Alabama and Clemson are the dominant two programs in college football. Nick Saban and Dabo Swinney are the two biggest winners in today’s college game. Thus, it should be no surprise that they sent off the two top running backs to the 2021 NFL Draft. Of course, times are much different in today’s pro football. Back in the day, running back was a key position for the NFL Draft. These days it is often a secondary consideration. NFL offenses prioritize quarterbacks above all else. As a result, few running backs are listed in the first round with the NFL Draft odds. Alabama’s Najee Harris is chalk as the first back taken in the 2021 NFL Draft. Second, on the board is Clemson’s Travis Etienne. It’s no accident that college football’s top two programs have the two favored running back prospects. The question gamblers have is if there are any attractive alternatives available.
2021 NFL Draft – First Running Back Picked
When: Thursday, April 29, 2021
Where: Cleveland, Ohio
TV: ESPN
NFL Draft Odds at BookMaker.eu
Najee Harris -140
Travis Etienne +200
Javonte Williams +450
Michael Carter +3500
Kenneth Gainwell +4000
Trey Sermon +4000
Chuba Hubbard +5000
Jaret Patterson +6000
Kylin Hill +7000
2021 NFL Draft First Running Back Taken Bookmaker Odds Overview
College football remains a traditional power game, which is undoubtedly a factor for the 2021 NFL Draft. Alabama and Clemson are the top two college football betting programs in the sport and annual College Football Playoff contenders. And that success means that their players have name recognition with gamblers. NFL Draft information is easy to get, which means that there aren’t many secrets for Draft Day. All of it adds up in making Harris and Etienne favorites to go before anyone else at the running back position.
Najee Harris – Alabama Crimson Tide -140
Najee Harris is one of college football’s biggest names with gamblers. Harris played through his senior season, and that served to build up his brand with the public. However, Harris wasn’t a starter until the 2019 campaign. Last season, Harris showed tremendous improvement as a receiver coming out of the backfield. That prepared him to be a coveted NFL three-down back. Harris combines the speed and power that makes NFL scouts mark up his grades. He is excellent at breaking tackles and a challenging back to bring down. Harris brings a lower body strength that allows him to keep gaining yards through enemy defenses. The only criticism of Harris is that he is not a game-breaker.
Travis Etienne – Clemson Tigers +200
Travis Etienne was expected to enter the 2020 NFL Draft as a first-round pick but instead chose to return to Clemson for his senior season. Etienne had a decent 2020 campaign. But he was nowhere near his production levels of 2018 and 2019. Most analysts write that off to COVID-19. Like Najee Harris, Etienne combines speed and power and, when needed, he can utilize each quality. Etienne actually rates higher than Harris for his potential to break off significant gains.
Javonte Williams – North Carolina +450
North Carolina’s Javonte Harris rates as the best wild card among running backs. He grades closer to Harris and Etienne than many gamblers realize. Coaches love his power ability for the pro game. In the 2020 campaign, he ran for 1140 yards and 7.3 yards per rush.
2021 NFL Draft First Running Back Taken Bookmaker Free Picks
Najee Harris is the obvious 2021 NFL Draft betting choice. Gamblers and clubs are comfortable with his resume. However, Javonte Williams could bring the most value to teams and gamblers.
2021 NFL Draft First Running Back Taken Best Bet: Najee Harris
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