Chris Wells (1 Viewer)

[Faust]

http://rob-rang.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/view/13682485

With only 2 1/2 weeks until the draft, two of this classes' biggest names are going in opposite directions -- and their stock fluctuation could prove to be one of the real stories of the draft.

Anyone who has watched Beanie Wells throughout his career with the Buckeyes knows of his talent. Physically-speaking, he is clearly the best RB in this class, though questions about his consistency and toughness have caused many (including me) to rank Georgia's Knowshon Moreno as this year's best back.Wells, frankly, was disappointing even before the mysterious leg injury that robbed him of his effectiveness last season.

Scouts diligently reviewing Well's 2007 film, however, see a different back. A Larry Johnson, perhaps even Adrian Peterson-like combination of size and power. I've taken some angry comments from Packers' fans due to my projecting Wells to Green Bay in my latest mock draft. Certainly the team has other, greater needs, but there are many teams within the top ten considering Wells. His physical tools are just so great that some team, scouts tell me, is likely to pull the trigger earlier than most are anticipating.

On the flipside, Texas defensive end Brian Orakpo seems to be slipping down boards. I've spoken to scouts who operate for teams using the 4-3 and 3-4 alignments and each club is souring on the Longhorn pass-rusher. The more film teams do on Orakpo, the more they are left wondering if he is explosive and persistent enough to consistently generate a pass rush against NFL left tackles or, for that matter, agile enough to drop back into coverage. Orakpo's imposing build is impressive to look at, but belies his career-long struggles with durability, as well; another element that scouts are mentioning as a reason he could slip out of the top ten -- and perhaps considerably farther than that.

 

[Domination]

Kiper was on Sportscenter saying the same thing about Beanie tonight.

 

[Multiple Scores]

My #1 back heading into the NCAA at this time last year and he's never been lower than #1 since.

 

[Sinrman]

Kiper's been pushing Wells to NO to be the new 1-2 punch with Bush...

Eh, possible I suppose, but I can see them going for a defensive player.

 

[Ketamine Dreams]

Something about Wells scares me. Not sure why. Just a gut feeling that he won't be terribly successful in the NFL.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

To Seattle at #4.

 

[stevegamer]

To Seattle at #4.

Andy: As a Seahawks fan, I really, ... a googolplex more really's... , really hope you are wrong.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

To Seattle at #4.

Andy: As a Seahawks fan, I really, ... a googolplex more really's... , really hope you are wrong.

I grew up a Seahawks fan (Largent, Zorn, Warner, Easley, et al) and still hold a place for them. I hope I'm right.

 

[twr]

Something about Wells scares me. Not sure why. Just a gut feeling that he won't be terribly successful in the NFL.

wellsmorenostaffordand dare i say it....harvin will be the studs of this draft class.

 

[brutha]

Something about Wells scares me. Not sure why. Just a gut feeling that he won't be terribly successful in the NFL.

I don't trust him to stay healthy. or catch.

 

[noneother]

if not NO, I could see IND (maybe defense??) go for Beanie... just let him hit the GL and short yards

 

[Apollo]

To Seattle at #4.

Andy: As a Seahawks fan, I really, ... a googolplex more really's... , really hope you are wrong.

We want Sanchez baby!

 

[Ramblin Wreck]

Wells is way too soft to be a top 10 pick, in my opinion.

 

[Tigerbot Hesh]

 

[stevegamer]

To Seattle at #4.

Andy: As a Seahawks fan, I really, ... a googolplex more really's... , really hope you are wrong.

We want Sanchez baby!

One thing that strikes me is that Sehawks fans are all over the place on whom they should draft. Not a lot of agreement, I don't think.

 

[Billy Ball Thorton]

To Seattle at #4.

Andy: As a Seahawks fan, I really, ... a googolplex more really's... , really hope you are wrong.

I grew up a Seahawks fan (Largent, Zorn, Warner, Easley, et al) and still hold a place for them. I hope I'm right.

NO WAY hes taken that early. Now if Sea trades back to 15 or so all bets off.

