B Leonard, RB - Rutgers (1 Viewer)

[el centro]

I know I've had a few posts on him already, but I got to thinking today... I think he might be a good fit with the Colts @ 1.32. I know they went RB last year with Addai, and they're weak on Def (as usual). But think about it - he's a great WR out of the backfield, can play HB or FB & would easily fill the Rhodes role with the team.

Anyone else think that's a good fit?

EDITED: Typo.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

I know I've had a few posts on him already, but I got to thinking today... I think he might be a good fit with the Colts @ 1.32. I know they went RB last year with Addai, and they're weak on Def (as usual). But think about it - he's a great WR out fo the backfield, can play HB or FB & would easily fill the Rhodes role with the team.Anyone else think that's a good fit?

Makes sense to me.The Colts have the luxury of going BPA, and I don't see them rolling into 2007 with just Addai/Dorsey. He could fill the vacancy left by Rhodes, and he's a perfect FB in that offense (the role Mungro played until he was hurt).The Colts have a slew of 3rd/4th round picks, so their first may well be determined by which position they like those mid round prospects the best at. With that in mind, as terrific as some of the WRs who will be there at 32 would look in that O, there will be plenty of talent at WR when we get to Indy's 3rd rounders. I wouldn't say the same for RB.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

I know I've had a few posts on him already, but I got to thinking today... I think he might be a good fit with the Colts @ 1.32. I know they went RB last year with Addai, and they're weak on Def (as usual). But think about it - he's a great WR out fo the backfield, can play HB or FB & would easily fill the Rhodes role with the team.Anyone else think that's a good fit?

Pay no attention to Mr. Leonard.... move along...... Seriously, I think they'lll be looking at either WR or probably defense.

 

[jurb26]

The Colts have the luxury of going BPA....

Agreed, but there is no way Leonard will be the BPA at pick 32 if you ask me. It would likely be a WR or LB.

 

[el centro]

I know I've had a few posts on him already, but I got to thinking today... I think he might be a good fit with the Colts @ 1.32. I know they went RB last year with Addai, and they're weak on Def (as usual). But think about it - he's a great WR out fo the backfield, can play HB or FB & would easily fill the Rhodes role with the team.Anyone else think that's a good fit?

Pay no attention to Mr. Leonard.... move along...... Seriously, I think they'lll be looking at either WR or probably defense.

Jeff / Bloom... do you think Leonard will be there for them in the 2nd? Or maybe them moving up to get him in the 2nd by packaging a 3rd together?

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

I know I've had a few posts on him already, but I got to thinking today... I think he might be a good fit with the Colts @ 1.32. I know they went RB last year with Addai, and they're weak on Def (as usual). But think about it - he's a great WR out fo the backfield, can play HB or FB & would easily fill the Rhodes role with the team.Anyone else think that's a good fit?

Pay no attention to Mr. Leonard.... move along...... Seriously, I think they'lll be looking at either WR or probably defense.

Jeff / Bloom... do you think Leonard will be there for them in the 2nd? Or maybe them moving up to get him in the 2nd by packaging a 3rd together?

Pick 57..... Pick 57...... :X

 

[greenroom]

I know I've had a few posts on him already, but I got to thinking today... I think he might be a good fit with the Colts @ 1.32. I know they went RB last year with Addai, and they're weak on Def (as usual). But think about it - he's a great WR out fo the backfield, can play HB or FB & would easily fill the Rhodes role with the team.Anyone else think that's a good fit?

Pay no attention to Mr. Leonard.... move along...... Seriously, I think they'lll be looking at either WR or probably defense.

Jeff / Bloom... do you think Leonard will be there for them in the 2nd? Or maybe them moving up to get him in the 2nd by packaging a 3rd together?

Pick 57..... Pick 57......

I am hoping pick 56.. pick 56

 

[Two Deep]

Brian Leonard

6'2" 224

4.49 - 40

11.59 - 60 yard shuttle

6.88- 3 cone

10' 2" -Broad Jump

28 reps- 225

Marshawn Lynch

5' 11" 215

4.46- 40

11.80- 60 yd shuttle

7.05- 3 cone

10' 5" Broad jump

20 reps-225

Why all the talk of Leonard being a fullback is beyond me, this guy is starting tailback material. I'd take him right behind Peterson. Watch the film on him and note how agile he is for a big man. The only thing holding him back is "White syndrome". But don't tell anybody he will be our secret.

