2015 NFL Draft: Top 10 Running Backs

Jan 1, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA;Wisconsin Badgers running back Melvin Gordon (25) runs with the ball against the Auburn Tigers during the first half in the 2015 Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA;Wisconsin Badgers running back Melvin Gordon (25) runs with the ball against the Auburn Tigers during the first half in the 2015 Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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2015 NFL Draft
Nov 29, 2014; Madison, WI, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers running back David Cobb (27) looks on during warmups prior to the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin won 34-24. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

9. David Cobb, Minnesota

NFL teams are always intoxicated with the promise of explosive athletes who can hit the home run at any given time (ahem, Al Davis). However, there is nothing wrong with taking a steady, consistent back to stabilize your backfield.

David Cobb is hoping that teams look past the flashy promise of other players and take a chance on his consistent running style.

Though he may not have the volatile speed that some of these running backs possess, he provides other abilities that should get him drafted.

Even with a bad Minnesota offensive line, he was able to identify holes quickly and attack the line with conviction. He does not have a signature move like an ankle breaking jump stop or elusive spin move, but he does have good side-to-side fluidity while maintaining speed, making it tough for defenders to get a clean hit.

Despite his 5’11”, 229-pound body, he struggles to fight through contact and lacks the explosiveness and aggression to be a power back right now. However, with some development, he has the potential to hurt some people running the ball and get consistent yardage, much like Curtis Martin: nothing visually stimulating, but it gets the job done.

Projected Pick: high-mid-third round

Next: Davis just the right size