 

[Jack Burton]

To Seattle at #4. :(

Andy: As a Seahawks fan, I really, ... a googolplex more really's... , really hope you are wrong.

We want Sanchez baby!

In the fourth round ?

 

[TitusIII]

Wells is way too soft to be a top 10 pick, in my opinion.

I don't think soft is the right word, as the guy isn't a "soft" player when he is healthy, but I understand/agree with the sentiment. I take one look at the build of Wells' legs, and I don't see a guy who will be around for long in the NFL. He may have a few pro-bowl seasons, who knows, but the already high risk of injury at the RB position + Wells' history/build makes him a bad choice as high(top 15 pick). Just my opinion...For reference: http://www.baltimoresun.com/media/photo/2008-01/34614766.jpg

Legs built like that are not what GM's are looking for at the RB position. Of course, there are exceptions to the rule, but I wouldn't give Wells first round money unless my team was already stacked and had some room for a luxury pick,

 

[amnesiac]

i don't know whether to be impressed Wells was able to play in Lineman's boots last year, or horrified they felt that was the only way to get and keep him on the field. i really get the feeling that Wells has a bum wheel. but then again, he must've passed the combine physical, right?

also i read an article this morning that insinuated that the Browns were considering him with the 1.5. i really hope that's not true. i think that would be a colossal reach, in the realm of taking Ginn at 1.9.

 

[EBF]

I tend to agree with Titus. Wells looks like a higher than average injury risk. At the same time, you have to weigh the potential for massive short term value gains against the long term injury risk. Yes, he will probably have durability issues, but he looks like the kind of guy who can come in and burn bright for a while. You have to decide for yourself whether that gamble is worth it over lower upside backs who look like safer bets from a durability standpoint (Moreno, Greene).

 

[bcr8f]

To Seattle at #4.

Andy: As a Seahawks fan, I really, ... a googolplex more really's... , really hope you are wrong.

I grew up a Seahawks fan (Largent, Zorn, Warner, Easley, et al) and still hold a place for them. I hope I'm right.

Don't forget John L Williams. It's to know what they'll do this year. They could use a good power back though.

 

[Zigg]

Kiper's been pushing Wells to NO to be the new 1-2 punch with Bush...Eh, possible I suppose, but I can see them going for a defensive player.

I keep hearing Wells to the Saints and it just dosn't make sense. First of all, Bush and Thomas are each only 24 years old. Secondly, Payton isn't exactly fond of running the ball, so why take a RB at #14 when you only run the ball 25 times a game. Bush will get his ten carries and you have to figure PT has been too productive to completely ignore. That leaves roughly 12 carries a game, which would make a RB a complete waste of a high pick.I know there have been rumours of Payton wanting a power back, but not a #14. Not enough carries, and while they filled a few holes on D, they still have no playmakers. You also have to take into account that after #14, the saints don't pick again until round 4. Wells just makes no sense to NO, not even as the BPA. Defense is the only answer.

 

[Balco]

Wells is way too soft to be a top 10 pick, in my opinion.

What were your thoughts about Adrian Peterson when he came out of OU?

 

[Futeki]

Wells is way too soft to be a top 10 pick, in my opinion.

I don't think soft is the right word, as the guy isn't a "soft" player when he is healthy, but I understand/agree with the sentiment. I take one look at the build of Wells' legs, and I don't see a guy who will be around for long in the NFL. He may have a few pro-bowl seasons, who knows, but the already high risk of injury at the RB position + Wells' history/build makes him a bad choice as high(top 15 pick). Just my opinion...For reference: http://www.baltimoresun.com/media/photo/2008-01/34614766.jpg

Legs built like that are not what GM's are looking for at the RB position. Of course, there are exceptions to the rule, but I wouldn't give Wells first round money unless my team was already stacked and had some room for a luxury pick,

Hmm, those legs don't look to different than these at a similar angle. http://www.daylife.com/photo/06dI0cs7RiguM?q=Adrian+Peterson

 

[leave a whisper]

best RB in this draft - period (NFL & fantasy)

 

[bcr8f]

best RB in this draft - period (NFL & fantasy)

With that kind of argument how can I disagree?

