NFL.com writer Gil Brandt ranked former Georgia running backs Nick Chubb and Sony Michel at No. 5 and No. 6 respectively on his list of how rookie running backs will produce in their first seasons in the League.
Brandt examined the seven running backs selected in the first two rounds of the 2017 NFL Draft and arranged them according to how he saw them succeeding in the 2018 season.
Of Chubb, who was drafted early in the second round by the Cleveland Browns, Brandt wrote he liked that Chubb recognized he wasn’t ready to declare for the Draft in 2016 and chose to play his senior season at Georgia, however, he still had a concern.
“The only thing that concerns me about Chubb is a lack of long runs in 2017, with just two going for 35 yards or more,” Brandt wrote. “He'll be a strong starter on a winning team, but might not become a Pro Bowl-caliber star. I do think he'll play well in Cleveland, where offensive coordinator Todd Haley likes to run the ball. Chubb will get his despite sharing the running back room with Carlos Hyde and Duke Johnson.”
As for Michel, who was selected with the 31st overall pick by the New England Patriots, Brandt wrote he could see Michel becoming a better and quicker version of James White.
“He has plus hands and worked out some at receiver at the combine, although he did have 12 career fumbles at Georgia,” Brandt wrote. “Michel is a very talented player who should be very good in the Patriots’ system, presuming he stays healthy. I see him being a lot like James White in New England, only better and faster.”
Brandt's entire ranking of the seven running backs selected in the first two rounds can be read on NFL.com.
