Gerhart (1 Viewer)

[Bob Magaw]

slower riggins (outstanding prep sprinter, at least back in the day, and relatively speaking for a power back?) more flattering than the imo misguided alstott/hillis ones...

a much niftier, more explosive larry csonka?

 

[monkeysee]

slower riggins (outstanding prep sprinter, at least back in the day, and relatively speaking for a power back?) more flattering than the imo misguided alstott/hillis ones...a much niftier, more explosive larry csonka?

good evaluation.I have seen you post many times, Bob. Always wondered who your picture is.

 

[cstu]

Here's what he had to say:

“I was talking with [longtime NFL safety] John Lynch, and joking around that he was in the same situation as a safety,” Gerhart said. “We’re often only compared to other quote-unquote white guys that play our position. … I’m color blind. I’m a running back. I’d compare myself to the running styles of Eddie George and Corey Dillon.”

 

[Ditkaless Wonders]

I see where he had 650+ carries in college w/o a fumble. Not w/o losing a fumble, but without a fumble period. In comparison, though it is pros to college so apples to oranges, Peterson has put the ball on the carpet 16 times in his last 650 or so carries, losing 10 of them.

If you were to tell me that the Pac 10 had a workhorse runningback coming out who had 1800 yards last year and set the all-time Conference Record for T.D.'s in a season I'd have visions of the next great USC runningback to hit the Pros. I might even think of O.J. in his prime since at my age that is not newsreal stuff, but stuff I remember well from my young adulthood. I might temper my enthusiasm a little because after all USC backs have the luxuary of playing a schedule that features some chumps, like Stanford. If you told me the runningback was not from USC, but rather had to face USC's defense I'd be a little more impresssed figuring the back was from Oregon or UCLA or maybe Washington.. Still, inflated stats would be my thought figuring the had run it up on chumps. The point being that Gerhart set all-time records in that conference of storied runningbacks, and he did it the hard way, he faced all the legitimate defenses that conference hs to offer.

I'd compare his running style to Robert Smith's.

Wasn't Toby ####a Kinte's slave name? "Toby" does not strike fear into one's heart, does it? Maybe this Toby will change that.

 

[Zoomanji]

slower riggins (outstanding prep sprinter, at least back in the day, and relatively speaking for a power back?) more flattering than the imo misguided alstott/hillis ones...a much niftier, more explosive larry csonka?

good evaluation.I have seen you post many times, Bob. Always wondered who your picture is.

Miles Davis

 

[zed2283]

I see where he had 650+ carries in college w/o a fumble. Not w/o klosing a fumble, but without a fumble period. In comparison, though it is pros to college so apples to oranges, Peterson has put the ball on the carpet 16 times in his last 650 or so carries, losing 10 of them.

If you were to tell me that the Pac 10 had a workhorse runningback coming out who had 1800 yards last year and set the all-time Conference Record for T.D.'s in a season I'd have visions of the next great USC runningback to hit the Pros. I might even think of O.J. in his prime since at my age that is not newsreal stuff, but stuff I remember well from my young adulthood. I might temper my enthusiasm a little because after all USC backs have the luxuary of playing a schedule that features some chumps, like Stanford. If you told me the runningback was not from USC, but rather had to face USC's defense I'd be a little more impresssed figuring the back was from Oregon or UCLA or maybe Washington.. Still, inflated stats would be my thought figuring the had run it up on chumps. The point being that Gerhart set all-time records in that conference of storied runningbacks, and he did it the hard way, he faced all the legitimate defenses that conference hs to offer.

I'd compare his running style to Robert Smith's.

Wasn't Toby ####a Kinte's slave name? "Toby" does not strike fear into one's heart, does it? Maybe this Toby will change that.

