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Draft '09: The Running Backs
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PRINTER FRIENDLY NFL Draft Preview Archives
The NFL has evolved into a two-plus back league. Eight more backfields became timeshares last year. Marshawn Lynch lost 130 carries to Fred Jackson in Buffalo; J.J. Arrington arose from the dead and Tim Hightower intermittently emerged to "keep Edgerrin James fresh" for the playoffs; LenDale White continued to share work, but lost his starting job to Chris Johnson; Ricky Williams came off suspension to poach 189 of Ronnie Brown's touches; Willis McGahee's backfield became a three-headed monster: Jamaal Charles turned Larry Johnson into a two-down back; Darren Sproles made LaDainian Tomlinson look like Shaun Alexander; and Dominic Rhodes redelivered a carry split to Indianapolis, rendering Joseph Addai's stint as an every-down player a one-year experiment.
But what teams look for hasn't changed. If the ability to pick up blitzers, run inside and out, catch passes, and hit big plays is found in one prospect, that player will be coveted on draft day. Knowshon Moreno can do it all, and that's why he has the edge on Chris Wells. While speed-size ratios like Beanie's are uncommon and he'll be a scary committee back, Moreno's versatility makes him a true franchise runner.
1. Knowshon Moreno, Georgia
Height/Weight: 5'11/217
College Experience: Third-year sophomore
Combine Nos.: 4.60 forty, 25 x 225 lbs, 35.5" vertical, 4.27 short shuttle
Comparison: Frank Gore
2008 Stats: 250 - 1,400 (5.6) - 16 Tds, 33 - 392 (11.9) - 2 Tds
Positives: Moreno is a relentless, grinding inside runner with elite vision and instincts. He possesses a fresh, powerful leg drive and consistently falls forward. Outside the tackle box Moreno is shifty, but elusive. He doesn't shy from contact and his patented spin move should remain effective in the pros. A frequent check-down target for Matthew Stafford in college, Moreno is a smooth receiver in the short and downfield passing game and a legitimate after-catch threat. He often lined up in the slot in coach Mark Richt's pro-style offense. Moreno offers close to an ideal build, has not been overworked, and oozes competitiveness.
Negatives: Moreno started for just one full year at Georgia, and while he was first-team All SEC both seasons, the early entrant lacks ideal experience. Moreno's timed speed is mediocre and he won't outrun many NFL secondaries. His creativity is a plus, but Moreno is sometimes too willing to get airborne in open-field and goal-line situations, leaving him susceptible to hits. While Moreno is competent in blitz protection, like most rookies his technique is considered raw.
Verdict: Moreno would be a top-five pick if he ran in the 4.4s. He's capable of being an every-down back at 4.6, but Moreno is unlikely to crack the top ten. Still, he will make a significant rookie-season impact and could emerge as a Pro Bowl-caliber player by year three.
2. Chris Wells, Ohio State
Height/Weight: 6'1/237
College Experience: Third-year junior
Combine Nos.: 4.59 forty, 25 x 225 lbs, 33.5" vertical, 10'8" broad jump
Comparison: Jamal Lewis
2008 Stats: 207 - 1,197 (5.8) - 8 Tds, 8 - 47 (5.9) - 0 Tds
Positives: Wells' speed-athleticism combination is dominant at his size. He is highly effective in short-yardage situations and uses a devastating stiff arm to shield defenders in the open field. Wells' balance is outstanding, and he has the shake and vision to make linemen and slower linebackers miss. He is deceptively explosive and moves exceptionally well laterally. Wells averaged 5.9 yards per carry after replacing Antonio Pittman as the Buckeyes' starter despite frequently facing eight in the box.
Negatives: Wells caught just 15 passes at OSU and has little experience in blitz pickup. An upright long strider, Wells is an easy target for run-and-hit linebackers. His style led to injuries in college; Wells was often nicked up and missed three games in 2008 with a foot injury. Along the sideline, Wells tends to step out of bounds instead of turning up field for more yards. Despite looking like a bulldozing power back, Wells is shifty and would rather go around his man than through him. Wells sat out the final two quarters of the Buckeyes' Fiesta Bowl loss with a mysterious injury and his passion for the game is in question.
