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Chris Johnson - Underrated (1 Viewer)
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Chaos Commish
Footballguy
Where should he be rated?
Cookiemonster
Footballguy
I see him as possibly the best Reggie Bush impression in the draft. He has GREAT hands and speed and I'm seriously looking at him over K.Smith and all the WRs w/ the 1.07, but he may not get a chance to be more than a 3rd down back. If he turns out similar #s to Kevin Faulk, he might make a worthwhile fill in as a #3 or #4 FFRB but he may have Westbrook type upside.
prymetyme25
Footballguy
That guy is like Video Game fast. But to but honest how many guys out there with him are that fast. Maybe 2 at the most?
EBF
Footballguy
I agree that Johnson is a little overlooked right now. He is a very intriguing prospect with a legitimate chance to exceed expectations at the next level. He has elite combine numbers, will be a top 25-60 pick, and is more than just a workout warrior. He's a pretty fluid runner with a nice burst (obviously) and surprising instincts and tackle breaking ability. However, I can't see myself ranking him any better than the 5th RB in the draft given the talent out there.
I don't think there's an Adrian Peterson in this year's RB group, but I'm buying the idea that this is a much deeper RB class than usual. Kenny Irons was my RB3 last year and he'd probably only be my RB6 or RB7 this year. This group is stocked with a handful of guys who have legitimate starting potential. Johnson is one of those guys. I think he has actually passed Felix Jones on my board. It's sort of an "anything you can do I can do better" situation with those two.
I've been beating this drum for a week or two, but he's going to be a top 6 rookie pick in just about every league when the dust settles. I won't be surprised to see him as the NFL RB3 or RB4 on draft day and a late first round pick. He brings a home run dimension and is the kind of prospect some teams will fall in love with.
I don't think there's an Adrian Peterson in this year's RB group, but I'm buying the idea that this is a much deeper RB class than usual. Kenny Irons was my RB3 last year and he'd probably only be my RB6 or RB7 this year. This group is stocked with a handful of guys who have legitimate starting potential. Johnson is one of those guys. I think he has actually passed Felix Jones on my board. It's sort of an "anything you can do I can do better" situation with those two.
I've been beating this drum for a week or two, but he's going to be a top 6 rookie pick in just about every league when the dust settles. I won't be surprised to see him as the NFL RB3 or RB4 on draft day and a late first round pick. He brings a home run dimension and is the kind of prospect some teams will fall in love with.
Rodeojones
Footballguy
I have seen this video before but just watched the whole thing again. The way he pulls away from players is amazing...he literally has another gear. It will be interesting to see how it translates to the NFL where the game and players are much faster.
Mr. Peterson
Footballguy
It really is incredible how much faster he is than the players he faced in this video. The man is wicked fast and actually shows some moves along the way too.
I like the guy, just not as much as I like Jones and Rice. This is the year of the college RB.
I like the guy, just not as much as I like Jones and Rice. This is the year of the college RB.
Tecmo
Footballguy
He's not just fast, but explosive. His videos are hard to get a read on because everyone just takes bad angles on him constantly. But the one thing that stands out to me are the moves... he deflects his hits like Tomlinson when he lowers his shoulder. He has that last split-second decision making... you constantly see him spinning off tackles, jumping over defenders, stiff arms to tack on some more. Gotta love that balance! I just don't see many people getting any good hits on him, of course this is just the highlights. The one thing I don't like is his cutting ability. A guy with his burst would be deadly if he could change directions on a dime. Might be his downfall. I'm definitely watching to see what line he'll get to play behind. Agreed that Dallas would be an excellent fit whoever mentioned that
Rodeojones
Footballguy
I'm not sure I would be excited about any RB going to Dallas from a fantasy perspective. MBIII is clearly the starter and a "change of pace" back will have little impact in the fantasy world. Outside of an injury, I see any RB taken by Dallas as a fantasy killer. Am I wrong??
Riffraff
Footballguy
Barber is on the last year of his contract. Dallas isn't married to him yet.That still hangs in the balance for his fantasy value.
