|
2008 NFL Draft Preview: Running Backs
Some teams believe a running back can be taken off the street and be successful. Others trade a whole draft to get that “special” running back (see New Orleans for Ricky Williams). No one really knows the answer, but NFL teams do know that a stud running back can bring stability to an offense for years.
Darren McFadden, Arkansas – What can be said about a two-time Heisman runner up? 4.27 (or 4.33) in the 40 yard dash coupled with unbelievable acceleration and quickness tied into a 6’1” 211lb frame, McFadden has ran through the toughest conference in football (SEC) for 4,485 yards and 40 touchdowns in three seasons. McFadden runs tough, does not go down easy, is very elusive, and he plays with an attitude. The only knock on McFadden is ball security, blocking, and his unconventional college offense, but that has been overshadowed by his supreme athleticism and size. Jonathan Stewart, Oregon – Stewart has been a NASFA favorite for over a year and his productive junior season coupled with a great combine shows exactly why. At 235 pounds, Stewart ran a 4.48 40 and showed tremendous athleticism with his vertical leap, and in the weight room. Stewart is a well rounded back that can catch the ball as well as being the top blocking running back in this class. Jonathan Stewart has power to run between the tackles and also has the speed to bounce it outside for a big gain. Another thing that makes Stewart a great prospect is that he only carried the load for one season at Oregon, leaving him with fresh legs to start his career. Rashard Mendenhall, Illinois – Mendenhall was the only player for the Illini that looked as though he belonged on the field with USC in the Rose Bowl. At 225lbs, Mendenhall has a very impressive physique and great elusiveness. He showed his top end speed at the combine running an unofficial 4.37 and a 4.45. Rashard got more opportunities to receive the ball out of the backfield than McFadden or Stewart, but he’s not a polished receiver. Great in between the tackles and tough to bring down, Mendenhall can be a workhorse at the next level. Sleeper: Xavier Omon, NW Missouri St – Omon has been a collegiate workhorse racking up over 1,200 carries in his 54 game career. Omon is 5’-10” 228lbs and ran for 2,337 yards and 37 td’s in Division II this past season. Xavier is a very physical running back with great power that punishes potential tacklers like Marion Barber. Xavier’s superior blocking ability gives him the potential to play some fullback or be that power back in a two-back system down the road. Potential Bust: Felix Jones, Arkansas – Jones was a great college running back in a two-back system. I put him as a potential bust because there is a great chance he’ll be a first round pick. NFL GM’s don’t often draft running backs in the first round with the hopes of them being a part-time running back. Felix has never carried the load, which is ok, but has also rarely ran between the tackles or picked up yards after contact. Top 10 Running Backs in 2008 Draft: - Darren McFadden – ARKANSAS
- Jonathan Stewart – OREGON
- Rashard Mendenhall – ILLINOIS
- Chris Johnson – ECU
- Ray Rice – RUTGERS
- Steve Slaton – WVU
- Kevin Smith – UCF
- Felix Jones – ARKANSAS
- Mike Hart – MICHIGAN
- Matt Forte - TULANE
|
