Last week, we took a look at who our writers believe are the top rookie wide receivers of the 2019 NFL Draft class. Next up, running back. Last year, this wasn’t even a question. Saquon Barkley was a no-brainer as the first pick in rookie drafts, much less the top RB of the 2018 NFL Draft class. However, this year there is certainly more room for debate. As you’ll see, there are several RBs that make the cut as the top option to consider in upcoming dynasty startup drafts.

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Who’s the top Rookie RB of the 2019 NFL Draft Class?

David Montgomery (Iowa State)

“Montgomery is a true three-down workhorse who comes with perfect size at 5-foot-11 and 220 pounds. He’s built a bit thicker on the lower half of his body, which allows him to break tackles seemingly with ease. He’s not all power, though, as he utilizes spin moves, stiff arms, and patience to evade defenders. While his receiving skills may not be on par with someone like Le’Veon Bell, I believe he’s the better pure runner. I wouldn’t argue if someone said they wanted Josh Jacobs over Montgomery, becuase there is no clear-cut No. 1 running back like there was with Saquon Barkley last year. A lot of dynasty decisions will come down to where each player lands.”

– Mike Tagliere (@MikeTagliereNFL)

“Montgomery represents a true three-down back who can start immediately in the NFL and make an impact. He had an impressive college career, totaling 2,815 yards from scrimmage and 24 total TDs in his final two years at Iowa State, earning first Team All-Big 12 honors both years. He showed his receiving skills, racking up 58 receptions for 453 yards in that time. Montgomery capped off his resumé with a 26-124-1 line in the 2018 Alamo Bowl in a narrow Cyclones loss to Washington State. At 5’11/220, he has the size of an NFL bruiser, and Montgomery’s punishing rushing style has caused him to lead the FBS in broken tackles over the last two seasons and finish second in missed tackles forced in 2018 (according to Pro Football Focus). Montgomery’s toughness, power, and versatility in the passing game make him the clear number-one back in this year’s draft.”

– Zak Hanshew (@ZaktheMonster)

Rodney Anderson (Oklahoma)

“Without a doubt, the running back that jumps off the film page for me is Rodney Anderson. He has the speed, agility, and elusiveness of a small back but comes with the power, size, and versatility to be a bell-cow back. Watch him accelerate. Watch his legs move like no other. Although I do really like Devin Singletary and Josh Jacobs, both are not at the same level. Anderson looks like a giant among men in this surprisingly deep running back class. He’s the only player that comes close to Saquon Barkley’s talent. He does come with a huge caveat, though — Anderson has not been able to stay healthy during his time as a Sooner. This will scare many away. If he could not stay healthy in college, how will he fare at the next level which promises to be more intense and demanding? But, and this is a huge BUT, if somehow he can stay on the field by juking serious injury, he will be a league-winner for the NFL franchise that drafts him as well as fantasy owners who take the leap of faith and draft him.”

Marc Mathyk (@masterjune70)

“The most talented running back in the 2019 rookie draft class is Rodney Anderson. Anderson is flying under the radar for some due to three season-ending injuries. His lengthy injury history is a major concern but even docking his grade to account for that, he remains the only running back in this class with truly elite tools and the skill set to match. One of the major concerns with this draft class is the replaceability of talent. While many running backs in this draft class would be starters this year or would have been last year on certain NFL teams, by the time the 2020 class rolls around they may not be able to fend off an early-day rookie at their position. As arguably the lone back with a true every-down skill set and elite fantasy RB1 skills, a healthy Anderson is in the best position to carve out a long and successful fantasy career. Anderson was marvelous in the backfield with Baker Mayfield, and in his lone eight games as a starter, he amassed 1,079 yards rushing, 11 rushing touchdowns, 14 receptions, 254 yards receiving and five receiving touchdowns. To put these numbers in context consider that no college running back in 2018 had more than four receiving touchdowns. Josh Jacobs, Damien Harris, Justice Hill, and Elijah Holyfield did not rush for over 1,079 yards this season. Anderson is an explosive open-field runner with elite cutting ability. His 6.14 yards per carry in 2017 placed him higher than Royce Freeman, Nick Chubb, and Saquon Barkley. His 34 runs of over 10 yards placed him higher than Saquon Barkley, Sony Michel, and Kerryon Johnson.”

