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Ranking the top running backs is about as easy as tackling any of them in the open field. Still, Scouts Inc. looked at every back in the league -- from the superstars to the rookies to the established veterans to those still looking for a job -- and listed them 1-64. Some were easy. Others caused some long and loud arguments. And this list will undoubtedly cause many more debates. But ultimately, we looked at a variety of factors. We studied the player's body of work as well as looked ahead and projected future production. We took into account the kind of offense they play in, the scheme and supporting cast around them. We compared players who were every-down backs against those who didn't play as much. We factored in durability and versatility. We looked at everything we could think of and when all else failed, we just asked who would we want on our team right now.
So here is our list of the top running backs in the NFL from 1 to 64. Let the second-guessing begin.
1. LaDainian Tomlinson, San Diego Chargers
Watch: Tomlinson highlights
Superpower -- Tomlinson is the most versatile back in the NFL. He has elite vision and ranks among the best ever to play the game when it comes to finding cutback lanes. He has an excellent combination of size, strength and speed, can run inside or outside, catches the ball like a receiver and blocks effectively. In short, LT is the most dangerous back in the league today.
Kryptonite -- None. Wear and tear could soon become a factor because of the sheer amount of touches he has had during his career, and a knee injury that hindered him in last season's AFC Championship Game proved he is indeed human.
2. Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings
Watch: Peterson highlights
Superpower -- Peterson runs behind the best offensive line in the NFL but also is the most physically dominating back in the league. He runs with elite power and strength, gains a lot of yards after contact and knows how to finish runs. The Viking has deceptive quickness in the hole for a back his size. He is the most explosive finisher in the NFL with his combination of strength, power and speed.
Kryptonite -- Not surprisingly, durability always will be a concern. Even though Peterson does a nice job of lowering his pads on contact and delivers a bigger blow than he receives, his running style lends itself to taking big hits. And though it often was because he tried to extend runs, he fumbled the ball too often (four times) last season.
3. Steven Jackson, St. Louis Rams
Superpower -- His versatility. Jackson is an excellent inside-out runner who is smooth and fluid. He is light on his feet for his size and can make the first defender miss in the hole. He can run around or through defenders, making it difficult to get him off his feet. He has excellent hands and creates numerous mismatches for an opposing defensive coordinator.
Kryptonite -- Like many backs who get many touches, durability is a concern. At times, he could run a little more physically in short-yardage situations.
4. Brian Westbrook, Philadelphia Eagles
Superpower -- Westbrook can align anywhere on the field and create mismatches. No linebacker in the NFL can handle Westbrook in man-to-man coverage. He has elite quickness to get on the edges and turn the corner. He is a better receiver than runner, and that is saying a lot because as a runner he shows excellent vision and instincts.
Kryptonite -- Lack of size. He is not a guy who will carry the ball 30 times per game and wear down opposing defenses.
5. Larry Johnson, Kansas City Chiefs
Superpower -- Johnson fits the definition of a "bell cow" better than any back on the list. The Chiefs can feed him the ball all day long, and he'll wear down an opposing defense. He is a physical inside runner who moves the pile after contact and can get tough yards otherwise. Though he's a bigger back, he has breakaway speed when he hits the second level at full speed.
Kryptonite -- He is not an elite receiver out of the backfield, nor is he very quick or elusive. For Johnson to be effective, he needs a solid offensive line, because he won't make defenders miss or create on his own if there is no initial hole for him to reach.
6. Joseph Addai, Indianapolis Colts
Watch: Addai highlights
Superpower -- Addai's No. 1 asset as a runner is his patience, which is a must in the Colts' scheme. He is a one-cut runner who can get downhill in a hurry when he sees a hole. Addai is shifty at the second level as well and has excellent hands and feel in the passing game. He is dangerous in the open field after the catch because he does an excellent job of setting up his blocks.
Kryptonite -- Though he has not had major injuries, there have been some nicks. We would not describe Addai as a tough or physical runner. He runs a little upright and takes some big hits. We also wonder whether he is a "system" player and whether he would have the same value in another offense.
