This year's running back draft class is one of the deepest that has been seen in some time now. There are many excellent options for teams looking to bolster their roster with youthful legs and many who will be acquired at a bargain for their coming production. Here I have my top 5 rated backs for the class as well as a round grade on them. Rankings can change over time and though I provide 5 here, I have 12-15 players at each position being analyzed.

1. Quinshon Judkins - Ohio State - Round 1 Grade

Quinshon Judkins is not quite at the top of RB rankings by many at the moment, but I feel strongly that he is a rising star that can do a lot for an offense. Judkins is an ideal build for today's NFL running back at 6'0” and 221 lbs. He displays all the attributes that I look for in a modern back as he is shifty yet aggressive in a lane but can also run routes as well as any in the class. Judkins calls to mind another of my favorite prospects a few years ago, Jahmyr Gibbs. While Judkins is taller and heavier than Gibbs, they have a very similar play style in the open field and as a versatile back. Judkins gets the advantage through size of being more physical at attack points and can last longer in games, becoming a true 3-down back. This also comes with his record of being incredibly useful as a pass blocker. Overall, Judkins is my favorite all around running back in this class and seemingly can do anything asked of him.

2. Ashton Jeanty - Boise State - Round 1 Grade

Ashton Jeanty is an undeniable talent and produced one of the greatest seasons from a running back in the recent history of college football running backs. I still have him highly rated given his dominance on the ground but there are a few concerns that have pulled him back from the top of the rankings. Jeanty has been overworked in college due to his excellence and added (literal) mileage is nothing one wants on a running back. Jeanty also struggles in pass protection and is limited in types of routes he runs well. His smaller stature limits his ability to strike rushers early and he often gets beat. Jeanty would fit well with a team who is intentional about being not only run first but run-heavy. He can still produce well when on the ground but cannot fulfill all three downs should he be required to pass block or run intermediate routes. While Jeanty is not quite as polished of a back as many perceive, he still is established and has a high ceiling.

3. Omarion Hampton - North Carolina - Round 1 Grade

Omarion Hampton is a power back that is an exact size replica of Judkins, only 1 pound lighter. Hampton is an extremely physical athlete who produces frequent explosive plays and breaks through contact to reach the next level and eventually the open field. He also is extremely disciplined and powerful in pass protection. Though a bit of a weaker release back compared to Judkins, Hampton is still well acclimated to the screen game and runs routes at an about average rate for a current NFL running back. The main drawback with Hampton is his agility laterally as well as his lower ability to make defenders miss head on in the open field. There are also situations in which Hampton will attack a lane too quick, being a fast athlete, and miss an opportunity. His limited patience and anticipation abilities knock him down a step, but overall Hampton is a great talent that is rising quickly in his stock.

4. TreVeyon Henderson - Ohio State - Round 1 Grade

TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins made for a great backfield duo in Columbus this year and each had a hand in their national title run. Henderson has been a top draft prospect for some time now, with most assuming he would have come out in last year's class. His loyalty to the team and desire to win a championship kept him at Ohio State and he accomplished his goal. Henderson is a smaller back with some injury trouble, both of which are cause for concern. These factors combined with his underdeveloped abilities in route running set him further down the top 5 but his upside keeps him at 4 out of a deep class. Henderson is an incredibly quick back with heavy burst and excellent physicality. He routinely fights for extra yards despite his frame and sees the field very well. His football knowledge suits him well in pass protection as he picks up rushers with a knack for identifying blitzes. TreVeyon Henderson has the ability to make a splash in the league as a three down back should he be able to work on his craft in the receiving game.

5. Kaleb Johnson - Iowa - Round 2 Grade

Kaleb Johnson is the at the top of the backs who received a lower than round 1 grade. Johnson is just a bit more of a raw talent compared to the above finished products. The Iowa product is a true power back, and his muscular frame fits the style of play as he allows defenders to bounce off of him if he is not actively putting them into the dirt. During his time in college, he demonstrated his ability to have patience at the line of scrimmage and has good field vision. Aside from these natural abilities, Johnson lacks some desirable traits in numerous ways. He is not known for his speed especially on explosive runs, often getting chased down. His 4.57 40-yard dash time was not a surprise but rather an unfortunate confirmation. Lack of elite speed is not the end of the world but a back at his size must be able to pass protect, and Johnson routinely struggles to establish a steady frame and instead relies on a lean in with his shoulder. He must improve in pass pro as well as becoming a true threat in the pass game. His route running is subpar, and his tree only has two branches. If Kaleb Johnson can prove to a team that he is capable of learning and developing skills that he lacks, he will be well worth a second-round pick.

This wraps up my top 5 running backs in this year's draft class. There is plenty of talent in the class that extends far further than five but if your team is in need of a quality and youthful option in the backfield these are the five you should be looking at. Stay tuned to the site for more position rankings and draft grades for the class that will be picked in a month!