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) /

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ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 08: Alabama Crimson Tide running back Damien Harris (34) during the College Football Playoff National Championship Game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Georgia Bulldogs on January 8, 2018 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

2. Damien Harris – Alabama

Another year and we have another Alabama running back who is positioned to go early in the draft. Damien Harris has a legitimate chance to become the first tailback off the board when the dust settles in the 2019 NFL Draft.

He obviously split time with Bo Scarbrough last season for the Crimson Tide, but he still managed to rack up 906 rushing yards on just 110 carries. That equates to an eye-popping 8.2 yards per carry for the Kentucky native.

Harris isn’t the fastest back in the class but he still possesses plenty of speed to worry opposing defenses. Moreover, he is one of the most punishing ball carriers in college football. He’s got the classic build and style to become a workhorse in the NFL.

Harris will also shoot up draft boards because of his well-developed ability to protect his quarterback. He’s shown a clear ability to do that in Alabama’s pro-style offense. It’s very possible Harris is the most ready, most complete back in this draft.

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