7. Frank Gore, San Francisco 49ers
Superpower -- We're not sure we have seen a back who is so explosive yet has dealt with so many injuries. Gore shows exceptional quickness to and through the hole and can plant and change directions quickly. He runs with good balance and is tough to get off his feet. His hands are an asset, and he likely will catch close to 100 balls in 2008 in the scheme of new offensive coordinator Mike Martz.
Kryptonite -- Durability. Gore has had two major knee injuries dating back to college, and in the NFL he has been nicked up often. We wonder about his longevity as a feature back. The 49er did not run as hard last season and became frustrated with his role in the offense. He needs to mature and become a more effective leader.
8. Marion Barber, Dallas Cowboys
Watch: <A href="http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d807b2765"">Barber highlights
Superpower -- Second only to Minnesota's Peterson as a physical inside runner, Barber delivers a huge blow on contact and always falls forward or keeps his feet moving after contact. He catches the ball well and is tough to get off his feet in space. He is an excellent leader and motivator, and you can see the spark he brings to the offense when he gets in the game.
Kryptonite -- Questions exist about whether he can produce as an every-down back. Barber just got a new mega contract but never has been the true starter in Dallas. He is not shifty and does not avoid well, and even though he packs a punch, he gets hit hard often as a runner. You wonder whether he can hold up long-term with the amount of hits he takes. His lack of game-breaking speed also needs to be noted.
9. <A href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5937">Clinton Portis, <A href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=was">Washington Commanders
Watch: <A href="http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d80834d02">Portis highlights
Superpower -- Portis is simply impressive in terms of production. He is near the top of the league every year and is a tough player who will fight through bumps and bruises. He attacks the line of scrimmage and can make the first defender miss in the hole. He does not have elite size but knows how to finish his runs.
Kryptonite -- He puts the ball on the ground too often and at times does so in critical situations. He can be aloof when he needs to take care of the ball, dropping easy passes to kill drives and missing blocks in pass protection. He has great physical tools but at times seems to check out mentally.
10. <A href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=8266">Marshawn Lynch, <A href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=buf">Buffalo Bills
Watch: <A href="http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d80023aac">Lynch highlights
Superpower -- For a back who had concerns about toughness, Lynch sure does know how to finish. He lowers his pads and breaks tackles on first contact. He showed solid vision and run instincts last year as a rookie, something many first-year backs struggle with.
Kryptonite -- Lynch needs to develop his receiving skills; he had 18 receptions out of the backfield last season. He does not show a lot of wiggle and can be a bit of a straight-line runner. He needs to become a better blocker, as he missed some blitz pickups that resulted in QB sacks last season.
11. <A href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=4259">Fred Taylor, <A href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=jac">Jacksonville Jaguars
Superpower -- Taylor keeps getting better. He is still extremely explosive to the hole and has an excellent stutter-step to show patience while the hole develops. He's elusive and can make defenders miss with a spin move or foot quickness.
Kryptonite -- He is no longer an every-down back and does not catch the ball out of the backfield as well as he once did. Age does not seem to be a factor right now, but his legs are not getting any younger.
12. <A href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6359">Willis McGahee, <A href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=bal">Baltimore Ravens
Superpower -- He is much more explosive than he appears to be. At times he seems methodical in his movements, but he does show explosiveness to and through the hole. McGahee is a solid inside runner who occasionally bounces the ball to the edge. He is an underrated player who is extremely tough -- he's even played despite having cracked ribs.
Kryptonite -- He is not very flashy or explosive. He is not a home run threat in the open field nor does he show the consistent quickness to get out on the edges and make plays. He put the ball on the ground a few times last season in critical situations.
13. <A href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7073">Willie Parker, <A href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=pit">Pittsburgh Steelers
Superpower -- Parker has been an explosive playmaker since taking over as the starter in 2005. He is an explosive player who can strike from anywhere on the field and has the speed and acceleration to pressure the edges of a defense.
Kryptonite -- Parker doesn't have the size you look for in a three-down back. He lacks a variety of moves in open space and doesn't run with a lot of tackle strength on the second level. He can be a liability as a pass-blocker when isolated in one-on-one situations.
