Doomsday101
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By Gil Brandt
NFL.com Senior Analyst
(April 25, 2007) -- Because of the proliferation on multiple-receiver sets, many teams carry only three running backs on their rosters -- two tailbacks and one fullback.
Over the past 12 drafts, no fullback has been selected in the first round, and over the past seven drafts, only one fullback has been selected before the third round. That number could change this year.
Over the past 10 years, 30 running backs have been picked in Round 1, none have been selected No. 1 overall, and 11 have been selected in the top 10.
Times have changed -- back in 1938 and 1941, when there were 10 teams in the NFL, nine were selected in the first round in each of those years.
Last season, 22 teams had a running back who gained 1,000 yards or more -- the most since 2000, when there were 23. Jacksonville nearly had two (Fred Taylor, 1,146; Maurice Jones-Drew, 941).
1. Adrian Peterson, Oklahoma (6-1½, 217; 4.41)
Peterson had a complete workout at the 2007 NFL Scouting Combine. He ran his 40s in 4.40 and 4.42 seconds, the short shuttle in 4.40 and the three-cone drill in 7.09. He also had a 38½-inch vertical jump and a 10-foot-7 broad jump. In high school, he was named the national player of the year. In his senior season, he rushed for 2,960 yards on 252 attempts (11.7 yards per carry) and 32 touchdowns. He also played basketball and ran track. At Oklahoma, he rushed for 1,925 yards in 2004 -- an NCAA record for a freshman, and he was a true freshman that season. He played in only eight of 11 games in 2005 (ankle) and missed seven games in 2006 (broken collarbone). He has excellent power and determination, and has outstanding vision. He is a great competitor; he played in the Fiesta Bowl against Boise State when people told him not to. He runs upright and has good -- but not great -- hands (he's working on getting better). He is quiet and a very good person. He will be a Pro Bowl player.
2. Marshawn Lynch, California (5-11 1/8, 215; 4.47)
Lynch had a complete workout at the Combine. He ran his 40s in 4.45 and 4.49 seconds, the short shuttle in 4.58 and the three-cone drill in 7.14. He also had a 35½-inch vertical jump, a 10-foot-5 broad jump and 20 bench presses. In high school, he rushed for 1,722 yards in eight games in his senior season, and scored 53 touchdowns over his final two seasons. As a true freshman at Cal in 2004, he was a backup to 2,000-yard rusher J.J. Arrington, but still gained 8.8 yards per carry and scored 10 touchdowns that season. He started nine games in 2005 and 11 in 2006. He played at less than 100 percent in several games because of injury. He has natural running ability, catches the ball with ease and will block in pass protection. He will build big shoulders. There is some question about his durability, but he should be a very good player for many years.
. Chris Henry, Arizona (5-11¼, 230; 4.41)
Henry had a complete workout at the Combine. He ran his 40s in 4.40 and 4.42 seconds, the short shuttle in 4.14 and the three-cone drill in 6.96. He also had a 36-inch vertical jump, a 10-foot-7 broad jump and 26 bench presses. In high school, he was mostly a blocking back for a star rusher. He was a California state champion in the 100 meters (10.56), and also played basketball and baseball. Some college teams projected him as a linebacker. As a true freshman at Arizona in 2003, he played in two games before getting hurt. In 2004-05, he was a backup to Mike Bell, and he started six games in 2006, when he led the team with 581 rushing yards on 3.5 yards per carry. His best game was against Oregon on Nov. 18, when he rushed for 191 yards and two touchdowns, including a 61-yard score. He has everything you want in a running back -- size, speed, quick feet, overall quickness, and the power to run over people or around them. He can catch the ball with ease, but his peripheral vision is not that great. How come he didn't play more in college? He left school early. Will he be a star, regular, backup or bust? The guess here is because of his upside, he will be drafted on Day 1, perhaps late in the second round.
4. Brandon Jackson, Nebraska (5-9 7/8, 210; 4.41)
Jackson had a complete workout at the Combine. He ran his 40s in 4.39 and 4.41 seconds, the short shuttle in 4.14 and the three-cone drill in 7.00 (he ran better at Nebraska's Pro Day). He also had a 37-inch vertical jump, a 10-foot-2 broad jump and 21 bench presses. In high school, he rushed for 1,783 yards in his senior season. He also ran track. At Nebraska, he got some playing time while a true freshman in 2004. In 2005, he started two games but had shoulder problems. In 2006, he started nine games and rushed for 893 yards. He reminds you of Frank Gore. He is elusive and has very good quickness, plus good hands. He didn't have great production in college, but has a chance to be a regular and play well for a team.
