2021 NFL draft: Comparing the top running backs’ advanced numbers

During Mike LaFleur’s time in San Francisco, the 49ers offense was well-known for its usage of a “running back by committee” approach. In 2020, for example, San Francisco had three different running backs carry the ball at least 80 times. As things stand now, the New York Jets have a running back room that is well-constructed to mirror that mentality, headlined by the quartet of Josh Adams, Tevin Coleman, Ty Johnson, and La’Mical Perine. Nevertheless, with no running back on the roster who has averaged even just 40.0 rushing yards per game in either of the last two seasons, the Jets should still be on the lookout for running back talent. Can they find value at the position in the draft? Let’s compare the advanced stats of some of the top names in the 2021 running back class. Here are the prospects we will be comparing today: Travis Etienne, Clemson Najee Harris, Alabama Javonte Williams, North Carolina Michael Carter, North Carolina Kenneth Gainwell, Memphis (2020 opt-out, stats will be from 2019) Trey Sermo