2014 NFL Draft running back rankings

Will we go two straight NFL Draft without a running back taken in the first round?

Aug 21, 2013, 11:07 PM UTC

Otto Greule Jr

The 2013 NFL Draft marked the first time in 50 years that a running back was not drafted in the first round. There were some quality candidates, too, leading some to wonder if the league has devalued the position.

If that’s the case, the 2014 NFL Draft may be the second consecutive draft in which the position is ignored on the first night. Stacked with upside at the top, the 2014 running back class does not boast a surefire every-down back that screams of first-round potential.

Baylor's Lache Seastrunk comes in as the No. 1 running back in our preseason rankings. He's explosive and powerful but has a tendency to bounce too many runs outside of the tackle box. If he trusts his vision and power a bit more, he could creep into the first round discussion.

Ka'Deem Carey is often accused of being a system back after piling up ridiculous yardage totals as a sophomore at Arizona under Rich Rodriguez. But there is a bit of substance behind Carey's numbers. He's a creative runner who is able to find holes and make plays with his lateral agility.

The next tier of running backs is deep. James Wilder Jr., Charles Sims, Bishop Sankey and Marion Grice will all be on the NFL radar from the opening kickoff of the college football season.

Deeper down the list, some unknown commodities pop up. Michael Dyer, who recently enrolled at Louisville, and Isaiah Crowell of Alabama State will be trying to prove themselves as much off the field as on it this season to get an NFL team to take a chance on their immense talent.

Here’s our full list.

1. Lache Seastrunk | 510, 210 pounds | Running back | Baylor * - Preseason notes

2. Ka'Deem Carey | 5'10, 196 pounds | Running back | Arizona * - Preseason notes

3. James Wilder Jr. | 6'2, 229 pounds | Running back | Florida State *

4. Charles Sims | 6'0, 213 pounds | Running back | West Virginia

5. Bishop Sankey | 5'10, 203 pounds | Running back | Washington *

6. Marion Grice | 6'0, 205 pounds | Running back | Arizona State

7. Damien Williams | 5'11, 211 pounds | Running back | Oklahoma

8. LaDarius Perkins | 5'10, 190 pounds | Running back | Mississippi State

9. Silas Redd | 5'10, 200 pounds | Running back | Southern California

10. Antonio Andrews | 6'0, 211 pounds | Running back | Western Kentucky

11. Brendan Bigelow | 5'10, 180 pounds | Running back | California *