 

[Unwrittenlaw]

I see where he had 650+ carries in college w/o a fumble. Not w/o klosing a fumble, but without a fumble period. In comparison, though it is pros to college so apples to oranges, Peterson has put the ball on the carpet 16 times in his last 650 or so carries, losing 10 of them.If you were to tell me that the Pac 10 had a workhorse runningback coming out who had 1800 yards last year and set the all-time Conference Record for T.D.'s in a season I'd have visions of the next great USC runningback to hit the Pros. I might even think of O.J. in his prime since at my age that is not newsreal stuff, but stuff I remember well from my young adulthood. I might temper my enthusiasm a little because after all USC backs have the luxuary of playing a schedule that features some chumps, like Stanford. If you told me the runningback was not from USC, but rather had to face USC's defense I'd be a little more impresssed figuring the back was from Oregon or UCLA or maybe Washington.. Still, inflated stats would be my thought figuring the had run it up on chumps. The point being that Gerhart set all-time records in that conference of storied runningbacks, and he did it the hard way, he faced all the legitimate defenses that conference hs to offer.I'd compare his running style to Robert Smith's.Wasn't Toby ####a Kinte's slave name? "Toby" does not strike fear into one's heart, does it? Maybe this Toby will change that.

You're probably looking at ESPN stats. ESPN shows 0 fumbles for every single college player. Look at CBSsports. I think Gerhart had around 9 fumbles his college career.

 

[Ditkaless Wonders]

I see where he had 650+ carries in college w/o a fumble. Not w/o klosing a fumble, but without a fumble period. In comparison, though it is pros to college so apples to oranges, Peterson has put the ball on the carpet 16 times in his last 650 or so carries, losing 10 of them.If you were to tell me that the Pac 10 had a workhorse runningback coming out who had 1800 yards last year and set the all-time Conference Record for T.D.'s in a season I'd have visions of the next great USC runningback to hit the Pros. I might even think of O.J. in his prime since at my age that is not newsreal stuff, but stuff I remember well from my young adulthood. I might temper my enthusiasm a little because after all USC backs have the luxuary of playing a schedule that features some chumps, like Stanford. If you told me the runningback was not from USC, but rather had to face USC's defense I'd be a little more impresssed figuring the back was from Oregon or UCLA or maybe Washington.. Still, inflated stats would be my thought figuring the had run it up on chumps. The point being that Gerhart set all-time records in that conference of storied runningbacks, and he did it the hard way, he faced all the legitimate defenses that conference hs to offer.I'd compare his running style to Robert Smith's.Wasn't Toby ####a Kinte's slave name? "Toby" does not strike fear into one's heart, does it? Maybe this Toby will change that.

You're probably looking at ESPN stats. ESPN shows 0 fumbles for every single college player. Look at CBSsports. I think Gerhart had around 9 fumbles his college career.

I guess I need to cross them off my list of plces to look for stuff. Thanks for the info.

 

[bonesman]

10 fumbles, 7 lost.

 

[az_prof]

I do think that his race has led to people in the NFL and in fantasy to underrate him. In fantasy, it is not unusual to see Dwyer taken before him in rookie dynasty drafts. Yet, Gerhart did more in college and had a better Combine. Gerhart was drafted in the second round and Dwyer fell to sixth. Maybe people think Dwyer has a better chance of playing because he is behind Mendenhall instead of ADP, but not only does Dwyer have Mendenhall but in terms of immediate carries he has Mewelde Moore--he is third on depth chart, while Gerhart is a solid second.

I don't understand it.

 

[cstu]

I do think that his race has led to people in the NFL and in fantasy to underrate him. In fantasy, it is not unusual to see Dwyer taken before him in rookie dynasty drafts. Yet, Gerhart did more in college and had a better Combine. Gerhart was drafted in the second round and Dwyer fell to sixth. Maybe people think Dwyer has a better chance of playing because he is behind Mendenhall instead of ADP, but not only does Dwyer have Mendenhall but in terms of immediate carries he has Mewelde Moore--he is third on depth chart, while Gerhart is a solid second.

I don't understand it.