Bringing in competent talent can be a deal breaker.
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Riffraff
Footballguy
I don't know if he can run between the tackles well. At least he didn't get arm tackled by 1 opponent like plenty of the other prospects.I don't like watching highlight films where the guy is returning kicks for half the plays and most of the rest are on wide sweeps.
Ketamine Dreams
Footballguy
Yeah, I agree. Also agree that he is video game fast. Continuously beating guys who looked liked they had the angle on him. It will be interesting to see where he gets drafted.
remote controller
Footballguy
ANALYSIS Positives: Has a compact frame with good overall muscle tone, thick chest, broad shoulders, tapered thighs and legs and room on his frame to carry at least another 10 pounds of bulk without having it affect his explosive quickness … Efficient route runner whose speed makes him a valid deep threat when lining up wide … Shows good athletic agility and vision, doing a nice job of planting and driving to reach the cutback lanes, showing excellent lateral movement and explosion … Has a superb vertical burst, staying low in his pads while showing crisp hip snap with his lateral change of direction … Patient enough to allow blocks to setup, whether carrying or returning the ball … Smart football player with good football intelligence and is effective at picking up the blitz and stunt … Shows good peripheral vision to locate even the smallest of creases and is sudden running through the holes … Knows the offense well and is capable of playing either as a receiver or halfback … Has excellent work habits and is the type that approaches practices much like a game (all business on the field) … Is more of a leader by example type than a rah-rah one, but he is good at mentoring the younger players … Tough inside runner with the leg drive and power to get physical with defenders in attempts to break tackles, despite a lack of ideal size … Takes well to hard coaching … Very decisive in his moves and has a very good feel for the cutback lanes … Has that second gear and explosion needed to accelerate vertically off cuts … Runs behind his pads with good instincts, doing a nice job of driving and spinning to get extra yards after initial contact … Runs behind pads well and has more than enough speed and quickness to reach the corner … Has good vision with quick plant and drive agility when redirecting and sets up the defender well with his stop-and-go action … The thing you notice on film is his impressive athleticism and courage, as he will not hesitate to leap over the tackler, keeping his balance while moving forward, thanks to good body lean … Does a good job of securing the ball before heading upfield … Has natural hands and good extension to catch the ball outside his framework … Used mostly on shallow crossing routes, sideline take-offs and out routes, but could possibly shift to receiver at the next level due to his explosive acceleration and ability to separate after the catch … Demonstrates good running ability on kickoff returns, as he will follow his blocks well … Has the quickness and burst in and out of his cuts to take the ball long distances, whether running, returning or catching the ball … Prior to his senior year, Johnson was considered a marginal space blocker, as he sometimes over-extended or lunged at the defender with his head down, resulting in missed blocks. But as a senior, he showed much better hand placement and punch, doing a nice job of locating the blitz and using his hands to lock on and sustain … Has also become a proficient cut blocker, taking good angles to locate and neutralize second level defenders. Negatives: Durability might be a concern with his lack of ideal size, but he shows good power and leg drive to break tackles and is not a liability taking the ball up the middle … Showed inconsistent leg churn as a runner in 2006, but it was likely due to his turf toe injury, as he ran at a lower pad level and with crisper cuts during his senior year … Needs to work on his blocking technique, as he lacks good hand placement to lock on and sustain … Shows the ability to take the plays from the chalkboard to the playing field, but had some academic struggles … When he keeps his pad level down running with the ball, he can break tackles, but when he gets too tall in his pads, he loses some of his leg drive and can be contained running between the tackles … Has shown good ball security, but has smaller-than-ideal hands (7 1/4-inches). Compares To: DAVE MEGGETT-ex-New York Giants/New England … Some compare him to Philadelphia's Brian Westbrook, but even though the Eagles runner has fine speed, he lacks that explosive second gear Johnson possesses. With his injury woes behind them, Johnson finally came into his own as a senior, as he learned to vary his speed and showed much better patience waiting for blocks to develop. He is much stronger than his size indicates, but with his outstanding timed speed he is a versatile threat who is more than capable of handling kickoff duties. With his suddenness off the line of scrimmage and hand extension ability, he also can line wide in passing situations.-------------------------------sorry, this was cut and pasted from CBS Sportslines top 100.
