Uncertain Running Back Depth Brings The Next Candidate

We have seen some inconsistencies this season with the backup running back position. Trey Sermon has been inconsistent and, at times, underwhelming. Tyler Goodson has been all right, but has not seen the field much due to his position on the depth chart. However, when Jonathan Taylor was out this season with an ankle sprain, we saw Goodson have some great moments. We know Jonathan Taylor is the do-everything back, but a heavy workload can weigh on the health of him at times. We have seen numerous franchises move to a “committee” in the backfield, and the Colts have a chance to get some impactful depth at the position in April.

Current Tankathon Draft Position
Round 2, Pick 47
The Colts Select
Kalel Mullings/RB Michigan

I know this may seem a bit high for Mullings now, but his stock has dropped for nothing of his own doing. The football team that Michigan has put on the field this year has been very underwhelming in all three phases. Many factors have contributed to the poor performance on the field: the coaching, the high number of players that left the program for the NFL, and not having a viable QB this season either.

Mullings is part of a committee with Michigan RB Donovan Edwards. The committee before that was now-Rams RB Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards. I mention it because he switched from linebacker to running back as both backs got banged up his junior season. He was able to transition to the position seamlessly and continue this season as the lead back.

If Mullings can have a strong combine and continue to show his talent this season, he should shoot back up draft boards. He has been unable to put up big numbers because Michigan has been down on the scoreboard, so they have had to rely on the passing game at the end of games. Mullings' best showing this season was against USC in Ann Arbor, where he had 17 carries for 159 yards and two touchdowns.

He is not the fastest running back in this class, but he has played in big games and delivered in those moments. He has great size, and with the conversion from the linebacker position, he knows how to block and can deliver in that department. We know how much emphasis this staff puts on pass blocking from their backfield. His blocking can also be helpful on special teams, which will make him more viable as an early round candidate - for not only the Colts, but other teams as well.