14. <A href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7809">Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars
Watch: <A href="http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d807ad4a8">Jones-Drew highlights
Superpower -- Jones-Drew is an explosive playmaker who can break a big run from anywhere. He runs with excellent power and strength with enough toughness to be effective as an inside runner. If he can find a crease he can use his speed, balance and body control to make big plays. He has additional value in the passing game and as a return specialist.
Kryptonite -- He never has been the featured guy while playing behind Fred Taylor in Jacksonville. He lacks the size to be a consistently effective blocker, and there are some concerns about his ability to run between the tackles as an every-down player.
15. <A href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5034">Jamal Lewis, <A href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=cle">Cleveland Browns
Superpower -- Lewis played at a very high level last season as the Browns' featured running back. He has a solid, thick frame and runs with a low center of gravity. He also shows good vision and the power to run between the tackles. Lewis breaks arm tackles and keeps his balance to gain extra yards after initial contact. He still has game-breaking ability and the other tools he needs to be productive.
Kryptonite -- His overall athletic ability has declined throughout his career. His first step, though effective, isn't as quick as it was in his 2,000-yard season of 2003. He doesn't provide much as a blocker in pass protection and is average at best as a receiver out of the backfield.
16. <A href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6913">Michael Turner, <A href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=atl">Atlanta Falcons
Watch: <A href="http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d807586c9">Turner highlights
Superpower -- Turner played behind Tomlinson in San Diego but showed enough to say he has the talent to give the Falcons a huge lift on first and second down. He was an excellent change-of-pace runner behind LT and runs with good pad level, showing good downhill acceleration when attacking holes. He is a very productive north-south runner.
Kryptonite -- He has never been a featured back and has earned limited playing time in his career. He is not very elusive in space and contributed mainly on first and second down with limited value as a receiver out of the backfield. He has not been consistent as a pass-blocker, either.
17. <A href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7286">Brandon Jacobs, <A href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=nyg">New York Giants
Superpower -- Jacobs has an excellent combination of size, strength and functional play speed. He is most effective when he uses his size to attack downhill between the tackles. He has good vision and run instincts with above-average speed and acceleration to get downhill and press the hole. He is a powerful runner who can lower his shoulder to gets yards after contact.
Kryptonite -- Jacobs has enough speed to get on the edge but is not a true home run threat. He has decent hands out of the backfield but still has a tendency to double-catch at times. He's not elusive as an open-field runner and struggles at times as a pass-blocker.
18. <A href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7770">Laurence Maroney, <A href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=nwe">New England Patriots
Superpower -- Maroney has shown flashes of everything the Patriots hoped he would be with his combination of speed, power and explosiveness. He has all the tools to be a productive front-line runner in the NFL. He is a natural jump-cutter with the ability to turn a short gain into an explosive downfield play. Kryptonite -- Maroney has not been consistent and has struggled with durability issues. He lacks the bulk to run over defenders and the size to consistently match up in pass protection schemes. He's not a natural receiver out of the backfield.
19. <A href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7178">Ronnie Brown, <A href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=mia">Miami Dolphins
Superpower -- Brown is an extremely talented player who can contribute on first and second down. He is a tough, strong inside runner who has the ability to wear down defenses. He has an excellent combination of athleticism and size around which new head coach Tony Sparano can build his offensive system.
Kryptonite -- Injuries. Brown started the first seven games of the season last year before landing on injured reserve with a knee injury. He has never played a full 16-game season in his short career and has yet to prove he can carry a consistent load. Brown is more natural running behind a fullback and doesn't have much value as a receiver out of the backfield at this point in his career.
20. <A href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7635">Ryan Grant, <A href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=gnb">Green Bay Packers
Superpower -- Grant came out of nowhere last season to put up impressive numbers (five 100-yard games) in the Packers' zone-running scheme. He has good size, functional strength and play speed. He is a natural one-cut runner who has the speed and acceleration to press the hole. He is an instinctive runner with good vision through the hole.
