NFL Draft Projections: Chris Polk Will Run His Way into Late First Round

In three years as the Washington Huskies' lead back, Chris Polk did everything he possibly could to help them win.

In his redshirt season they were 0-12. At the time of his departure, the program has just completed its second straight bowl appearance. 

Polk was big part of that, and leaves Seattle as the school's second all-time leading rusher, only 57 yards behind Napoleon Kaufman. Polk, however, owns school records for career carries and average per game.

He ran for over 1,400 yards for the second straight season (third straight 1,000-plus yard season) and has demonstrated throughout his career the ability to succeed in the NFL.

At 5'11", 222 pounds, Polk has ideal size to be a between-the-tackles runner at the next level. He does a great job of getting north and south and doesn't dance a lot. He isn't a burner with breakaway speed, but he has solid vision, feels cutback lanes well and is dedicated to winning.

When he declared for the draft, he said, "I'm ready to move on to the next phase of my life. I may not be the biggest or the fastest but I will do whatever it takes to win."

And NFL teams know this.

Even at his size and with his typical work inside, Polk can make plays out of the backfield and caught a career high 31 passes for 332 yards and four touchdowns this season. And, most importantly, he's willing to step up and take on a blitzer.

He's a complete running back prospect with a lot to like. Like every NFL draft prospect he can still improve, but that is a good thing because he can also get better. 

Polk is in direct competition with Lamar Miller of Miami and David Wilson of Virginia Tech as the No. 2 back off the board.

Miller is 5'11", 212 pounds with reported sub-4.40 40-yard-dash speed. Wilson is 5'10", 205 pounds with very good playmaking skills and versatility. All three are underclassmen (although Polk received his degree), fringe first-round talents and can do a variety of things for NFL teams.

The late first round is the ideal position for selecting a running back and it wouldn't be surprising to hear all four names—including Trent Richardson, who is expected to be called in the top 10 of the first round.

Whichever team drafts Polk won't be left looking for much. He's a complete back with a lot to be excited about.