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Adrian Peterson (1 Viewer)

If he's not the fastest by stopwatch speed (and he'll be close), Peterson is certainly going to be among the top 2 or 3 backs for true field speed. His burst and acceleration are incredible, and frankly would be even if he were 5' 10" 200 lbs not 6'2" & 220.
Still gonna have to say no. These guys all come just off the top of my head as palyers having better speed and burst than Peterson:ParkerBushMJDLTOthers could include:WestyBellPortis
 
I'll take Eddie George and Corey Dillion with the ability to rip off 90 yard runs. At that point we're basically talking about a football exclusive Bo Jackson.
Let's not underestimate Dillon's speed in his early years. If I'm not mistaken he is near the top of the list in 50+ yard runs in the 90s...Dillon had plenty of pure speed and has plenty of long runs to back it up. Also, let's not pretend Eddie came into the league running a 4.7.Aside from AD's injury concerns, my other concern is his toughness...Eddie and Corey have superhuman toughness. It takes a very unique human being to endure the blows in the NFL. Peterson obviously has been a tough runner in college, but we'll see if he can continue that in the NFL...most humans can't.
 
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Just wanted to add I agree with pretty much everything LHUCKS has written.

I personally am not supremely impressed with AD the way others are. I think he could be a top 10 RB in the league, but he is a long way from being better than LT, SA, Portis or even MJD right now ~ even in the perfect situation.

I would like to see how he blocks more than how he runs. THAT will determine how much PT he actually gets.

Personally, I think Houston seems like the obvious slot.

 
If he's not the fastest by stopwatch speed (and he'll be close), Peterson is certainly going to be among the top 2 or 3 backs for true field speed. His burst and acceleration are incredible, and frankly would be even if he were 5' 10" 200 lbs not 6'2" & 220.
Still gonna have to say no. These guys all come just off the top of my head as palyers having better speed and burst than Peterson:ParkerBushMJDLTOthers could include:WestyBellPortis
Reggie is the only one with close to Peterson speed from what I've read. Adrian has close to world class 100 meter speed. I believe Bush's fastest 100 meter was in 2002 at a timed 10.42. Peterson ran a timed 10.33 back as a senior in high school. Neither could run that now, both are in the 10.5-10.6 range. But in pads, I'm willing to bet that it would be a very very close race between the two. None of the other guys on that list have that kind of speed.
 
If he's not the fastest by stopwatch speed (and he'll be close), Peterson is certainly going to be among the top 2 or 3 backs for true field speed. His burst and acceleration are incredible, and frankly would be even if he were 5' 10" 200 lbs not 6'2" & 220.
Still gonna have to say no. These guys all come just off the top of my head as palyers having better speed and burst than Peterson:ParkerBushMJDLTOthers could include:WestyBellPortis
Reggie is the only one with close to Peterson speed from what I've read. Adrian has close to world class 100 meter speed. I believe Bush's fastest 100 meter was in 2002 at a timed 10.42. Peterson ran a timed 10.33 back as a senior in high school. Neither could run that now, both are in the 10.5-10.6 range. But in pads, I'm willing to bet that it would be a very very close race between the two. None of the other guys on that list have that kind of speed.
Are we talking about track or football speed?
 
If he's not the fastest by stopwatch speed (and he'll be close), Peterson is certainly going to be among the top 2 or 3 backs for true field speed. His burst and acceleration are incredible, and frankly would be even if he were 5' 10" 200 lbs not 6'2" & 220.
Still gonna have to say no. These guys all come just off the top of my head as palyers having better speed and burst than Peterson:ParkerBushMJDLTOthers could include:WestyBellPortis
Reggie is the only one with close to Peterson speed from what I've read. Adrian has close to world class 100 meter speed. I believe Bush's fastest 100 meter was in 2002 at a timed 10.42. Peterson ran a timed 10.33 back as a senior in high school. Neither could run that now, both are in the 10.5-10.6 range. But in pads, I'm willing to bet that it would be a very very close race between the two. None of the other guys on that list have that kind of speed.
Are we talking about track or football speed?
Track of course, we're talking about the 100 meter. He plays to that speed with pads on. Some don't, he does.
 
AD has more of a 100 build, and Reggie has more of a 40 build for what it's worth.

The 100 is even more irrelevant than the 40 when it comes to football indicators.

