Non ppr rankings
Tier one
1 Barkley - most talented player, good offense, improved offensive line. Nothing else to say.
Tier two
2 penny - I wasn't enamored with him before the draft but it seems like the whole NFL loved him as we got closer to the draft and he was the second back off the board for a reason. I think the Seahawks want to build around Penny the way they built around lynch- get back to physical play and set the tone for the offense and defense.
3 Chubb - I had him neck and neck with guice before the draft, and somehow I now vastly prefer the Browns to Washington. I really don't mind the landing spot (except as a Hyde owner) because I think Chubb is the clear lead guy as early as this year and the Browns can move on from both Hyde and duke next year if they want. As a bonus, the one thing Chubb said he is working on most is the receiving game.
4 Ronald Jones - ideal landing spot. He's not a big back but he runs like a more powerful back, falling forward a ton. He's got very little competition from barber, and could get 3 down work from the start.
5 Guice- the uncertainty of the freefall is concerning, but let's assume it's nothing. He's still a guy known more for his running than receiving paired with one of the best receiving backs in the league. The opportunity is there for him to be very good, but all of these backs have that opportunity. I just don't think his better running talent outweighs his situation by enough to move him higher.
6 Kerryon - good offensive line, good passing game, mediocre competition. 3 down skills, experience against top college teams, and experience in a pro style offense. Bonus, the team traded up to get him when it didn't seem necessary and other good backs were still on the board. This is the guy they wanted. Choo choo.
7 Royce - 3 down skills, record seeing college production in a top conference, goes to a team that needs a three down back. I can't believe I have him at 7 honestly but i like all the other guys too.
8 Michel - as a patriots fan it's hard to put him 8th, but I don't trust his role and the injury history, and the Brady/ Belichick era will eventually end. The patriots paid big to get him and he should have an immediate opportunity to replace Dion's production, and while the presence of hill and white takes some shine off his receiving and touchdown production, the offense is good enough that he can still put up rb1 numbers. I admittedly was not a big Michel guy before the draft, and the first round pick should have changed my mind more.
Tier 3
Everyone else. I wouldn't take any of the receivers or qbs this year over any of these 8.