 

[duaneok66]

several scouts think he is a FULLBACK; you don't draft a FB at #32 . . . besides, the Colts don't use a fullback , so that is part of the waste . . . does Leonard have the quickness to run the stretch play?? I don't think so . . . they would be better off getting a legit #3 (like Anthony Gonzalez) or a DT or LB . . .

 

[texasyankee]

He has made up his mind that he wants to be a tailback

Fullback or H-Back is a fall back position for him

He will produce and whoever drafts him will not only be getting a huge steal - they will not be able to keep him off the field

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

several scouts think he is a FULLBACK; you don't draft a FB at #32 . . . besides, the Colts don't use a fullback , so that is part of the waste . . . does Leonard have the quickness to run the stretch play?? I don't think so . . . they would be better off getting a legit #3 (like Anthony Gonzalez) or a DT or LB . . .

Looks like TexasYankee's about to bring you up to speed on this tailback, who "played" FB his senior year.ETA - He beat me to it

 

[sirfumblesalot]

several scouts think he is a FULLBACK; you don't draft a FB at #32 . . . besides, the Colts don't use a fullback , so that is part of the waste . . . does Leonard have the quickness to run the stretch play?? I don't think so . . . they would be better off getting a legit #3 (like Anthony Gonzalez) or a DT or LB . . .

Looks like TexasYankee's about to bring you up to speed on this tailback, who "played" FB his senior year.ETA - He beat me to it

I'm a Rutgers alum and I've Leonard play the last few years and he is the real deal. He can contribute in so many ways. Great hands, great instincts and a total team guy. He may wind up being one of the steals of the draft if he falls out of the 1st round.

 

[-OZ-]

He has made up his mind that he wants to be a tailback

Fullback or H-Back is a fall back position for him

He will produce and whoever drafts him will not only be getting a huge steal - they will not be able to keep him off the field

My top pick in one league lines up to probably be Leonard. If that holds true, I'll be quite pleased.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

several scouts think he is a FULLBACK; you don't draft a FB at #32 . . . besides, the Colts don't use a fullback , so that is part of the waste . . . does Leonard have the quickness to run the stretch play?? I don't think so . . . they would be better off getting a legit #3 (like Anthony Gonzalez) or a DT or LB . . .

Looks like TexasYankee's about to bring you up to speed on this tailback, who "played" FB his senior year.ETA - He beat me to it

I'm a Rutgers alum and I've Leonard play the last few years and he is the real deal. He can contribute in so many ways. Great hands, great instincts and a total team guy. He may wind up being one of the steals of the draft if he falls out of the 1st round.

Yes, I've been in Leonard's corner for months now (not usually trumpeting RU, but this was the year to do just that).Leonard went from 238 to 224 from his bowl game to the Combine in an effort to re-establish himself as a tailback. His numbers were outstanding (28 reps, great hands, 4.52 speed)He's a throwback to a Tom Rathman kind of back - big guy, great speed, good hands, strong skills at blocking. A 3-down back and could be a feature back on the right team. He'll likely start as a complimentary back.

 

[Sean Baca]

I know I've had a few posts on him already, but I got to thinking today... I think he might be a good fit with the Colts @ 1.32. I know they went RB last year with Addai, and they're weak on Def (as usual). But think about it - he's a great WR out fo the backfield, can play HB or FB & would easily fill the Rhodes role with the team.Anyone else think that's a good fit?

He would be a great fit in Indy and no doubt he would fill the hole left by Rhodes

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

I know I've had a few posts on him already, but I got to thinking today... I think he might be a good fit with the Colts @ 1.32. I know they went RB last year with Addai, and they're weak on Def (as usual). But think about it - he's a great WR out fo the backfield, can play HB or FB & would easily fill the Rhodes role with the team.Anyone else think that's a good fit?

He would be a great fit in Indy and no doubt he would fill the hole left by Rhodes

Stop that right now....57...57.....

 

[Chaos Commish]

Could be that Leonard is a guy that is very good at everything in college, which probably translates to above average at everything in the NFL, but not great at anything so he won't be very good in the NFL? Just good. I have a tough time getting excited about Tom Rathman comparisons.

I think the move to fullback being labeled as a voluntary thing he did for the good of the team is being misunderstood. The coach knew Rice was the better tailback. Brian knew Rice was the better tailback. So, he moved to fullback where he had played a good part of his career anyway.