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I will say I'm warming to Johnson and moving past my initial hester compare - in the final pre-draft version of the 100, he should move up to the top 15.
I have liked the strength generated in his hips when he runs, which can make contact deflect instead of knocking him off balance and allow him to run through weak tackles. I still want to see better lateral agility, but he is a stronger runner than I've given him credit for.
I have liked the strength generated in his hips when he runs, which can make contact deflect instead of knocking him off balance and allow him to run through weak tackles. I still want to see better lateral agility, but he is a stronger runner than I've given him credit for.
rabidfireweasel
Footballguy
I think you, and many FBG's overrate this in your rb analysis- which is why many go on and on about short shuttle and three cone drill for rb's. This is not the wr position, where cornebacks will know exactly where you are going id you have bad footwork. While you need pretty lateral agility, you don't need anything like a wr. The running game is not about going sideways. Johnson's lateral agility is plenty good enough. In the NFL, you have to see the hole, hit it hard, and have the strength/agility/agility to make one guy miss. Anything after that is gravy.
Dinsy Ejotuz
Footballguy
197 is pretty small these days. Gotta wonder if he can handle the traffic in the middle of the line at that size. IIRC the only elite RB in the last ten years who entered the league under 200 pounds was Tiki - and he put on 5-10 pounds after getting to the NFL. That's something not every player can do, and Tiki's work ethic turned out to be Payton-esque.
High risk pick as a feature back.
High risk pick as a feature back.
ConstruxBoy
Kate's Daddy
Purple Uniform #5 ECU Chris Johnson
Purple Uniform #5 TCU LaDainian Tomlinson
Just sayin'
Purple Uniform #5 TCU LaDainian Tomlinson
Just sayin'
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rabidfireweasel
Footballguy
No one will draft him to be a feature back. Tiki wasn't taken to become one. Westbrook wasn't drafted to become on. . They earned it. (MJD still isn't one, but is a great NFL and FF player.) Johnson will have to earn it by outplaying the other backs on the roster.
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FUBAR
Footballguy
perhaps, but if I'm creating the perfect RB, I agree with SB - better lateral agility would be a plus. Not that it would be the first thing I'd want, but it's a bonus. There's a lot of benefit, especially as we're discussing a RB who might make his impact in the passing game, to better lateral agility. He isn't ever going to be one of the best downhill runners, but he could follow in the footsteps of Westbrook, Faulk, and Tiki if he works hard enough.
Dinsy Ejotuz
Footballguy
Yeah, you're right. After I posted that I started thinking along these lines and decided he's actually LOW risk in NFL terms, as long as you get him in the 2nd or 3rd round. At worst he'll be a useful return guy/3rd down back and justify his draft position. Anything else is gravy.High risk applies only to FF - where he could be a total bust.
rabidfireweasel
Footballguy
Certainly more is better. However, if Johnson fails, it won't be because he lacks enough lateral agility. He has more than enough of that to succeed. It will be because he lacks the ability to run inside when necessary or lacks the frame to to sustain NFL punishment on a weekly basis.
FUBAR
Footballguy
You're probably right, but from what I've heard, he should play more of a WR/RB role than a "normal" RB. So lacking (or just not as good) a skill we look for in WRs in more of a concern than with other RBs.
I was hoping he might fall to Seattle with their 2nd pick but after that 40 time, I think he ends up going in the first.
He might not be good for fantasy in the next few years but would really help a team with his change of pace skills and ability to take it to the house everytime.
