Tauren Poole could be a sneaky steal for some team in next year's draft.
The running back position may be a bit less of a priority for teams than in the past, but it is still a crucial part of any offensive scheme. For me, the single most important attribute of any runner is the ability to hit the hole hard. If they cannot do that, they are worthless. Speed and strength are bonuses, but going through holes with authority is what makes (or breaks) the great runners.
Arian Foster, an undrafted free agent, led the league in rushing this past year solely because of that ability. He does have a solid skillset overall, but that initial burst is what set him apart from every other back in the league. Funnily enough, there is another Volunteer runner who jumps out to me in this class.
Love Him – Tauren Poole, Tennessee - Poole hits the hole as hard as Foster does, except he carries even more top-end speed through gaps. He is the perfect size for a running back at 5 foot 10 and 214 pounds. He is compactly built and hard to bring down. He runs with a low center of gravity and seems like a sure thing at the next level. I think Poole is a bit underrated in this class, and may run a bit faster than he is currently being touted. I see him as a late first/early second round pick, but he could slip and be great value later in the draft.
Meh Him – Trent Richardson, Alabama - This is less that I don’t like Richardson (I have him graded out similarly to Poole) and more that I don’t think he is as good as some are hyping him to be. His running style absolutely terrifies me. He is used to getting by on pure athleticism, and it shows with his upright manner of movement. Not too many upright runners translate well at the next level, even if they were successful at college. Still, Richardson has great ability, and he seems like a worthwile risk. I just would not spend a top 15 pick on him.
Hate Him – Boom Herron, Ohio State - Herron seems like a distinctly below-average player to me. He does not have superlative vision, and he is not particularly smooth through the hole either. An average athlete, Herron simply does not do anything well enough to be an above-average NFL player. Heck, I’m not sure he could be average. A perfect example of just because a guy is from a big school does not mean that he’s a great prospect. I would not take Herron in this draft: there are simply players with more upside who could prove to be better risks.
My Tentative Top 10 (and a half) Running Back List:
1. LaMichael James, Oregon*
2. Tauren Poole, Tennessee
3. Trent Richardson, Alabama*
4. Knile Davis, Arkansas*
5. Cyrus Gray, Texas A&M
6. Isaiah Pead, Cincinnati
7. Victor Anderson, Louisville
8. Bernard Pierce, Temple*
9. Brandon Bolden, Mississippi
10. Montel Harris, Boston College
1/2. Andre Ellington, Clemson* – If he comes out, I think he should be a top three runner taken. I just did not want to include him because I have an inkling that he will stay in school.
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