2015 NFL Draft: Ranking the Top 5 RB Prospects

Dec 31, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Boise State Broncos running back Jay Ajayi (27) against the Arizona Wildcats in the 2014 Fiesta Bowl at Phoenix Stadium. The Broncos defeated the Wildcats 38-30. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

3. Jay Ajayi, Boise State Broncos

Boise State running back Jay Ajayi is one of the biggest surprises of the entire 2015 draft process so far, and he has worked his way up to number three on the top running back list. He is an extremely intimidating presence from a physical standpoint, and at 6’0″ and 221 pounds has all of the tools necessary to become an every down NFL running back.

During his junior season with the Broncos last season, Ajayi ended up recording 1,823 yards and 28 touchdowns on 347 attempts. That’s right, Ajayi was able to put up 28 touchdowns by himself on the ground. He also caught 50 passes for 535 yards and four touchdowns on the season.

There aren’t many running backs coming out in the 2015 draft that showed the ability to be as good of a receiver as Ajayi did. He has been receiving interest from multiple teams with the draft drawing closer, and is going to be picked in one of the first few rounds. Wherever he lands, there is going to be an opening for him to immediately step in and contribute.

Ajayi’s ability to break tackles and pick up yardage after contact is impressive, as you can see from a couple of pieces of game tape.

At this point in time, Ajayi is expected to be drafted in the second round according to NFL.com. He ran a 4.57 40-yard dash, which tied for eighth in the entire draft combine and also proves that he has a decent amount of speed to go along with his strength. One drawback with a running back that loves contact as much as Ajayi, is that he can get caught up in initiating the contact rather than getting more yardage by avoiding it.

Expect to see Ajayi on an NFL field making a difference for his new team during the 2015 season.

Next: 2. Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin Badgers