It has been more than a month since the release of my "too early" Big Board for the 2016 NFL draft, a ranking that includes 2015 underclassmen. For this, I'll go a little deeper into each position group, so you'll get an idea of more than 100 of the top NFL prospects for 2016. It goes without saying that these rankings are preliminary, as I have countless hours of evaluation still ahead for the 2016 class.
A couple of important notes about the rankings below:
• I've split them into seniors and underclassmen; it's important to have a baseline number of seniors because those players are certain to be a part of the 2016 NFL draft process (if they so choose).
• I won't go too heavy into actual scouting reports, as those are still works in progress.
With those parameters in mind, here's an early look at the top running back and fullback prospects in the 2016 draft class.
(** Denotes a player who is a redshirt sophomore)
Top 5 senior running backs
1. Jonathan Williams, Arkansas Razorbacks: Part of a loaded backfield (see below), Williams has quick feet and can create space laterally without losing much steam. The fact that he gets to split the carries is a good thing for his NFL prospects.
2. D.J. Foster, Arizona State Sun Devils: A nifty runner, Foster gets major bonus points because he's also a gifted receiver out of the backfield, piling up 163 catches in three years. That gives him a high floor in the draft.
3. Devontae Booker, Utah Utes: Compact and explosive, Booker broke out last season after going the junior college route. Health will be worth watching, as he's the focal point of this offense -- he caught 43 passes to go with 292 rush attempts last season.
4. Devon Johnson, Marshall Thundering Herd: Johnson played two full seasons at tight end before a switch to running back turned him into a legit NFL prospect. At 243 pounds, he has tight end size, but "Rockhead" has relatively quick feet -- he can appear off-balance when he's moving laterally -- and is tough to drop at the second level.
5. Kenneth Dixon, Louisiana Tech Bulldogs: A decisive runner, Dixon is explosive once he puts a foot in the ground and drives down the field. He's not extremely shifty, but he's difficult to square up. Dixon does not shy from contact, and can drop a shoulder on you if you try to tackle him high in open space.
Top 5 underclassmen running backs
1. Ezekiel Elliott, Ohio State Buckeyes: He finished last season with 696 yards rushing in his last three games, translating to a cool 9.2 yards per carry. Elliott is nimble enough to turn a small crease into a huge gain, and he's deceptively powerful at 225 pounds. He needs to stay healthy, but he should also get plenty of rest as the Buckeyes run over a number of teams in 2015.
2. Derrick Henry, Alabama Crimson Tide: Somewhat quietly, Henry had more total yards and a better yards-per-carry average than teammate (and second-round pick) T.J. Yeldon last season. At 241 pounds, Henry has great feet, given his size, and can drop a shoulder and drag tacklers.
3. James Conner, Pittsburgh Panthers: Unless you square him up, Conner is going to run right through you. He's a well-proportioned 250 pounds, and he shows patience in allowing blocking lanes to emerge, as well as a second gear to run away from defenders. Expect the Panthers, with a run-first offensive coordinator in town, to load Conner up in 2015.
4. Alex Collins, Arkansas Razorbacks: Collins has backed up a stellar prep career that saw him ranked as the top RB in the country by one recruiting service. He has been able to add muscle without sacrificing speed, and should have a huge year in the Razorbacks' system.
5. Corey Clement, Wisconsin Badgers: He ran for 949 yards at 6.5 yards per carry last season, but few knew about it, given the exploits of Melvin Gordon III. It won't surprise anyone if he's easily over 1,500 yards in 2015.
Top 5 senior fullbacks
1. Derek Watt, Wisconsin Badgers
2. Joe Kerridge, Michigan Wolverines
4. Dakota Gordon, San Diego State Aztecs
5. Trevon Pendleton, Michigan State Spartans
Derek is in fact the younger brother of J.J. Watt. He was also once a defender (OLB) but has been excellent since converting to fullback. He came back from a broken foot last year. Kerridge is a true blocking fullback, as he enters his senior season with three career carries (though he did break off a 52-yard run last season).
Top 5 underclassmen fullbacks
1. Glenn Gronkowski, Kansas State Wildcats
2. Freddie Stevenson, Florida State Seminoles
3. **Austin Ramesh, Wisconsin Badgers
4. Sam Rogers, Virginia Tech Hokies
5. Kevin Marquez, Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Glenn is the youngest of the Gronk brothers. He hasn't caught many passes, but he does offer good length and reliable hands, so I wouldn't be surprised to see him get a few more throws during the next two seasons.