Kryptonite -- Grant still needs to be more patient when getting on the second level. He has a tendency to try to bounce to the sideline instead of lowering his shoulder and running north-south on the second level. You don't see the consistent second gear on the second level. He's still a young player who lacks experience as a starter in a 16-game season.
Scouts Inc. watches games, breaks down film and studies football from all angles for ESPN.com.
So here is our list of the top running backs in the NFL from 1 to 64. Let the second-guessing begin.
1. LaDainian Tomlinson, San Diego Chargers
Watch: Tomlinson highlights
Superpower -- Tomlinson is the most versatile back in the NFL. He has elite vision and ranks among the best ever to play the game when it comes to finding cutback lanes. He has an excellent combination of size, strength and speed, can run inside or outside, catches the ball like a receiver and blocks effectively. In short, LT is the most dangerous back in the league today.
Kryptonite -- None. Wear and tear could soon become a factor because of the sheer amount of touches he has had during his career, and a knee injury that hindered him in last season's AFC Championship Game proved he is indeed human.
2. Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings
Watch: Peterson highlights
Superpower -- Peterson runs behind the best offensive line in the NFL but also is the most physically dominating back in the league. He runs with elite power and strength, gains a lot of yards after contact and knows how to finish runs. The Viking has deceptive quickness in the hole for a back his size. He is the most explosive finisher in the NFL with his combination of strength, power and speed.
Kryptonite -- Not surprisingly, durability always will be a concern. Even though Peterson does a nice job of lowering his pads on contact and delivers a bigger blow than he receives, his running style lends itself to taking big hits. And though it often was because he tried to extend runs, he fumbled the ball too often (four times) last season.
3. Steven Jackson, St. Louis Rams
Superpower -- His versatility. Jackson is an excellent inside-out runner who is smooth and fluid. He is light on his feet for his size and can make the first defender miss in the hole. He can run around or through defenders, making it difficult to get him off his feet. He has excellent hands and creates numerous mismatches for an opposing defensive coordinator.
Kryptonite -- Like many backs who get many touches, durability is a concern. At times, he could run a little more physically in short-yardage situations.
4. Brian Westbrook, Philadelphia Eagles
Superpower -- Westbrook can align anywhere on the field and create mismatches. No linebacker in the NFL can handle Westbrook in man-to-man coverage. He has elite quickness to get on the edges and turn the corner. He is a better receiver than runner, and that is saying a lot because as a runner he shows excellent vision and instincts.
Kryptonite -- Lack of size. He is not a guy who will carry the ball 30 times per game and wear down opposing defenses.
5. Larry Johnson, Kansas City Chiefs
Superpower -- Johnson fits the definition of a "bell cow" better than any back on the list. The Chiefs can feed him the ball all day long, and he'll wear down an opposing defense. He is a physical inside runner who moves the pile after contact and can get tough yards otherwise. Though he's a bigger back, he has breakaway speed when he hits the second level at full speed.
Kryptonite -- He is not an elite receiver out of the backfield, nor is he very quick or elusive. For Johnson to be effective, he needs a solid offensive line, because he won't make defenders miss or create on his own if there is no initial hole for him to reach.
6. Joseph Addai, Indianapolis Colts
Watch: Addai highlights
Superpower -- Addai's No. 1 asset as a runner is his patience, which is a must in the Colts' scheme. He is a one-cut runner who can get downhill in a hurry when he sees a hole. Addai is shifty at the second level as well and has excellent hands and feel in the passing game. He is dangerous in the open field after the catch because he does an excellent job of setting up his blocks.
Kryptonite -- Though he has not had major injuries, there have been some nicks. We would not describe Addai as a tough or physical runner. He runs a little upright and takes some big hits. We also wonder whether he is a "system" player and whether he would have the same value in another offense.
7. Frank Gore, San Francisco 49ers
Superpower -- We're not sure we have seen a back who is so explosive yet has dealt with so many injuries. Gore shows exceptional quickness to and through the hole and can plant and change directions quickly. He runs with good balance and is tough to get off his feet. His hands are an asset, and he likely will catch close to 100 balls in 2008 in the scheme of new offensive coordinator Mike Martz.