5. Antonio Pittman, Ohio State (5-10¾, 207; 4.43)
Pittman had a complete workout at the Combine. He ran his 40s in 4.40 and 4.45 seconds, the short shuttle in 4.15 and the three-cone drill in 6.84 (he ran better at Nebraska's Pro Day). He also had a 36½-inch vertical jump, a 10-foot-3 broad jump and 16 bench presses. He was a "grey shirt" before playing as a freshman in 2004 and rushing for 381 yards as a backup. He rushed for 1,000 yards in his sophomore season, then rushed for 1,331 in his junior season. He became the fifth rusher in school history to achieve back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons. He makes good cuts and can elude people while running. He can hit up inside or bounce outside, and he has good hands. He has a lean body, but he's not real big. He needs to improve his pass blocking (most college backs do). He will be a starter, and with his hands, he's a three-down back. He is a patient runner with a good feel for finding the holes.
6. Brian Leonard, Rutgers (fullback) (6-1½, 226; 4.57)
Leonard had a complete workout at the Combine. He ran his 40s in 4.52 and 4.61 seconds, the short shuttle in 4.55 and the three-cone drill in 7.05. He also had a 34½-inch vertical jump, a 10-foot-2 broad jump and 28 bench presses. In four years of high school football, he amassed 107 touchdowns, 696 points and 5,854 yards. In his senior season, he had nine consecutive 200-yard games and rushed for 354 yards and four touchdowns in the state championship game. Also in high school, he competed in the 100 and 200 meters. After a redshirt season in 2002, he started 10 games in 2003 at tailback and 10 games in 2004 at fullback. He played fullback in 2006 for a team that reached the top 10 in the polls. He is a very competitive and versatile player (runs, catches and blocks). He has outstanding character. He can be a very good single-back player for an NFL team. He will start, most likely at fullback in a two-back system.
7. Kenny Irons, Auburn (5-10 5/8, 203; 4.47)
Irons had a complete workout at the Combine. He ran his 40s in 4.45 and 4.47 seconds, the short shuttle in 4.17 and the three-cone drill in 7.00. He also had a 38-inch vertical jump and a 10-foot-3 broad jump. In high school, he rushed for 1,985 yards in his senior season. He began his college career at South Carolina, and as a true freshman, he got some playing time, then transferred after his sophomore season. He had to sit out the 2004 season, then started nine games in 2005. In 2006, he battled injuries while starting nine games. He has very good running instincts with good vision and good hands. He is a good cut-back runner who needs to get better at blocking. He most likely will wind up as a change-of-pace back for some team.
8. Tony Hunt, Penn State (6-1 5/8, 233; 4.70)
At the Combine, he only lifted (24 reps); he did not run. On March 22 at PSU, he ran two 40s in 4.68 and 4.71 seconds, the short shuttle in 4.67 and the three-cone drill in 7.09. In high school, he was a running back and defensive back, and he also played basketball and threw the discus. As a true freshman at PSU in 2003, he got some playing, then he started in 35 games over the next three seasons. He rushed for 2,433 yards and 17 touchdowns over his final two years. He was voted the MVP of the Senior Bowl. He's a big, strong running back who will wear down defenses. He works hard and is very competitive. He is a good receiver. He's not real elusive and doesn't have great speed. His best fit would be with a single-back team. He will be a solid player, but not a star.
9. Lorenzo Booker, Florida State (5-10 3/8, 191; 4.50)
Booker had a complete workout at the Combine. He ran his 40s in 4.45 and 4.55 seconds, the short shuttle in 4.37 and the three-cone drill in 7.04. He also had a 35½-inch vertical jump, a 10-foot-1 broad jump and 26 bench presses. In three years of high school football, he rushed for 8,502 yards (California state record) and 137 touchdowns, and his team went 42-0. At Florida State, he was a redshirt in 2002, then in 2003 he played but did not start. He started two games in 2004, and split time with Leon Washington (N.Y. Jets) in 2005. He started 12 games in 2006. He is small, but he's very strong, has quickness and can catch the ball. He wants to run everything outside, and he like to run screens and draws. He might remind people of Warrick Dunn, also a former Seminole, but he's not as good (he won't run between the tackles like Dunn will). He was a team leader. Most likely, he will be a spot player. With his hands, he might become a third-down back.