 
AD has more of a 100 build, and Reggie has more of a 40 build for what it's worth.The 100 is even more irrelevant than the 40 when it comes to football indicators.
Neither are particulary relevant. But when talking about pure speed the 100 is the gold standard. The 40 isn't even a race. The numbers from the 40 are so all over the place because of the different rules used to time it, that it's worthless IMO.
 
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If he's not the fastest by stopwatch speed (and he'll be close), Peterson is certainly going to be among the top 2 or 3 backs for true field speed. His burst and acceleration are incredible, and frankly would be even if he were 5' 10" 200 lbs not 6'2" & 220.
Still gonna have to say no. These guys all come just off the top of my head as palyers having better speed and burst than Peterson:ParkerBushMJDLTOthers could include:WestyBellPortis
I honestly don't think any of those guys are noticeably faster than AD, or each other for that matter. They are all in the upper tier of backs speed wise, which AD will be as well. IMO, of course.
 
Unfortunately, I don't get to follow a lot of college ball. People keep talking about AP being an injury risk. What exactly were his injuries in college???

I also don't see people's hesitation based on where he goes. Besides the teams with the 1.1 and 1.2, I wouldn't mind seeing him on just about any team in the top 10.

 
Unfortunately, I don't get to follow a lot of college ball. People keep talking about AP being an injury risk. What exactly were his injuries in college???I also don't see people's hesitation based on where he goes. Besides the teams with the 1.1 and 1.2, I wouldn't mind seeing him on just about any team in the top 10.
High ankle sprain sophomore year. Played sparingly in 3-4 games in the middle of the season. Broken collarbone this year, missed the last 5-6 games.
 
Raging weasel said:
LHUCKS said:
Hairy Snowman said:
Personally, I think Houston seems like the obvious slot.
A zone blocking scheme would be a perfect fit for his running style.
I heard a rumur on local sports radio that denver wants him and is offering houston plummer and T Bell to switch picks in the first round.
He might not last until #8...
 
fruity pebbles said:
Bevo said:
I realize that college and the NFL aren't comparable, but it is probably worth pointing out that OU's offensive line wasn't very good in Peterson's sophomore or junior years. It had some impact on his productivity, but he was still one of the most productive and explosive backs in CFB behind a suspect offensive line.
Didn't Allen Patrick (not exactly a highly rated RB) do pretty well behind that line last year after Adrian went down due to injury again? That O-line last year turned out to be a fair bit better than many, including me, thought that it would.
He did pretty well, but his YPC was almost a full yard less than Peterson's.
True enough. OTOH, Petersen was an extremely highly rated RB coming to OU. Patrick was a fairly highly rated DB coming to OU. All other things being somewhat equal (like running behind the same O-line I would expect at least 1 YPC differential. That O-line ended up being better than even most Sooner fans hoped for, much less what relatively unbiased observers would have expected.While I am far, far from being a Sooner fan I will say that I think that Stoops and his coaches did a very good job last ayear nd one of their best efforts was ramping up the O-line to a much higher level than expected.

 
fruity pebbles said:
LHUCKS said:
AD has more of a 100 build, and Reggie has more of a 40 build for what it's worth.The 100 is even more irrelevant than the 40 when it comes to football indicators.
Neither are particulary relevant. But when talking about pure speed the 100 is the gold standard. The 40 isn't even a race. The numbers from the 40 are so all over the place because of the different rules used to time it, that it's worthless IMO.
How about the 60m then? :lmao:I would personally say the 40 is more relevant in 40 and is used as the NFL's "gold standard" for a reason. In the NFL opportunity (creases, lanes and holes) open and close in very short amounts of time. Therefor short burst acceleration and closed space quickness is of more relevance. In the grand scheme of things 100m is never going to be used in football and the top end speed it relates to is typically only relevant IF you can 1st find and get through the very crease your short burst speed allowed you too 9 (or maybe your line or coverage breakdown did). A player hardly ever has the opportunity to open up on the field as a guy running the 100m... or 40 yd dash for that matter. Needless to say I see a vast difference in football speed and track speed.
 
