On Wednesday, NFL Network analyst Mike Mayok released his third position rankings article heading into the NFL Draft.
When it comes to running backs, he has former Ohio State standout Ezekiel Elliott leading the group while the remainder of his top five stack up as follows: Derrick Henry (Alabama), Devontae Booker (Utah), Kenneth Dixon (Louisiana Tech) and Kenyan Drake (Alabama).
Drake, who scored a pivotal touchdown on special teams against Clemson, made the biggest jump on Mayok’s list as he climbed from being unranked to pushing out Notre Dame prospect C.J. Prosise for the No. 5 spot. The 6-foot-1, 210-pound back is projected a third to fourth round draft value.
It will be interesting to see who gets selected first between Elliot and Henry. The latter was awarded the 2015 Heisman Trophy and was named SEC’s Offensive Player of the Year.
Henry surpassed ex-Tide back Trent Richardson (2011) for most rushing yards in a single-season, while becoming the first rusher in conference history to total 2,000 yards (2,219).
The 6-foot-3, 247-pound freight train recorded a time of 4.54 seconds in the 40-yard dash, displayed a 37-inch vertical, a 10’10” broad jump and put in 22 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press at the NFL Combine. He had reliable hands in pass-catching drills at Alabama’s pro day.
The future stars of the National Football League will be waiting to hear their names called, beginning on April 28 at the Auditorium Theatre in Chicago.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @ESPN_Future.