 

[bcr8f]

Wells is way too soft to be a top 10 pick, in my opinion.

I don't think soft is the right word, as the guy isn't a "soft" player when he is healthy, but I understand/agree with the sentiment. I take one look at the build of Wells' legs, and I don't see a guy who will be around for long in the NFL. He may have a few pro-bowl seasons, who knows, but the already high risk of injury at the RB position + Wells' history/build makes him a bad choice as high(top 15 pick). Just my opinion...For reference: http://www.baltimoresun.com/media/photo/2008-01/34614766.jpg

Legs built like that are not what GM's are looking for at the RB position. Of course, there are exceptions to the rule, but I wouldn't give Wells first round money unless my team was already stacked and had some room for a luxury pick,

Hmm, those legs don't look to different than these at a similar angle. http://www.daylife.com/photo/06dI0cs7RiguM?q=Adrian+Peterson

The first picture makes him look thin. This is from the combine.

 

[Ramblin Wreck]

Wells is way too soft to be a top 10 pick, in my opinion.

What were your thoughts about Adrian Peterson when he came out of OU?

I see where I think you're going with this. Injury prone and soft are two different things. I think the only knock you could find on Peterson were a couple of injuries.

 

[Balco]

Wells is way too soft to be a top 10 pick, in my opinion.

What were your thoughts about Adrian Peterson when he came out of OU?

I see where I think you're going with this. Injury prone and soft are two different things. I think the only knock you could find on Peterson were a couple of injuries.

So you are saying Wells is soft. What makes you say that?

 

[Multiple Scores]

Wells is way too soft to be a top 10 pick, in my opinion.

I don't think soft is the right word, as the guy isn't a "soft" player when he is healthy, but I understand/agree with the sentiment. I take one look at the build of Wells' legs, and I don't see a guy who will be around for long in the NFL. He may have a few pro-bowl seasons, who knows, but the already high risk of injury at the RB position + Wells' history/build makes him a bad choice as high(top 15 pick). Just my opinion...For reference: http://www.baltimoresun.com/media/photo/2008-01/34614766.jpg

Legs built like that are not what GM's are looking for at the RB position. Of course, there are exceptions to the rule, but I wouldn't give Wells first round money unless my team was already stacked and had some room for a luxury pick,

This befuddles (not sure if thats a real word) me. I've been watching Wells for 3 years now and not once have I heard any comments about his legs being built in such a way that GMs are against, nor have I once even thought it myself. His legs are excellent for a RB, his has thick muscular thighs and muscular calves. What exactly do you not like about his legs, how are those not NFL legs? His legs are strong, his legs don't stop on contact, he breaks tackles with his legs, he does everything an NFL superstar would do with his legs. I'm just not sure where this is coming from.

 

[Dr. Evil]

Wells is way too soft to be a top 10 pick, in my opinion.

I don't think soft is the right word, as the guy isn't a "soft" player when he is healthy, but I understand/agree with the sentiment. I take one look at the build of Wells' legs, and I don't see a guy who will be around for long in the NFL. He may have a few pro-bowl seasons, who knows, but the already high risk of injury at the RB position + Wells' history/build makes him a bad choice as high(top 15 pick). Just my opinion...For reference: http://www.baltimoresun.com/media/photo/2008-01/34614766.jpg

Legs built like that are not what GM's are looking for at the RB position. Of course, there are exceptions to the rule, but I wouldn't give Wells first round money unless my team was already stacked and had some room for a luxury pick,

This befuddles (not sure if thats a real word) me. I've been watching Wells for 3 years now and not once have I heard any comments about his legs being built in such a way that GMs are against, nor have I once even thought it myself. His legs are excellent for a RB, his has thick muscular thighs and muscular calves. What exactly do you not like about his legs, how are those not NFL legs? His legs are strong, his legs don't stop on contact, he breaks tackles with his legs, he does everything an NFL superstar would do with his legs. I'm just not sure where this is coming from.

This discussion of his legs is starting to become homo-erotic. Please.....stop.He would likely benefit from professional conditioning and NFL style preparation. At least he is willing to play through the injuries and pain.

