While recent drafts haven’t been so kind of top college running backs, not many college running backs have finished with the kind of kick Auburn’s Tre Mason did.
The school announced the junior running back will leave school to enter the NFL Draft.
Mason gained 1,816 yards on 317 carries this season, including 23 touchdowns. He averaged 5.7 yards per attempt, and put up an amazing 304 yards on Missouri in the SEC title game. His 195 yards against Florida State in the national title game was merely exceptional.
Only four running backs have been drafted in the first round of the last three drafts, none last year. And of that group, only Trent Richardson (third overall by the Browns in 2012, and then traded to the Colts) was chosen higher than 28th.
Mason certainly has value, but he’s entering the league at a time when backs are having a harder time getting people to spend high picks or big money on them.