I don't share the giddiness some of you do, but that's not a comfortable position for me. He is very solid all around. Philly or Indy would just be great for him. But I don't feel that way about most situations he could fall into.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

Could be that Leonard is a guy that is very good at everything in college, which probably translates to above average at everything in the NFL, but not great at anything so he won't be very good in the NFL? Just good. I have a tough time getting excited about Tom Rathman comparisons.

I think the move to fullback being labeled as a voluntary thing he did for the good of the team is being misunderstood. The coach knew Rice was the better tailback. Brian knew Rice was the better tailback. So, he moved to fullback where he had played a good part of his career anyway.

I don't share the giddiness some of you do, but that's not a comfortable position for me. He is very solid all around. Philly or Indy would just be great for him. But I don't feel that way about most situations he could fall into.

Fixed.....

 

[Smack Tripper]

As John Madden pioneered in making the point of certain guys, to me, he's just a flat out football player and the kind of guy I'd want on my team. Can't take him too high, but you can't sleep on him either, because as has been stated, I think he could contribute in a lot of different ways. Not the kind of guy to build around necessarily, but in the late first, where the good teams are, is where he should go and where he could help most. How about Pittsburgh to spell FWP?

 

[Futeki]

I know I've had a few posts on him already, but I got to thinking today... I think he might be a good fit with the Colts @ 1.32. I know they went RB last year with Addai, and they're weak on Def (as usual). But think about it - he's a great WR out fo the backfield, can play HB or FB & would easily fill the Rhodes role with the team.Anyone else think that's a good fit?

Pay no attention to Mr. Leonard.... move along...... Seriously, I think they'lll be looking at either WR or probably defense.

Jeff / Bloom... do you think Leonard will be there for them in the 2nd? Or maybe them moving up to get him in the 2nd by packaging a 3rd together?

Pick 57..... Pick 57......

I am hoping pick 56.. pick 56

He wouldn't make it past 54

 

[ThisGuy]

As long as it's not Dallas or Philly, I'm buying his jersey

 

[pricklypete]

I would be excited to see him land in Green Bay.

 

[el centro]

I would be excited to see him land in Green Bay.

Ditto that!

 

[el centro]

Could be that Leonard is a guy that is very good at everything in college, which probably translates to above average at everything in the NFL, but not great at anything so he won't be very good in the NFL? Just good. I have a tough time getting excited about Tom Rathman comparisons.

I think the move to fullback being labeled as a voluntary thing he did for the good of the team is being misunderstood. The coach knew Rice was the better tailback. Brian knew Rice was the better tailback. So, he moved to fullback where he had played a good part of his career anyway.

I don't share the giddiness some of you do, but that's not a comfortable position for me. He is very solid all around. Philly or Indy would just be great for him. But I don't feel that way about most situations he could fall into.

I was thinking a good comparison is Mike Alstott - during his prime. Alstott was the goal-line guy, still got ~ 40% of the carries and a decent back out of the backfield. I just looked up Alstott's numbers, from 1997 - 2002 was his prime. (NOTE: I tried to paste Alstott's stats, but they got all jarbled)

 

[sho nuff]

I would be excited to see him land in Green Bay.

Yup...I have been wanting that for a while...hoping he falls now to the 2nd for them...and that they don't take Lynch in the 1st.1st Olsen2nd LeonardI would be quite happy with that start. Add a WR in the 5th or so and draft secondary depth and Oline depth the rest of the way.

 

[super sleeper]

Could be that Leonard is a guy that is very good at everything in college, which probably translates to above average at everything in the NFL, but not great at anything so he won't be very good in the NFL? Just good. I have a tough time getting excited about Tom Rathman comparisons.

I think the move to fullback being labeled as a voluntary thing he did for the good of the team is being misunderstood. The coach knew Rice was the better tailback. Brian knew Rice was the better tailback. So, he moved to fullback where he had played a good part of his career anyway.

I don't share the giddiness some of you do, but that's not a comfortable position for me. He is very solid all around. Philly or Indy would just be great for him. But I don't feel that way about most situations he could fall into.

I'm a Rutgers grad and season ticket holder, so I will share my thoughts.I think you are missing the point regarding Leonard at fullback. Leonard played halfback in 2003, then moved to fullback in 2004.. What changed last year was that he took on the more traditional blocking fullback role. I don't think anyone is disputing that he moved to that position because Ray Rice was a better traditional halfback. The issue for Leonard was whether to come out for the draft or shift to blocking back and try to win a bowl game with Rutgers.