10. Leron McClain, Alabama (fullback) (6-0 1/8, 256; 4.89)
McClain had a complete workout at the Combine. He ran his 40s in 4.88 and 4.90 seconds, the short shuttle in 4.47 and the three-cone drill in 7.14. He also had a 29½-inch vertical jump and 14 bench presses. In high school, he played defense and also had back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons, and scored 36 touchdowns. While a true freshman at Alabama, he started one game, then in 26 more over the next three seasons. A prototypical fullback, McClain is tough and a very good lead blocker. He is a hard worker, a very good competitor and will pick up the blitz. He has very good feet, but he does not have good running instincts and he's not elusive. He will be a good special-teams player. He ran better at Alabama's Pro Day on March 21 (4.76 and 4.81 at 247 pounds). This player has the same numbers Lorenzo Neal did coming out of college. New Orleans drafted Neal in Round 4 in 1993.
11. Dwayne Wright, Fresno State (5-11½, 228; 4.69)
Wright had a complete workout at the Combine. He ran his 40s in 4.66 and 4.71 seconds, the short shuttle in 4.43 and the three-cone drill in 7.23. He also had a 34-inch vertical jump, a 9-foot-6 broad jump and 14 bench presses. He went to Lincoln High school in San Diego, whose famous alumni include Marcus Allen, Terrell Davis and Akili Smith. There, he played running back and was named the area's offensive player of the year. He was an all-conference player at West Hills Junior College. He started eight games for Fresno State in 2003 and gained 1,038 yards. In the second game of the 2004 season, he tore his left patellar tendon, and did not return to action until 2006. Last season, he started 12 games and rushed for 1,462 yards, including 295 against Louisiana Tech. He's a very strong inside runner who can catch the ball and will block. He is tough to stop in goal-line and short-yardage situations. He's not a real quick starter. He's married with two children and will be a 24-year-old rookie. He needs to play for a zone running team.
12. Kolby Smith, Louisville (5-11¼, 220; 4.52)
Smith had a complete workout at the Combine. He ran his 40s in 4.50 and 4.53 seconds, the short shuttle in 4.34 and the three-cone drill in 7.22. He also had a 38-inch vertical jump, a 9-foot-6 broad jump and 18 bench presses. In high school, he was a running back and defensive back, and also was an outstanding high hurdler. He played while a true freshman at Louisville in 2003. He had been a backup to Lionel Gates and Michael Bush until last season, when he started nine games after Bush got hurt. He is strong with quick feet, but he's not a quick-cut runner. He will block and he's a good receiver. He is good in many areas, but outstanding in none. Most likely, he will be a backup at two positions.
13. Michael Bush, Louisville (6-1 3/8, 243; 4.65 est.)
Injuries prevented him from working out at the Combine, and he has not been timed this spring. A titanium rod was inserted in his tibia last September, and it was replaced with another in March 2007. He says he will be able to work out in training camp this summer. He was rated the No. 1 safety in high school football in 2002; he also played quarterback. While a true freshman at Louisville in 2003, he started in four games. He played in a three-back rotation in 2004. In 2005, he started eight games and set a school record for touchdowns (23) while gaining 1,143 yards and catching 21 passes. Before his injury (he broke his leg while having a big game against Kentucky in the season opener in 2006), he was projected to be taken late in Round 1 or early in Round 2. Drafting him will be a medical decision. He needs to control his weight. Some team will take a chance on him -- the question is when.
OTHER RBS (LISTED IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)
Jackie Battle, Houston (6-2¼, 238; 4.42)
He was not invited to the Combine. He had a great workout at Houston's Pro Day. He ran his 40s in 4.40 and 4.42 seconds, the short shuttle in 4.16 and the three-cone drill in 6.51. He also had a 41-inch vertical jump, a 10-foot-11 broad jump and 19 bench presses. He rushed for 943 yards in 2006. Could he be the Willie Parker of 2007?
Justise Hairston, Central Connecticut State (6-0, 222; 4.59)
He was not invited to the Combine. With representatives from eight NFL teams watching, he worked out at Yale and ran two 40s in 4.58 and 4.60 seconds on a fast track. He also ran the short shuttle in 4.15 and the three-cone drill in 6.94. In addition, he had a 39-inch vertical jump and a 10-foot broad jump. He started his college career at Rutgers and made the Big East all-freshman team in 2003. He transferred after the 2004 season. Last season, he rushed for 1,847 yards (on 6.7 yards per carry) and 20 touchdowns, and was named third-team All-American in Division I-AA.