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fruity pebbles said:
LHUCKS said:
AD has more of a 100 build, and Reggie has more of a 40 build for what it's worth.The 100 is even more irrelevant than the 40 when it comes to football indicators.
Neither are particulary relevant. But when talking about pure speed the 100 is the gold standard. The 40 isn't even a race. The numbers from the 40 are so all over the place because of the different rules used to time it, that it's worthless IMO.
How about the 60m then? :kicksrock:I would personally say the 40 is more relevant in 40 and is used as the NFL's "gold standard" for a reason. In the NFL opportunity (creases, lanes and holes) open and close in very short amounts of time. Therefor short burst acceleration and closed space quickness is of more relevance. In the grand scheme of things 100m is never going to be used in football and the top end speed it relates to is typically only relevant IF you can 1st find and get through the very crease your short burst speed allowed you too 9 (or maybe your line or coverage breakdown did). A player hardly ever has the opportunity to open up on the field as a guy running the 100m... or 40 yd dash for that matter. Needless to say I see a vast difference in football speed and track speed.
Well, Peterson ran a 4.37 in the spring. Bush ran a 4.35 at USC's pro day. But those are only as accurate as the person running the watch. That's what's nice about the 100. It's run at a track and field event with strict parameters surrounding it. Let's just say they're both really really fast.
 
fruity pebbles said:
LHUCKS said:
AD has more of a 100 build, and Reggie has more of a 40 build for what it's worth.

The 100 is even more irrelevant than the 40 when it comes to football indicators.
Neither are particulary relevant. But when talking about pure speed the 100 is the gold standard. The 40 isn't even a race. The numbers from the 40 are so all over the place because of the different rules used to time it, that it's worthless IMO.
How about the 60m then? :kicksrock: I would personally say the 40 is more relevant in 40 and is used as the NFL's "gold standard" for a reason. In the NFL opportunity (creases, lanes and holes) open and close in very short amounts of time. Therefor short burst acceleration and closed space quickness is of more relevance. In the grand scheme of things 100m is never going to be used in football and the top end speed it relates to is typically only relevant IF you can 1st find and get through the very crease your short burst speed allowed you too 9 (or maybe your line or coverage breakdown did). A player hardly ever has the opportunity to open up on the field as a guy running the 100m... or 40 yd dash for that matter. Needless to say I see a vast difference in football speed and track speed.
Well, Peterson ran a 4.37 in the spring. Bush ran a 4.35 at USC's pro day. But those are only as accurate as the person running the watch. That's what's nice about the 100. It's run at a track and field event with strict parameters surrounding it. Let's just say they're both really really fast.
This is really the bottom line here. We sort of got off track...whether it is the 40, 100 m, or on the field, AD is very fast, and faster than most of the players listed in this thread.
 
Bottom line: He is a RB who has a chance to be the best of his generation, maybe even the best ever. Not saying he will. But he has that type of ability. You can't say that about too many people.

 
Yes, he's the annual "once in a generation" player

(not making fun of the evaluation of AD, I love the guy too, but the hype every year of the next big thing)

 
Bottom line: He is a RB who has a chance to be the best of his generation, maybe even the best ever. Not saying he will. But he has that type of ability. You can't say that about too many people.
Isn't he tall and runs upright? See Chris Brown, except with speed02/20/07 - Stock Falling: No one is denying Peterson's ability or top 10 status, but scouts are becoming increasingly concerned about his lack of durability. At 6-2, 220 pounds, Peterson has an upright running style and endured a great deal of punishment in his three seasons at Oklahoma. A dislocated shoulder limited Peterson throughout his freshman season. A nagging ankle injury kept him out against Baylor and limited him to a half or less against Texas, Kansas and Kansas State in 2005. This past season, Peterson missed seven games with a broken collarbone. When healthy, he is among the draft's top players and among those most likely to make an immediate impact in the NFL. Peterson's tendency to get injured, however, will weigh heavily on the minds of teams picking high in the first round.

NFL Draft Scout

 
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Bottom line: He is a RB who has a chance to be the best of his generation, maybe even the best ever. Not saying he will. But he has that type of ability. You can't say that about too many people.
Isn't he tall and runs upright? See Chris Brown, except with speed02/20/07 - Stock Falling: No one is denying Peterson's ability or top 10 status, but scouts are becoming increasingly concerned about his lack of durability. At 6-2, 220 pounds, Peterson has an upright running style and endured a great deal of punishment in his three seasons at Oklahoma. A dislocated shoulder limited Peterson throughout his freshman season. A nagging ankle injury kept him out against Baylor and limited him to a half or less against Texas, Kansas and Kansas State in 2005. This past season, Peterson missed seven games with a broken collarbone. When healthy, he is among the draft's top players and among those most likely to make an immediate impact in the NFL. Peterson's tendency to get injured, however, will weigh heavily on the minds of teams picking high in the first round.

