Draft Day: RBs

So it's been more than a week, but I am finally posting my analysis of this year's top RBs. All of these players have good shot at becoming a very reliable RB in the NFL. The prospects are as follows: Melvin Gordon, Todd Gurley, Tevin Coleman, Ameer Abdullah, & Duke Johnson.

Melvin Gordon - Wisconsin - RS Jr
6' 1" 207 lbs
Career Rushing Yards: 4915 yards
Highest Achievement: The Doak Walker Award (2014)
Most Impressive Game of 2014: Nov. 15 vs. Nebraska
Melvin Gordon has easily become the favorite to be the first RB chosen in this years draft. This year alone, Gordon had over 100 yards in 12 of the 14 games he played. Even more impressive, 6 of those games were over 200 yards. Granted, the teams he faced had less than decent defenses, Gordon still made sure that the Badgers won convincingly. He has the talent to just keep moving his legs and breaking tackles. Comparisons to Jamaal Charles would be appropriate here.
As for the draft, Gordon has been seen going to many teams, mostly in the second and first round. The only way I see Gordon getting drafted in the first round is if Dallas loses DeMarco Murray or Seattle loses Marshawn Lynch.
Projected Teams: Cowboys, Seahawks, Lions, Raiders
My Pick: 1st Round, 32nd Overall, Seattle Seahawks
Why: Marshawn is not staying in Seattle

Todd Gurley - Georgia - Jr
6' 1" 226 lbs
Career Rushing Yards: 3285 yards
Highest Achievement: Freshman All-American (2012)
Most Impressive Game: Aug. 30 vs Clemson
Gurley was supposed to be one of the faces we would see at the end of the year, possibly holding a Heisman Trophy. This would not be the case due to a 4 game suspension for selling signed merchandise. Worse for Gurley was that when he came back, he would tear his ACL against Auburn. Besides the off-field issues, Gurley was one of the best and most fear backs in the SEC. For being 226 lbs, he still moves as well as Marshawn Lynch. Gurley this year would only manage 123 carries for 911 yards. That is still an average of 7.4 yards a carry. Even with these issues, Gurley cannot be ignored.
As for drafting, teams should be wary of his newly formed ACL. It's not everyday we see a player like Adrian Peterson come out after an injure and tear up the field.
Projected Teams: Texans
My Pick: 2nd Round, 45th Overall, Minnesota Vikings.
Why: Asiata and McKinnon are not going to cut it with the Vikings and I don't think Peterson will be back with them any time soon.

Tevin Coleman - Indiana - Jr
6'1" 210 lbs.
Career Rushing Yards: 3219 yards
Highest Achievement: Unanimous All-American (2014)
Most Impressive Game of 2014: Nov. 22 vs Ohio State
In his first year of being the every down back for the Hoosiers, Coleman quietly worked his way into a decent spot to be drafted. To be among the company of former Heisman Candidates is reward enough for him. His ability to move is quite impressive due to his his size. Also, in the game against Ohio State, Tevin would put up more rushing yards than Oregon did on the Buckeyes (228 yards, 3 TDs).
When it comes to draft position, Coleman will easily fall to the second round. I believe he could be drafted ahead of Gurley due to his leg injury, but it's still unlikely.
Projected Teams: Falcons
My Pick: 2nd Round, 50th Overall, Buffalo Bills
Why: Bills have too many injured RBs and they are getting old. Time for new blood.

Ameer Abdullah - Nebraska - Sr
5' 8" 198 lbs
Career Rushing Yards: 4588 yards
Highest Achievement: Senior Bowl MVP (2014)
Most Impressive Game of 2014: Oct. 25th vs Rutgers
Abdullah is the smallest back in the top 20 draft-able RBs. But small size should not stop anyone. Look at Darren Sproles (5' 6"). Abdullah can find the smallest hole the offense gives him and he can take off. In his game against Rutgers, Abdullah only rushed the ball 19 times. His yardage? 225 in that game alone, accompanied by 3 touchdowns. In the draft, his size and speed will be where his value is at.
As for where he will be drafted, it is hard to say. Many teams could use a RB, especially with someone's skill set like Abdullah.
Projected Teams: Bills
My Pick: 2nd Round, 54th Overall, Detroit Lions
Why: An injury prone Bush and a mediocre Bell will not help the Lions make a legit playoff run.

Duke Johnson - Miami - Jr
5' 9" 216 lbs.
Career Rushing Yards: 3519 yards
Highest Achievement: First-Team All-ACC (2014)
Most Impressive Game of 2014: Oct. 23 vs Virginia Tech
Duke Johnson over the past 3 years has been a very reliable back during the game. That is, meaning he gets injured. In 2013 Johnson would miss almost half the season due to an ankle injury. This year, he would fail to finish some games due to injury as well. All that aside, his acceleration is what kills teams. If you let Johnson get into open field, just like if you let LeSean McCoy, you're going to have a bad time.
As for the draft, I have the same problem as Todd Gurley. But this is worse due to Johnson being a small back as it is.
Projected Teams: Giants
My Pick: 3rd Round, 75th Overall, New Orleans Saints
Why: With Pierre Thomas getting into his 30's, the Saints should look for a new RB to pass to on 3rd down.

Next Friday, I will analyze the top 5 WRs.