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NFL draft: Top 10 running backs
E-MAIL PRINT COMMENTS 5 WATCH THIS TOPIC
Posted: March 18, 2009
Russ Lande and his team of former NFL scouts take a quick look at the top-10 draft prospects at running back:
1. Chris "Beanie" Wells, Ohio State (6-1, 235)
Wells broke out for the Buckeyes in '07 after Antonio Pittman left. He looks the part of an NFL starter and has the athleticism to match, but he must improve as a receiver and pass blocker to be a complete back. But despite struggling through an injury-plagued '08 season, Wells clearly is the top back in the draft and could become a special player.
2. Knowshon Moreno, Georgia (5-10 3/8, 198)
Moreno is one of the most physical running back prospects our scouts have evaluated in years. Despite his lack of elite speed and burst, he is faster than expected and consistently outruns defenders who have angles on him. What's truly impressive is his ability to move well in tight quarters, a trait that separates the good NFL backs from the elite ones. He also is a polished receiver.
3. LeSean McCoy, Pitt (5-10 3/8, 198)
McCoy is a quick player who is especially productive near the goal line.
WAR ROOM ANALYSIS:
Positions: RB | WR | TE | C | G | T
Draft Dish:
Michael Johnson climbs boards
Heyward-Bey challenges the best
He has a nose for the end zone and seems more determined in scoring situations. He is quick and agile, moving in traffic and squeezes through tight quarters to get behind the defense surprisingly well. While he needs to improve his blocking, there's no doubt McCoy has first-round talent.
4. Donald Brown, UConn (5-10 1/4, 210)
Brown is not a big back but runs with an aggressiveness and toughness that helps him play bigger than his size. His athleticism helps him change directions easily in traffic, which allows him to avoid hard hits, a trait most smaller NFL backs have. Brown could sneak into the first round, and he will be a productive starting back who consistently makes big plays as a ballcarrier and receiver at the next level.
5. Shonn Greene, Iowa (5-10 1/2, 227)
He was a one-year wonder in college. He was a backup in '05 and '06 and was declared academically ineligible in '07. He has many of the tools to be an NFL starter, but his limitations in pass protection and lack of explosiveness could knock him down draft boards, especially after running so poorly at the NFL Scouting Combine. He must prove himself at Iowa's pro day to get back into second-round consideration.
6. Cedric Peerman, Virginia (5-9 1/2, 216)
Peerman did not have the dominant '08 season expected, which could be the result of an injury he sustained in 2007. When he did get the chance as a feature back, he looked excellent and has a ton of upside if he can stay healthy. While he had a strong Senior Bowl, the durability concerns could cause him to slide to Day 2.
7. Andre Brown, N.C. State (6-0 1/8, 225)
Brown is a hard-running, productive player. But the big question is whether he can stay healthy. Brown helped himself a lot with a strong Combine and now has teams considering him in the debate with Peerman and Greene to be the No. 5 back selected.
8. Kory Sheets, Purdue (5-11 3/8, 207)
Sheets does not stand out athletically, but he runs with suddenness and stands a good shot at carrying over his solid production to the NFL. He must add about 10 pounds of muscle to handle the pounding, though. Sheets helped himself with a good Combine and GMs are confident he can be an elite third-down back even if unable to hold up with starter's carries. His experience as a kick returner adds to his value.
9. Gartrell Johnson, Colorado State (5-10 1/2, 218)
After spending most of his college career at fullback, Johnson flourished as a senior in the lead role. While his speed and flexibility must improve, Johnson is a great mid-round selection who will give a team a second solid option to carry the ball.
10. Tyrell Sutton, Northwestern (5-7 3/4, 213)
Sutton is not going to be as successful in the NFL because he lacks elite speed, size and explosiveness. His toughness and competitive running style belie his lack of size and will enable him to gain yards after contact and make plays when he gets the ball in the open field. Sutton projects as a good fifth- or sixthrounder because he will contribute as a third-down back, slot receiver and returner.
-- For more than 450 in-depth player scouting reports and updated Combine and pro day data, go to warroom.sportingnews.com.
