Time to welcome back our pal Brother Yohey for his look at the Top 5 Running Backs of the Class of 2010. Running backs are in the news with the release of LT and Brian Westbrook the last two days. As George Jones would ask, "who's gonna fill their shoes?" Over the next couple weeks stay tuned to RSS as we'll go through our position group breakdowns as we approach the combine and the excitement of the NFL Draft!
This time around, I judge the best in the backfield to see what RBs stand above the rest in the 2010 NFL Draft. Similar format to the QB rankings. As a reminder, these aren't the first 5 running backs that will be selected, but rather the 5 running backs who will have the best pro careers. Let's get it on!
1. C.J. Spiller (Clemson)
Strengths: Spiller was the best RB in the nation this past season. His versatility running the ball, receiving and even throwing the ball (1 Passing TD) showed the skill he has. Not to mention his return skills being second to none in the college game. Spiller will be a dynamic addition to any team and make their offense dangerous.Weaknesses: At 5'11" and 195 Spiller doesn't have the prototypical "big back" build that many teams look for. Although he wasn't an oft-injured back in college teams may be cautiousas to the wear and tear his body would have to take. Also, Spiller will have to show that he can block for his QB, otherwise he won't be on the field in many passing situations, which will not allow him to showcase his receiving skills.
Reminds me of: Maurice Jones-Drew
Best Fit: Bucs, Redskins, Texans
Projection: Top 15
2. Jonathan Dwyer (GT)
Strengths: At 5'11 and 235 lbs. Dwyer is the type of back which many teams drool over; powerful yet quick. Dwyer racked up almost 1,400 yards and 10+ TDs last season helping GT advance to the Orange Bowl. He was an integral part of their option attack. The scary thing to ponder is that he put up those numbers in an offense where he didn't get an overwhelming majority of the calls on running plays. The kid has a bright future.Weaknesses: Dwyer will have to show that he can be a servicable back in the passing game with blocking and catching. He was never able to showcase that in college and you can be sure that teams will poke and prod this aspect of his game at the combine. If he can perform well he can assure himself a draft choice in the top 20.
Reminds me of: Michael Turner
Best Fit: Texans, Chargers, Patriots, Browns
Projection: Late 1st - Early 2nd
3. Anthony Dixon (Miss. St.)
Strengths: At 6'1" and 245 he is the big boy of this years draft class, and he has athleticism as well....
Anytime you have that size/athleticism combo, with a 5+ YPC, almost 1,400 yards and 10+ TD you are going to turn heads. With 42 TD's in his career, Dixon has a knack to sniff out the endzone and teams will certainly hope that translates to the NFL. Leading the SEC in rushing is no easy achievement either.
Weaknesses: With his size Dixon isn't going to burn anyone running downfield and he more than likely will have trouble changing direction easily. His prior DUI and questionable work ethic will make some teams shy away and pass on a gifted runner. The boom or bust pick of the RB crop.
Reminds me of: Jonathan Stewart
Best Fit: Vikings (if Chester Taylor leaves), Jaguars, Patriots, Browns
Projection: 2nd-3rd Round
4. Joe McKnight (USC)
Strengths: Speedy and elusive he will give many defenders issues when they go to tackle him one-on-one. He can cut and move on a dime and hits holes with ferocity. He can see the field well coming throught the line and can catch the ball out of the backfield with regularity.
Weaknesses: The investigations into inpropriety will hurt him. He doesn't have Reggie Bush stats to make teams cast aside those indiscretions. He never really lived up to the hype at SC and impressed running the ball consistently. He also runs a little too upright and doesn't show great ball security.
Reminds me of: Reggie Bush... the New Orleans version
Best Fit: Seahawks, Patriots, 49ers, Packers
Projection: Late 2nd - Mid 3rd
5. Toby Gerhart (Stanford)
Strengths: Gerhart had an amazing season (5+ YPC, 20+ TDs) and almost won the Heisman. Although he doesn't have blazing speed he is a true north-south runner who hits and likes to be hit. Gerhart's game gets better the longer the game goes on and the more carries he gets. Toward the end of the season Harbaugh kept giving him the ball and it worked (see Notre Dame game). Gerhart will flourish in the NFL if used in short yardage packages or to compliment a speedy RB.
Weaknesses: Gerhart doesn't have the speed to elude many defeneders and can be caught from behind. Some wonder if he should have stayed another year to show consitency by putting up the same numbers this upcoming season. He can hit all day but in the NFL that doesn't make for a long career, so he will have to work on other parts of his game to ensure sustainability.
Reminds me of: "Touchdown" Tommy Vardell, have to get my Browns comparison in at some time... and no, that's not just because he's a white RB or anything, at least I didn't say Brock Forsey...
Best Fit: Browns, Bucs, Steelers, Bears
Projection: 3rd Round
Sleeper
LaGarrette Blount (Oregon) - If not for the "punch heard 'round the world" in the opening game we may be talking about Blount being a 1st rounder. He didn't play much during the 2009 season and that has to hurt in some regards. However, he has shown that he may be past the incident and has worked on his character issues. Some team will get a late-round bargain getting this kid who could be something special.