NFL Draft Scout
This could be even better for AP though. If teams think this and pass on him he could end up in the 12-18 range which would put him in a better starting spot.
 
Yes, he's the annual "once in a generation" player(not making fun of the evaluation of AD, I love the guy too, but the hype every year of the next big thing)
Doesn't change the fact that he's the #1 pick in every dynasty format, unless like I said, you're already stacked at RB.In which case you should trade down and pick up Russell or Johnson.
 
Yes, he's the annual "once in a generation" player(not making fun of the evaluation of AD, I love the guy too, but the hype every year of the next big thing)
He's been touted as that since high school though.
Herschel Walker was supposed to break every known record to man, because he was such a prodigy at the high school and college levels...a man amongst boys.I see many similarities here.
 
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I would compare him to Deuce McAllister personally, and reaching back in time when Clarett challenged the rules and there was a brief window where it might have been possible for highschoolers to go directly to the NFL everyone said most likely impossible. The only name mentioned as a chance of "maybe" was Adrian Peterson. That just shows that he was an outstanding recruit, he has lived up to it to this point and does most definetly have the potential to be great. Although smaller RB are becoming more popular, don't knock on bigger guys just because they are an inch or two taller. That same logic means that Westy/MJD can't be good because too small. If the talent and desire are there, then it will happen regardless of size.

 
Although smaller RB are becoming more popular, don't knock on bigger guys just because they are an inch or two taller. That same logic means that Westy/MJD can't be good because too small. If the talent and desire are there, then it will happen regardless of size.
The best RBs are squatty because the lower center of gravity affords them superior quickness, fluidity, and overall elusiveness. Consider the recent RBs that are among the NFL's top 30 all-time rushers (sorted by height):Barry Sanders - 5'8" 203 Warrick Dunn - 5'9" 180Tiki Barber - 5'10" 200Thurman Thomas - 5'10" 206Marshall Faulk - 5'10" 211Emmitt Smith - 5'10" 216LaDainian Tomlinson - 5'10" 221Curtis Martin - 5'11" 210Shaun Alexander - 5'11" 225Jerome Bettis - 5'11" 243Ahman Green - 6'0" 218Ricky Watters - 6'1" 211Corey Dillon - 6'1" 225Eddie George - 6'3" 236Average - 5'10.9" 214.6 poundsFunction follows form. I don't think it's any coincidence that hyper durable guys like Emmitt Smith, LaDainian Tomlinson, and Curtis Martin are all almost the exact same size. I believe there is a sweet spot somewhere between 5'10-5'11" and 205-220 pounds that allows for peak RB performance and durability. Only one of the backs on the above list is over 6'1". That back is Eddie George, who really only had five good years before hitting a wall and flaming out completely. Only two of the backs on the above list are over 225 pounds. One of them is George. The other is Jerome Bettis. Bettis had incredible durability for a large back, but I think you have to chalk some of that up to his ideal 5'11" height. Is this conclusive evidence that Adrian Peterson will be a bust? Not at all. Larry Johnson and Steven Jackson are currently two of the most valued RBs in FF. Neither player is in the ideal size range (although, to be fair, neither player has yet proven to be as durable as someone like Emmitt or Martin). Eric Dickerson and Marcus Allen had great careers. They're listed at 6'3" and 6'2" respectively. Each player is a unique event. Trends may apply to a large group, but a given player can always buck the trends. 7th round WRs weren't supposed to have good rookie years. Then Marques Colston beat the odds. I think Adrian Peterson has all of the talent needed to be a great one. But the best of all-time? Highly unlikely, IMO. I suspect he'll have 3-5 good years before hitting the wall ala Eddie George, Jamal Anderson, and Christian Okoye. If you want to talk about the best of all-time, consider #21 on San Diego. He is quite simply the protoypical RB. Pretty much flawless.
 
And one little side note:

Marshawn Lynch - 5'11" 217

It doesn't get much more ideal than that. Take it for what it's worth.

 
Yes, he's the annual "once in a generation" player(not making fun of the evaluation of AD, I love the guy too, but the hype every year of the next big thing)
He's been touted as that since high school though.
Herschel Walker was supposed to break every known record to man, because he was such a prodigy at the high school and college levels...a man amongst boys.I see many similarities here.
The hype that both experienced before coming into the league is the biggest similarity. Walker was big, fast, and extremely explosive (like AD), but never had natural running instincts, and actually had below average vision. IMO, vision is probably the most important RB skill. Peterson has the best vision of any back to come out in a long time.
 