 

[BeTheMatch]

Wells is way too soft to be a top 10 pick, in my opinion.

What were your thoughts about Adrian Peterson when he came out of OU?

I see where I think you're going with this. Injury prone and soft are two different things. I think the only knock you could find on Peterson were a couple of injuries.

So you are saying Wells is soft. What makes you say that?

I think he's soft because many people at OSU have said exactly that during his collegiate career. He's also not been willing to play hurt at times that the OSU staff thought he was well enough to play. This is, I thought by now, pretty much common knowledge.

 

[Boston]

Wells is a physical specimen and there's little doubt he has big time skills. There are a few legit questions about him but overall I think he's going to be a very productive NFL RB who's ceiling could be very high. He reminds me of a more physically-gifted Curtis Martin. If Wells gets it together like Martin did (Curtis was considered injury-prone while at Pitt which is why he went in the third) this kid could be special. Hopefully Wells ends up with a solid organization because that will only help his development.

 

[Fallerjw]

Wells is way too soft to be a top 10 pick, in my opinion.

What were your thoughts about Adrian Peterson when he came out of OU?

I see where I think you're going with this. Injury prone and soft are two different things. I think the only knock you could find on Peterson were a couple of injuries.

So you are saying Wells is soft. What makes you say that?

I think he's soft because many people at OSU have said exactly that during his collegiate career. He's also not been willing to play hurt at times that the OSU staff thought he was well enough to play. This is, I thought by now, pretty much common knowledge.

There were also many people who speculated that he didn't want to cause any permanent damage, because it was VERY likely that he would be a first round draft pick. I guess there are two sides to every story.

 

[Multiple Scores]

Wells is way too soft to be a top 10 pick, in my opinion.

What were your thoughts about Adrian Peterson when he came out of OU?

I see where I think you're going with this. Injury prone and soft are two different things. I think the only knock you could find on Peterson were a couple of injuries.

So you are saying Wells is soft. What makes you say that?

I think he's soft because many people at OSU have said exactly that during his collegiate career. He's also not been willing to play hurt at times that the OSU staff thought he was well enough to play. This is, I thought by now, pretty much common knowledge.

Since you say this is common knowledge, it should be easy for you to find various links to back this up. Regarding the bolded part - I have watched Wells for 3 years and followed his career closely, this is foreign to me. If you could provide a link to back up this claim I'd really appreciate it, I have run a couple of searches but have been unable to find this common knowledge. Thanks in advance.

 

[Balco]

I laughed when I read the "common knowledge" quote. Did the OSU trainers hold a press conference to state that they felt Beanie Wells was alright to play but he still didn't want to? It's funny how unsubstantiated rumors become facts to some people.

 

[KingAlfred]

No doubt C. Wells could perhaps be a nice player for someone...pretty good speed for his size. But I really don't see any similarities between him and Adrian Peterson. A. Peterson has top end speed and top end power, plus the agility and lateral movement that makes him a threat to score on any play....A. Peterson's ability to make tacklers whiff completely sets him apart. The poster that described C. Wells similar to C. Martin in a previous reply made good sense. Having said that...I suppose that C. Wells could go top 10...maybe even top 5...but I think in those cases, that team taking him would be putting rather heavy emphasis on 'need' strategy as opposed to BPA strategy. As far as the teams we are considering in this thread...maybe Seattle makes some sense in that regard...but I think Green Bay's weaknesses in the trenches make them go OLine or DLine, plus they already have R. Grant signed, who is at least decent.

 

[Tornacl]

Wells is way too soft to be a top 10 pick, in my opinion.

What were your thoughts about Adrian Peterson when he came out of OU?

I see where I think you're going with this. Injury prone and soft are two different things. I think the only knock you could find on Peterson were a couple of injuries.

So you are saying Wells is soft. What makes you say that?

I think he's soft because many people at OSU have said exactly that during his collegiate career. He's also not been willing to play hurt at times that the OSU staff thought he was well enough to play. This is, I thought by now, pretty much common knowledge.

