Ranking the crop: Running backs

A lot of running backs are not used much as receivers in college, so scouts want to see what their hands look like in a variety of pass-catching drills.

[West-sider]

I'd expect to see McFadden drop in the end. I love Stewart, I think the NFL people will move Forte way up, unless he runs real poorly. If he can turn a 4.55 he'll move up the board considerably. He' appears to be a pretty good weapon.
I also believe they've got Chris Johnson too low. He may run the best 40 of the group, along with Felix Jones.

[West-sider]

.... oh, and Hart will be a 7th rounder at best, unless he can run in the high 4.4s or low 4.5s. Smith will drop some (speed, stiffness), Patrick should move up that list unless he runs slower than expected.
Mendenhall's pretty darn good but I see him running a bit slower than the 'experts'(tongue in cheek!) think.

[Capt Slammie]

I saw nearly every game of Mendenhall's junior year, and thought to myself after every game that this guy will be an awesome professional football player. West-sider, this guy blew past the vaunted, speedy USC defense like they were statues - the "experts" are right, in RM's case. I would LOVE to see him join the Dolphins. Plus, RM never has missed a play with an injury; and I don't remember him ever fumbling. He is a STUD, can't miss prospect.

[West-sider]

Capt Slammie wrote:

I saw nearly every game of Mendenhall's junior year, and thought to myself after every game that this guy will be an awesome professional football player. West-sider, this guy blew past the vaunted, speedy USC defense like they were statues - the "experts" are right, in RM's case. I would LOVE to see him join the Dolphins. Plus, RM never has missed a play with an injury; and I don't remember him ever fumbling. He is a STUD, can't miss prospect.

You don't judge a guys speed like that .... you line him up and time him !! You may not be seeing the true picture based on tyhe fact that the defenders may have had to stop & start, change diestions, they may have had a poor angle. Time will tell, but despite what Mike Mayock (a scout wannabe!) he won't be the first RB taken.

I'm guessing he'll run in the 4.53-4.56 range.

[West-sider]

oops ... 'change directions'.

[louden]

Stewarts strength and ability to stay on his feet and break tackles is amazing. There is no doubt in my mind that he will make it big at the next level. Best all around back in draft!

[West-sider]

louden wrote:

Stewarts strength and ability to stay on his feet and break tackles is amazing. There is no doubt in my mind that he will make it big at the next level. Best all around back in draft!

He's my personal favorite as well. Also I like Forte a bunch and also Chris Johnson from ECU.Johnson's a slasher with great acceleration, more than a guy that makes his bones running off-tackle stuff. More of a specialty guy I'd say. The Aldrige kid from Houston has an inredible burst. I think he could be another specialty guy that could be a 'Metcalf' type impact guy.

[Capt Slammie]

You don't judge a guys speed like that ....

That comment was ONLY one example of Mendenhall's package, not the ultimate determining factor. And besides, shame on you, 40 yard times are FAR from the determining factor for running backs, wide receivers, etc. Strength, elusiveness, intelligence, balls security, etc are all attributes of a highly productive running back. And RM has ALL of those in ample supply, as do several other RB's in this draft.

[West-sider]

Capt Slammie wrote:

You don't judge a guys speed like that ....
That comment was ONLY one example of Mendenhall's package, not the ultimate determining factor. And besides, shame on you, 40 yard times are FAR from the determining factor for running backs, wide receivers, etc. Strength, elusiveness, intelligence, balls security, etc are all attributes of a highly productive running back. And RM has ALL of those in ample supply, as do several other RB's in this draft.

I agree that many RBs are very productive and turn out to be exceptional pro players without being the fastest guys, but the 40 times definitely enter into the way the boards get stacked when two players are close on the intangibles, etc. Mendenhall had one outstanding season, but it's not like he stood the entire BIG 10 on it's ear for 3-4 seasons.

The TEs yesterday worked out and everyone was going ga-ga over the TE from Pudue Keller that is only 6020 (6'2") but he ran a 4.55 and had a 38" vertical, and ran the 'three corner' very well also. He's very suspect as a blocker but those 'tangibles' will have lots of teams thinking they can coach him up on the blocking. That's just the way the league works.