2015 NFL Draft: 5 Running Backs to Consider

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Jan 24, 2015; Mobile, AL, USA; North squad running back David Cobb of Minnesota (37) carries against the South squad during the third quarter of the Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. The North squad defeated the South squad 34-13. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

David Cobb, Minnesota

For those noticing a trend here, I like those Big 10 backs. Jumping down to the mid rounds, Cobb is likely a third, fourth, or fifth round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. That doesn’t mean he isn’t going to come into the NFL with plenty of skills to lend to whichever team drafts him. What I like about Cobb is summed up well at his NFL.com profile: “Cobb’s YouTube highlights might bore you, but he’s custom-made for physical running teams.”

While Coleman would bring violent running, Cobb would bring dependable physical running. That isn’t a bad thing, physical runners don’t have to be violent runners. Cobb gets the job done and has more upside to me than what Toby Gerhart brought when he was signed by the Jaguars last year. Cobb finished his career with Minnesota with two 1000 yard seasons while averaging over five yards per carry. That’s consistent, powerful running.

Teams like the Jaguars shouldn’t pass on someone like Cobb – especially if he provides a perfect complement to someone like Denard Robinson – in the 2015 NFL Draft. At 5’11” and 229, Cobb is built to get the job done. At this point he’s worth a gamble just to see how dependable he is in the NFL.

Oct 25, 2014; Auburn, AL, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks tailback Mike Davis (28) scores a touchdown against the Auburn Tigers during the first half at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports

Mike Davis, South Carolina

Davis is another mid round selection with plenty of talent still. Not the most consistent runner on this list, Davis does have the skills to be an effective back.

Some team will take a chance on Davis and could come away happy with the decision. Then again, he could turn out to not be as effective as he was in college. There’s just something about him that’s tough to ignore, though. He can be an effective North-South runner for a team looking for that.

Considered a capable backup with the potential to be a starter, plugging Davis into a committee may be the best choice for teams looking at him. At this point I think he’s an incredibly tempting prospect, but I value consistency a bit more and being unable to replicate a 1000 yard season following his sophomore year gives me pause.

There are other great backs that can help NFL teams and will be available in the 2015 NFL Draft. Some of these guys may go earlier or they may go later, we won’t know until April.

There are plenty of options available, though. These are just three.

Next: What about Wide Receiver? Amari Cooper or Kevin White?

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