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2018 NFL Scouting Combine: Top 5 running backs to watch

By Florito Maniego

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 30: Running back Saquon Barkley #26 of the Penn State Nittany Lions runs the football 92 yards to score a touchdown against the Washington Huskies during the first half of the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 30: Running back Saquon Barkley #26 of the Penn State Nittany Lions runs the football 92 yards to score a touchdown against the Washington Huskies during the first half of the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 27: Akrum Wadley #25 of the Iowa Hawkeyes breaks a tackle attempt by Lukas Denis #21 of the Boston College Eagles during the second half of the New Era Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium on December 27, 2017 in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Iowa Hawkeyes won 27-20. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 27: Akrum Wadley #25 of the Iowa Hawkeyes breaks a tackle attempt by Lukas Denis #21 of the Boston College Eagles during the second half of the New Era Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium on December 27, 2017 in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Iowa Hawkeyes won 27-20. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images) /

No. 5: Akrum Wadley (Iowa)

Iowa’s Akrum Wadley is an under-the-radar player, who would flourish under head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense. Shanahan likes having hybrid running backs, who also can catch the ball well, especially in his sophisticated West Coast offense.

Listed at 5-foot-9 and 188 pounds, Wadley is productive both as a runner and a receiver. Wadley can be compared to Eagles RB Darren Sproles, who has found success in the pros as a quick and speedy receiving back.

Most notably, Wadley showcased his exceptional speed on a 70-yard receiving touchdown against Penn State on Sept. 23:

Despite being undersized, Wadley can still serve as a workhorse back with incredible quickness, vision and explosiveness. Wadley has also shown his physicality and toughness, which should translate well in the NFL.

Many scouts have considered Wadley to be one of the fastest running backs in this year’s draft. Wadley is projected to have a 4.50 40-time, according to Walter Football.

Although, because of his lack of size and strength, Wadley might fall to the third or fourth round, per NFL.com. Regardless, Wadley would be a dangerous pass catcher and rotational back who can even serve as a return man in the next level.