Verdict: Wells won't be as hard to tackle in the pros and lacks third-down value, but 240-pound running backs with big-play speed don't come around often. While Wells' upside is only as the lead part of a committee, his talent will be too hard for teams in the first round to ignore.
3. Donald Brown, Connecticut
Height/Weight: 5'10/210
College Experience: Fourth-year junior
Combine Nos.: 4.51 forty, 41.5" vertical, 4.10 short shuttle, 10'5" broad jump
Comparison: Thomas Jones
2008 Stats: 367 - 2,083 (5.7) - 18 Tds, 21 - 125 (6.0) - 0 Tds
Positives: Brown's ability to make something out of nothing is his signature characteristic. Overwhelmingly quick in a short area, Brown is creative and outstandingly instinctive. He changes directions in a hurry and rarely allows defenders to make square contact. Also an improving pass catcher, Brown can turn a short pass into a long gain or bounce an off-tackle carry into an up-field sprint. Though his forty time is only above average, Brown reaches top speed quickly, is fearless between the tackles, and never stops moving his feet.
Negatives: Brown endured a high volume of carries in his breakout junior year, and though his sensational production arguably made up for it, played a relatively soft schedule. Only two of UConn's opponents (West Virginia, Cincinnati) finished in the AP Top 25. Moreno went against four top-25 teams and Wells faced three, not including an early-season missed game versus USC. Brown also played behind one of the best offensive lines in Huskies history.
Verdict: A late first- to early second-round prospect, Brown will likely begin his career as a change of pace. Brown may need to be paired with a short-yardage runner initially, but as he bulks up and improves his protections and smoothness in the receiving game, he could emerge as a three-down feature back.
4. LeSean McCoy, Pittsburgh
Height/Weight: 5'10/209
College Experience: Third-year sophomore
Combine Nos.: DNP (flu)
Comparison: DeAngelo Williams
2008 Stats: 308 - 1,488 (4.8) - 21 Tds, 32 - 305 (9.5) - 0 Tds
Positives: McCoy is a darting runner with quite possibly the best hands among tailbacks in this draft. Definitely the truest homerun hitter, McCoy is extremely dangerous outside the tackle box and on quick screens. While he's not yet a consistently effective inside runner, McCoy isn't afraid of contact and has room to improve in that area. McCoy exhibits rare second-gear speed and superior footwork. His quick feet will make him very difficult to defend one-on-one at the next level. Only 20, McCoy will continue to grow and should maintain elite speed.
Negatives: McCoy has only 8 7/8-inch hands, which could lead to fumbling problems against craftier defenders. The two-year starter did much of his damage in college from the Wildcat. While that formation has caught on, no NFL team will make it a base package. McCoy offers little power and will likely struggle in short-yardage situations initially. He's missed all pre-draft drills and reported to the Combine at only 198 pounds after battling the flu.
Verdict: McCoy is still very raw and has good size potential, but may never be more than a complementary back, depending on his physical development. His moves, speed, and quickness will be immediate assets in a committee, however, and McCoy is likely to be a top-45 selection.
5. Rashad Jennings, Liberty
Height/Weight: 6'1/234
College Experience: Fourth-year senior
Combine Nos.: 4.64 forty, 29 x 225 lbs, 4.20 short shuttle, 10'0" broad jump
Comparison: Marion Barber
2008 Stats: 264 - 1,507 (5.7) - 17 Tds, 24 - 190 (7.9) - 2 Tds
Positives: A physical, one-cut back with ideal build, Jennings has every-down tools. He runs with good vision and doesn't waste steps behind the line of scrimmage. Jennings can make the difficult catch in traffic and turn up field quickly for plus yards. He isn't a bulldozer, but deals powerful blows when necessary and showed toughness by playing through a broken pinkie throughout 2008. Jennings has strong character, was the Flames' team captain as a junior and senior, and gave up a promising career at Pitt to transfer closer to his diabetic father in 2006.