Nate Ilaoa, Hawaii (5-8 7/8, 245; 4.79)
Ilaoa had a complete workout at the Combine. He ran his 40s in 4.76 and 4.81 seconds, the short shuttle in 4.42 and the three-cone drill in 7.10. He also had a 30-inch vertical jump, an 8-foot-7 broad jump and 25 bench presses. In high school in Virginia, he played wide receiver and running back. He started eight games as a wide receiver in 2002, then moved to running back in 2005 and occasionally was sent out wide. He weighed 255 pounds at Hawaii's Pro Day on March 29 and ran 4.77 and 4.80.
Tyrone Moss, Miami (Fla.) (5-9 1/8, 231; 4.79)
Moss had a complete workout at the Combine. He ran his 40s in 4.75 and 4.84 seconds, the short shuttle in 4.55 and the three-cone drill in 7.36. He also had a 31-inch vertical jump, an 8-foot-11 broad jump and 16 strength lifts. A week later at Miami's Pro Day, his weight was down to 227 pounds and he ran his 40s in 4.65 and 4.70. He ran for over 7,000 yards for Ely High in Pompano Beach, Fla. Highly touted at first and projected to be a starter in the NFL, he lost his starting job at Miami last season.
D.D. Terry, Sam Houston State (6-0 5/8, 196; 4.41)
He was not invited to the Combine. At his school's Pro Day on March 6, he ran his 40s in 4.40 and 4.42 seconds. He also had a 37½-inch vertical jump and a 10-foot broad jump. He was a running back in high school, then was moved to safety and linebacker at Sam Houston before going back to running back this season, when he rushed for 1,328 yards (6.2 per carry) and 15 touchdowns. He was named the Southland Conference Offensive Player of the Year.
Darius Walker, Notre Dame (5-10, 208; 4.57)
Walker had a complete workout at the Combine. He ran his 40s in 4.56 and 4.57 seconds, the short shuttle in 4.39 and the three-cone drill in 7.16. He also had a 40½-inch vertical jump, a 10-foot-3 broad jump and 19 strength lifts. His high school team went 58-2 in his four years on the squad and reached the state title game all four years. He ran mostly draws and screens at Notre Dame. I doubt he can be an every-down back, but he would be good as a change-of-pace back.
Garrett Wolfe, Northern Illinois (5-7½, 186; 4.41)
Wolfe was invited to the Combine, but did not run. On NIU's Pro Day on March 21, he ran his 40s in 4.39 and 4.43 on a very fast track. He also ran the short shuttle in 4.08 and the three-cone drill in 6.69. He also had a 35½-inch vertical jump, a 9-foot-8 broad jump and 22 bench presses. Over his final two seasons in high school, he rushed for 4,411 yards and 56 touchdowns. At NIU, he rushed for 5,614 yards in his career, including a 325-yard game. He has great quickness and burst, but he's quite small. He's a great person. Can he return kicks?
DeShawn Wynn, Florida (5-10 3/8, 232; 4.49)
Wynn had a complete workout at the Combine. He ran his 40s in 4.47 and 4.50 seconds, had a 31½-inch vertical jump and a 9-foot-7 broad jump. He had a great high school career in Ohio. He scored a team-high eight touchdowns in 2003 and led the team in rushing the past two seasons.
Selvin Young, Texas (5-11, 207; 4.59)
He was invited to the Combine, but did not work out. At his school's Pro Day on March 21, he ran his 40s in 4.57 and 4.60 seconds, the short shuttle in 4.24 and the three-cone drill in 7.13. He also had a 36½-inch vertical jump, a 10-foot-4 broad jump and 18 bench presses. In three years of high school football, he rushed for 4,581 yards and 53 touchdowns. In the NFL, he probably will be a backup with return ability.
OTHER FULLBACKS (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)
Deon Anderson, Connecticut (5-10¾, 243; 4.74)
Anderson had a complete workout at the Combine. He's a very good special-teams player. Teams need to check on his character.
David Herron, Michigan State (6-1, 239; 4.68)
He was not invited to the Combine. He was a fullback in high school, then played linebacker at Michigan State (three sacks in 2004). He looked good at MSU's Pro Day. He should be a good special-teams player.
Gijon Robinson, Missouri Western (6-0¾, 256; 4.76)
He had a complete workout at the Combine. He started 47 games at tight end in college. He seems to be a fullback/H-back type for the NFL.
Jason Snelling, Virginia (5-11 1/8, 230; 4.81)
He had a complete workout at the Combine. He played tailback in 2006, but would be a much better fit at fullback in the NFL. He's a good runner and blocker. Teams need to take a closer look at his medical history.
http://www.nfl.com/draft/analysis/expert/brandt/rb
NFL.com Senior Analyst
(April 25, 2007) -- Because of the proliferation on multiple-receiver sets, many teams carry only three running backs on their rosters -- two tailbacks and one fullback.
