NFL 2018: Predicting the top 5 rookie running backs

1 of 3

BATON ROUGE, LA – OCTOBER 14: Derrius Guice #5 of the LSU Tigers runs the ball during a game against the Auburn Tigers at Tiger Stadium on October 14, 2017 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The LSU defeated the Auburn 27-23. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

The new season is around the corner, so we take a look at the five rumning backs who will dominate the 2018 NFL season.

They don’t make running games like they used to. In today’s NFL, a rookie running back can lead the league in rushing with just over 1,300 yards (a la Kareem Hunt in 2017). That’s because backs are more than just runners, they’re receivers too. Additionally, teams employ a dual-back system or running back by committee more often, limiting the opportunity for backs.

Over the last two seasons, the importance of an effective, strong running game has made a comeback. As a rookie last year, New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara showed off his big-play ability as a runner and receiver, making Adrian Peterson expendable. And Carolina Panthers rooki Christian McCaffrey proved he’s more than just a runner, tying Kamara to lead all rookie backs with 86 catches.

This upcoming NFL season, we’ll get a different crop of backs who will be a chance to make an immediate impact. In the 2018 NFL Draft, there were 20 running backs chosen but not all of them are in an ideal situation.

Below we predict the top five NFL rookies running backs of 2018 in terms of statistical production.

5. Derrius Guice, Washington Redskins

There’s a stable of backs competing with the No. 59 overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft, Derrius Guice, in Washington Redskins camp. Chris Thompson is a sixth-year vet recovering from a knee injury. Rob Kelley didn’t impress last season like he did the year before. Samaje Perine is a big, bruising back who may be underutilized in Washington.

Still, there’s a reason why the Redskins picked up the former LSU back in the second round. Guice is an explosive back who runs tough. He’s 5-11, 224 pounds and brings a lot of power behind his runs. While he may not be a workhorse back in Washington, he’s sure to stand out among the others. He’ll have an opportunity to separate himself during training camp.

In fact, Guice has already begun to understand what he needs to do, saying this via The Washington Post:

"“I’m actually picking things up quicker than I thought I would,” the rookie said. “I’m actually out there going full speed like the other guys. I’m not just going through the motions. The speed of the game changes, but if you know what’s going on, it actually slows itself down. It’s just fast when you don’t know what’s going on.”"

Guice has an opportunity to shine in Jay Gruden’s offense with Alex Smith at quarterback.

Home/NFL