4. Trey Sermon, SR, Ohio State
Sermon is a late bloomer. He was good, but not great in a crowded backfield at Oklahoma. After transferring to Ohio State, he did not break out until the last couple games of the regular season. However, what he showed is very promising.
In those last few games, he looked like Josh Jacobs the way he finished his runs and his ability to gain yards after contact. The question for Sermon will be whether or not he can play at a high level for a full 16-game season. Also, he will need to prove he is not a liability on third down, something the Raiders should keep an eye on.
Grade: Third round
5. Khalil Herbert, RS SR, Virginia Tech
Herbert has great vision and decisiveness as a runner. He is very sudden when he picks his spots. Also, he displayed potential value in the return game. He is probably not a three-down back in the NFL, as he’s not a great receiver and lacks the size and strength to be a good pass blocker despite showing a willingness to do so. Raheem Mostert feels like a solid comp.
Grade: Top 100 pick
6. Michael Carter, SR, North Carolina
Carter is a slippery back that excels in the passing game. Make no mistake, he can run the ball well too. He was a great complimentary piece to Javonte Williams at UNC. That is likely his best role in the NFL as well. He would be well suited to be used like Nyheim Hines with the Colts. However, Carter may have more upside.
Grade: Early fourth round
7. Jermar Jefferson, JR, Oregon State
His film against Oregon will leave some teams salivating over his home run ability. There were several runs where it looked like a defensive back had a good pursuit angle and he just runs past them. That is against Oregon, a team with NFL caliber athletes. His burst is impressive, but his high-end speed is not at an elite level that he can rely on that alone at the next level. The problem is that he does not get much after contact. He could do well in the right system if paired with another back, similar to Aaron Jones, possibly.
Grade: Fourth Round
[tps_title]The best of the rest[/tps_title]