2021 running back class shows Arizona Cardinals were smart about their 2020 running back room

The transition tag of Kenyan Drake and subsequent dealing of David Johnson meant the Arizona Cardinals were mostly comfortable with what they had at running back heading in 2020.

With Chase Edmonds back as the lead backup and seventh round pick Eno Benjamin rounding out a nice backfield the Arizona Cardinals running back room is stocked and ready for the season.

The 2021 draft class also made the Cardinals short-term outlook for the position make more sense.

While Drake has shown good things, his asking price for a long-term contract was too much for his career thus far.

If he performs well enough in 2020 to deserve that contract he’ll likely be able to get it elsewhere while the Cardinals can dive into a deep and talent rich running back class.

With Edmonds and Eno likely to be back in 2021 the Cardinals can look at a bevy of options at the position.

The ‘21 class boast players like Travis Etienne, Chubba Hubbard, and Najee Harris to name a few. All three would likely have been top 100 picks in 2020 if they decided to come out.

Then you have the names you may not have heard unless you’re a big time college football fan: Max Borghi, Kylin Hill, and Journey Brown to name a few.

The talent in ‘21 makes the Cardinals 2020 plan a clear one that will get them the most now while leaving the door open for the future.