The Alabama Crimson Tide has an embarrassment of riches in the backfield, and one of its running backs could hear his name called very early in next year's draft. ESPN analyst Todd McShay recently updated his top 32 draft rankings, and slots Bo Scarbrough inside the top 15.
RELATED: 2018 NFL Draft Rankings: Running Backs Led by Bo Scarbrough, Saquon Barkley
TOP DRAFT PROSPECTS: SEC West | SEC East
In his updated top 32 rankings, McShay slots Scarbrough in at the No. 14 spot.
Here's what he has to say about the Alabama back (Insider access required):
A big-time high school recruit, Scarbrough came on strong the final three games of 2016 before suffering a broken leg in the title game against Clemson. He runs behind his pads, and his body control and balance are outstanding. With only 33 carries so far in 2017, Alabama is easing him back into action as he comes back from injury.
Let's update those statistics — through five games this season Scarbrough has 50 carries for 239 yards and four touchdowns, adding 7 receptions for 57 yards.
Bama is indeed easing Scarbrough back into the game plan as he continues to work back from injury, and it's been easy for the Tide to do so as they have systematically crushed opponents each week.
Scarbrough has yet to put up a 100-yard game — or come close — because he hasn't had to. Alabama has a stable of running backs behind him in Damien Harris and Najee Harris — why risk overworking him when you can sub in someone who will be similarly effective?
Still, Scarbrough is clearly the top back on the team, and the added threat of the passing game has made him that much more attractive to NFL scouts.
In 20 career games heading into this season, Scarbrough had just 4 catches for 22 yards. He's already doubled that production through five games this season, and you'd expect him to be used even more as conference play continues.
Currently, McShay has Scarbrough ranked third among running backs behind Heisman Trophy front-runner Saquon Barkley out of Penn State (No. 4) and fellow SEC back Derrius Guice from LSU (No. 11).
COMPARE: Bo Scarbrough vs. Saquon Barkley
COMPARE: Bo Scarbrough vs. Derrius Guice
Scarbrough is setting himself up nicely to be one of the top running backs selected in the 2018 NFL Draft.
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NEXT: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Way-Too-Early Preseason Edition