Kryptonite -- Durability. Gore has had two major knee injuries dating back to college, and in the NFL he has been nicked up often. We wonder about his longevity as a feature back. The 49er did not run as hard last season and became frustrated with his role in the offense. He needs to mature and become a more effective leader.
8. Marion Barber, Dallas Cowboys
Watch: <A href="http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d807b2765"">Barber highlights
Superpower -- Second only to Minnesota's Peterson as a physical inside runner, Barber delivers a huge blow on contact and always falls forward or keeps his feet moving after contact. He catches the ball well and is tough to get off his feet in space. He is an excellent leader and motivator, and you can see the spark he brings to the offense when he gets in the game.
Kryptonite -- Questions exist about whether he can produce as an every-down back. Barber just got a new mega contract but never has been the true starter in Dallas. He is not shifty and does not avoid well, and even though he packs a punch, he gets hit hard often as a runner. You wonder whether he can hold up long-term with the amount of hits he takes. His lack of game-breaking speed also needs to be noted.
9. <A href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5937">Clinton Portis, <A href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=was">Washington Commanders
Watch: <A href="http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d80834d02">Portis highlights
Superpower -- Portis is simply impressive in terms of production. He is near the top of the league every year and is a tough player who will fight through bumps and bruises. He attacks the line of scrimmage and can make the first defender miss in the hole. He does not have elite size but knows how to finish his runs.
Kryptonite -- He puts the ball on the ground too often and at times does so in critical situations. He can be aloof when he needs to take care of the ball, dropping easy passes to kill drives and missing blocks in pass protection. He has great physical tools but at times seems to check out mentally.
10. <A href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=8266">Marshawn Lynch, <A href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=buf">Buffalo Bills
Watch: <A href="http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d80023aac">Lynch highlights
Superpower -- For a back who had concerns about toughness, Lynch sure does know how to finish. He lowers his pads and breaks tackles on first contact. He showed solid vision and run instincts last year as a rookie, something many first-year backs struggle with.
Kryptonite -- Lynch needs to develop his receiving skills; he had 18 receptions out of the backfield last season. He does not show a lot of wiggle and can be a bit of a straight-line runner. He needs to become a better blocker, as he missed some blitz pickups that resulted in QB sacks last season.
11. <A href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=4259">Fred Taylor, <A href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=jac">Jacksonville Jaguars
Superpower -- Taylor keeps getting better. He is still extremely explosive to the hole and has an excellent stutter-step to show patience while the hole develops. He's elusive and can make defenders miss with a spin move or foot quickness.
Kryptonite -- He is no longer an every-down back and does not catch the ball out of the backfield as well as he once did. Age does not seem to be a factor right now, but his legs are not getting any younger.
12. <A href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6359">Willis McGahee, <A href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=bal">Baltimore Ravens
Superpower -- He is much more explosive than he appears to be. At times he seems methodical in his movements, but he does show explosiveness to and through the hole. McGahee is a solid inside runner who occasionally bounces the ball to the edge. He is an underrated player who is extremely tough -- he's even played despite having cracked ribs.
Kryptonite -- He is not very flashy or explosive. He is not a home run threat in the open field nor does he show the consistent quickness to get out on the edges and make plays. He put the ball on the ground a few times last season in critical situations.
13. <A href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7073">Willie Parker, <A href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=pit">Pittsburgh Steelers
Superpower -- Parker has been an explosive playmaker since taking over as the starter in 2005. He is an explosive player who can strike from anywhere on the field and has the speed and acceleration to pressure the edges of a defense.
Kryptonite -- Parker doesn't have the size you look for in a three-down back. He lacks a variety of moves in open space and doesn't run with a lot of tackle strength on the second level. He can be a liability as a pass-blocker when isolated in one-on-one situations.
14. <A href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7809">Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars
Watch: <A href="http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d807ad4a8">Jones-Drew highlights
Superpower -- Jones-Drew is an explosive playmaker who can break a big run from anywhere. He runs with excellent power and strength with enough toughness to be effective as an inside runner. If he can find a crease he can use his speed, balance and body control to make big plays. He has additional value in the passing game and as a return specialist.