Over the past 12 drafts, no fullback has been selected in the first round, and over the past seven drafts, only one fullback has been selected before the third round. That number could change this year.
Over the past 10 years, 30 running backs have been picked in Round 1, none have been selected No. 1 overall, and 11 have been selected in the top 10.
Times have changed -- back in 1938 and 1941, when there were 10 teams in the NFL, nine were selected in the first round in each of those years.
Last season, 22 teams had a running back who gained 1,000 yards or more -- the most since 2000, when there were 23. Jacksonville nearly had two (Fred Taylor, 1,146; Maurice Jones-Drew, 941).
1. Adrian Peterson, Oklahoma (6-1½, 217; 4.41)
Peterson had a complete workout at the 2007 NFL Scouting Combine. He ran his 40s in 4.40 and 4.42 seconds, the short shuttle in 4.40 and the three-cone drill in 7.09. He also had a 38½-inch vertical jump and a 10-foot-7 broad jump. In high school, he was named the national player of the year. In his senior season, he rushed for 2,960 yards on 252 attempts (11.7 yards per carry) and 32 touchdowns. He also played basketball and ran track. At Oklahoma, he rushed for 1,925 yards in 2004 -- an NCAA record for a freshman, and he was a true freshman that season. He played in only eight of 11 games in 2005 (ankle) and missed seven games in 2006 (broken collarbone). He has excellent power and determination, and has outstanding vision. He is a great competitor; he played in the Fiesta Bowl against Boise State when people told him not to. He runs upright and has good -- but not great -- hands (he's working on getting better). He is quiet and a very good person. He will be a Pro Bowl player.
2. Marshawn Lynch, California (5-11 1/8, 215; 4.47)
Lynch had a complete workout at the Combine. He ran his 40s in 4.45 and 4.49 seconds, the short shuttle in 4.58 and the three-cone drill in 7.14. He also had a 35½-inch vertical jump, a 10-foot-5 broad jump and 20 bench presses. In high school, he rushed for 1,722 yards in eight games in his senior season, and scored 53 touchdowns over his final two seasons. As a true freshman at Cal in 2004, he was a backup to 2,000-yard rusher J.J. Arrington, but still gained 8.8 yards per carry and scored 10 touchdowns that season. He started nine games in 2005 and 11 in 2006. He played at less than 100 percent in several games because of injury. He has natural running ability, catches the ball with ease and will block in pass protection. He will build big shoulders. There is some question about his durability, but he should be a very good player for many years.
. Chris Henry, Arizona (5-11¼, 230; 4.41)
Henry had a complete workout at the Combine. He ran his 40s in 4.40 and 4.42 seconds, the short shuttle in 4.14 and the three-cone drill in 6.96. He also had a 36-inch vertical jump, a 10-foot-7 broad jump and 26 bench presses. In high school, he was mostly a blocking back for a star rusher. He was a California state champion in the 100 meters (10.56), and also played basketball and baseball. Some college teams projected him as a linebacker. As a true freshman at Arizona in 2003, he played in two games before getting hurt. In 2004-05, he was a backup to Mike Bell, and he started six games in 2006, when he led the team with 581 rushing yards on 3.5 yards per carry. His best game was against Oregon on Nov. 18, when he rushed for 191 yards and two touchdowns, including a 61-yard score. He has everything you want in a running back -- size, speed, quick feet, overall quickness, and the power to run over people or around them. He can catch the ball with ease, but his peripheral vision is not that great. How come he didn't play more in college? He left school early. Will he be a star, regular, backup or bust? The guess here is because of his upside, he will be drafted on Day 1, perhaps late in the second round.
4. Brandon Jackson, Nebraska (5-9 7/8, 210; 4.41)
Jackson had a complete workout at the Combine. He ran his 40s in 4.39 and 4.41 seconds, the short shuttle in 4.14 and the three-cone drill in 7.00 (he ran better at Nebraska's Pro Day). He also had a 37-inch vertical jump, a 10-foot-2 broad jump and 21 bench presses. In high school, he rushed for 1,783 yards in his senior season. He also ran track. At Nebraska, he got some playing time while a true freshman in 2004. In 2005, he started two games but had shoulder problems. In 2006, he started nine games and rushed for 893 yards. He reminds you of Frank Gore. He is elusive and has very good quickness, plus good hands. He didn't have great production in college, but has a chance to be a regular and play well for a team.
