Consensus isn't always easy to find when it comes to NFL scouting evaluations, but three running back prospects training for the NFL Scouting Combine are aligned as the draft's three best at the position for NFL Media analysts Daniel Jeremiah and Bucky Brooks.
Combine results, pro days and many other factors can always change things as the draft nears, but for now, the two former NFL scouts prefer Ohio State's Ezekiel Elliott as the top back available, followed by Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry of Alabama, and third: Arkansas' Alex Collins.
Jeremiah and Brooks suggested possible team fits for each:
Jeremiah:Indianapolis Colts.
"It didn't work out with Trent Richardson. Don't let that bother you. You get a running back like this in your system with Andrew Luck, all the things he can do, it would be scary."
Brooks:Houston Texans.
"(Houston) could be a nice fit for Ezekiel Elliott. ... a guy who can run, catch and also play with power. He'd also be a nice, solid fit in pass protection. Bill O'Brien needs a bell cow running back for them to go to the next level."
Jeremiah:Denver Broncos.
"I look at the Denver Broncos, now you can transform into a physical, pounding team. Get that zone run going, let him get downhill."
Brooks:Minnesota Vikings
"(Minnesota) wants to run the ball. You think about Adrian Peterson getting up in age. Why not bring in a young successor, put him in the backfield, allow him to learn for a year or so to get behind Teddy Bridgewater and let him run the rock."
Alex Collins
Jeremiah:New England Patriots
"They've had a lot of injuries at that position. They need somebody that can also protect the quarterback and help in the passing game, but can (also) grind out those tough yards. I think Alex Collins can give them that."
Brooks:Denver Broncos
"The Super Bowl champions could benefit from Alex Collins coming in. The Denver Broncos need a guy that's going to be a bell cow. A guy that can carry it 25 or more times. Alex Collins is a physical guy and can also do the zone run game. I think he's a good fit."
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