Kryptonite -- He never has been the featured guy while playing behind Fred Taylor in Jacksonville. He lacks the size to be a consistently effective blocker, and there are some concerns about his ability to run between the tackles as an every-down player.
15. <A href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5034">Jamal Lewis, <A href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=cle">Cleveland Browns
Superpower -- Lewis played at a very high level last season as the Browns' featured running back. He has a solid, thick frame and runs with a low center of gravity. He also shows good vision and the power to run between the tackles. Lewis breaks arm tackles and keeps his balance to gain extra yards after initial contact. He still has game-breaking ability and the other tools he needs to be productive.
Kryptonite -- His overall athletic ability has declined throughout his career. His first step, though effective, isn't as quick as it was in his 2,000-yard season of 2003. He doesn't provide much as a blocker in pass protection and is average at best as a receiver out of the backfield.
16. <A href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6913">Michael Turner, <A href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=atl">Atlanta Falcons
Watch: <A href="http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d807586c9">Turner highlights
Superpower -- Turner played behind Tomlinson in San Diego but showed enough to say he has the talent to give the Falcons a huge lift on first and second down. He was an excellent change-of-pace runner behind LT and runs with good pad level, showing good downhill acceleration when attacking holes. He is a very productive north-south runner.
Kryptonite -- He has never been a featured back and has earned limited playing time in his career. He is not very elusive in space and contributed mainly on first and second down with limited value as a receiver out of the backfield. He has not been consistent as a pass-blocker, either.
17. <A href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7286">Brandon Jacobs, <A href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=nyg">New York Giants
Superpower -- Jacobs has an excellent combination of size, strength and functional play speed. He is most effective when he uses his size to attack downhill between the tackles. He has good vision and run instincts with above-average speed and acceleration to get downhill and press the hole. He is a powerful runner who can lower his shoulder to gets yards after contact.
Kryptonite -- Jacobs has enough speed to get on the edge but is not a true home run threat. He has decent hands out of the backfield but still has a tendency to double-catch at times. He's not elusive as an open-field runner and struggles at times as a pass-blocker.
18. <A href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7770">Laurence Maroney, <A href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=nwe">New England Patriots
Superpower -- Maroney has shown flashes of everything the Patriots hoped he would be with his combination of speed, power and explosiveness. He has all the tools to be a productive front-line runner in the NFL. He is a natural jump-cutter with the ability to turn a short gain into an explosive downfield play. Kryptonite -- Maroney has not been consistent and has struggled with durability issues. He lacks the bulk to run over defenders and the size to consistently match up in pass protection schemes. He's not a natural receiver out of the backfield.
19. <A href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7178">Ronnie Brown, <A href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=mia">Miami Dolphins
Superpower -- Brown is an extremely talented player who can contribute on first and second down. He is a tough, strong inside runner who has the ability to wear down defenses. He has an excellent combination of athleticism and size around which new head coach Tony Sparano can build his offensive system.
Kryptonite -- Injuries. Brown started the first seven games of the season last year before landing on injured reserve with a knee injury. He has never played a full 16-game season in his short career and has yet to prove he can carry a consistent load. Brown is more natural running behind a fullback and doesn't have much value as a receiver out of the backfield at this point in his career.
20. <A href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7635">Ryan Grant, <A href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=gnb">Green Bay Packers
Superpower -- Grant came out of nowhere last season to put up impressive numbers (five 100-yard games) in the Packers' zone-running scheme. He has good size, functional strength and play speed. He is a natural one-cut runner who has the speed and acceleration to press the hole. He is an instinctive runner with good vision through the hole.
Kryptonite -- Grant still needs to be more patient when getting on the second level. He has a tendency to try to bounce to the sideline instead of lowering his shoulder and running north-south on the second level. You don't see the consistent second gear on the second level. He's still a young player who lacks experience as a starter in a 16-game season.
Scouts Inc. watches games, breaks down film and studies football from all angles for ESPN.com.
