Expanding upon the pleasure it was to be at the Senior Bowl, this running back class will shape the future of the NFL. Most of the class competed last week besides Ashton Jeanty, Cam Skattabo, and the Ohio State boys. These backs went to play, for sure.

1). Donovan Edwards- Michigan – Riser

Donovan was one of the most explosive players in Mobile; he consistently broke down linebackers with elite route running. Edwards’ had swift feet and a few fantastic hesitation step moves that continued to frustrate Jeffery Bassa (Oregon) on the wheel routes.

He was also among the coolest dudes I could speak to; from the start, I asked him, “Do you mind if I ask you a couple of questions?”

“Yeah, it’s $20 bucks a question.” He replied with a straight face, but only for a moment, and laughed. The next day, I asked him if he would mind holding the mic, and he hit me with

“Yeah, I would mind.” Other than his sense of humor was his ability to be a team player, promptly stating, “You know, I never played special teams in my career, but if that’s what I have to do to play. I play special teams every single week, I’m needed to”.

2). Trevor Eteinne – UGA – Riser

Many people speculated that James Cook would be a better pro than his brother Dalvin, and while the jury is still out, those people look good now. I am in the minority here, but I feel the same about Trevor and Travis. When watching the younger Etienne live, I saw a player who dominated the one-on-one portions with his route running and soft hands.

One of the highlights of the Wednesday practice was a streak up the middle of the field on Eugene Asante, who stuck to Trevor like butter, but he elevated, turned his body, located the ball, and snatched it right out of the air. Showing that he can make wow factor plays just like his brother.

When speaking to him, he showed off an impressive knowledge of the game and of himself. Coach Smart has the dawgs barking to the draft.

3). Lequint Allen – Syracuse – Riser

LeQuint Allen wasn’t even on the roster when I created my spreadsheets, but he made a name for himself in Mobile. Since most of the reps are 60% contact, it is difficult to honestly assess how hard it is to bring a running back down in that setting, so watching their pass game reps also gives a lot of insight.

He showed nice top-end speed and short-area quickness with fantastic vision between the tackles. He was a highlight during the whole week. One of his best was a redzone play where he ran a comeback to the front pile-on and caught a contested catch ball with a man on his back.

Allen’s interview was sincere and frankly stood out. “What would you say to the GM who would draft you?”

“I’ll never be tired of being great. I am always going to come into the building the same way, and you always get the same thing from me.” He replied to Blake.

4). Ollie Gordon – OSU – Riser

Ollie Gordon is a freak of nature, and there really isn’t anything else to say about it. He was standing next to Pat Bryant, who is listed at 6’3 and was maybe a little taller than him. He also had 15 pounds on him as well. We are talking about a guy who could be a lighter, Derrick Henry, who is a bit faster.

Gordon would’ve been a fringe top-40 pick if he came out last year, but after a down year, he needed to show his well-rounded game and explosive ability. When I had the chance to talk to Ollie about his struggles this year, he noted complacency was an issue for that team this year, and it was something he had never dealt with before and needed to learn how to fight out of it.

He played like the player we saw in 2023 in Mobile; teams should have no concerns about taking him on day two.

5) Devin Neal – KU – Kept The Level

Devin Neal is a great player; his talent is not why he is neutral here. I actually had him higher than most, so watching him in person showed me he lacked a bit of pop that I saw on TV. He played okay, but I can’t recall a play where he made an impact or lasting memory on me.

End Of My Senior Bowl Rant

These boys down in Mobile came to play, especially at the running back position; these players will be the meat and potatoes of your dynasty teams in fantasy and madden. It was an honor to get a sneak peak at all this talent.