But as far as his physical skills, count me as one of those that feels Leonard would help a team more as part of a RB tandem than as a primary back. Although he has good quickness in the open field, and is very athletic, he really doesn't have the burst through the line speed of the elite backs. But paired with a Westbrook, Addai, Morency, Norwood, etc. he will be very effective in short-yardage, passing situations, and in the second half of games when teams are in ball-control.

I have said all along that I don't think Leonard gets past the Eagles at 57, with a pretty good chance he goes much sooner. The thing with Leonard is that he is such a unique prospect- versatile, good character (at the perfect time in the NFL), coachable, team-first mentality- that teams without a glaring need for a RB will grab him if before he gets a chance to fall. I think the best possibilities are NE or Indy in the first round, and if he slips to the second, Atlanta at 39 will take a long, hard look. Bobby Petrino is very familiar with what Leonard can do.

**edited to correct the dates above.

 

[Chaos Commish]

Could be that Leonard is a guy that is very good at everything in college, which probably translates to above average at everything in the NFL, but not great at anything so he won't be very good in the NFL? Just good. I have a tough time getting excited about Tom Rathman comparisons.

I think the move to fullback being labeled as a voluntary thing he did for the good of the team is being misunderstood. The coach knew Rice was the better tailback. Brian knew Rice was the better tailback. So, he moved to fullback where he had played a good part of his career anyway.

I don't share the giddiness some of you do, but that's not a comfortable position for me. He is very solid all around. Philly or Indy would just be great for him. But I don't feel that way about most situations he could fall into.

I'm a Rutgers grad and season ticket holder, so I will share my thoughts.I think you are missing the point regarding Leonard at fullback. Leonard played halfback in 2004, then moved to fullback in 2005. What changed last year was that he took on the more traditional blocking fullback role. I don't think anyone is disputing that he moved to that position because Ray Rice was a better traditional halfback. The issue for Leonard was whether to come out for the draft or shift to blocking back and try to win a bowl game with Rutgers.

But as far as his physical skills, count me as one of those that feels Leonard would help a team more as part of a RB tandem than as a primary back. Although he has good quickness in the open field, and is very athletic, he really doesn't have the burst through the line speed of the elite backs. But paired with a Westbrook, Addai, Morency, Norwood, etc. he will be very effective in short-yardage, passing situations, and in the second half of games when teams are in ball-control.

I have said all along that I don't think Leonard gets past the Eagles at 57, with a pretty good chance he goes much sooner. The thing with Leonard is that he is such a unique prospect- versatile, good character (at the perfect time in the NFL), coachable, team-first mentality- that teams without a glaring need for a RB will grab him if before he gets a chance to fall. I think the best possibilities are NE or Indy in the first round, and if he slips to the second, Atlanta at 39 will take a long, hard look. Bobby Petrino is very familiar with what Leonard can do.

I can go along with all of that.

 

[Keith Lewis]

I see Leonard landing with the Titans in the 2nd round.

 

[Kleck.]

I would be excited to see him land in Green Bay.

Yup...I have been wanting that for a while...hoping he falls now to the 2nd for them...and that they don't take Lynch in the 1st.1st Olsen2nd LeonardI would be quite happy with that start. Add a WR in the 5th or so and draft secondary depth and Oline depth the rest of the way.

I'm not a fan of Olsen at #16. I'd rather see them wait for someone like Scott Chandler, and/or use a late round flyer on Michael Allen.Leonard at #47 would be my dream pick, but I don't think he lasts that long.

 

[ConstruxBoy]

Did you see the way the Colts used Addai and Rhodes in the Super Bowl? Now imagine Rhodes has better moves, better hands and is a better blocker. I think he's a great fit for the Colts at 1.32.

 

[Aaronstory]

I would be excited to see him land in Green Bay.

Yup...I have been wanting that for a while...hoping he falls now to the 2nd for them...and that they don't take Lynch in the 1st.1st Olsen 1st Revis

2nd Leonard

I would be quite happy with that start. Add a WR in the 5th or so and draft secondary depth and Oline depth the rest of the way.

Fixed.

 

[sho nuff]

I would be excited to see him land in Green Bay.