Negatives: A three-year starter in the Big South, Jennings has not faced NFL-quality defenders. While he dominated that level (three-time first-team all conference), Jennings won't run away from pro defensive backs like he did at D-IAA. Jennings carried as much as 270 pounds early in his college career and weight maintenance is a slight concern. Jennings lacks the shake and bake to make a man miss consistently, although his decisiveness is a plus.
Verdict: Jennings proved he can compete against tough competition with a terrific Senior Bowl. While his career may start slowly like Tim Hightower's, Jennings has similar upside and will make a strong case for carries by the end of his rookie year, no matter where he lands.
6. Shonn Greene, Iowa
Height/Weight: 5'11/229
College Experience: Fourth-year junior
Combine Nos.: 4.72 forty, 19 x 225 lbs, 37" vertical, 10'1" broad jump
Comparison: LenDale White
2008 Stats: 307 - 1,850 (6.0) - 20 Tds, 8 - 49 (5.0) - 0 Tds
Positives/Negatives: Greene paid his dues on special teams behind Albert Young early in his career, covering kicks and returning them. He was supposed to take over as Iowa's starter in '07, but failed to qualify academically. Rumors had him ballooning to 300 lbs. during his year away from football, but Greene returned to win the Doak Walker Award as a junior and declared for the draft. Greene is a beastly inside runner and won't go down without a fight. He's arguably the purest power back in this draft. Greene is not an experienced pass catcher, however (11 career receptions), and offers significantly less than ideal speed and agility.
Verdict: Greene's below-average athleticism was less evident in Kirk Ferentz's zone-blocking scheme. Assuming he keeps his weight down and develops passable third-down value, Greene could emerge as the lead part of a committee soon. But he's a risky draft pick and isn't worth consideration before round three.
7. Andre Brown, North Carolina State
Height/Weight: 6'0/224
College Experience: Fourth-year senior
Combine Nos.: 4.49 forty, 24 x 225 lbs, 37" vertical
Comparison: Derrick Ward
2008 Stats: 175 - 767 (4.4) - 7 Tds, 29 - 309 (10.7) - 2 Tds
Positives/Negatives: Brown is a one-cut power back with prototypical speed at his size. He delivers blows inside and flashes an effective open-field stiff arm. Brown makes up for a lack of great moves with excellent vision and homerun ability. Durability is a red flag; Brown broke the same foot twice in his last two seasons, although he started all 13 games as a senior. Brown is considered willing in blitz pickup and is a smooth, experienced pass catcher, giving him three-down value. A high running style contributed to nagging injuries throughout college, but Brown often played through them. Brown did not have a dominant offensive line or NFL-caliber teammates. NC State had one winning season during his career; when Brown was a freshman.
Verdict: Brown won't be a first-day pick because of his injury history, but his north-south mentality, receiving skill, and speed make him a third-round prospect. Not a dancer, Brown will appeal to both zone-blocking and power-running teams. Brown can be a much better pro than collegiate if he stays healthy. He could make a big impact in year one in the right situation.
8. Jeremiah Johnson, Oregon
Height/Weight: 5'9/209
College Experience: Fourth-year senior
Combine Nos.: 4.67 forty, 20 x 225 lbs
Comparison: Jerome Harrison
2008 Stats: 168 - 1,201 (7.1) - 13 Tds, 8 - 75 (9.4) - 0 Tds
Positives/Negatives: Johnson plays much faster than his forty time indicates. His first step is explosive and he was a consistent big-play threat in college. Jonathan Stewart's former backup, Johnson only started one year in the Ducks' spread but offers punt and kick return value. He was underutilized in the receiving game as a senior because Oregon went so run heavy with dual-threat Jeremiah Masoli at QB. Their run-pass ratio was 585:373. Johnson, who caught 17 passes as a sophomore, has soft hands and potential to excel in that area. Johnson tore his ACL in Week 6 of 2007, although his senior-year YPC shows he didn't lose any burst.