Absolutely.It shocking to me that Dwyer is taken before Gerhart in rookie drafts. Dwyer certainly has the potential to eventually become a good NFL RB, but he has serious holes in his game and he's buried behind an even younger back than Gerhart. If Gerhart was black I can guarantee you that people would be drooling over him - even sitting behind ADP.

The fact that the Vikings gave a 3rd round pick to trade up 11 spots in the 2nd round to get him as a backup says a lot to me. Teams generally don't blow a 2nd and 3rd pick at their strongest position unless they are very confident in a guy's abilities.

 

[The Moz]

He is alot like a Eddie George -- if you want to go white backs he is a less powerful Riggins

 

[TS Garp]

Tommy Vardell.

 

[BoulderBob]

Eddie George is good, watching TG break 30 tackles versus Notre Dame sold me. He is quick enough and strong enough to help an NFL team, not a superstar, but a poor man's George who can put up 4 yards a carry behind a good line.

 

[Bob Magaw]

Tommy Vardell.

vardell was lumbering, plodding, ponderous.gerhart definitely a different animal from the NFL RB beastiary...he had a 38" vertical, one of the better ones among the frontline RB prospects (hardesty was tops with 41"?)...gerhart is a great athlete and played outfield for stanford, and should be able to at least partly inherit taylor's role as receiving back (peterson set a career high in receptions last year, and could see an expanding role there)...

 

[bweiser]

Tommy Vardell.

that is who i was thinking of as well. maybe its the stanford connection.i like gerhart, a lot, but he's useless in a redraft, OK in a keeper and just a little better than that in dynasty.

 

[doctor_d]

slower riggins (outstanding prep sprinter, at least back in the day, and relatively speaking for a power back?) more flattering than the imo misguided alstott/hillis ones...a much niftier, more explosive larry csonka?

I like him and I hope he does great since he was sitting there when I had the 14th overall pick in our rookie draft and I couldn't resist. I was surprised he was there at 14, I never expected that. I was thinking McCluster would fall to me there but he went earlier.With names like Riggins and Corey Dillon being mentioned I am very happy.

 

[Weiner Dog]

Where does everybody rank Gerhart purely as a handcuff for 2010? Sure, there are #1a and #1b situations like in CAR, DAL, BUF, MIA, OAK, CHI, etc but I'm more curious about the best "#2" of the #1/#2-type situations.

Donald Brown (Joseph Addai)

Thomas Jones (Jamaal Charles)

Willis McGahee (Ray Rice)

Toby Gerhart (ADP)

LaDainian Tomlinson (Shonn Greene)

Correll Buckhalter (Knowshown Moreno)

Glenn Coffee (Frank Gore)

Brandon Jackson (Ryan Grant)

Bernard Scott (Cedric Benson)

Rashad Jennings (MJD)

Javon Ringer (Chris Johnson)

 

[doctor_d]

Where does everybody rank Gerhart purely as a handcuff for 2010? Sure, there are #1a and #1b situations like in CAR, DAL, BUF, MIA, OAK, CHI, etc but I'm more curious about the best "#2" of the #1/#2-type situations.Donald Brown (Joseph Addai)Thomas Jones (Jamaal Charles)Willis McGahee (Ray Rice)Toby Gerhart (ADP)LaDainian Tomlinson (Shonn Greene)Correll Buckhalter (Knowshown Moreno)Glenn Coffee (Frank Gore)Brandon Jackson (Ryan Grant)Bernard Scott (Cedric Benson)Rashad Jennings (MJD)Javon Ringer (Chris Johnson)

Are you sure that Thomas Jones and LT are #2's? I am not sold on that idea yet, especially T Jones - he always seems to rise to the occasion.

