2019 NFL Draft: Finalized top 50 big board, positional rankings
By Cory Kinnan
Running Backs
1. (n/a) Darrell Henderson, Memphis
Third round grade
While no running back lands in the top 50, Darrell Henderson from Memphis tops the charts in the positional ranking. Henderson possesses the best combination of speed, strength, and vision of any back in the class, flashing explosive plays as well as the ability to grind out tough yards. Named an All-American for good reason in 2018, Henderson has the production to match his film and testing numbers.
2. (n/a) Miles Sanders, Penn State
Third round grade
No one running back saw their stock soar at the combine the way Miles Sanders did. He posted great numbers at Penn State in his first season without Saquon Barkley stealing carries, and proved he has the athletic traits to make sure his game translates at the next level. Sanders ran an identical time as Henderson, and looked smooth catching the ball out of the backfield in Indianapolis. A player who could hear his name called as early as the second round, Sanders grades out as a third round prospect here.
3. (n/a) David Montgomery, Iowa State
Third round grade
David Montgomery is not an athletic freak, but is efficient at everything he does, whether that is running the ball, catching the ball out of the backfield, or in pass protection. He is the definition of a one-cut runner with short area burst, who finishes runs with strength. Montgomery compares to current Cleveland Browns running back Kareem Hunt with his ability to perform the all-around tasks of being a running back without jumping off the page with one particular trait.
4. (n/a) Josh Jacobs, Alabama
Third round grade
The Josh Jacobs love is baffling. While he flashes on tape late in the season, why did he not show up earlier and why was he losing carries to Damien Harris, who does not crack the top five here? His production and film combined does not merit anything higher than a third round grade, and that still feels generous given his athletic testing numbers. Jacobs does not have enough of a sample size to put together accurate data to make a safe judgement, and with that being said, using anything other than a late Day 2 pick warrants too much risk.
5. (n/a) Justice Hill, Oklahoma State
Fifth round grade
Justice Hill will make a great change-of-pace back at the next level, but does not possess the size or skill to endure the beating of an everyday back. He ran a blazing 4.4-second 40 at the combine and proved to be explosive with a vertical of 40 inches and a broad jump of nearly 11 feet. A good comparison to a current pro may be current San Francisco 49ers running back Jerrick McKinnon with a bit higher upside. In the right system, however, Hill could thrive.