Running Back Class Reinforces the Need for Free Agent Investment
There's still useful football players in the running back class
The running backs spoke on Friday at the NFL Scouting Combine. This running back class feels far less impressive than last year’s class. I felt there were at least six running backs with the immediate potential to be the lead back. Numerous immediate impact options flanked those potential lead running backs.
This class has talent, but it isn’t as significant as a year ago.
Jeremiyah Love (RB, Notre Dame) is the top back in the class. He will get nowhere near the Houston Texans. Every other running back in this class would be a massive risk for the Texans to make a lead back or combine with Woody Marks to create the 1-2 punch.
These aren’t bad running backs, but the Texans need something more proven. Marks was inconsistent and injured a lot last year. Pairing him with a young back is a recipe for disaster. The Texans must run the ball better and must have better talent to do that. A free agent investment is a must.
Kenneth Walker III will be the top running back on the market. I was told Houston will pursue the reigning Super Bowl MVP. It won’t be cheap if they get him, but it feels worth it. There are other veteran names down the list that should be in consideration.
A room with a veteran, Marks, and one of these rookies would be leaps and bounds better than last year’s running back room.
Let’s see if any of these backs fit. Here are the observations and notes from the Friday session with the running backs.
Jadarian Price (RB, Notre Dame) is widely considered the second-best running back in the draft class. He was a backup at Notre Dame. Price made the most of his opportunities, but he was stuck behind the nation’s best. There isn’t a proof of concept here, but there is massive potential. Price’s workout might turn some eyes. He had 280 carries for about 1,700 yards in his Notre Dame career. I worry about him as a primary option for the Texans without having handled a workload, but if you sold me as a player the Texans add to a room because he possesses skills the other backs don’t, I can start to see the vision. Price told KPRC’s Aaron Wilson he had a formal interview with the Texans.