He might not be good for fantasy in the next few years but would really help a team with his change of pace skills and ability to take it to the house everytime.
kremenull
Footballguy
What really speaks for itself is.......LEVEL OF COMPETITION.......I couldn't recognize not one of the school logos on the field or on the opposing team's helmets.........Yeah, kid has a very nice burst and crazy wheels......looks like a career COBB to me......Comin' Off the Bench, Brutha......... 
rabidfireweasel
Footballguy
I think this is overplayed. He is 5'10 and 195. He can carry a bit more weight but he looks like a rb. Look at his thighs and his build. There aren't many wr's built like him. However, he has been used extensively in the passing game and would sometimes be split out wide on wr screens. I think that you are looking at a 10-15 carry a game back with 2-4 receptions per game by year 2, unless he sucks.
)
FUBAR
Footballguy
Reggie Bush Jr.?
rabidfireweasel
Footballguy
The top two FF backs in the NFL last year played at TCU and Villanova. The guy that set the record for TD receptions played at Marshall, which was then Division IAA. The number two WR last year played college ball at Chatanooga. Tony Romo played at Eastern Illinois and Big Ben played at Miami of Ohio.Enjoy your popcorn.
rabidfireweasel
Footballguy
Reggie Bush is a very useful NFL and FF player. He doesn't produce up to his hype or his contract, but he is a useful player that would be an asset to any team. If Chris Johnson can produce at a similar level at late round 1/early round 2 salary, that would be a great inexpensive addition to any nfl team. If you could draft Reggie Bush at 1.06-1.12 in a rookie draft, you would take him in a second.
King of the Jungle
Footballguy
How much of a difference between the following in your opinion:6-2, 205 (McFadden)or5-10, 197 (Johnson)Which player is more undersized?
FUBAR
Footballguy
I agree completely, I'm simply referring to their style. FWIW, I'll be looking for Johnson in my drafts if I'm in a position to - so please don't take my comments as dismissing the guy's talent.
FUBAR
Footballguy
We've discussed McFadden's size many times, so you're point is well-taken, and established.
Maroney=Speed
Footballguy
I'll take McFadden for 20 Alex. What did I win?
FUBAR
Footballguy
a bust at a higher pick. Congrats.
A
awesomeness
Guest
you should probably watch an episode of Jeopardy before you make a reference to it.
Maroney=Speed
Footballguy
Sorry, don't have the time. Busy watching tapes of rooks. So how should I have worded said answer?
Chaos Commish
Footballguy
I'm with rabidfire. My gut has told me for a couple years that we make a pretty substantial error emphasizing lateral agility as an important feature in an NFL RB. Seriously. It's been bugging me since watching Reggie Bush struggle so much in the NFL after he laterally agilitized the NCAA to death. Vertical is better than horizontal. It's why I like McFadden so much more than Mendenhall and Stewart that I keep him in a higher tier. Like Johnson in those highlights, McFadden gets right on down the field with very little wasted movement. But don't shortchange either back because they don't slow down to fake someone out when they can blow right by with a little stutter step or less. In the NFL you're better off trying blow by than fake around.
Both Johnson and McFadden make defenders miss more than enough for the next level and in a more effective manner than the jumping sideways jukers. It took more than one man to bring down McFadden on 109 carries last season. And regardless of what highlights you want to show me of AD, he does the same thing -- more often than not he wastes little motion and blows by defenders lesser backs try to juke. It's the more effective style for the NFL. Reggie got me thinking, then most of the Brandon Jackson lovers admired his lateral agility, which is impressive, but it doesn't work the same on the smaller NFL field.
Shanahan has spent a decade trying to teach backs not to use the lateral stuff and just get on with business. Ryan Grant is a more effective NFL RB than Reggie Bush because he hits what little hole he sees as hard and straight as he can. He is very limited laterally but he gets it down the field better, and the best thing about not having great jukes is big plays open up in very tiny windows the juking closes. Grant makes long runs. Reggie not so much. One juke, one clever side step, one dip in and out, makes one man miss and gives ten a chance to recover. Just blow by that guy without the fancy dancing and it might open up a big play. If not successful the net yardage isn't much different. This has been a struggle with me mentally as Barry and Walter are my all-time favorite backs and they were magic laterally. I have a hunch the game has changed and that stuff just doesn't cut it anymore (and they were both on another level). I was going to hold off on these thoughts and maybe write a more convincing researched piece, but I don't have the motivation. Wiggle is nice and has it's usefulness, but give me the cut and go guy.