E-MAIL PRINT COMMENTS 5 WATCH THIS TOPIC
Posted: March 18, 2009
Russ Lande and his team of former NFL scouts take a quick look at the top-10 draft prospects at running back:
1. Chris "Beanie" Wells, Ohio State (6-1, 235)
Wells broke out for the Buckeyes in '07 after Antonio Pittman left. He looks the part of an NFL starter and has the athleticism to match, but he must improve as a receiver and pass blocker to be a complete back. But despite struggling through an injury-plagued '08 season, Wells clearly is the top back in the draft and could become a special player.
2. Knowshon Moreno, Georgia (5-10 3/8, 198)
Moreno is one of the most physical running back prospects our scouts have evaluated in years. Despite his lack of elite speed and burst, he is faster than expected and consistently outruns defenders who have angles on him. What's truly impressive is his ability to move well in tight quarters, a trait that separates the good NFL backs from the elite ones. He also is a polished receiver.
3. LeSean McCoy, Pitt (5-10 3/8, 198)
McCoy is a quick player who is especially productive near the goal line.
WAR ROOM ANALYSIS:
Positions: RB | WR | TE | C | G | T
Draft Dish:
Michael Johnson climbs boards
Heyward-Bey challenges the best
He has a nose for the end zone and seems more determined in scoring situations. He is quick and agile, moving in traffic and squeezes through tight quarters to get behind the defense surprisingly well. While he needs to improve his blocking, there's no doubt McCoy has first-round talent.
4. Donald Brown, UConn (5-10 1/4, 210)
Brown is not a big back but runs with an aggressiveness and toughness that helps him play bigger than his size. His athleticism helps him change directions easily in traffic, which allows him to avoid hard hits, a trait most smaller NFL backs have. Brown could sneak into the first round, and he will be a productive starting back who consistently makes big plays as a ballcarrier and receiver at the next level.
5. Shonn Greene, Iowa (5-10 1/2, 227)
He was a one-year wonder in college. He was a backup in '05 and '06 and was declared academically ineligible in '07. He has many of the tools to be an NFL starter, but his limitations in pass protection and lack of explosiveness could knock him down draft boards, especially after running so poorly at the NFL Scouting Combine. He must prove himself at Iowa's pro day to get back into second-round consideration.
6. Cedric Peerman, Virginia (5-9 1/2, 216)
Peerman did not have the dominant '08 season expected, which could be the result of an injury he sustained in 2007. When he did get the chance as a feature back, he looked excellent and has a ton of upside if he can stay healthy. While he had a strong Senior Bowl, the durability concerns could cause him to slide to Day 2.
7. Andre Brown, N.C. State (6-0 1/8, 225)
Brown is a hard-running, productive player. But the big question is whether he can stay healthy. Brown helped himself a lot with a strong Combine and now has teams considering him in the debate with Peerman and Greene to be the No. 5 back selected.
8. Kory Sheets, Purdue (5-11 3/8, 207)
Sheets does not stand out athletically, but he runs with suddenness and stands a good shot at carrying over his solid production to the NFL. He must add about 10 pounds of muscle to handle the pounding, though. Sheets helped himself with a good Combine and GMs are confident he can be an elite third-down back even if unable to hold up with starter's carries. His experience as a kick returner adds to his value.
9. Gartrell Johnson, Colorado State (5-10 1/2, 218)
After spending most of his college career at fullback, Johnson flourished as a senior in the lead role. While his speed and flexibility must improve, Johnson is a great mid-round selection who will give a team a second solid option to carry the ball.
10. Tyrell Sutton, Northwestern (5-7 3/4, 213)
Sutton is not going to be as successful in the NFL because he lacks elite speed, size and explosiveness. His toughness and competitive running style belie his lack of size and will enable him to gain yards after contact and make plays when he gets the ball in the open field. Sutton projects as a good fifth- or sixthrounder because he will contribute as a third-down back, slot receiver and returner.
-- For more than 450 in-depth player scouting reports and updated Combine and pro day data, go to warroom.sportingnews.com.