5. Antonio Pittman, Ohio State (5-10¾, 207; 4.43)
Pittman had a complete workout at the Combine. He ran his 40s in 4.40 and 4.45 seconds, the short shuttle in 4.15 and the three-cone drill in 6.84 (he ran better at Nebraska's Pro Day). He also had a 36½-inch vertical jump, a 10-foot-3 broad jump and 16 bench presses. He was a "grey shirt" before playing as a freshman in 2004 and rushing for 381 yards as a backup. He rushed for 1,000 yards in his sophomore season, then rushed for 1,331 in his junior season. He became the fifth rusher in school history to achieve back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons. He makes good cuts and can elude people while running. He can hit up inside or bounce outside, and he has good hands. He has a lean body, but he's not real big. He needs to improve his pass blocking (most college backs do). He will be a starter, and with his hands, he's a three-down back. He is a patient runner with a good feel for finding the holes.
6. Brian Leonard, Rutgers (fullback) (6-1½, 226; 4.57)
Leonard had a complete workout at the Combine. He ran his 40s in 4.52 and 4.61 seconds, the short shuttle in 4.55 and the three-cone drill in 7.05. He also had a 34½-inch vertical jump, a 10-foot-2 broad jump and 28 bench presses. In four years of high school football, he amassed 107 touchdowns, 696 points and 5,854 yards. In his senior season, he had nine consecutive 200-yard games and rushed for 354 yards and four touchdowns in the state championship game. Also in high school, he competed in the 100 and 200 meters. After a redshirt season in 2002, he started 10 games in 2003 at tailback and 10 games in 2004 at fullback. He played fullback in 2006 for a team that reached the top 10 in the polls. He is a very competitive and versatile player (runs, catches and blocks). He has outstanding character. He can be a very good single-back player for an NFL team. He will start, most likely at fullback in a two-back system.
7. Kenny Irons, Auburn (5-10 5/8, 203; 4.47)
Irons had a complete workout at the Combine. He ran his 40s in 4.45 and 4.47 seconds, the short shuttle in 4.17 and the three-cone drill in 7.00. He also had a 38-inch vertical jump and a 10-foot-3 broad jump. In high school, he rushed for 1,985 yards in his senior season. He began his college career at South Carolina, and as a true freshman, he got some playing time, then transferred after his sophomore season. He had to sit out the 2004 season, then started nine games in 2005. In 2006, he battled injuries while starting nine games. He has very good running instincts with good vision and good hands. He is a good cut-back runner who needs to get better at blocking. He most likely will wind up as a change-of-pace back for some team.
8. Tony Hunt, Penn State (6-1 5/8, 233; 4.70)
At the Combine, he only lifted (24 reps); he did not run. On March 22 at PSU, he ran two 40s in 4.68 and 4.71 seconds, the short shuttle in 4.67 and the three-cone drill in 7.09. In high school, he was a running back and defensive back, and he also played basketball and threw the discus. As a true freshman at PSU in 2003, he got some playing, then he started in 35 games over the next three seasons. He rushed for 2,433 yards and 17 touchdowns over his final two years. He was voted the MVP of the Senior Bowl. He's a big, strong running back who will wear down defenses. He works hard and is very competitive. He is a good receiver. He's not real elusive and doesn't have great speed. His best fit would be with a single-back team. He will be a solid player, but not a star.
9. Lorenzo Booker, Florida State (5-10 3/8, 191; 4.50)
Booker had a complete workout at the Combine. He ran his 40s in 4.45 and 4.55 seconds, the short shuttle in 4.37 and the three-cone drill in 7.04. He also had a 35½-inch vertical jump, a 10-foot-1 broad jump and 26 bench presses. In three years of high school football, he rushed for 8,502 yards (California state record) and 137 touchdowns, and his team went 42-0. At Florida State, he was a redshirt in 2002, then in 2003 he played but did not start. He started two games in 2004, and split time with Leon Washington (N.Y. Jets) in 2005. He started 12 games in 2006. He is small, but he's very strong, has quickness and can catch the ball. He wants to run everything outside, and he like to run screens and draws. He might remind people of Warrick Dunn, also a former Seminole, but he's not as good (he won't run between the tackles like Dunn will). He was a team leader. Most likely, he will be a spot player. With his hands, he might become a third-down back.
