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Even with the addition of Khalil Herbert in free agency, running back should still be a position that we see the Indianapolis Colts address in the NFL draft, and Jordan Reid of ESPN recently provided a few Round 3 and beyond options at the position that he really likes.
GM Chris Ballard said at the NFL the Colts needed more production from the backup running back position. This will help take some of the workload off Jonathan Taylor's shoulders over the course of the season, not to mention that the Colts could benefit from a pass-catching presence out of the backfield, a dimension this offense didn't have in 2024.
Having Herbert in the mix should help provide that, but in what is a very loaded draft class at the running back position, Ballard shouldn't pass up on adding another impact presence either.
Reid would mention that he has a whopping 32 backs with draftable grades. In 2017, 30 running backs were drafted, and Reid says we could see more this year.
The need at running back for the Colts isn't so strong that they have to prioritize spending an early-round pick on the position, but once they get to Round 3 and beyond, a selection at this position could be in play. If that's the case, here are the backs that Reid likes in the middle rounds.
DJ Giddens, Kansas State: Giddens averaged 6.0 yards per carry over his final two seasons, including 6.5 yards per rush in 2024. He also has 72 targets in the passing game during that span as well.
Devin Neal, Kansas: Neal has rushed for over 1,200 yards in each of the last two seasons and has surpassed 1,000 rushing yards for three straight years. He's averaged 5.7 yards per attempt over his career and has 49 touchdowns. In the passing game, he's hauled in 72 receptions over the last three seasons at a very solid 9.2 yards per catch.
LeQuint Allen, Syracuse: Allen has rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of the last two seasons, averaging 4.5 yards per rush during that span and scoring 25 touchdowns. He's also been a massive part of the passing game, which includes totaling 64 receptions in 2024.
Brashard Smith, SMU: Smith has totaled over 1,200 rushing yards this season at an impressive 5.9 yards per carry. He's also often been targeted in the passing game, with 37 receptions for 313 yards with four more scores.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts NFL draft: 4 Mid-round running back options
Continue reading...
GM Chris Ballard said at the NFL the Colts needed more production from the backup running back position. This will help take some of the workload off Jonathan Taylor's shoulders over the course of the season, not to mention that the Colts could benefit from a pass-catching presence out of the backfield, a dimension this offense didn't have in 2024.
Having Herbert in the mix should help provide that, but in what is a very loaded draft class at the running back position, Ballard shouldn't pass up on adding another impact presence either.
Reid would mention that he has a whopping 32 backs with draftable grades. In 2017, 30 running backs were drafted, and Reid says we could see more this year.
The need at running back for the Colts isn't so strong that they have to prioritize spending an early-round pick on the position, but once they get to Round 3 and beyond, a selection at this position could be in play. If that's the case, here are the backs that Reid likes in the middle rounds.
DJ Giddens, Kansas State: Giddens averaged 6.0 yards per carry over his final two seasons, including 6.5 yards per rush in 2024. He also has 72 targets in the passing game during that span as well.
Devin Neal, Kansas: Neal has rushed for over 1,200 yards in each of the last two seasons and has surpassed 1,000 rushing yards for three straight years. He's averaged 5.7 yards per attempt over his career and has 49 touchdowns. In the passing game, he's hauled in 72 receptions over the last three seasons at a very solid 9.2 yards per catch.
LeQuint Allen, Syracuse: Allen has rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of the last two seasons, averaging 4.5 yards per rush during that span and scoring 25 touchdowns. He's also been a massive part of the passing game, which includes totaling 64 receptions in 2024.
Brashard Smith, SMU: Smith has totaled over 1,200 rushing yards this season at an impressive 5.9 yards per carry. He's also often been targeted in the passing game, with 37 receptions for 313 yards with four more scores.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts NFL draft: 4 Mid-round running back options
Continue reading...
