As the 2016 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre in Chicago quickly approaches, CSNChicago.com is releasing a list of the Top 5 prospects at each position leading up to Day 1 of the draft on Thursday, April 28. Next up is running back.
1. Ezekiel Elliott, Ohio State
6’0” | 225 lbs.
2015 stats:
289 carries, 1,821 rushing yards, 23 touchdowns
Scouting Report:
"Where He Wins: A foundation piece of an NFL offense and a complete back. Zeke’s eyes and feet are so in tune that he seamlessly shifts his line to accommodate blocking strengths and positioning. Elliott turns plenty of three-yard gains into eight-yard carries with balance, agility and power. He might be the best pass-protecting running back I’ve seen out of college, on top of being a solid receiving option." — Josh Norris, Rotoworld.com
NFL
2. Derrick Henry, Alabama
6’3” | 247 lbs.
2015 stats:
395 CAR, 2,219 YDS, 28 TD | 11 REC, 91 YDS
Scouting Report:
"Where He Wins: A great athlete for a 6’2/242 lbs ball carrier. Defenses will need to slow him down behind the line and attempt to tackle him low, because once he is up to speed Henry is a monster. When allowed the second level, Henry has long speed to outrun defenders or power to gain a few yards after contact, if not run over them completely." - Josh Norris, Rotoworld.com
3. Kenneth Dixon, Louisiana Tech
5’10” | 213 lbs.
2015 stats:
198 att., 1,073 yds., 19 TD; 33 rec., 464 yds., 7 TD
Scouting Report:
"Highly determined runner with a strong desire to compete through the whistle on every snap. Dixon possesses outstanding feet with exciting suddenness in his change of direction, but hes very willing to finish his runs with authority and has a knack for finding the endzone. Dixon has all the traits of being a quality, three-down starter in the NFL but his frame and suspect pass protection could be long-term concerns." - Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
4. C.J. Prosise, Notre Dame
6’0” | 220 lbs.
2015 stats:
157 CAR, 1,029 YDS, 11 TD | 26 REC, 308 YDS, 1 TD
Scouting Report:
"Ascending running back prospect with the physical build to handle a workload, the athleticism to create for himself and the hands to keep stacking total yardage up. While Prosise has the acceleration and play strength to fit into an NFL offense, he needs to become a shade more decisive and has to improve in protections if he is to become a three-down option. Prosise looks like an immediate "committee" runner with future starter potential." - Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
5. Devontae Booker, Utah
5’11” | 219 lbs.
2015 stats:
268 CAR, 1,261 YDS, 11 TD, 37 REC, 316 YDS, 0 REC TD
Scouting Report:
"Rhythm runner who has experience in a pro-style running game and who gets better with the more carries he has. Booker is a three-down running back who has the toughness and determination to grind out short yardage while possessing the vision and footwork to create for himself when near the line of scrimmage or the second level. Booker isn?t fast, but he plays at a consistent speed and should have enough quickness to be consistently productive as an NFL starting running back." - Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
Click here for profiles of more than 150 prospects, including a scouting report and video interviews with each player. Video analysis provided by NBC Sports and Rotoworld NFL Draft expert Josh Norris.