Mike Shanahan would approve of this message. I'm convinced it's why he preferred Maroney to Bush. I agree with what EBF said about Johnson being better than Felix. Anything Felix does Johnson does better and so does Charles, btw, except make certain over-valued cuts. Felix has a more impressive plant and change of direction, Charles and Johnson run with more authority, greater speed, more decisiveness and though being a touch smaller, they both run tougher and with better power.
Chris Johnson should probably be a first rounder and RB 4 or 5. That's my story this morning and I might stick to it. When I'm impressed with Addai-esque intangibles, blocking and stuff, then I prefer Forte and Choice, but Johnson has much higher upside and that's probably the smarter way to rank them.
The most compelling thing to me is how underrated this class of backs may be. It's why I asked the OP where he ranked Johnson. I wasn't being sarcastic. I see Johsnon in the 20s on some lists and... well, okay but he should be 4th or 5th. There isn't a WR more interesting than the top 10 backs, imo. Not yet anyway.
It makes me happy too. If the story posted somewhere around here explaining his low production days, johnny-come-lately emergence and once pathetic ypc, is correct, then Chris Johnson is a big time NFL talent. I stayed up late reviewing these backs again and... from the above perspective.New rankings:
McFadden
Stewart
Mendenhall
Johnson
Rice
Forte
Charles
Jones
Choice
Smith
My rankings have been changing constantly for a few weeks mostly because I'm unsure of what traits to favor, but I feel pretty settled on this list until the draft reveals situation. Usually, I'm squeezing a QB or WRs between the tiers, but that seems like a mistake this year. Maybe the top wr or 2 can slide in above Choice, but that's it. This is the first top ten I've done that felt comfortable. So Funbags, thanks for the thread. It made me come to terms with what a freaky amazing talent Johnson is.
Orgazmo
Footballguy
CC, folks think Johnson's upside (with everything going right) is Westbrook, but how would you compare him to the likes of Tatum Bell? Both worked their way up the list because of speed, but Bell's shortcomings are nice and fresh in our minds. We won't know if Johnson can handle the rigors of the NFL until its happening, but can we determine in the now how coachable he is? Is he a detriment in pass protection?
EBF
Footballguy
I still think agility is hugely important. There have certainly been some great north-south runners at the pro level, but most of the elite backs in the NFL have the ability to shake a defender in open space. Think about guys like Tomlinson, Portis, Faulk, Westbrook, Edge, Ahman, Holmes, LJ, Alexander, Peterson, and F. Taylor. Those guys are the elite NFL RBs of the past decade. And while they definitely have the strength to bounce off hits, they can put a lateral move on a defender. They're responsible for some of the nastiest jukes I've ever seen.
That's really what I look for in a pro RB prospect. The combination of running strength and loose hips. Adrian Peterson and Marshawn Lynch both had it. Ray Rice has it. He's tops in this class when you talk about a combination of power and shiftiness. I think Stewart is probably the second best. He's a better physical specimen than Rice, but a stiffer runner. Mendenhall is more of a north-south runner than either of those two and that's reflected in his combine measurables (he didn't do as well as Rice and Stewart). McFadden is a real oddball as a pro running back prospect. What he does well, he does exceptionally well (straight line speed and acceleration). But that's it. That's all you get. The reason I think he could be a disappointment is because you rarely see him make a quick move to elude and he doesn't seem to have the leg drive of a top pro back. He's a long-legged upright runner. That's the polar opposite of the elite runners I listed in the first paragraph.
As for Reggie Bush, I don't view him as a failure. It's too early in his career to call him a bust. Has he been a disappointment? Yea, but I don't think it's because of lateral running. I think it's because he can't break tackles. Plain and simple. He doesn't have the lower body power to survive contact. That's the main difference between him and MJD and the main reason why one has exceeded expectations and the other has disappointed.