And one little side note:Marshawn Lynch - 5'11" 217It doesn't get much more ideal than that. Take it for what it's worth.
I can see the argument that some make about Peterson's size and how that will affect his career. I understand that, although I don't think it will matter much. However, I don't really see this as a valid argument. Marshawn's size isn't going to make him an elite prospect...his skill set determines that. And although he is a very good RB prospect, he is not even close to AD when it comes to raw talent. William Green, JJ Arrington, and DeShaun Foster are all about the same size as Lynch...
 
What if Adrian Peterson in the NFL is just a faster Marion Barber III? Perhaps this guy can get it done in short bursts, but would not be a 300+ carry feature back.

RBBC makes alot of sense for teams that don't have premier RB talent, and even when you do, a solid 2nd RB that could start on other teams is quite effective to have as a change of pace.

 
Peterson has the best vision of any back to come out in a long time.
That's a gross exaggeration IMHO.
Concur. What's "a long time?" Since last year? Because I do not think he has the vision of Bush.Also regarding speed, Peterson will be plenty fast enough, but I do not know that he will post a legit 4.3 time (i.e. 4.35 or less). That is crazy fast for an RB and only a handful of guys in the league have done that in a workout and if they do its usually their single fastest run. But, whatever he times, it will be plenty fast and not help or hurt him. He should be a solid low 4.4 guy.
 
Yes, he's the annual "once in a generation" player(not making fun of the evaluation of AD, I love the guy too, but the hype every year of the next big thing)
He's been touted as that since high school though.
Yeah, last year Reggie Bush was a once in a generation player. I heard the same thing about Fitz when he came out. What my point was is that the "once in a generation" players come out at a much higher rate than actually once in a generation.
 
Peterson has the best vision of any back to come out in a long time.
That's a gross exaggeration IMHO.
Concur. What's "a long time?" Since last year? Because I do not think he has the vision of Bush.Also regarding speed, Peterson will be plenty fast enough, but I do not know that he will post a legit 4.3 time (i.e. 4.35 or less). That is crazy fast for an RB and only a handful of guys in the league have done that in a workout and if they do its usually their single fastest run. But, whatever he times, it will be plenty fast and not help or hurt him. He should be a solid low 4.4 guy.
I would have to agree that Bush does have excellent vision, along with Cadillac, D. Will, Portis, LT, and Shaun Alexander. So I suppose there is usually at least one back that comes out every year with elite vision. As for Bush, he has the vision, but he doesn't seem to be quite as decisive as AD, especially when running inside. Honestly, I think Shaun Alexander probably has the best vision in the NFL, which has caused him to be so effective despite not being the fastest or most elusive runner. I think AD's combination of speed, vision, acceleration, and instincts is what is the most impressive to me.All that being said, I must say that I seem to be buying into the hype about AD this year. I have never been one to annoint a college back "one of the best" before he has even played a down in the NFL. I will also say that before I researched AD, I was skeptical due to his height and frame. However, after watching him run the ball, I was very impressed. Despite being so tall, he runs with excellent power and leverage, and shows amazing balance. If he reaches the second level, he absolutely destroys angles and seems to almost never get caught from behind. I'm not sure if he is faster than Bush, but because he gets North/South so quickly, he seems to use his speed more effectively than Bush. For him, it is just a matter of staying healthy, IMO.
 
Yes, he's the annual "once in a generation" player(not making fun of the evaluation of AD, I love the guy too, but the hype every year of the next big thing)
He's been touted as that since high school though.
Yeah, last year Reggie Bush was a once in a generation player. I heard the same thing about Fitz when he came out. What my point was is that the "once in a generation" players come out at a much higher rate than actually once in a generation.
I agree. Every year there are a few players that are "once in a generation" players. Few actually live up to it. However, you don't get something like that said about you unless you are a special talent. AD may not be the next Jim Brown, but his skill set is equal to or better than any prospect I've seen. He also has a tremendous work ethic and will to win, which was demonstrated by him playing in the bowl game despite his injury and impending draft status. At the NFL level, work ethic and desire are even more important than in college, and I think this is another quality about AD that is overlooked by many.
 
