Rating the top running backs in the 2016 NFL Draft

Included in measurables are height, weight, age they turn this year (if available) and 40-yard-dash time.

1. EZEKIEL ELLIOTT, Ohio State

Measurables: 6-0, 225, 21, 4.47

Bio: Two-year starter who rushed 289 times for 1,821 yards and 23 touchdowns in 13 games in 2015. Also caught 27 passes for 206 yards and zero touchdowns. Declared after true junior season.

Consensus: Is young for a prospect. Super-productive downhill runner with excellent size, burst and home-run speed; rarely gets caught from behind in the open field. Workhorse with dynamism. Has impressed teams with his high football IQ. Is a willing and capable blocker. Has a good mindset for a power runner, runs with physicality and takes pleasure in it. Entered the combine with questions about his catching ability, and had a few more drops than you'd like but has large hands (10 1/4) and has flashed the ability to be an effective receiver. Wants the football; was openly critical of his offensive coordinator after a late-season home less to Michigan State that cost the Buckeyes a berth in the Big Ten championship game.

Grade: 7.0

2. DERRICK HENRY, Alabama

Measurables: 6-3, 247, 22, 4.54

Bio: One-year starter who rushed 395 times for 2,219 yards and 28 touchdowns in 15 games in 2015. Also caught 11 passes for 91 yards and zero touchdowns. Declared after true junior season.

Consensus: The 2015 Heisman Trophy winner is an enormous back who punishes defensive backs but appears to be most comfortable running outside and could be suited for a one-cut, zone running scheme. Has good athleticism; posted a good vertical (37 inches) and broad jump (130 inches). Answered questions about his timed speed with a solid combine 40. Also entered with questions about his hands. Shouldered a very heavy load for the Crimson Tide in 2015, logging 406 touches. Recent specter of disappointing Alabama-to-the-NFL running backs (Trent Richardson, Mark Ingram) could loom come draft day, but some team will gamble on the closest thing to Eddie George in years.

Grade: 6.8

3. KENNETH DIXON, Louisiana Tech

Measurables: 5-10, 215, 22, 4.58

Bio: Four-year starter who rushed 197 times for 1,070 yards and 19 touchdowns in 11 games in 2015. Also caught 34 passes for 467 yards and seven touchdowns.

Consensus: Good vertical (37.5) and three-cone (6.97). Extremely productive runner who has gotten it done as a runner and receiver. Not a burner but has quick feet, good vision and a natural feel for running. One-cut back who gets upfield quickly with good initial burst and decent power. Has flashed the ability to make the tough catch out of the backfield (Ark. St '15). Consistent receiver who runs decent routes. Is not an overpowering blocker; simply tries to get in the way but gives good effort and will take a kill shot if it's there.Was banged up last season, and there might be some long-term durability concerns.

Grade: 6.5

4. DEVONTAE BOOKER, Utah

Measurables: 5-11, 219, 24, DNR

Bio: Two-year starter who rushed 268 times for 1,261 yards and 11 touchdowns in 10 games in 2015. Also caught 37 passes for 318 yards and four touchdowns. Junior college transfer.

Consensus: Squatty, strongly-built back. Was a productive receiver as a senior, has shown the ability to contribute as a three-down back. Has quick feet and is fairly elusive in the open field; can make defenders miss. Decent shiftiness. Runs with toughness and can break arm tackles but isn't a bruiser. Solid vision; has a nice feel for finding the crease. Very willing blocker who tries to carry out his assignment. Has small hands (8 5/8 inches) and has had a problem with fumbles (16 for his career).

Grade: 6.4

*Did not run 40 as he recovers from a torn meniscus

5. JORDAN HOWARD, Indiana

Measurables: 6-0, 230, 22, 4.59

Bio: Three-year starter who rushed 196 times for 1,213 yards and nine touchdowns in nine games in 2015. Also caught 11 passes for 106 yards and one touchdown. Transferred from UAB when the program shut down before the 2015 season. Declared after true junior season.

Consensus: Didn't run at the combine, but posted his 40-yard dash time at his pro day. Suffered a knee injury late in the season that caused him to miss some games. Big-body, one-cut back who runs downhill. Isn't afraid to lower his shoulder and run with some power. Not a burner but has adequate speed and can hit the corner. Shows a little make-you-miss ability in close quarters. Not super productive as a receiver; other backs have more of a resume there. Needs to keep developing as a route-runner and blocker; rarely delivers the blow in pass protection.

Grade: 6.4

Others to watch: Alex Collins, Arkansas; Kenyan Drake, Alabama; Paul Perkins, UCLA; C.J. Procise, Notre Dame; Kelvin Taylor, Florida; Dan Vitale, Northwestern (FB).

This story was originally published April 24, 2016 at 7:43 PM with the headline "Rating the top running backs in the 2016 NFL Draft."