ARLINGTON- Teams have a golden opportunity to find a high starting running back or a complimentary runner to go along with their starters. This time, there is a rare instance of two top-tier running backs out of the same university. Nick Chubb and Sony Michel are ranked closely together in the prospect rankings. On CBS Sports, Chubb is the fourth best running back, followed by Michel at number five. Which one is a better running back? In order to make the best conclusion, the game film and scouting reports need to be taken into consideration. Which Georgia running back is better?
Chubb is a power back. The game film proves that he has the ability to shed off and maul defenders with relative ease. This is also confirmed on NFL.com’s scouting report. He has a nice combination of power and acceleration. He could improve on his initial burst of speed from the line of scrimmage. Once he gets into an open lane, he is tough to take down. He plays with a Jerome Bettis mentality. He doesn’t have the best speed but he wins with acceleration and trucking ability.
Michel is somewhat similar to Chubb in terms of how he runs. He has power and really good acceleration. The game film proves that Michel typically gives offensive lineman enough time to block defenders and won’t burst through a running lane too early. According to NFL.com, Chubb is a very disciplined running back and won’t try to make unnecessary moves that could result in yards lost. He needs to improve in short yardage situations. Michel needs to improve in open field situations.
Who is better? Chubb or Michel
It is very difficult to say which running back is actually the better one. Michel’s discipline will be highly valued in the NFL but Chubb has better raw ability. Chubb needs some fine tuning but polished power backs are constantly on high demand in the NFL. Although Michel is a very disciplined running back, he has to improve on technique and that means he will take more time to develop. At this time, Chubb seems to be the better running back but it isn’t by a wide gap. He understands his role but he must make sure he doesn’t try to beat defenders with elusiveness. Chubb isn’t extremely agile so he needs to finish in a similar manner to Adrian Peterson and Leonard Fournette.