early going of his career. He was a backup safety and kick returner.
    
    During his junior season, Williams was switched to running back – a great move. He was fast, physical and overpowering as a runner. Williams took carries away from James Wilder, Jr. Williams averaged eight yards per carry for 730 yards and 11 touchdowns on only 91 carries. He caught eight passes for 63 yards.
    
    With Devonta Freeman and Wilder in the NFL, Williams should get a bigger workload, but the Seminoles have a ton of talented backs to compete for playing time. The senior also needs to develop his running instincts.



26. Malcolm Brown, RB, Texas
    Height: 6-1. Weight: 228.
    40 Time: 4.62.
    Projected Round (2015): 7-FA.
    4/27/15: Brown ran for 708 yards on 183 carries (3.9 average) with six touchdowns in 2014. He had 16 receptions for 58 yards.
    
    8/27/14: Brown has been a solid runner for Texas the past three seasons. His best production came as a junior in 2013 when he ran for 904 yards with an average of 4.2 yards per carry and nine touchdowns. Brown ran for 324 yards as a sophomore and 742 yards as a freshman. He has some receiving ability with 32 receptions over the past two years.



27. Marcus Coker, RB, Stony Brook
    Height: 6-0. Weight: 230.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.60.
    Projected Round (2015): FA.
    4/27/15: Coker recorded 498 yards (4.2 average) and three touchdowns on the ground in 2014. He did not participate in the Combine.
    
    8/27/14: Coker missed the 2013 season with an abdominal injury. He’s had a motorcycle accident, too, but is expected to be ready for training camp.
    
    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 for Iowa in 2010. He is a physical power back who is a one-cut downhill runner. The character concerns will be an issue for Coker.

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