Verdict: Johnson's run-to-daylight ability may not translate to the pros, but he'll likely be a major change-of-pace weapon eventually. He'll probably sit as a No. 3 back/returner as a rookie, then challenge for primary backup duty in year two. Johnson needs to hone his pass catching, but his upside is worth a fourth- to fifth-round pick.
9. Mike Goodson, Texas A&M
Height/Weight: 6'0/208
College Experience: Third-year junior
Combine Nos.: 4.54 forty, 14 x 225 lbs, 39.5" vertical, 4.22 short shuttle, 9'10" broad jump
Comparison: Jerious Norwood
2008 Stats: 94 - 408 (4.3) - 5 Tds, 37 - 386 (10.4) - 3 Tds
Positives/Negatives: A monster recruit entering A&M, Goodson spent most of his career in a committee with 270-pound goal-line vulture Jorvorskie Lane, among others. While it's concerning that Goodson never "beat out" less touted players for regular time, Aggies coach Mike Sherman showed little decisiveness at any position, using rotations at QB and wideout as well. Goodson was also a holdover from the Dennis Franchione era, which couldn't have helped. Goodson was a big-play college back, has little tread on his tires, and is a pro-ready pass catcher. He also has a solid frame to pick up blitzes. However, he seems uncomfortable running inside the tackles and lacks the physical strength to shed defenders consistently.
Verdict: Due to poor college production, Goodson's stock was dependent on his 40-yard dash and he didn't post an elite time. While that doesn't mean he'll fail, Goodson will likely be drafted in the middle rounds and have to earn his way up a depth chart. The talent is there, but Goodson's future is very relative to situation as a "flier" pick lacking inside running value.
10. Glen Coffee, Alabama
Height/Weight: 6'0/209
College Experience: Fourth-year junior
Combine Nos.: 4.58 forty, 24 x 225 lbs, 36" vertical, 10'1" broad jump
Comparison: Maurice Morris
2008 Stats: 233 - 1,383 (5.9) - 10 Tds, 16 - 118 (7.4) - 1 Td
Positives/Negatives: Coffee played behind arguably D-I's most dominant offensive line. A lanky back with some wiggle, Coffee runs with decisiveness and is willing to power through defenders. He offers pedestrian long speed and no real second gear, however, and possesses little lower-body strength. Coffee won't be a great option at the goal line in his rookie year. Coffee will need to get used to smaller holes in the pros and improve in the receiving game. He has no special teams experience and as a likely mid- to late-round pick, he'll have to do the little things better to have a career.
Verdict: Coffee's game doesn't stand out in any area. He could progress into a productive half of a timeshare in the right system, but is unlikely to ever be a full-time player. He's a fifth- to sixth-round prospect.
11. Kory Sheets, Purdue - Spread offense product offers ideal third-down skills; a smooth pass catcher with 4.47 speed and solid (5'11/208) build.
12. Javon Ringer, Michigan State - Undersized workhorse coming off knee surgery; there's some Willie Parker to him, but has significantly less speed.
13. Devin Moore, Wyoming - Can burn, but Moore is only 5'10/192; third-down prospect has great hands and a highly explosive first step.
14. Ian Johnson, Boise State - Had impressive Combine; Johnson is a gamer with speed but didn't improve much during his college career.
15. Javarris Williams, Tennessee State - Played behind TSU line littered with pro prospects, but intriguing size-speed combo (5'10/219, 4.52).