All that being said, I must say that I seem to be buying into the hype about AD this year. I have never been one to annoint a college back "one of the best" before he has even played a down in the NFL. I will also say that before I researched AD, I was skeptical due to his height and frame. However, after watching him run the ball, I was very impressed. Despite being so tall, he runs with excellent power and leverage, and shows amazing balance. If he reaches the second level, he absolutely destroys angles and seems to almost never get caught from behind. I'm not sure if he is faster than Bush, but because he gets North/South so quickly, he seems to use his speed more effectively than Bush. For him, it is just a matter of staying healthy, IMO.
:bag:
 
If he reaches the second level, he absolutely destroys angles and seems to almost never get caught from behind. I'm not sure if he is faster than Bush, but because he gets North/South so quickly, he seems to use his speed more effectively than Bush.
This is exactly what I see when I watch him play, only you said it better than I could.Jedimaster21 - I agree there are guys with huge potential, I just get sick of the hyperbole. I guess I should just embrace it like everyone else. :goodposting: I think AD is going to be really good, or at least has the tools to do it (if he has the luck we shall see) I'll just never say he (or anyone else, unless it really is the case) is a once in a generation player. I'll shut up now.....
 
If he reaches the second level, he absolutely destroys angles and seems to almost never get caught from behind. I'm not sure if he is faster than Bush, but because he gets North/South so quickly, he seems to use his speed more effectively than Bush.
This is exactly what I see when I watch him play, only you said it better than I could.Jedimaster21 - I agree there are guys with huge potential, I just get sick of the hyperbole. I guess I should just embrace it like everyone else. ;) I think AD is going to be really good, or at least has the tools to do it (if he has the luck we shall see) I'll just never say he (or anyone else, unless it really is the case) is a once in a generation player. I'll shut up now.....
I think it is clear that both of us are tired of the hype, but also agree that AD is a tremendous player.
 
I just saw some video of AD weighing in at the combine. He is ridiculous...chiseled at 6'1'' and 217. His physique was a lot more impressive than Lynch's, and he weighed about the same as him. We will see how they both do in the drills and in the 40. Many reports state that Lynch is as fast as Peterson, but when I watch them both run, Peterson just seems a lot more explosive. Looking forward to tomorrow... :pickle:

 
Although smaller RB are becoming more popular, don't knock on bigger guys just because they are an inch or two taller. That same logic means that Westy/MJD can't be good because too small. If the talent and desire are there, then it will happen regardless of size.
The best RBs are squatty because the lower center of gravity affords them superior quickness, fluidity, and overall elusiveness. Consider the recent RBs that are among the NFL's top 30 all-time rushers (sorted by height):Barry Sanders - 5'8" 203 Warrick Dunn - 5'9" 180Tiki Barber - 5'10" 200Thurman Thomas - 5'10" 206Marshall Faulk - 5'10" 211Emmitt Smith - 5'10" 216LaDainian Tomlinson - 5'10" 221Curtis Martin - 5'11" 210Shaun Alexander - 5'11" 225Jerome Bettis - 5'11" 243Ahman Green - 6'0" 218Ricky Watters - 6'1" 211Corey Dillon - 6'1" 225Eddie George - 6'3" 236Average - 5'10.9" 214.6 poundsFunction follows form. I don't think it's any coincidence that hyper durable guys like Emmitt Smith, LaDainian Tomlinson, and Curtis Martin are all almost the exact same size. I believe there is a sweet spot somewhere between 5'10-5'11" and 205-220 pounds that allows for peak RB performance and durability. Only one of the backs on the above list is over 6'1". That back is Eddie George, who really only had five good years before hitting a wall and flaming out completely. Only two of the backs on the above list are over 225 pounds. One of them is George. The other is Jerome Bettis. Bettis had incredible durability for a large back, but I think you have to chalk some of that up to his ideal 5'11" height. Is this conclusive evidence that Adrian Peterson will be a bust? Not at all. Larry Johnson and Steven Jackson are currently two of the most valued RBs in FF. Neither player is in the ideal size range (although, to be fair, neither player has yet proven to be as durable as someone like Emmitt or Martin). Eric Dickerson and Marcus Allen had great careers. They're listed at 6'3" and 6'2" respectively. Each player is a unique event. Trends may apply to a large group, but a given player can always buck the trends. 7th round WRs weren't supposed to have good rookie years. Then Marques Colston beat the odds. I think Adrian Peterson has all of the talent needed to be a great one. But the best of all-time? Highly unlikely, IMO. I suspect he'll have 3-5 good years before hitting the wall ala Eddie George, Jamal Anderson, and Christian Okoye. If you want to talk about the best of all-time, consider #21 on San Diego. He is quite simply the protoypical RB. Pretty much flawless.
george & anderson had pretty pedestrian speed (for a RB)... peterson has elite speed... okoye had surreal speed for a guy his size (nigerian national champion in shot put AND 100!!!), but he really had no natural running instincts since he never played until he went to azusa pacific & was "discovered" training for track... he took some hellacious shots...imo, AD a FAR better combo of speed, quickness, strength, elusiveness, etc, than above list...the best comp player i've heard is eric dickerson... they had similar speed, upright running style & pedigree... dickerson was one of the best RBs ever, so if his career unfolds similarly, his dynasty owners will be very pleased, needless to say (i don't recall dickerson entering the league with so many injury questions, however)...i've heard other people use george as comparison & i just don't see it... he was pretty plodding in comparison... he was tough & did some things well, but speed wasn't his game...as far as upright, i've seen him run upright... when he was running away from people... but i've also seen him lower his shoulder & deliver a blow when he is running into congestion around the DL, before he breaks into the open... i don't think he is as bad as okoye on that score, who WOULD stand straight up going through the line & just got destroyed at times... it hurt just to watch... :thumbdown:
 
