Top 5 running backs to watch for the 2019 NFL Draft

Running back may not be the highest value position in the league, but the 2019 NFL Draft will feature some serious talent at the position.

The New York Giants’ decision to take Saquon Barkley with the No. 2 pick of this year’s draft gives the running backs hoping to go high in the 2019 NFL Draft a reason to hope.

There isn’t a back with Barkley’s singular star power in next year’s draft class, but there are some very interesting options. Teams will be forced to choose between players with very different styles. That should lead to a really wide variance in the way each team evaluates this group of prospects. Expect to see certain teams love certain prospects that other teams hate and vice versa.

The first back on our list will really stand out for teams that are looking for running backs with low centers of gravity.

5. Devin Singletary – Florida Atlantic

Lane Kiffin’s running back was one of the most prolific rushers in college football last season. Singletary racked up just under 1800 yards on the season and more importantly, averaged 6.5 yards per attempt for the Owls.

When Singletary gets the ball he’s a load for the opposition to bring down. It is reasonable to question the level of competition he faces at Florida Atlantic, but his production speaks for itself. The history of the NFL is littered with small school running backs who’ve made it big.

The problem with Singletary’s game is that he is a complete non-factor in the passing game. He only managed to catch 18 passes last season. His inability to catch the ball is going to cause some teams to push him way down their draft boards.

In the end, look for Singletary to be one of the draft’s most intriguing prospects. He isn’t a fit for certain teams looking for a big back, but his productivity will be impossible to ignore.