10. Leron McClain, Alabama (fullback) (6-0 1/8, 256; 4.89)
McClain had a complete workout at the Combine. He ran his 40s in 4.88 and 4.90 seconds, the short shuttle in 4.47 and the three-cone drill in 7.14. He also had a 29½-inch vertical jump and 14 bench presses. In high school, he played defense and also had back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons, and scored 36 touchdowns. While a true freshman at Alabama, he started one game, then in 26 more over the next three seasons. A prototypical fullback, McClain is tough and a very good lead blocker. He is a hard worker, a very good competitor and will pick up the blitz. He has very good feet, but he does not have good running instincts and he's not elusive. He will be a good special-teams player. He ran better at Alabama's Pro Day on March 21 (4.76 and 4.81 at 247 pounds). This player has the same numbers Lorenzo Neal did coming out of college. New Orleans drafted Neal in Round 4 in 1993.
11. Dwayne Wright, Fresno State (5-11½, 228; 4.69)
Wright had a complete workout at the Combine. He ran his 40s in 4.66 and 4.71 seconds, the short shuttle in 4.43 and the three-cone drill in 7.23. He also had a 34-inch vertical jump, a 9-foot-6 broad jump and 14 bench presses. He went to Lincoln High school in San Diego, whose famous alumni include Marcus Allen, Terrell Davis and Akili Smith. There, he played running back and was named the area's offensive player of the year. He was an all-conference player at West Hills Junior College. He started eight games for Fresno State in 2003 and gained 1,038 yards. In the second game of the 2004 season, he tore his left patellar tendon, and did not return to action until 2006. Last season, he started 12 games and rushed for 1,462 yards, including 295 against Louisiana Tech. He's a very strong inside runner who can catch the ball and will block. He is tough to stop in goal-line and short-yardage situations. He's not a real quick starter. He's married with two children and will be a 24-year-old rookie. He needs to play for a zone running team.
12. Kolby Smith, Louisville (5-11¼, 220; 4.52)
Smith had a complete workout at the Combine. He ran his 40s in 4.50 and 4.53 seconds, the short shuttle in 4.34 and the three-cone drill in 7.22. He also had a 38-inch vertical jump, a 9-foot-6 broad jump and 18 bench presses. In high school, he was a running back and defensive back, and also was an outstanding high hurdler. He played while a true freshman at Louisville in 2003. He had been a backup to Lionel Gates and Michael Bush until last season, when he started nine games after Bush got hurt. He is strong with quick feet, but he's not a quick-cut runner. He will block and he's a good receiver. He is good in many areas, but outstanding in none. Most likely, he will be a backup at two positions.
13. Michael Bush, Louisville (6-1 3/8, 243; 4.65 est.)
Injuries prevented him from working out at the Combine, and he has not been timed this spring. A titanium rod was inserted in his tibia last September, and it was replaced with another in March 2007. He says he will be able to work out in training camp this summer. He was rated the No. 1 safety in high school football in 2002; he also played quarterback. While a true freshman at Louisville in 2003, he started in four games. He played in a three-back rotation in 2004. In 2005, he started eight games and set a school record for touchdowns (23) while gaining 1,143 yards and catching 21 passes. Before his injury (he broke his leg while having a big game against Kentucky in the season opener in 2006), he was projected to be taken late in Round 1 or early in Round 2. Drafting him will be a medical decision. He needs to control his weight. Some team will take a chance on him -- the question is when.
OTHER RBS (LISTED IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)
Jackie Battle, Houston (6-2¼, 238; 4.42)
He was not invited to the Combine. He had a great workout at Houston's Pro Day. He ran his 40s in 4.40 and 4.42 seconds, the short shuttle in 4.16 and the three-cone drill in 6.51. He also had a 41-inch vertical jump, a 10-foot-11 broad jump and 19 bench presses. He rushed for 943 yards in 2006. Could he be the Willie Parker of 2007?
Justise Hairston, Central Connecticut State (6-0, 222; 4.59)
He was not invited to the Combine. With representatives from eight NFL teams watching, he worked out at Yale and ran two 40s in 4.58 and 4.60 seconds on a fast track. He also ran the short shuttle in 4.15 and the three-cone drill in 6.94. In addition, he had a 39-inch vertical jump and a 10-foot broad jump. He started his college career at Rutgers and made the Big East all-freshman team in 2003. He transferred after the 2004 season. Last season, he rushed for 1,847 yards (on 6.7 yards per carry) and 20 touchdowns, and was named third-team All-American in Division I-AA.