Other RBs with a good shot to be drafted: James Davis (Clemson), Bernard Scott (Abeline Christian), Cedric Peerman (Virginia), Gartrell Johnson (Colorado St.), Marlon Lucky (Nebraska), Arian Foster (Tennessee), Keegan Herring (Arizona St.), Chris Ogbonnaya (Texas), P.J. Hill (Wisconsin), Tyrell Sutton (Northwestern), Kahlil Bell (UCLA), Aaron Brown (TCU), Darrell Mack (Utah), Anthony Kimble (Stanford), Branden Ore (West Liberty St.), Marcus Thigpen (Indiana)
Draft '09: The Running Backs
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PRINTER FRIENDLY NFL Draft Preview Archives
The NFL has evolved into a two-plus back league. Eight more backfields became timeshares last year. Marshawn Lynch lost 130 carries to Fred Jackson in Buffalo; J.J. Arrington arose from the dead and Tim Hightower intermittently emerged to "keep Edgerrin James fresh" for the playoffs; LenDale White continued to share work, but lost his starting job to Chris Johnson; Ricky Williams came off suspension to poach 189 of Ronnie Brown's touches; Willis McGahee's backfield became a three-headed monster: Jamaal Charles turned Larry Johnson into a two-down back; Darren Sproles made LaDainian Tomlinson look like Shaun Alexander; and Dominic Rhodes redelivered a carry split to Indianapolis, rendering Joseph Addai's stint as an every-down player a one-year experiment.
But what teams look for hasn't changed. If the ability to pick up blitzers, run inside and out, catch passes, and hit big plays is found in one prospect, that player will be coveted on draft day. Knowshon Moreno can do it all, and that's why he has the edge on Chris Wells. While speed-size ratios like Beanie's are uncommon and he'll be a scary committee back, Moreno's versatility makes him a true franchise runner.
1. Knowshon Moreno, Georgia
Height/Weight: 5'11/217
College Experience: Third-year sophomore
Combine Nos.: 4.60 forty, 25 x 225 lbs, 35.5" vertical, 4.27 short shuttle
Comparison: Frank Gore
2008 Stats: 250 - 1,400 (5.6) - 16 Tds, 33 - 392 (11.9) - 2 Tds
Positives: Moreno is a relentless, grinding inside runner with elite vision and instincts. He possesses a fresh, powerful leg drive and consistently falls forward. Outside the tackle box Moreno is shifty, but elusive. He doesn't shy from contact and his patented spin move should remain effective in the pros. A frequent check-down target for Matthew Stafford in college, Moreno is a smooth receiver in the short and downfield passing game and a legitimate after-catch threat. He often lined up in the slot in coach Mark Richt's pro-style offense. Moreno offers close to an ideal build, has not been overworked, and oozes competitiveness.
Negatives: Moreno started for just one full year at Georgia, and while he was first-team All SEC both seasons, the early entrant lacks ideal experience. Moreno's timed speed is mediocre and he won't outrun many NFL secondaries. His creativity is a plus, but Moreno is sometimes too willing to get airborne in open-field and goal-line situations, leaving him susceptible to hits. While Moreno is competent in blitz protection, like most rookies his technique is considered raw.
Verdict: Moreno would be a top-five pick if he ran in the 4.4s. He's capable of being an every-down back at 4.6, but Moreno is unlikely to crack the top ten. Still, he will make a significant rookie-season impact and could emerge as a Pro Bowl-caliber player by year three.
2. Chris Wells, Ohio State
Height/Weight: 6'1/237
College Experience: Third-year junior
Combine Nos.: 4.59 forty, 25 x 225 lbs, 33.5" vertical, 10'8" broad jump
Comparison: Jamal Lewis
2008 Stats: 207 - 1,197 (5.8) - 8 Tds, 8 - 47 (5.9) - 0 Tds
Positives: Wells' speed-athleticism combination is dominant at his size. He is highly effective in short-yardage situations and uses a devastating stiff arm to shield defenders in the open field. Wells' balance is outstanding, and he has the shake and vision to make linemen and slower linebackers miss. He is deceptively explosive and moves exceptionally well laterally. Wells averaged 5.9 yards per carry after replacing Antonio Pittman as the Buckeyes' starter despite frequently facing eight in the box.
Negatives: Wells caught just 15 passes at OSU and has little experience in blitz pickup. An upright long strider, Wells is an easy target for run-and-hit linebackers. His style led to injuries in college; Wells was often nicked up and missed three games in 2008 with a foot injury. Along the sideline, Wells tends to step out of bounds instead of turning up field for more yards. Despite looking like a bulldozing power back, Wells is shifty and would rather go around his man than through him. Wells sat out the final two quarters of the Buckeyes' Fiesta Bowl loss with a mysterious injury and his passion for the game is in question.
