The NFL Combine has come and gone, but the impact of the prospects' performances will linger. Among the various position groups, the running backs stood out, with their speed, agility, and receiving skills on full display. Here are five running backs who made a strong impression at the NFL Combine, each bringing unique strengths to the table.
1. Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame: The Clear Top Dog
Jeremiyah Love has been a top-10 draft prospect since before Thanksgiving, and the Combine only solidified his status as the top running back in the class. His 4.36-second 40-yard dash time is impressive, but it's his footwork and agility that truly set him apart. Love's lightning-quick cuts and tempo make him a unique and explosive runner, passing the eye test with flying colors. While other running backs may have electric 40-yard dash times, Love's overall package and receiving skills make him a standout.
2. Jadarian Price, Notre Dame: A Smooth Operator
Jadarian Price often finds himself in Love's shadow, but he's still a highly talented running back. Price's 4.49 40-yard dash time is respectable, and his on-field drills showcased his smooth and decisive running style. Price's lateral quickness and clean footwork make him a valuable asset, and he's likely to be a second-round pick, providing a team with 80% of Love's talent without the need for a top-10 pick.
3. Kaytron Allen, Penn State: The Bruiser with a Twist
Kaytron Allen is known for his bruising running style, but he's more than just a short-yardage back. Allen's 4.65-second 40-yard dash time might not be the fastest, but his on-field drills impressed with their clean and effortless footwork. Allen's decisiveness and ability to get the hard yards make him a valuable short-yardage and goal-line back, and he could be the perfect complement to a free-agent signing like Travis Ettienne.
4. Mike Washington Jr., Arkansas: The Sleeper with a Surprise 40-Time
Mike Washington Jr. made a name for himself at the Combine with his 4.33-second 40-yard dash time, despite being 6 feet 1 inch tall and 223 pounds. His Derrick Henry-esque build might fool some, but his speed and explosiveness are real. While he didn't participate in on-field drills, his 40-time and 39-inch vertical jump solidified his place as the most slept-on running back in the class. Washington Jr. is a nightmare to contain, and his ability to take a run to the house is undeniable.
5. Emmett Johnson Jr., Nebraska: The Unsung Hero
Emmett Johnson Jr. entered the Combine as my second-overall running back prospect, and he still holds that spot. While his Combine numbers might not have been impressive, with a 4.56-second 40-yard dash time and a 35.5-inch vertical, he chose to participate in every drill offered without skipping a beat. Johnson's willingness to take on challenges and compete is commendable, and he refused to play scared. His 7.32-second three-cone drill time might be a disappointment, but his overall effort and determination make him a standout prospect.