Stafon Johnson (USC) - One of the best stories in this year's draft considering his career and general health were in serious jeopardy after a freak weightlifting accident. He'll certainly have rust as well as talent that teams covet. He was the best all-around back in his time at USC, but didn't get a ton of carries because of the abundance at that position. If he does well at the combine, someone might take a chance in the 4th or 5th round and be rewarded.
Javhid Best (Cal)
Weaknesses: With his size Dixon isn't going to burn anyone running downfield and he more than likely will have trouble changing direction easily. His prior DUI and questionable work ethic will make some teams shy away and pass on a gifted runner. The boom or bust pick of the RB crop.
Reminds me of: Jonathan Stewart
Best Fit: Vikings (if Chester Taylor leaves), Jaguars, Patriots, Browns
Projection: 2nd-3rd Round
4. Joe McKnight (USC)
Strengths: Speedy and elusive he will give many defenders issues when they go to tackle him one-on-one. He can cut and move on a dime and hits holes with ferocity. He can see the field well coming throught the line and can catch the ball out of the backfield with regularity.
Weaknesses: The investigations into inpropriety will hurt him. He doesn't have Reggie Bush stats to make teams cast aside those indiscretions. He never really lived up to the hype at SC and impressed running the ball consistently. He also runs a little too upright and doesn't show great ball security.
Reminds me of: Reggie Bush... the New Orleans version
Best Fit: Seahawks, Patriots, 49ers, Packers
Projection: Late 2nd - Mid 3rd
5. Toby Gerhart (Stanford)
Strengths: Gerhart had an amazing season (5+ YPC, 20+ TDs) and almost won the Heisman. Although he doesn't have blazing speed he is a true north-south runner who hits and likes to be hit. Gerhart's game gets better the longer the game goes on and the more carries he gets. Toward the end of the season Harbaugh kept giving him the ball and it worked (see Notre Dame game). Gerhart will flourish in the NFL if used in short yardage packages or to compliment a speedy RB.
Weaknesses: Gerhart doesn't have the speed to elude many defeneders and can be caught from behind. Some wonder if he should have stayed another year to show consitency by putting up the same numbers this upcoming season. He can hit all day but in the NFL that doesn't make for a long career, so he will have to work on other parts of his game to ensure sustainability.
Reminds me of: "Touchdown" Tommy Vardell, have to get my Browns comparison in at some time... and no, that's not just because he's a white RB or anything, at least I didn't say Brock Forsey...
Best Fit: Browns, Bucs, Steelers, Bears
Projection: 3rd Round
Sleeper
LaGarrette Blount (Oregon) - If not for the "punch heard 'round the world" in the opening game we may be talking about Blount being a 1st rounder. He didn't play much during the 2009 season and that has to hurt in some regards. However, he has shown that he may be past the incident and has worked on his character issues. Some team will get a late-round bargain getting this kid who could be something special.
There you have it, folks. The best of the best in the 2010 NFL Draft RB class. There is a little bit of everything with this class (speed and power). The task will be to get the best of both. Until next time, be careful out there!
Mr. Yoder I's Ones to Watch
Mr. Yoder I's Ones to Watch
Stafon Johnson (USC) - One of the best stories in this year's draft considering his career and general health were in serious jeopardy after a freak weightlifting accident. He'll certainly have rust as well as talent that teams covet. He was the best all-around back in his time at USC, but didn't get a ton of carries because of the abundance at that position. If he does well at the combine, someone might take a chance in the 4th or 5th round and be rewarded.
Javhid Best (Cal)
-Best has 1st round capabilities, but durability must be a concern. At times he lit up college football this season with his speed and elusivity. His scary head injury and slight frame might scare off teams. Seeing Reggie Bush's role in New Orleans might slot Best as a tweener RB/WR in the NFL. He might not have the frame to be an every round back, but teams in desperate need of playmakers should give him a look. If he stays healthy, he's as good as Dwyer or Spiller.
Mr. Yoder II's Two Points
Dexter McCluster (Ole Miss) - Like Best, McCluster would fit nicely somewhere as a situational back ala Darren Sproles in San Diego. With his performances at the Senior Bowl he has been rocketing up draft boards. And with the success of another pure speed back (Chris Johnson) expect some team to take a chance on McCluster early in the draft. He could very well be a 2nd round pick that would be a good additional weapon for a playoff team like Minnesota or Cincinnati.
Ryan Mathews (Fresno St) - Mathews has the physical attributes and playmaking ability that can make him a contributor from Day 1 as a probable 2nd round pick. He won't be a starter right away, but is polished enough to be the 1A type of back that rookies Donald Brown, LeSean McCoy, and Shonn Greene were this past year. Remember Matt Forte's rookie year? So do Bears fans like me. Don't worry I'm sure Mike Martz will establish the run in Chicago next year, le sigh. Anyways, Mathews can have a similarly great rookie season like Forte if he lands in the right spot. Hopefully the rest of the offense doesn't subsequently abandon him in his 2nd season.
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