As a person that follows the Big Ten, I've always been impressed with how he plays in big games, but I got the impression last year that he was saving himself for his big payday, like the injury scared him. If he was trying to preserve his body, he could do well in the NFL, but at the same time I'm not sure I want that kind of mindset in a big back.If I had the #1 pick, I would take Crabtree, because he's the only guy that everyone seems to agree on. Wells could be great or he could be like Ron Dayne, Moreno? As it stands now, I have the 1.5, and I'm hoping that Maclin is still there.

 

[BeTheMatch]

I think he's soft because many people at OSU have said exactly that during his collegiate career. He's also not been willing to play hurt at times that the OSU staff thought he was well enough to play. This is, I thought by now, pretty much common knowledge.

Since you say this is common knowledge, it should be easy for you to find various links to back this up. Regarding the bolded part - I have watched Wells for 3 years and followed his career closely, this is foreign to me. If you could provide a link to back up this claim I'd really appreciate it, I have run a couple of searches but have been unable to find this common knowledge. Thanks in advance.

I'm not here to do everyone else's homework for them. I shared some knowledge. If you disagree that that sentiment is out there, then fine. Just ignore it. I really don't care.

 

[Matt Waldman]

I think anyone who puts Wells and Peterson in the same category is having a large dose of wishful thinking for breakfast every morning. Wells has moments where he displays top-flight balance, but he is a full notch below Peterson in just about any skill set you compare the two. Wells does have the skill to be a top 10 fantasy starter with a strong line behind him, but there's a reason why you don't get many arguments from players, analysts, and fans that Peterson has all-time great skills that could put him into that category of best-ever runners when it's all over. Wells isn't that kind of guy. Jamal Lewis had a couple of monster years, but he wasn't someone that you uttered the names Simpson, Brown, Dickerson, Payton, Sanders in terms of how he got that production.

Wells could be the best back in this draft if he fulfills his potential, but he's no slam dunk over Moreno, and arguably another guy I've mentioned on the Audible and the RSP who I think is a sleeper. I actually think Moreno has a chance to be special due to his vision.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

The only comparisons people were making to AP were that he, like Wells, took a lot of negative press and a slight hit to his draft stock when he couldn't stay healthy.

There are a few teams that I'm betting are wishing they'd have either taken him with their pick (Oakland, Arizona for example) or traded up to get him in the 2007 draft.

 

[Faust]

I think anyone who puts Wells and Peterson in the same category is having a large dose of wishful thinking for breakfast every morning. Wells has moments where he displays top-flight balance, but he is a full notch below Peterson in just about any skill set you compare the two. Wells does have the skill to be a top 10 fantasy starter with a strong line behind him, but there's a reason why you don't get many arguments from players, analysts, and fans that Peterson has all-time great skills that could put him into that category of best-ever runners when it's all over. Wells isn't that kind of guy. Jamal Lewis had a couple of monster years, but he wasn't someone that you uttered the names Simpson, Brown, Dickerson, Payton, Sanders in terms of how he got that production. Wells could be the best back in this draft if he fulfills his potential, but he's no slam dunk over Moreno, and arguably another guy I've mentioned on the Audible and the RSP who I think is a sleeper. I actually think Moreno has a chance to be special due to his vision.

Matt - the comparison between AP and Wells from Rob Rang was strictly size and power only - leaving out a lot of other key skills that make a RB successful like agility, vision, mental toughness, etc.What about Larry Johnson - could he pan out similar to the type of production that Larry Johnson produced? When I draft a RB, I don't worry if he will have the longevity of Emmitt Smith or Barry Sanders - what I am hoping for is 3 to 5 seasons of top 5 to top 10 production

 

[happy_donut]

The only comparisons people were making to AP were that he, like Wells, took a lot of negative press and a slight hit to his draft stock when he couldn't stay healthy.

There are a few teams that I'm betting are wishing they'd have either taken him with their pick (Oakland, Arizona for example) or traded up to get him in the 2007 draft.

Did you mean Seattle? I think you mistyped or were thinking about Crabtree here.

