2015 NFL Draft: Top 10 Running Backs

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Oct 25, 2014; Auburn, AL, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks tailback Mike Davis (28) scores a touchdown against the Auburn Tigers during the first half at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports /

8. Mike Davis, South Carolina

When NFL teams are looking at running back prospects for the 2015 NFL Draft, many will be employing the Goldilocks Tactic: not too big and not too small, but juuuuuust right. That is what they will find coming out of South Carolina.

Mike Davis is the definition of a prototypical running back. Equipped with a compact 5-foot-9, 223-pound build, Davis has all the tools to be a productive back in the NFL.

Davis has shown great burst when the offensive line opens a hole for him. His patient running also allows him to gain consistent yards on the ground. In the open field, he has an array of moves he can use to evade defenders and has decent north-south speed once he gets to the second level.

Injuries slowed him down in 2014 where he was only able to gain 982 rushing yards, which is a concern for teams hoping he could carry a full NFL workload. He was also criticized for having inconsistent effort at times, which is a huge red flag for a lot of franchises.

However, his powerful running style and ability to catch the ball (averaging 33.0 receptions the past two seasons) will still have him on an NFL team this summer. To Davis, that will be just right.

Projected Pick: high third round

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