– Raju Byfield (@FantasyContext)

Benny Snell Jr. (Kentucky)

“I’ll surely be the only one who believes Snell is the best running back in the class, but I love his tape from top to bottom. He isn’t a world-beater like Saquon Barkley or Leonard Fournette, but he is plus in every area of the game. Size? Check. Speed? Check. Elusivity, balance, agility, vision, pass catching, power? Checks all around. Durability? As good as you’ll find. I can’t get Frank Gore out of my mind when I watch Snell, and while that may seem disgusting at this point in Gore’s career, let’s not forget that the three-down workhorse was a first-round fantasy pick earlier in his career.”

– Bobby Sylvester (@bobbyfantasypro)

Josh Jacobs (Alabama)

“Any conversation about this class of RBs needs to be preceded with the fact that this group contains no Saquon Barkley. No Zeke Elliott, Derrius Guice, CMC, or even Nick Chubb will be drafted in 2019. But that doesn’t mean there’s no value to be had. Josh Jacobs is the guy you want in 2019 for one reason — versatility. At 5’10”, 216 pounds, Jacobs stands toe to toe with runners that we know can do it inside like Sony Michel and displayed a pass-catching ability that improved as he matured in the college ranks. His 5.3+ YPC at Bama over his three-year career illuminates his ability to be an efficient runner. His 571 yards through the air (11.9 YPR) exemplifies his dual-threat ability. Tell me he never gained a starting role and I’ll present you with Alvin Kamara. Grab the upside pick here and take Jacobs if you get the chance.”

– Etan Mozia (@FF_Wonderkid)

Trayveon Williams (Texas A&M)

“The sad reality is that the NFL is not a meritocracy. Just because Trayveon Williams is the most talented RB in this class doesn’t mean he will be given the opportunity show it. He’s only 5’9 and 200 lbs, but he handled 271 carries in his junior year. He’ll never be a 300-carry back, but seldom few are these days. Obviously, since this is pre-combine, evaluations are subject to change, but Williams looks to have top-notch agility and a knack for making defenders miss in the open field. He’s competent in the passing game and doesn’t shy away from contact when necessary (which may result in a repeat of his injury-riddled sophomore season). If he can stay healthy, Williams is the most complete prospect in a deep RB class, but one that’s lacking that top end talent. Not everyone has to be Saquon Barkley. Williams can be this year’s Phillip Lindsay.”

– Jason Katz (@jasonkatz13)

Devin Singletary (FAU)

“My favorite RB in this class is Devin Singletary. They call him “Motor” as in he has one and it never stops running! He’s a patient runner with great feet and quick change of direction — he’s always moving forward. Not the fastest RB but uses a combination of power, quick cuts, and great lateral agility to maintain movement and get up to speed quickly. Running tough inside, between the tackles, he creates yards for himself with excellent vision and contact balance that is amazing to watch. Although he thrives more through finesse than running guys over, over the past two seasons Singletary was the best FBS RB in missed tackles forced (according to PFF). He consistently demonstrated a complete lack of respect for arm tackles! While landing spot can make a difference in determining the value of rookie draft picks, this kid can become an NFL team’s RB1 and end up being the best pro back from this draft. For immediate fantasy purposes, I’d selfishly like to see Motor drafted by Chicago, Kansas City, or Baltimore. I’m not going to cite his ridiculously good college stats or get caught up in his 40-time. But keep an eye on his numbers at the NFL Scouting Combine. I have a feeling he is going to do very well, complement his rushing prowess, and rise on draft boards.”

– Jeremy Browand (@DFF_Madman)

Darrell Henderson (Memphis)

“My favorite and most intriguing RB prospect this year is Darrell Henderson. His rushing efficiency and production were elite — he accumulated 3,070 rushing yards on 344 carries over the past two seasons. That’s an average of 8.9 YPC, which ranked first among all D1 running backs. At 5’9, 200 lbs, he’s not viewed as a physically dominant prospect but his tape reminds me a lot of Dalvin Cook at the collegiate level. While Henderson may not be as much of a natural runner as Cook, they share a lot of the same explosive qualities and traits. I believe Henderson has the potential to be the most productive rookie RB next year, and I will be claiming as many fantasy shares as possible for this upcoming season.”

– Chuck Gioffre (@cgioffre34)

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