I’m pretty tough when it comes to grading running backs, not because my expectations are too high, or I want to be different. Simply because I think the NFL has devalued running backs over the last few years, younger fresher legs are needed, and cheaper running backs are a premium.

Fewer and fewer running backs are getting the big bucks and this trend will continue, simply because it’s effective and saves the team money that can be spent elsewhere. Better to have a committee of backs who get the job done at two million a season, than a star who gets it done slightly better alone, but at eight million a season.

This year’s running back crop isn’t full with outstanding talent, there is several running backs that will succeed in the NFL, but as of right now, none that have the makings of a superstar. While many look to be on their own road to football success, a few that have the stats in college, will fall at the next level.

3) De’Anthony Thomas, Oregon

Thomas is more of an offensive weapon, and it remains to be seen how he’ll be used. Thomas is undersized and is primed to be used as a Darren Sproles type of back in the NFL. He’ll see maximum five carries a game and just as many catches. Thomas is being mocked to teams in the last first and in the early second rounds and that’s a bit high for someone you have to run specific plays for.

2) Andre Williams, Boston College

Williams has spent all season playing against an eight man box and has done great things this year. Williams finished fourth in the Heisman voting and ran for over 2,000 yards this year in one of the greatest seasons for a running back in recent years, but that success isn’t guaranteed to translate to the NFL.

Williams faced weak competition in the ACC and carried the ball 300-plus times this year. Williams brings little to the passing game as he caught zero passes this year, and he’s only caught 10 in his college career. Just because a player was a finalist for the Heisman doesn’t mean they can succeed in the NFL, see Toby Gerhart.

1) Carlos Hyde, Ohio State

Hyde is an incredibly big back who gets a lot of national coverage because he plays for Ohio State, but he won’t see much NFL success. Hyde saw a much more open offense at Ohio, and got a lot of good running lanes. He gets a lot of open room to run in because Ohio calls a lot of read-option plays that freeze the linebackers. Once in the NFL he won’t have that advantage on every carry, he’ll be exposed and he’ll struggle to earn carries.