NFL Draft Snapshot: Running backs

POSITIONAL SNAPSHOTS: QB

MOCK DRAFTS: Farrell | Gorney

1. Joe Mixon, Oklahoma

2. Leonard Fournette, LSU

3. Dalvin Cook, Florida State

4. Christian McCaffrey, Stanford

5. Alvin Kamara, Tennessee

Let’s make one thing clear, this list is about talent and talent only and not about character. I’ve been very vocal about two things when it comes to Mixon: I don’t think he should have been given a second chance in college nor should he be drafted in the NFL after punching a woman in the head and, secondly, on the field he’s the most complete and talented back in this draft.

He will be drafted in the NFL, most likely in round two. But when I compare Mixon’s skill level with Fournette, Cook and McCaffrey – the big three so to speak – I see someone who has a better combination of size, speed, versatility and athleticism than any of them. Had Mixon stayed out of trouble off the field, he’d be a top five pick – he’s that talented.

Fournette is No. 2 because of his size and speed combination. I like Cook just after Fournette because he played through injuries and carried his team at times. I’m not sold on McCaffrey as others are and there’s a big dropoff after McCaffrey to Kamara.

It’s a top-heavy draft at running back to me and whichever team takes the PR hit to draft Mixon in round two will be taking a huge chance, but also could hit the biggest home run in the draft.

Mixon’s NFL comparison: LeVeon Bell, Pittsburgh Steelers