Verdict: Wells won't be as hard to tackle in the pros and lacks third-down value, but 240-pound running backs with big-play speed don't come around often. While Wells' upside is only as the lead part of a committee, his talent will be too hard for teams in the first round to ignore.
3. Donald Brown, Connecticut
Height/Weight: 5'10/210
College Experience: Fourth-year junior
Combine Nos.: 4.51 forty, 41.5" vertical, 4.10 short shuttle, 10'5" broad jump
Comparison: Thomas Jones
2008 Stats: 367 - 2,083 (5.7) - 18 Tds, 21 - 125 (6.0) - 0 Tds
Positives: Brown's ability to make something out of nothing is his signature characteristic. Overwhelmingly quick in a short area, Brown is creative and outstandingly instinctive. He changes directions in a hurry and rarely allows defenders to make square contact. Also an improving pass catcher, Brown can turn a short pass into a long gain or bounce an off-tackle carry into an up-field sprint. Though his forty time is only above average, Brown reaches top speed quickly, is fearless between the tackles, and never stops moving his feet.
Negatives: Brown endured a high volume of carries in his breakout junior year, and though his sensational production arguably made up for it, played a relatively soft schedule. Only two of UConn's opponents (West Virginia, Cincinnati) finished in the AP Top 25. Moreno went against four top-25 teams and Wells faced three, not including an early-season missed game versus USC. Brown also played behind one of the best offensive lines in Huskies history.
Verdict: A late first- to early second-round prospect, Brown will likely begin his career as a change of pace. Brown may need to be paired with a short-yardage runner initially, but as he bulks up and improves his protections and smoothness in the receiving game, he could emerge as a three-down feature back.
4. LeSean McCoy, Pittsburgh
Height/Weight: 5'10/209
College Experience: Third-year sophomore
Combine Nos.: DNP (flu)
Comparison: DeAngelo Williams
2008 Stats: 308 - 1,488 (4.8) - 21 Tds, 32 - 305 (9.5) - 0 Tds
Positives: McCoy is a darting runner with quite possibly the best hands among tailbacks in this draft. Definitely the truest homerun hitter, McCoy is extremely dangerous outside the tackle box and on quick screens. While he's not yet a consistently effective inside runner, McCoy isn't afraid of contact and has room to improve in that area. McCoy exhibits rare second-gear speed and superior footwork. His quick feet will make him very difficult to defend one-on-one at the next level. Only 20, McCoy will continue to grow and should maintain elite speed.
Negatives: McCoy has only 8 7/8-inch hands, which could lead to fumbling problems against craftier defenders. The two-year starter did much of his damage in college from the Wildcat. While that formation has caught on, no NFL team will make it a base package. McCoy offers little power and will likely struggle in short-yardage situations initially. He's missed all pre-draft drills and reported to the Combine at only 198 pounds after battling the flu.
Verdict: McCoy is still very raw and has good size potential, but may never be more than a complementary back, depending on his physical development. His moves, speed, and quickness will be immediate assets in a committee, however, and McCoy is likely to be a top-45 selection.
5. Rashad Jennings, Liberty
Height/Weight: 6'1/234
College Experience: Fourth-year senior
Combine Nos.: 4.64 forty, 29 x 225 lbs, 4.20 short shuttle, 10'0" broad jump
Comparison: Marion Barber
2008 Stats: 264 - 1,507 (5.7) - 17 Tds, 24 - 190 (7.9) - 2 Tds
Positives: A physical, one-cut back with ideal build, Jennings has every-down tools. He runs with good vision and doesn't waste steps behind the line of scrimmage. Jennings can make the difficult catch in traffic and turn up field quickly for plus yards. He isn't a bulldozer, but deals powerful blows when necessary and showed toughness by playing through a broken pinkie throughout 2008. Jennings has strong character, was the Flames' team captain as a junior and senior, and gave up a promising career at Pitt to transfer closer to his diabetic father in 2006.