Yup...I have been wanting that for a while...hoping he falls now to the 2nd for them...and that they don't take Lynch in the 1st.1st Olsen 1st Revis

2nd Leonard

I would be quite happy with that start. Add a WR in the 5th or so and draft secondary depth and Oline depth the rest of the way.

Fixed.

If Revis is there...yes.More likely...Thompson takes Lynch at 1...if he does not send a 2nd to Oakland for Moss or Seattle for Jackson (or have a later planned trade involving a 3rd)...takes a WR there that many people would not rate that high...then drafts secondary the rest of the way.

 

[duaneok66]

so, a day later and my thought goes without response . . .

several of you think that Leonard is "a great fit" for the Colts . . .

again, is he quick enough to run the stretch play???

and, even if he is, why would Polian spend 1st round picks in consecutive years on a tailback??

 

[Dirty Weasel]

so, a day later and my thought goes without response . . .several of you think that Leonard is "a great fit" for the Colts . . .again, is he quick enough to run the stretch play???and, even if he is, why would Polian spend 1st round picks in consecutive years on a tailback??

Perhaps because he lost Edge and Rhodes in consecutive seasons? Not a bad thing, really. Leonard wouldn't be a guy that demands megabucks to sign, so basically IND could turn the older Edge (high-paid guy) and Rhodes (backup) combo for the Addai (high paid guy) and Leonard (backup) combo. They would be set for about 5 years.

 

[ChampBailey24]

Brian Leonard paired with Jerious Norwood...now that would be a good combo. The Falcons likely have a shot to get him in the 2nd too....

 

[duaneok66]

so, a day later and my thought goes without response . . .several of you think that Leonard is "a great fit" for the Colts . . .again, is he quick enough to run the stretch play???and, even if he is, why would Polian spend 1st round picks in consecutive years on a tailback??

Perhaps because he lost Edge and Rhodes in consecutive seasons? Not a bad thing, really. Leonard wouldn't be a guy that demands megabucks to sign, so basically IND could turn the older Edge (high-paid guy) and Rhodes (backup) combo for the Addai (high paid guy) and Leonard (backup) combo. They would be set for about 5 years.

Rhodes wasn't a big loss . . . before last year he only had one other good season (in 2001) . . . most Colts fans had doubts about him, as did Polian since Addai was grabbed in the 1st . . . I'm thinking they could find a replacement in the lower rounds of the draft . . .

 

[jurb26]

so, a day later and my thought goes without response . . .several of you think that Leonard is "a great fit" for the Colts . . .again, is he quick enough to run the stretch play???and, even if he is, why would Polian spend 1st round picks in consecutive years on a tailback??

Perhaps because he lost Edge and Rhodes in consecutive seasons? Not a bad thing, really. Leonard wouldn't be a guy that demands megabucks to sign, so basically IND could turn the older Edge (high-paid guy) and Rhodes (backup) combo for the Addai (high paid guy) and Leonard (backup) combo. They would be set for about 5 years.

Rhodes wasn't a big loss . . . before last year he only had one other good season (in 2001) . . . most Colts fans had doubts about him, as did Polian since Addai was grabbed in the 1st . . . I'm thinking they could find a replacement in the lower rounds of the draft . . .

K. Irons is the RB Indy should be targeting, not Leonard.

 

[ConstruxBoy]

so, a day later and my thought goes without response . . .several of you think that Leonard is "a great fit" for the Colts . . .again, is he quick enough to run the stretch play???and, even if he is, why would Polian spend 1st round picks in consecutive years on a tailback??

Perhaps because he lost Edge and Rhodes in consecutive seasons? Not a bad thing, really. Leonard wouldn't be a guy that demands megabucks to sign, so basically IND could turn the older Edge (high-paid guy) and Rhodes (backup) combo for the Addai (high paid guy) and Leonard (backup) combo. They would be set for about 5 years.

Rhodes wasn't a big loss . . . before last year he only had one other good season (in 2001) . . . most Colts fans had doubts about him, as did Polian since Addai was grabbed in the 1st . . . I'm thinking they could find a replacement in the lower rounds of the draft . . .

K. Irons is the RB Indy should be targeting, not Leonard.

I think Irons is too much like Addai. They (I would think) want someone more like Rhodes was, tough, can run inside, can do some blocking, with good hands. I think that Irons really only meets the hands part of that.