Next up in the series of positional rankings is running backs. The Packers should look to address the position one at some point in the draft with Eddie Lacy entering a contract year and James Starks getting up there in age. I've only ranked players I feel comfortable enough with to form a solid opinion/analysis on. It would be disingenuous to rank players I don't have a strong opinion on.

Previous positional rankings:

http://cheeseheadtv.com/blog/nfl-draft-positional-rankings-quarterbacks 

Running Backs:

1.       Ezekiel Elliot, RB, Ohio St.- Ezekiel Elliot is one of the best overall running back prospects to come out in a while. At 5’11 225lbs he has an ideal frame for a running back. “Zeke” has the agility and breakaway speed to make him a home run threat. He is impressive as a pass protector and run blocker which will only bode well as teams will view him a complete 3 down running back. He is developing as a pass catcher/route runner but his ability to find lanes, and the acceleration through them is elite.

2.       CJ Prosise, RB, Notre Dame- Rankings fluctuate quite a bit on Prosise as he’s only played the position full time for a year. His natural talent was evident after being thrust into the starting role. He is tough to bring down, runs through contact, and always seems to fall forward for positive yards. He has three down ability with decent hands as a pass catcher and can break off big runs. At 6’ 220lbs Prosise has the build to be the workhorse for a team.

3.       Derrick Henry, RB, Alabama- An absolute monster at 6’2 247lbs Henry is one of the most physically intimidating running backs who’s come out in a long time. Henry doesn’t have great agility to make defenders miss but he has decent vision and when he gets some daylight he gets up to top speed he becomes near impossible to bring down. Henry will need to go to a team with a good offensive line as he isn’t going to create much for himself but if in the right situation he could be a pro bowler.

4.       Kenneth Dixon, RB Louisiana Tech- Dixon is a jack of all trades. He’s equally adept at catching the ball as he is running in between the tackles. He has good lower body strength and runs behind his pads. At 5’10” 215lbs he has a solid build to take a bulk of carries for a team. Dixon found the end zone 26 times last season despite missing two games. Dixon doesn’t have the long speed of some other premier running back prospects but he does everything really well.

5.       Alex Collins, RB, Arkansas- Collins is a big back at 5’10” 217lbs and has great patience and vision as a runner. Collins had some pretty big holes to run through in college but he hit them hard and was surprisingly elusive while in the open field. He didn’t time real fast but he broke off quite a few big runs while in college. Collins has the chance to be a starter for some team but he’ll need a good offensive line in front of him to find success early.

6.       Jonathan Williams, RB, Arkansas- Williams missed the 2015 season with a foot injury but he is a dynamic ball carrier when healthy. The 5’11” 220lb running back has shifty feet and can bounce runs outside or work in between the tackles.

7.       Devontae Booker, RB Utah- The 5’11” 219lb running back is one of the more versatile backs in the draft. He runs with good pad level and can pick up tough yards. He doesn’t have top end speed to break long runs but can make defenders miss at the 2^nd level.

8.       Paul Perkins, RB, UCLA- Perkins is one of the most elusive runners in the open field. At 5’10” 208lbs Perkins doesn’t bring much between the tackles, but he is a dangerous runner and pass catcher when given some room. He could function as a 3^rd down running back right away.

9.       Kenyan Drake, RB Alabama- Drake is more of the unheralded running backs from Alabama but the 6’1” 210lbs running back is a very good open field runner. Drake brings versatility with his ability to return kicks at a high level. He could be a very good change of pace running back in the NFL.

10.   Daniel Lasco, RB, California- Lasco has battled injuries during his time at California but the 6’ 2019lb running back is an incredibly athletic and talented player. Lasco can catch the football out of the backfield and has the ability to take runs to the house.

11.   Jordan Howard, RB, Indiana- The big 6’ 230lb back from Indiana runs with good vision and can find creases to gain positive yards. He has an upright running style that leads to him taking some good shots. Howard would be an ideal change of pace back at the next level.

12.   Tyler Ervin, RB, San Jose St.- Ervin is one of the most electric backs in the country and can score any time he touches the ball. The 5’10” 192lb running back is a bit undersized but is lightning fast making cuts and accelerating. Ervin should find his way on the field with special teams early and could develop into a 3^rd down running back.

13.   Marshaun Coprich, RB, Illinois St. - Coprich has size concerns at 5’8 207lbs but he is more short than small. Coprich dominated small school competition and has a knack for finding cutback lanes and breaking would be tacklers at the 2^nd level. He may need time to adjust to the speed of the NFL but he has talent.