 

[Cookiemonster]

I think he's soft because many people at OSU have said exactly that during his collegiate career. He's also not been willing to play hurt at times that the OSU staff thought he was well enough to play. This is, I thought by now, pretty much common knowledge.

Since you say this is common knowledge, it should be easy for you to find various links to back this up. Regarding the bolded part - I have watched Wells for 3 years and followed his career closely, this is foreign to me. If you could provide a link to back up this claim I'd really appreciate it, I have run a couple of searches but have been unable to find this common knowledge. Thanks in advance.

I'm not here to do everyone else's homework for them. I shared some knowledge. If you disagree that that sentiment is out there, then fine. Just ignore it. I really don't care.

Someone, in another thread put a really good game log together to dispel the notion that Beanie was sitting out and being soft. Many games he disappeared in for long stretches, or did not come back at all. In most of those games, OSU had a nearly unsurmountable lead by halftime, and the backups were still mopping the field with the opponents D in the 4th quarters. Chris didn't look as dominant this year as I've seen him in the past, probably due to accumulated injuries to his lower body. When I've watched him in previous years, he's a guy that drops you jaw (especially if you're a Michigan fan). I have a hard time ranking him this year as I do get the feeling he's a comet type guy. Blazing hot, streaking across the sky for a brief moment, then gone again as soon as he appeared. He's THE most talented guy at RB in this draft and easily has the most upside, but I can't shake the notion that he's also got the bust potential as I don't see some things from him that I like to see in an NFL back. His stiff arm and upper body strength are top-notch, but his leg power and balance to shots taken below the waistline are very sub-par. His size/speed is terrific, but I don't see the sudden stop/start or change of direction I like. It all comes down to what type of player you prefer to take at the top of a rookie draft, and dynasty or redraft. For dynasty sake, I'll take Shonn Greene or Moreno (situation will dictate) as the 1st RB - unless Chris falls into the gravy spot - 'cause I don't feel the need to hit a home run in the 1st, but would rather not whiff. If Wells goes to Green Bay or something similar, where he looks like a lock to start in a dependable, top-shelf offense, his upside would be too high to ignore. Likewise, if he went to a Cleveland-like team with an incumbent starter and less-than-ideal offense, he could slip to my #4 RB and #6-8 overall dynasty pick.

 

[Matt Waldman]

I think anyone who puts Wells and Peterson in the same category is having a large dose of wishful thinking for breakfast every morning. Wells has moments where he displays top-flight balance, but he is a full notch below Peterson in just about any skill set you compare the two. Wells does have the skill to be a top 10 fantasy starter with a strong line behind him, but there's a reason why you don't get many arguments from players, analysts, and fans that Peterson has all-time great skills that could put him into that category of best-ever runners when it's all over. Wells isn't that kind of guy. Jamal Lewis had a couple of monster years, but he wasn't someone that you uttered the names Simpson, Brown, Dickerson, Payton, Sanders in terms of how he got that production. Wells could be the best back in this draft if he fulfills his potential, but he's no slam dunk over Moreno, and arguably another guy I've mentioned on the Audible and the RSP who I think is a sleeper. I actually think Moreno has a chance to be special due to his vision.

Matt - the comparison between AP and Wells from Rob Rang was strictly size and power only - leaving out a lot of other key skills that make a RB successful like agility, vision, mental toughness, etc.What about Larry Johnson - could he pan out similar to the type of production that Larry Johnson produced? When I draft a RB, I don't worry if he will have the longevity of Emmitt Smith or Barry Sanders - what I am hoping for is 3 to 5 seasons of top 5 to top 10 production

I think LJ was a better all around back than Wells, but I think it's a much closer comparison. Again, I doubt Wells will be an all-time great, but I think he's got the skills to be a 1400-1500 yard stud for 2-3 seasons if the conditions are right. I can't speak to his toughness or lack there of. I can speak to the fact that he's good straight ahead runner who follows blocks well and can wear out a defense.

 

[MAC_32]

I think he's soft because many people at OSU have said exactly that during his collegiate career. He's also not been willing to play hurt at times that the OSU staff thought he was well enough to play. This is, I thought by now, pretty much common knowledge.