 

[Weiner Dog]

Where does everybody rank Gerhart purely as a handcuff for 2010? Sure, there are #1a and #1b situations like in CAR, DAL, BUF, MIA, OAK, CHI, etc but I'm more curious about the best "#2" of the #1/#2-type situations.Donald Brown (Joseph Addai)Thomas Jones (Jamaal Charles)Willis McGahee (Ray Rice)Toby Gerhart (ADP)LaDainian Tomlinson (Shonn Greene)Correll Buckhalter (Knowshown Moreno)Glenn Coffee (Frank Gore)Brandon Jackson (Ryan Grant)Bernard Scott (Cedric Benson)Rashad Jennings (MJD)Javon Ringer (Chris Johnson)

Are you sure that Thomas Jones and LT are #2's? I am not sold on that idea yet, especially T Jones - he always seems to rise to the occasion.

I agree that Jones seems to always be the underdog in every RB race, but the 31 year-old signed a microscopic 2-year, $5mm deal on a team with a 23-yard RB who just posted 190-1120-7, 40-297-1 with a 5.9 yards/carry. Jamaal Charles would have to report to camp missing a leg not to be the bona-fide #1 RB.

 

[Cecil Lammey]

Why is he always compared to white guys?

He's not Tommy Vardell, Mike Alstott, or John Riggins.

When I interviewed him before the Heisman Trophy presentation he told me his dad's favorite player was Earl Campbell, and that he patterned his game after Michael Turner.

I don't believe he's as powerful as those two, but when he runs it reminds me of Jerome Bettis. He's got nifty feet - not quite as freakishly nimble as Bettis - and is more elusive than you would expect a back his size to be.

He runs a bit upright, like Eddie George - but he will drop his pads before contact is initiated.

 

[Floyd The Barber]

All I know is as a Vikings fan I was incredibly underwhlemed by their draft.

First, they stand pat at 30 as the best CBs bleed off in front of them. Then they clealry settle for Chris Cook at 2.02 and then overreact to that disaster by moving up to get Gerhart, sacrificing a 3rd in the deepest draft in recent memory.

The only way this draft is salvaged is if they can turn Everson Griffin into a player. Otherwise, a disaster.

 

[moderated]

Why is he always compared to white guys?

He's not Tommy Vardell, Mike Alstott, or John Riggins.

When I interviewed him before the Heisman Trophy presentation he told me his dad's favorite player was Earl Campbell, and that he patterned his game after Michael Turner.

I don't believe he's as powerful as those two, but when he runs it reminds me of Jerome Bettis. He's got nifty feet - not quite as freakishly nimble as Bettis - and is more elusive than you would expect a back his size to be.

He runs a bit upright, like Eddie George - but he will drop his pads before contact is initiated.

great comparison. reminds me of Eddie as well.

 

[az_prof]

Where does everybody rank Gerhart purely as a handcuff for 2010? Sure, there are #1a and #1b situations like in CAR, DAL, BUF, MIA, OAK, CHI, etc but I'm more curious about the best "#2" of the #1/#2-type situations.Donald Brown (Joseph Addai)Thomas Jones (Jamaal Charles)Willis McGahee (Ray Rice)Toby Gerhart (ADP)LaDainian Tomlinson (Shonn Greene)Correll Buckhalter (Knowshown Moreno)Glenn Coffee (Frank Gore)Brandon Jackson (Ryan Grant)Bernard Scott (Cedric Benson)Rashad Jennings (MJD)Javon Ringer (Chris Johnson)

Good question.I would rank these backups/handcuffs/1bs ahead of him in no special orderonald BrownJonathan StewartI like him better than:McGahee and BA backsHightowerFred Jackson/Lynch and BuffaloNorwood/SnellingScott and CINNJerome Harrison Chester Taylor in CHIBuckhalt and DEnvKevin Smith/Mo MorrisJames Stark and GBJennings and JagsReggie BushThomas JonesJacobs/BradshawRicky Williams and Finns situationMike Bell and PHINE backsRams backupsLT and JEtsCoffe/DixonLeon Washington/White/Forsett???Dwyer and M. MooreWard and TBSprolesLJ/Parker/Portis???Ringer/Blount TEnnGuys I am not sure about:Barber and Choice; I have a hard time getting a read on Dallas backfield and it sounds like Felix Jones has a chance to be featured. Slaton/Tate? I don't know but I think I like Herhart as well as Tate and maybe better. McFadden/Bush?I would take him after D. Brown and Stewart and somewhere in the mix with Barber, Slaton or McFadden.