Negatives: A three-year starter in the Big South, Jennings has not faced NFL-quality defenders. While he dominated that level (three-time first-team all conference), Jennings won't run away from pro defensive backs like he did at D-IAA. Jennings carried as much as 270 pounds early in his college career and weight maintenance is a slight concern. Jennings lacks the shake and bake to make a man miss consistently, although his decisiveness is a plus.
Verdict: Jennings proved he can compete against tough competition with a terrific Senior Bowl. While his career may start slowly like Tim Hightower's, Jennings has similar upside and will make a strong case for carries by the end of his rookie year, no matter where he lands.
6. Shonn Greene, Iowa
Height/Weight: 5'11/229
College Experience: Fourth-year junior
Combine Nos.: 4.72 forty, 19 x 225 lbs, 37" vertical, 10'1" broad jump
Comparison: LenDale White
2008 Stats: 307 - 1,850 (6.0) - 20 Tds, 8 - 49 (5.0) - 0 Tds
Positives/Negatives: Greene paid his dues on special teams behind Albert Young early in his career, covering kicks and returning them. He was supposed to take over as Iowa's starter in '07, but failed to qualify academically. Rumors had him ballooning to 300 lbs. during his year away from football, but Greene returned to win the Doak Walker Award as a junior and declared for the draft. Greene is a beastly inside runner and won't go down without a fight. He's arguably the purest power back in this draft. Greene is not an experienced pass catcher, however (11 career receptions), and offers significantly less than ideal speed and agility.
Verdict: Greene's below-average athleticism was less evident in Kirk Ferentz's zone-blocking scheme. Assuming he keeps his weight down and develops passable third-down value, Greene could emerge as the lead part of a committee soon. But he's a risky draft pick and isn't worth consideration before round three.
7. Andre Brown, North Carolina State
Height/Weight: 6'0/224
College Experience: Fourth-year senior
Combine Nos.: 4.49 forty, 24 x 225 lbs, 37" vertical
Comparison: Derrick Ward
2008 Stats: 175 - 767 (4.4) - 7 Tds, 29 - 309 (10.7) - 2 Tds
Positives/Negatives: Brown is a one-cut power back with prototypical speed at his size. He delivers blows inside and flashes an effective open-field stiff arm. Brown makes up for a lack of great moves with excellent vision and homerun ability. Durability is a red flag; Brown broke the same foot twice in his last two seasons, although he started all 13 games as a senior. Brown is considered willing in blitz pickup and is a smooth, experienced pass catcher, giving him three-down value. A high running style contributed to nagging injuries throughout college, but Brown often played through them. Brown did not have a dominant offensive line or NFL-caliber teammates. NC State had one winning season during his career; when Brown was a freshman.
Verdict: Brown won't be a first-day pick because of his injury history, but his north-south mentality, receiving skill, and speed make him a third-round prospect. Not a dancer, Brown will appeal to both zone-blocking and power-running teams. Brown can be a much better pro than collegiate if he stays healthy. He could make a big impact in year one in the right situation.
8. Jeremiah Johnson, Oregon
Height/Weight: 5'9/209
College Experience: Fourth-year senior
Combine Nos.: 4.67 forty, 20 x 225 lbs
Comparison: Jerome Harrison
2008 Stats: 168 - 1,201 (7.1) - 13 Tds, 8 - 75 (9.4) - 0 Tds
Positives/Negatives: Johnson plays much faster than his forty time indicates. His first step is explosive and he was a consistent big-play threat in college. Jonathan Stewart's former backup, Johnson only started one year in the Ducks' spread but offers punt and kick return value. He was underutilized in the receiving game as a senior because Oregon went so run heavy with dual-threat Jeremiah Masoli at QB. Their run-pass ratio was 585:373. Johnson, who caught 17 passes as a sophomore, has soft hands and potential to excel in that area. Johnson tore his ACL in Week 6 of 2007, although his senior-year YPC shows he didn't lose any burst.
