Last year, the Giants pounced on the opportunity to take Saquon Barkley at No. 2 overall. The decision to use a high draft pick on a running back was panned by some, but, so far, things have panned out just fine. The Penn State product rushed for 1,307 yards, led the NFL with 2,028 total scrimmage yards, and averaged 5.0 yards per carry, despite the Giants’ overall offensive struggles. 
Barkley wasn’t the only gem in last year’s class – Sony Michel (Patriots, No. 31 overall), Nick Chubb (Browns, No. 35 overall), and Kerryon Johnson (Lions, No. 43 overall) all showed serious promise for the future.
This year’s crop of running backs is not believed to be on the same level, nor was there a consensus top RB like Barkley, which complicates projections for rookie production. A look at some of this year’s strongest contenders to lead the pack in rushing yards:
- Joshua Jacobs, Raiders: At No. 24 overall, Jacobs was the first running back taken in the 2019 draft. Even then, many in the football world felt that Mike Mayock & Co. reached for the Alabama product. Of course, after taking Clemson defensive end Clelin Ferrell No. 4 overall, the Raiders showed that they aren’t afraid of bucking convention. Jacobs rushed for just 640 yards in his final year on campus, which doesn’t necessarily point to major production as an NFL rookie. But, with Marshawn Lynch no longer in the fold, there’s a clear opportunity for Jacobs to shine, provided that he can get a larger share of work than Doug Martin.
- Miles Sanders, Eagles: Another running back was not selected until 29 picks later when the Eagles took Sanders towards the back end of the second round. Lauded for his size and power, Sanders has the potential to break tackles early and gut out the tough yards. On the other hand, he’ll have to push past newcomer Jordan Howard and last year’s leading rusher Josh Adams in order to carve out opportunities.
- Darrell Henderson, Rams: Could Todd Gurley‘s backup lead rookie RBs in rushing? Well, that depends on Gurley’s health, and there are plenty of question marks in that regard after the star’s disappointing finish to the 2018 season. Henderson had more touchdowns (22), yards (1,909), and yards per carry (8.9) than anyone else in this year’s draft class, so he could be one snap away from a monster freshman year.
- David Montgomery, Bears: With Tarik Cohen slotted for serious work in the passing game, the stage could be set for Montgomery to serve as the Bears’ top rusher. Montgomery topped 250 rushing attempts in each of his final seasons at Iowa State and averaged 4.7 yards per carry in his final collegiate campaign.
- Devin Singletary, Bills: LeSean McCoy is the man in Buffalo – for now. The Bills say they’re moving forward with McCoy, but if he’s released or traded, Singletary could easily edge Frank Gore and T.J. Yeldon for the starting gig. Singletary bombed at the combine, but his track record for powering into the end zone should make him a favorite of offensive coordinator Brian Daboll early on.
Will one of those five RBs take the crown, or will it be another rookie rusher? Vote in the poll below (link for app users) and back up your choice in the comment section.
David Montgomery for sure
Doubt it, Bears won’t dedicate enough carries for him. Though I think he’ll be pretty good.
Mattison
If Dalvin Cook goes down with another injury, Mattison could really be a possibility.
I think Montgomrey is the obvious answer here.
Don’t sleep on Benny Snell Jr. back up in PIT. Could see serious playing time as spell and in blow outs.
Montgomery for sure. With Nagy opening up the run game via the pass he is for sure to do much better then Howard did for the Bears.