Jones-Drew ranks top running back prospect seventh

Former NFL running back Maurice Jones-Drew has ranked this year's running back prospects ahead of the upcoming NFL draft, and his list includes some surprising placements. Omarion Hampton, a consensus top pick, was ranked seventh by Jones-Drew. Many consider Hampton to be the second-best running back in the draft, behind Ashton Jeanty. This low ranking has raised eyebrows among fans and experts alike. Jones-Drew played nine seasons in the NFL, mainly with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He had his best season in 2011, with 1,606 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. His experience gives weight to his opinions, making his views on Hampton notable. The current running back class is seen as strong, with several elite players. However, Jones-Drew's opinion on Hampton differs from most mock drafts, which often project him going in the late first round. Teams like the Minnesota Vikings and Pittsburgh Steelers are mentioned as possible landing spots. Another notable absence from Jones-Drew's rankings is Kaleb Johnson from Iowa. Many view him as a top-five running back in this draft. His omission from the top ten has also sparked discussions. As the draft approaches, opinions on running backs may shift. This year’s class is considered deep, which might lead teams to wait longer before picking a running back. This situation could impact Hampton's draft position, possibly leading him to drop out of the first round. With the NFL combine already completed, it remains to be seen if consensus rankings will align more closely with Jones-Drew's list in the weeks leading up to the draft.