Ranking the Top 15 Running Backs in the 2015 NFL Draft

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8. David Cobb, 5’11, 229, Minnesota

If Cobb isn’t too burned out by the 551 carries that he’s racked up during the past two seasons, he has a good chance to be at least a solid rotational back at the next level, if not a load-carrying starter.

Cobb is a high-effort back who is not afraid to plow into defenders and will work hard to try to pick up extra yards. He has quick feet and possesses some quality breakaway speed once he gets into open space. In addition to his physicality, he’s quite elusive, and his rapid body movement allows him to effectively fake out defenders.

One thing that is a bit concerning, especially with a sturdier back like Cobb, is that he generally struggles to make things happen when he runs behind the center or guards. Cobb hasn’t gotten a tremendous amount of work as a receiver out of the backfield, and his pass protection skills are somewhat limited due to his lack of physical strength.

Cobb’s wealth of skills should allow him to be a successful NFL back in short order, even if his shelf life is a bit shorter than most due to the heavy load he took on at the college level.

Next: 7. Melvin Gordon