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Peterson has the best vision of any back to come out in a long time.
That's a gross exaggeration IMHO.
he won't have to have historically good vision to be a lot better than walker... walker was a physical specimen & rare size/speed combo (maybe one of best for high profile RB before bo jackson), but he had no running instincts*... you could tackle him with a log, by just rolling it at his feet... AD has far superior natural running instincts...* jedimaster already said this, & i agree...
 
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Personally, I think Houston seems like the obvious slot.
A zone blocking scheme would be a perfect fit for his running style.
:lmao: This guy is a prototype RB for the Zone scheme. I would expect ROY out of him if he starts for that type of team.If he goes to a team that wants him to fit a power scheme, and tote the rock 30+ times a game, he'll be injured before the end of his first season. His straight up style will get him killed in that scheme.If I'm a DC coaching against him, I'd be telling my guys that if the first guy has him wrapped up, then tatoo the guy! He'll be standing straight up and down and pain has a way of negating speed over the course of a game.
Personally, I think Houston seems like the obvious slot.
A zone blocking scheme would be a perfect fit for his running style.
I heard a rumur on local sports radio that denver wants him and is offering houston plummer and T Bell to switch picks in the first round.
That would be a perfect team for him to go to. I think Denver could get the most out of him too!
 
Yes, he's the annual "once in a generation" player(not making fun of the evaluation of AD, I love the guy too, but the hype every year of the next big thing)
AD doesn't just have hype this year. He's been hyped since he was in high school and the hype is well deserved. I have never seen a RB out of high school that was as talented as AD. The kid had an NFL body and talent when he was 18. And you could count on one hand the number of college freshman RB's that had the type of season AD had his first year. Marshall Faulk is the closest I can remember to the type of numbers he put up as a freshman. There is no doubt in my mind that AD will be a stud in the NFL. Every RB is injury prone. It's an injury prone position. Over half the RB's in the league have suffered a serious injury at some point in their career. But AD gives a lot more punishment than he takes. People say that his running style will lead to injuries. Sure maybe some injuries to undersized DB's. Seriously, I don't understand how anyone cannot appreciate the potential this guy has. Yes he may end up getting hurt. But he won't fail due to lack of talent. The once-in-a-generation label is over the top, but it's rare to see a guy with his combination of size, speed, & skills.
 
Yes, he's the annual "once in a generation" player(not making fun of the evaluation of AD, I love the guy too, but the hype every year of the next big thing)
He's been touted as that since high school though.
Herschel Walker was supposed to break every known record to man, because he was such a prodigy at the high school and college levels...a man amongst boys.I see many similarities here.
So then you're saying AD is going to be really good. If Herschel Walker's USFL and NFL numbers were combined, he would rank as one of the most productive professional RB's in history. Even discounting his USFL numbers, he still had an outstanding 12 year NFL career. I believe he ranks #8 all time in all purpose yardage. And he scored 82 career TD's. Not too shabby. If scouts were sure AD would at least put up Walker type numbers, he would probably go #1 overall.
 

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