Meet the Prospects: Fournette, Cook stand atop deep, talented RB class

Get to know the top prospects for the 2017 NFL Draft, most of whom will take the field at the NFL Scouting Combine from March 3-5.

• Quarterbacks
• Running Backs
• Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
• Offensive Linemen
• Defensive Linemen
• Edge Rushers
• Linebackers
• Cornerbacks/Safeties

Running Backs

Leonard Fournette, LSU

Age: 22 Height: 6'1" Weight: 235 lbs.

2016 stats: 843 rushing yards, 8 TDs, 15 catches, 146 yards

A rare athletic specimen, Fournette probably could have jumped straight to the NFL coming out of high school. NCAA rules prevented him from doing so, of course, and Fournette's narrative followed a similar trajectory to former No. 1 draft pick Jadeveon Clowney, who was also forced to remain in school a year longer than he might have preferred. A stunningly powerful downhill runner who could be the fastest player in this draft class, Fournette set LSU records with 1,953 rushing yards and 22 rushing touchdowns in a dominant sophomore season, then battled an ankle injury (and questions about his desire to play football for free) in a disappointing and frustrating junior campaign. If Fournette's medicals check out, he could be a top-10 pick.

Dalvin Cook, Florida State

Age: 21 Height: 5'11" Weight: 213 lbs.

2016 stats: 1,765 rushing yards, 19 TDs, 33 catches, 488 yards, 1 TD

Considered by some draft analysts to be the top prospect in this class, Cook is a lethal runner with the vision, short-area elusiveness, and long speed to embarrass defenders. Cook is also a tremendous asset as a receiver, though he probably won't provide much in the way of pass-blocking as a rookie. Cook's character has come into question in the past (he was found not guilty of battery after a woman accused him of punching her in the face in 2015), but it isn't likely to push him out of the draft's first round.

Christian McCaffrey, Stanford

Age: 20 Height: 6'0" Weight: 200 lbs.

2016 stats: 1,603 rushing yards, 13 TDs, 37 catches, 310 yards, 3 TDs

The son of former NFL wide receiver Ed McCaffrey, this 20-year-old prospect's draft position could be determined by whether teams view him as a viable early-down runner or merely a change-of-pace option and return specialist in the mold of Darren Sproles. McCaffrey's tape suggests he's closer to the former. He has a tantalizing combination of vision and quickness, plus more toughness than one might expect given his undersized frame.

Alvin Kamara, Tennessee

Age: 21 Height: 5'10" Weight: 215 lbs.

2016 stats: 596 rushing yards, 9 TDs, 40 catches, 392 yards, 4 TDs

Despite not being an every-down player at Tennessee, Kamara is considered by some draft analysts to be a possible first-round pick this spring. His skill set combines a slashing running style with a decent pop of power and excellent hands out of the backfield. Some teams may look at him and see an ascending talent who is just beginning to tap into his full potential.

Joe Mixon, Oklahoma

Age: 20 Height: 6'1" Weight: 226 lbs.

2016 stats: 1,274 yards rushing, 10 TDs, 37 catches, 538 yards, 5 TDs

Arguably an elite talent, Mixon may not hear his name called at the draft because of the emergence of a disturbing video in which he is seen punching a young woman in the face. Mixon was suspended for a season and has suggested he was goaded on and called a racial slur, but there may be nothing he can say to get his name back on draft boards. Looking past his major red flags, Mixon offers a Le'Veon Bell-esque ability to buy time behind the line of scrimmage before exploding through the hole. If he stays out of trouble as a pro, he could be a tremendous value pick.

D'Onta Foreman, Texas

Age: 20 Height: 6'1" Weight: 249 lbs.

2016 stats: 2,028 rushing yards, 15 TDs, 7 catches, 75 yards

The Doak Walker Award winner as the nation's best running back, Foreman topped 2,000 yards on the ground and averaged 184.6 yards per game - a total that stands as the 10th-best total in NCAA history. It's a remarkable achievement for the former three-star recruit, a player whom few schools showed much interest in. Foreman doesn't offer much as a receiver, but his workhorse abilities should appeal to many teams.

Wayne Gallman, Clemson

Age: 22 Height: 6'1" Weight: 210 lbs.

2016 stats: 1,113 yards rushing, 17 TDs, 20 catches, 152 yards

Gallman didn't steal many headlines on an offense that featured Deshaun Watson and Mike Williams, but he was a crucial part of Clemson's recent success. There's no questioning Gallman's lateral agility and burst, but his upright running style hurts his leverage and he may lack the power to generate tough yards. A slight 210 pounds considering his long frame, there are concerns about whether Gallman can hold up to the pounding inflicted by NFL defenders.

Samaje Perine, Oklahoma

Age: 21 Height: 5'10" Weight: 235 lbs.

2016 stats: 1,060 rushing yards, 12 TDs, 10 catches, 106 yards, TD

If Mixon was Oklahoma's home-run hitter, Perine was its leadoff man. Though durability is a question mark, Perine proved to be a tough inside runner who's unafraid to put his shoulder down and take on defenders. Perine's 427 rushing yards against Kansas as a freshman remains the NCAA single-game record, but NFL teams may be concerned that he peaked with 1,713 yards and 21 touchdowns as a freshman.

(Photos courtesy: Action Images)