Evaluating this year's rookie running backs through 2 games
Matt Williamson is a former scout for the Cleveland Browns and spent 10 years at ESPN as a scout and co-host of "The Football Today Podcast." Find him on Twitter @WilliamsonNFL.
Heading into the 2017 draft, we had a good idea of how outstanding this group of rookie running backs would be.
Teams were selecting possible starters in the middle rounds, and, unlike in some recent years, running backs were going off the board early, too. They came in all shapes and sizes, but, for the most part, distinguished themselves from other classes with a key factor: The ability to make major contributions to the passing game.
After two weeks, the top rookie rushers have exceeded expectations. Let's take a look at how each one has done in the order they were drafted in:
Leonard Fournette, Jacksonville Jaguars
(1st round, 4th overall)
Fournette has many talents, but first and foremost he's big, fast, and strong. That's exactly how Jacksonville is using him in its offense, and, with Allen Robinson out of the lineup, Fournette is the Jaguars' offense.
For this team to be successful, it needs to mimic its Week 1 blueprint and play exceptional defense while feeding Fournette without relent. It's asking a ton, but the entire unit is on his shoulders. More than just about any team in the NFL, Jacksonville is running right up the middle through the A gaps, and Fournette comes right at a defense with authority.
The youngster is the man for the job, but this is the toughest of challenges for any running back.
Christian McCaffrey, Carolina Panthers
(1st round, 8th overall)
While Carolina's defense has been superb, allowing just six points over its two games, let's just say the Panthers' offense is a work in progress. The blocking hasn't been great, and Cam Newton is clearly still knocking some rust off after a preseason with very little work.
Carolina could also be going through somewhat of a facelift on offense, which may have been signaled by their selection of McCaffrey with the eighth pick. McCaffrey has seen plenty of action, but the results haven't been great. The presence of a big back in Jonathan Stewart is going to remain a major piece of this offense, even with the rookie on the field at the same time.
Clearly, the organization wants to lessen the load and abuse on Cam Newton, but that transformation might take some time, as the quarterback needs to change how he plays the game. The loss of Greg Olsen won't help matters.
McCaffrey is very impressive, nonetheless, and his breakout just might be coming against the Saints.
Dalvin Cook, Minnesota Vikings
(2nd round, 41st overall)
Cook burst onto the scene in front of a national audience by racking up 127 rushing yards. But that was at home against the Saints with a legitimate starting quarterback leading Minnesota's offense.
On Sunday, with Sam Bradford out of the lineup, Cook wasn't featured as much and found the sledding much tougher in Pittsburgh. Still, he broke off a 25-yard run in Week 2 and has averaged 5.6 yards per carry. He has a lot of ability in the passing game, and we should see him more and more in that capacity as the season goes on, but drops have been a problem so far.
While Minnesota's offensive line has improved from last year (there was nowhere to go but up), it still could be a problem area, as was shown against the Steelers. But for Cook to fulfill his immense potential, he needs Bradford back in the lineup ASAP.
Joe Mixon, Cincinnati Bengals
(2nd round, 48th overall)
Clearly, the Bengals' coaching staff doesn't yet agree, but Mixon needs to be the main man in Cincinnati's backfield right now.
Gio Bernard is a quality player, Jeremy Hill is a backup early-down runner, and Mixon is a potential star in all aspects of the position.
When given the chance, he has flashed potential, but 21 touches over two games just won't cut it. He needs the ball.
The Bengals have one of the NFL's worst offensive lines, and Cincinnati has scored a measly nine points in their two games despite having some of the best skill position players in the league. Mixon has the kind of rare talent that could bring Cincinnati's offense out of the doldrums. Hopefully, new offensive coordinator Bill Lazor sees this.
Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints
(3rd round, 67th overall)
With the possible exception of New England, no team uses a variety of running backs more than a Sean Payton-led Saints offense. Not only that, but New Orleans is always near the top of the league in running back receptions.
Even with Mark Ingram and Adrian Peterson on the roster, the Saints traded up to draft Kamara. That seems like a luxury item this franchise can't afford considering the state of its defense. However, Kamara, with his all-around skill set, is the perfect back for what the Saints want to do. He's already their best receiving back and is just scratching the surface of how good he can be as a receiver and a rusher.
Kamara is proving to be very difficult to keep off the field. He'll be New Orleans’ top producing running back in 2018. Maybe even sooner.
Kareem Hunt, Kansas City Chiefs
(3rd round, 86th overall)
Well, how about this guy.
Of all the great rookie runners, it's Hunt that's stealing the show. After playing the Patriots and Eagles, he has 229 rushing yards and another 126 yards as a receiver. He's also scored five times in his two NFL games. Remember Hunt fumbling on his first career carry? Well, the guy who showed fantastic ball security at college has taken the league by storm since that inauspicious debut.
His case was certainly aided by Spencer Ware's injury, which opened the door wide for Kansas City's new lead back. Hunt has an excellent all-around skill set. He has power, shiftiness, and exceptional balance. He runs hard and finishes every run.
His numbers have been aided by a few very big plays, but he's the clear leader in the race for Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.
Tarik Cohen, Chicago Bears
(4th round, 119th overall)
Cohen burst onto the scene as the Bears almost pulled off a Week 1 upset over Atlanta. He was the talk of Chicago's preseason, as well.
While Jordan Howard (if healthy) should remain the foundation of this ailing offense, Cohen is probably the Bears' most dynamic offensive player. They have the league's worst group of pass-catchers, but found a keeper in this young man, and have targeted him a whopping 21 times over two games. The similarities to Darren Sproles are clear.
He can handle carries, but adds the most value in the passing game. Linebackers are already at a major disadvantage against this rookie from North Carolina A&T.
In the end, though, there's just so much wrong with the Bears' offense that more will probably be asked of him than he can deliver.
(Photos courtesy: Action Images)