Verdict: Johnson's run-to-daylight ability may not translate to the pros, but he'll likely be a major change-of-pace weapon eventually. He'll probably sit as a No. 3 back/returner as a rookie, then challenge for primary backup duty in year two. Johnson needs to hone his pass catching, but his upside is worth a fourth- to fifth-round pick.
9. Mike Goodson, Texas A&M
Height/Weight: 6'0/208
College Experience: Third-year junior
Combine Nos.: 4.54 forty, 14 x 225 lbs, 39.5" vertical, 4.22 short shuttle, 9'10" broad jump
Comparison: Jerious Norwood
2008 Stats: 94 - 408 (4.3) - 5 Tds, 37 - 386 (10.4) - 3 Tds
Positives/Negatives: A monster recruit entering A&M, Goodson spent most of his career in a committee with 270-pound goal-line vulture Jorvorskie Lane, among others. While it's concerning that Goodson never "beat out" less touted players for regular time, Aggies coach Mike Sherman showed little decisiveness at any position, using rotations at QB and wideout as well. Goodson was also a holdover from the Dennis Franchione era, which couldn't have helped. Goodson was a big-play college back, has little tread on his tires, and is a pro-ready pass catcher. He also has a solid frame to pick up blitzes. However, he seems uncomfortable running inside the tackles and lacks the physical strength to shed defenders consistently.
Verdict: Due to poor college production, Goodson's stock was dependent on his 40-yard dash and he didn't post an elite time. While that doesn't mean he'll fail, Goodson will likely be drafted in the middle rounds and have to earn his way up a depth chart. The talent is there, but Goodson's future is very relative to situation as a "flier" pick lacking inside running value.
10. Glen Coffee, Alabama
Height/Weight: 6'0/209
College Experience: Fourth-year junior
Combine Nos.: 4.58 forty, 24 x 225 lbs, 36" vertical, 10'1" broad jump
Comparison: Maurice Morris
2008 Stats: 233 - 1,383 (5.9) - 10 Tds, 16 - 118 (7.4) - 1 Td
Positives/Negatives: Coffee played behind arguably D-I's most dominant offensive line. A lanky back with some wiggle, Coffee runs with decisiveness and is willing to power through defenders. He offers pedestrian long speed and no real second gear, however, and possesses little lower-body strength. Coffee won't be a great option at the goal line in his rookie year. Coffee will need to get used to smaller holes in the pros and improve in the receiving game. He has no special teams experience and as a likely mid- to late-round pick, he'll have to do the little things better to have a career.
Verdict: Coffee's game doesn't stand out in any area. He could progress into a productive half of a timeshare in the right system, but is unlikely to ever be a full-time player. He's a fifth- to sixth-round prospect.
11. Kory Sheets, Purdue - Spread offense product offers ideal third-down skills; a smooth pass catcher with 4.47 speed and solid (5'11/208) build.
12. Javon Ringer, Michigan State - Undersized workhorse coming off knee surgery; there's some Willie Parker to him, but has significantly less speed.
13. Devin Moore, Wyoming - Can burn, but Moore is only 5'10/192; third-down prospect has great hands and a highly explosive first step.
14. Ian Johnson, Boise State - Had impressive Combine; Johnson is a gamer with speed but didn't improve much during his college career.
15. Javarris Williams, Tennessee State - Played behind TSU line littered with pro prospects, but intriguing size-speed combo (5'10/219, 4.52).
Other RBs with a good shot to be drafted: James Davis (Clemson), Bernard Scott (Abeline Christian), Cedric Peerman (Virginia), Gartrell Johnson (Colorado St.), Marlon Lucky (Nebraska), Arian Foster (Tennessee), Keegan Herring (Arizona St.), Chris Ogbonnaya (Texas), P.J. Hill (Wisconsin), Tyrell Sutton (Northwestern), Kahlil Bell (UCLA), Aaron Brown (TCU), Darrell Mack (Utah), Anthony Kimble (Stanford), Branden Ore (West Liberty St.), Marcus Thigpen (Indiana)
.... Wells is the RB to draft, NFL & fantasy wise. 
