Five running backs the Colts should target in the 2020 NFL Draft

It isn’t a pressing need, but the running back position is one the Indianapolis Colts could target later in the 2020 NFL Draft.

The Indianapolis Colts currently have seven selections in the 2020 NFL Draft, and it sounds like by Friday, Chris Ballard will have acquired a couple more on top of it. Pressing needs at wide receiver, corner, and quarterback are ones that likely will be addressed earlier in the draft, and possibly offensive line along with those. However, don’t forget about the running back position, a position Ballard could target to reinforce on day three.

Earlier in the offseason, Ballard talked about current starter Marlon Mack, and how it would be unlikely for the Colts to extend him, even after the 2020 season. That mentality has many believing running back will be addressed at some point here, maybe even earlier than expected, to get a starter in the building for the future.

Let’s look at five day three targets for the Colts at running back.

Darius Anderson, TCU

Electric is a good word to describe TCU running back Darius “Jet” Anderson. Anderson is lethal in open space with his burst and lateral movement skills. He is a tough runner between the tackles and should be listed with some of the top receiving backs in the entire class.

Anderson also tested well, and good athletes are important to Ballard. Plus, he played down at the Senior Bowl. Philip Rivers would love to have him in an Austin Ekeler role.

Anthony McFarland, Maryland

Anthony McFarland will likely be another one-cut back in the NFL, and he hangs his hat on his burst and long speed to make an impact. McFarland doesn’t shy away from contact and brings enough to the table as a receiver.

His testing numbers may give Ballard pause in that he has the look of a more linear back, but there’s upside there on day three of the 2020 NFL Draft.

Lamical Perine, Florida

If a tough, between the tackles runner is what the Colts want, look no further on day three than Lamical Perine. Perine produced well with the Florida Gators. He is a bull when he gets carries, rarely ever going down on first contact and picks up extra yardage after said contact. Perine is outstanding in pass protection, and provides some ability as a pass catcher.

He won’t have the game breaking speed that others do here on the list, but Perine would complement Nyheim Hines well in Indy and thrive on early downs.

Darrynton Evans, Appalachian State

Darrynton Evans has quickly become the darling of the 2020 NFL Draft running back class, and there are flashes to see why. Evans has great straight line speed, and that explosiveness is important in today’s game. He is a “one cut and go” type of back, and he shows a good ability to make defenders miss in open space.

Evans tested extremely well at the combine, running a 4.41 in the 40 and logging very good explosion numbers. If he can get better and creating near the line of scrimmage and working more through contact, he will have a solid career. The Colts would be a great fit for him.

JaMycal Hasty, Baylor

JaMycal Hasty hasn’t gotten the attention he should be in this running back group. He’s got great burst and the long speed to erase angles. What separates Hasty the most from the players above is that he’s so sudden in terms of lateral quickness, and can easily shift to the open gap at the line of scrimmage, not to mention making defenders look foolish in space. Hasty also lined up in the slot at times and will be effective in the passing game.

His production wasn’t great at Baylor, but he tested well enough and looked good at the Senior Bowl and on-field combine drills. It’s hard not to see some Devonta Freeman in his game.

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