Green Bay Packers 2015 NFL Draft: Breaking down the running back prospects

Miami Hurricanes running back Duke Johnson (8) runs with the ball as Cincinnati Bearcats cornerback Grant Coleman (13). Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

Tier Two

3. Duke Johnson, Miami (5-9, 207)
4. Tevin Coleman, Indiana (5-11, 206)
5. Ameer Abdullah, Nebraska (5-8, 205)
6. Jay Ajayi, Boise State (6-0, 221)
7. T.J. Yeldon, Alabama (6-1, 226)
8. David Cobb, Minnesota (5-11, 229)

The Skinny: There are a lot of quality backs in this second group who could start immediately in the NFL. Most of these backs will be a hot commodity on day two of the draft.

Johnson is a small shifty back who runs with some punch, much in the mold of a younger Ray Rice.

He’s an explosive runner who can break off big runs if given a chance to bounce to the outside. He’ll make guys miss in space and does a great job making reads and then cutting through the hole.

Indiana Hoosiers running back Tevin Coleman (6). Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

As a three-year starter, he leaves Miami as the school’s all-time leading rusher (3,519 yards), but what often gets overlooked with his game is his ability to make plays in the passing game.

Coleman is a tough, downhill runner with some speed (4.39) to breakaway from defenders. He’s a bit of a north-south runner who lacks the shiftiness of the other top backs in this class.

However, he’ll punish defenders between the tackles, and teams will like his ability to cut through the hole and take on linebackers.

He’s a James Starks with a higher ceiling at the next level.

Abdullah has drawn comparisons to the Bengals’ Giovanni Bernard, and that seems fair when you watch him on tape.

He might be the best receiving back of this class. Despite lacking top-end speed, he’s shifty in space and will make guys miss.

He’s a patient runner who is productive because he’s decisive and quick. He holds up better between the tackles than you’d think for a guy his size.

He’s also a natural pass catcher and a high-character guy who will find a role on any team who drafts him.

Minnesota Golden Gophers running back David Cobb (27). Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

To round out this group, Ajayi, Yeldon, and Cobb are all punishing power backs who can be staples in an NFL backfield.

Cobb runs much in the fashion of Eddie Lacy and will lower his shoulder and bulldoze defenders. He can carry the ball 20-25 times a game without wearing down.

Yeldon is an explosive smash-mouth runner, but he may have a short shelf life in the NFL because he’s such a violent runner.

Ajayi had a tremendously productive season as a junior, becoming the only player in FBS history to record 1,800 yards rushing and 500 yards receiving in a single season.

However, teams are concerned with wear and tear because he touched the ball 398 times last year alone.

Next: Tier Three