I've also been shifting my rankings around in the past few weeks. It's tough to get a handle on these guys since they each bring something slightly different to the table. I've almost reached a point where I think the top 4 rookie picks are identical in value. Even though I'm intrigued by McFadden's pedigree and his utter domination of an elite NCAA conference, I have to say that of this year's top backs he's the one who least resembles the NFL prototype. The two who most closely resembles the NFL prototype are Rice and Stewart, so I think they're actually my top two as of today.
That's really what I look for in a pro RB prospect. The combination of running strength and loose hips. Adrian Peterson and Marshawn Lynch both had it. Ray Rice has it. He's tops in this class when you talk about a combination of power and shiftiness. I think Stewart is probably the second best. He's a better physical specimen than Rice, but a stiffer runner. Mendenhall is more of a north-south runner than either of those two and that's reflected in his combine measurables (he didn't do as well as Rice and Stewart). McFadden is a real oddball as a pro running back prospect. What he does well, he does exceptionally well (straight line speed and acceleration). But that's it. That's all you get. The reason I think he could be a disappointment is because you rarely see him make a quick move to elude and he doesn't seem to have the leg drive of a top pro back. He's a long-legged upright runner. That's the polar opposite of the elite runners I listed in the first paragraph.
As for Reggie Bush, I don't view him as a failure. It's too early in his career to call him a bust. Has he been a disappointment? Yea, but I don't think it's because of lateral running. I think it's because he can't break tackles. Plain and simple. He doesn't have the lower body power to survive contact. That's the main difference between him and MJD and the main reason why one has exceeded expectations and the other has disappointed.
I've also been shifting my rankings around in the past few weeks. It's tough to get a handle on these guys since they each bring something slightly different to the table. I've almost reached a point where I think the top 4 rookie picks are identical in value. Even though I'm intrigued by McFadden's pedigree and his utter domination of an elite NCAA conference, I have to say that of this year's top backs he's the one who least resembles the NFL prototype. The two who most closely resembles the NFL prototype are Rice and Stewart, so I think they're actually my top two as of today.
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ConstruxBoy
Kate's Daddy
I tend to side with EBF in this one, although I do think that lateral agility may be overrated by some folks. But I do think it's pretty important in ranking RBs right now, but less important in ranking them after the draft. The reason is something CC touched on: Ryan Grant and Mike Shanahan. In a offensive system than uses a ZBS or prefers a cut and go RB, like GB and DEN among others, lateral agility is less important. In other offensive systems, it's more important. So in my opinion, a RB that has good lateral agility is more valuable now because I think he can go to either type of system and be successful. So I would rank him higher because he can compete, all other things being equal, for more teams than a one cut, down hill RB. However, after the draft, we know what RB is going to which team and what system that team runs. So a one cut RB going to a ZBS team may be a better fit, even on a worse team, than a cutback RB going to that same ZBS system or a one cut RB going to a different offensive system.
Having said that, coaches and coordinators get fired and systems change. RBs get traded. So in a dynasty league, I still would prefer a RB with good lateral agility because he is more likely to be successful in different systems long term.
Having said that, coaches and coordinators get fired and systems change. RBs get traded. So in a dynasty league, I still would prefer a RB with good lateral agility because he is more likely to be successful in different systems long term.
kremenull
Footballguy
All this talk about shifting their rankings almost daily is indicative of how fickle most people are. Not everyone, but a lot of guys hear some bit of news or someone else's take on a particular player, and all of a sudden, the guy is either dropping or climbing like crazy.
I try to keep it real simple in my projections (my mock drafts and my rankings stay very consistent from beginning to end) as overanalysis is something that I try to be very careful about....to not fall into the habit of doing it....I tend to trust what my eyes see, and what history has shown.........and for my money, Chris Johnson is a longshot to make a real impact in the NFL.....Sure, there are guys like Westbrook (4th Rd), who is the measuring stick for a prospect like Johnson, small school, undersized, speedy scatback who makes it big in the NFL......