Since you say this is common knowledge, it should be easy for you to find various links to back this up. Regarding the bolded part - I have watched Wells for 3 years and followed his career closely, this is foreign to me. If you could provide a link to back up this claim I'd really appreciate it, I have run a couple of searches but have been unable to find this common knowledge. Thanks in advance.

Radio interviews with Buckeye beat reporters can't be linked, sorry. Eventually I'll stop posting this because some people would rather just argue than actually listen/read information, but the Buckeye staff has criticized Beanies lack of toughness since his freshman year. This past season was even worse.

 

[Jeff Tefertiller]

I think he's soft because many people at OSU have said exactly that during his collegiate career. He's also not been willing to play hurt at times that the OSU staff thought he was well enough to play. This is, I thought by now, pretty much common knowledge.

Since you say this is common knowledge, it should be easy for you to find various links to back this up. Regarding the bolded part - I have watched Wells for 3 years and followed his career closely, this is foreign to me. If you could provide a link to back up this claim I'd really appreciate it, I have run a couple of searches but have been unable to find this common knowledge. Thanks in advance.

Radio interviews with Buckeye beat reporters can't be linked, sorry. Eventually I'll stop posting this because some people would rather just argue than actually listen/read information, but the Buckeye staff has criticized Beanies lack of toughness since his freshman year. This past season was even worse.

Keep posting, MAC. I have heard the same things on Wells.

 

[Balco]

I think anyone who puts Wells and Peterson in the same category is having a large dose of wishful thinking for breakfast every morning. Wells has moments where he displays top-flight balance, but he is a full notch below Peterson in just about any skill set you compare the two. Wells does have the skill to be a top 10 fantasy starter with a strong line behind him, but there's a reason why you don't get many arguments from players, analysts, and fans that Peterson has all-time great skills that could put him into that category of best-ever runners when it's all over. Wells isn't that kind of guy. Jamal Lewis had a couple of monster years, but he wasn't someone that you uttered the names Simpson, Brown, Dickerson, Payton, Sanders in terms of how he got that production. Wells could be the best back in this draft if he fulfills his potential, but he's no slam dunk over Moreno, and arguably another guy I've mentioned on the Audible and the RSP who I think is a sleeper. I actually think Moreno has a chance to be special due to his vision.

Matt - the comparison between AP and Wells from Rob Rang was strictly size and power only - leaving out a lot of other key skills that make a RB successful like agility, vision, mental toughness, etc.What about Larry Johnson - could he pan out similar to the type of production that Larry Johnson produced? When I draft a RB, I don't worry if he will have the longevity of Emmitt Smith or Barry Sanders - what I am hoping for is 3 to 5 seasons of top 5 to top 10 production

I think LJ was a better all around back than Wells, but I think it's a much closer comparison. Again, I doubt Wells will be an all-time great, but I think he's got the skills to be a 1400-1500 yard stud for 2-3 seasons if the conditions are right. I can't speak to his toughness or lack there of. I can speak to the fact that he's good straight ahead runner who follows blocks well and can wear out a defense.

I think that sums it up well. He is not a home run threat with the ball, but he is going to hit the hole, and make the right read off his blockers.

 

[TheFanatic]

To Seattle at #4.

Andy: As a Seahawks fan, I really, ... a googolplex more really's... , really hope you are wrong.

We want Sanchez baby!

I would think you would want whichever LT the Rams do not take. Big Walt had microfracture surgery didn't he? without a stud LT doesn't matter who is behind center the guy is going to get crushed....

 

[Andy Dufresne]

The only comparisons people were making to AP were that he, like Wells, took a lot of negative press and a slight hit to his draft stock when he couldn't stay healthy.

There are a few teams that I'm betting are wishing they'd have either taken him with their pick (Oakland, Arizona for example) or traded up to get him in the 2007 draft.

Did you mean Seattle? I think you mistyped or were thinking about Crabtree here.

No, I was still talking about AP. I think the Raiders would have been better taking AP than Jamarcus Russell.