Nate Ilaoa, Hawaii (5-8 7/8, 245; 4.79)
Ilaoa had a complete workout at the Combine. He ran his 40s in 4.76 and 4.81 seconds, the short shuttle in 4.42 and the three-cone drill in 7.10. He also had a 30-inch vertical jump, an 8-foot-7 broad jump and 25 bench presses. In high school in Virginia, he played wide receiver and running back. He started eight games as a wide receiver in 2002, then moved to running back in 2005 and occasionally was sent out wide. He weighed 255 pounds at Hawaii's Pro Day on March 29 and ran 4.77 and 4.80.
Tyrone Moss, Miami (Fla.) (5-9 1/8, 231; 4.79)
Moss had a complete workout at the Combine. He ran his 40s in 4.75 and 4.84 seconds, the short shuttle in 4.55 and the three-cone drill in 7.36. He also had a 31-inch vertical jump, an 8-foot-11 broad jump and 16 strength lifts. A week later at Miami's Pro Day, his weight was down to 227 pounds and he ran his 40s in 4.65 and 4.70. He ran for over 7,000 yards for Ely High in Pompano Beach, Fla. Highly touted at first and projected to be a starter in the NFL, he lost his starting job at Miami last season.
D.D. Terry, Sam Houston State (6-0 5/8, 196; 4.41)
He was not invited to the Combine. At his school's Pro Day on March 6, he ran his 40s in 4.40 and 4.42 seconds. He also had a 37½-inch vertical jump and a 10-foot broad jump. He was a running back in high school, then was moved to safety and linebacker at Sam Houston before going back to running back this season, when he rushed for 1,328 yards (6.2 per carry) and 15 touchdowns. He was named the Southland Conference Offensive Player of the Year.
Darius Walker, Notre Dame (5-10, 208; 4.57)
Walker had a complete workout at the Combine. He ran his 40s in 4.56 and 4.57 seconds, the short shuttle in 4.39 and the three-cone drill in 7.16. He also had a 40½-inch vertical jump, a 10-foot-3 broad jump and 19 strength lifts. His high school team went 58-2 in his four years on the squad and reached the state title game all four years. He ran mostly draws and screens at Notre Dame. I doubt he can be an every-down back, but he would be good as a change-of-pace back.
Garrett Wolfe, Northern Illinois (5-7½, 186; 4.41)
Wolfe was invited to the Combine, but did not run. On NIU's Pro Day on March 21, he ran his 40s in 4.39 and 4.43 on a very fast track. He also ran the short shuttle in 4.08 and the three-cone drill in 6.69. He also had a 35½-inch vertical jump, a 9-foot-8 broad jump and 22 bench presses. Over his final two seasons in high school, he rushed for 4,411 yards and 56 touchdowns. At NIU, he rushed for 5,614 yards in his career, including a 325-yard game. He has great quickness and burst, but he's quite small. He's a great person. Can he return kicks?
DeShawn Wynn, Florida (5-10 3/8, 232; 4.49)
Wynn had a complete workout at the Combine. He ran his 40s in 4.47 and 4.50 seconds, had a 31½-inch vertical jump and a 9-foot-7 broad jump. He had a great high school career in Ohio. He scored a team-high eight touchdowns in 2003 and led the team in rushing the past two seasons.
Selvin Young, Texas (5-11, 207; 4.59)
He was invited to the Combine, but did not work out. At his school's Pro Day on March 21, he ran his 40s in 4.57 and 4.60 seconds, the short shuttle in 4.24 and the three-cone drill in 7.13. He also had a 36½-inch vertical jump, a 10-foot-4 broad jump and 18 bench presses. In three years of high school football, he rushed for 4,581 yards and 53 touchdowns. In the NFL, he probably will be a backup with return ability.
OTHER FULLBACKS (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)
Deon Anderson, Connecticut (5-10¾, 243; 4.74)
Anderson had a complete workout at the Combine. He's a very good special-teams player. Teams need to check on his character.
David Herron, Michigan State (6-1, 239; 4.68)
He was not invited to the Combine. He was a fullback in high school, then played linebacker at Michigan State (three sacks in 2004). He looked good at MSU's Pro Day. He should be a good special-teams player.
Gijon Robinson, Missouri Western (6-0¾, 256; 4.76)
He had a complete workout at the Combine. He started 47 games at tight end in college. He seems to be a fullback/H-back type for the NFL.
Jason Snelling, Virginia (5-11 1/8, 230; 4.81)
He had a complete workout at the Combine. He played tailback in 2006, but would be a much better fit at fullback in the NFL. He's a good runner and blocker. Teams need to take a closer look at his medical history.
http://www.nfl.com/draft/analysis/expert/brandt/rb
