Top 5 running backs to watch for the 2019 NFL Draft

SAN ANTONIO, TX - DECEMBER 28: K.J. Costello #3 of the Stanford Cardinal hands off to Bryce Love #20 in the second half of the Valero Alamo Bowl at Alamodome against the TCU Horned Frogs on December 28, 2017 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

3 of 5

COLLEGE PARK, MD – NOVEMBER 11: Josh Woods #10 of the Maryland Terrapins tackles Karan Higdon #22 of the Michigan Wolverines during a college football game at Capitol One Field on November 11, 2017 in College Park, Maryland. The Wolverines won 84-75. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

3. Karan Higdon – Michigan

Higdon surprised a lot of people with his decision to return to Michigan for his senior season. He clearly did so with the idea that he can really elevate his stock with a strong 2018 campaign for the Wolverines.

The first thing Higdon needs to do is convince his coaching staff to give him the ball more often. They only gave him the ball 147 times last season despite the fact that he averaged 6.3 yards per carry. This season should see him get a serious uptick in terms of carries.

Higdon does need to improve his consistency to earn the trust of the coaching staff though. He was a feast or famine back last season. The Florida native had massive games against Indiana and Minnesota but really struggled against Wisconsin and Penn State. If he’s going to up his draft stock, he needs to play better games against Michigan’s toughest opponents.

Despite the inconsistency, there’s a ton to like about Higdon’s game. He has the raw ability to become a starter in the NFL. A big opening week performance at Notre Dame could springboard Higdon into the frame to become a first or second round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft.

Home/NFL Draft