But for every Westbrook there are at least 50 RBs like him that don't ever pan out or have little impact........It's so many, they are nameless, but go through any draft and you'll find some here and there.......And this list of non-factors include even the bigger school players with a similar skill set (e.g., Norwood) who are nothing but bit players in the league........Bottom line is you either like the guy (C.Johnson) or don't, and he has some likeable traits, I will admit, but to believe that he has a better chance of success than McFadden, is absolutely ludicrous.
Just like "AD" last year, I'm going to enjoy throwing these threads back in people's faces who are projecting RUNDMc as a bust.....
I'll soon be welcoming D-Mac to my Raider Nation with open arms.......It's a Warrick.......as in Dunn Deal!!!!!
And we'll be watching with anticipation and excitement (and laughing at all the doubters) as he blows away the rest of the league.........
I try to keep it real simple in my projections (my mock drafts and my rankings stay very consistent from beginning to end) as overanalysis is something that I try to be very careful about....to not fall into the habit of doing it....I tend to trust what my eyes see, and what history has shown.........and for my money, Chris Johnson is a longshot to make a real impact in the NFL.....Sure, there are guys like Westbrook (4th Rd), who is the measuring stick for a prospect like Johnson, small school, undersized, speedy scatback who makes it big in the NFL......
But for every Westbrook there are at least 50 RBs like him that don't ever pan out or have little impact........It's so many, they are nameless, but go through any draft and you'll find some here and there.......And this list of non-factors include even the bigger school players with a similar skill set (e.g., Norwood) who are nothing but bit players in the league........Bottom line is you either like the guy (C.Johnson) or don't, and he has some likeable traits, I will admit, but to believe that he has a better chance of success than McFadden, is absolutely ludicrous.
Just like "AD" last year, I'm going to enjoy throwing these threads back in people's faces who are projecting RUNDMc as a bust.....
I'll soon be welcoming D-Mac to my Raider Nation with open arms.......It's a Warrick.......as in Dunn Deal!!!!!
And we'll be watching with anticipation and excitement (and laughing at all the doubters) as he blows away the rest of the league.........
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EBF
Footballguy
It's interesting to look at some of the great NFL backs when they were in college:
Alexander -
These guys definitely embody what the position is all about. Squatty build, good speed, good power, and enough quickness and burst to make some nifty moves. Can't believe Ahman was only a third round pick. He was nasty.
Alexander -
These guys definitely embody what the position is all about. Squatty build, good speed, good power, and enough quickness and burst to make some nifty moves. Can't believe Ahman was only a third round pick. He was nasty.
Maroney=Speed
Footballguy
Combine numbers40=4.24
VJ=35.0
1.40 ten yard split
I beleive He will have His Pro day workout on April 2nd. Ranked 5th by M=S in RB rankings. 3rd down back/KR/PR. Team that drafts C.Johnson will want to get him the ball in open space.
VJ=35.0
1.40 ten yard split
I beleive He will have His Pro day workout on April 2nd. Ranked 5th by M=S in RB rankings. 3rd down back/KR/PR. Team that drafts C.Johnson will want to get him the ball in open space.
EBF
Footballguy
Westbrook was actually a third round pick, which puts him roughly in the same draft range as Ahman Green, Frank Gore, Marion Barber, and Rudi Johnson. That kind of success from a third or fourth round pick is rare, but certainly not unheard of. Kind of a moot point since most of the guys being discussed in this thread will be top 60 picks.
DarabZarrabi
Footballguy
the guy moves like a bullet...but can he block? If he can't his role is going to be very limited
Chaos Commish
Footballguy
Well, if you took Tatum Bell, made him a bit faster, a willing and able inside runner with fantastic hands and route running ability, and added a great work ethic on a stronger frame with better balance, you'd have Chris Johnson. As for pass protection, who knows, but it is typically an area of concern for most rookie backs. The dedicated seem to overcome it. I think Johnson can do that.