 

[vikingdave]

All I know is as a Vikings fan I was incredibly underwhlemed by their draft.First, they stand pat at 30 as the best CBs bleed off in front of them. Then they clealry settle for Chris Cook at 2.02 and then overreact to that disaster by moving up to get Gerhart, sacrificing a 3rd in the deepest draft in recent memory.The only way this draft is salvaged is if they can turn Everson Griffin into a player. Otherwise, a disaster.

I agree completely, I was so mad when they drafted this kid and after what they gaveup it was even worse...horrible pick for the Vikings, worse draft...

 

[doctor_d]

Just wondering from the Viking followers - you aren't buying the Csonka, Dillon, or Bettis comparisons? Certainly you would be happy to ahve all of that come true !!??

 

[vikingdave]

Just wondering from the Viking followers - you aren't buying the Csonka, Dillon, or Bettis comparisons? Certainly you would be happy to ahve all of that come true !!??

Nope, not buying it...if it happens great but I dont see it...and considering we already have one of if not the best RB in football and have a huge hole at QB I was very disappointed when we drafted him, when I saw we traded up I was excited, until I saw who we took, then I was pissed...great white RBs dont happen, its not racist or sterotyping when its the truth...the last great one was in the 70's? And this guy is supposed to be the next one? Yea right, Ill believe it when I see it...horrible pick...I hope he proves me wrong, but Im not expecting to see it...

 

[az_prof]

All I know is as a Vikings fan I was incredibly underwhlemed by their draft.First, they stand pat at 30 as the best CBs bleed off in front of them. Then they clealry settle for Chris Cook at 2.02 and then overreact to that disaster by moving up to get Gerhart, sacrificing a 3rd in the deepest draft in recent memory.The only way this draft is salvaged is if they can turn Everson Griffin into a player. Otherwise, a disaster.

I agree completely, I was so mad when they drafted this kid and after what they gaveup it was even worse...horrible pick for the Vikings, worse draft...

I am a Viking fan but I am not upset. I really don't enough about all the prospects to judge a draft but I trust our coaching staff. They have done really well with personnel since chili got there. And, while I thought OL was a greater need than HB, still, if ADP goes down we were going to be deep trouble with Chester gone. Taylor has been a bigger part of the offense than a lot of people think. And you must have two solid backs in the NFL because of the importance of the position and the likelihood of injury. Giving up their third round pick? Sounds dumb but it tells me the staff is really high on Gerhart. I didn't know much about him but after looking at him on tape and reading about him, I am happy with the pick.

 

[BoulderBob]

Why is he always compared to white guys?

He's not Tommy Vardell, Mike Alstott, or John Riggins.

When I interviewed him before the Heisman Trophy presentation he told me his dad's favorite player was Earl Campbell, and that he patterned his game after Michael Turner.

I don't believe he's as powerful as those two, but when he runs it reminds me of Jerome Bettis. He's got nifty feet - not quite as freakishly nimble as Bettis - and is more elusive than you would expect a back his size to be.

He runs a bit upright, like Eddie George - but he will drop his pads before contact is initiated.

great comparison. reminds me of Eddie as well.

I like that...a little bit of Earl Campbell(see the ND game for proof), a little Burner Turner, and a smidge of Eddie George. I hate to call him the great white hype, but if TG can't do it, I doubt any other caucasian will. I'm sold on the guy, time will tell though...

 

[TS Garp]

Tommy Vardell.

vardell was lumbering, plodding, ponderous.gerhart definitely a different animal from the NFL RB beastiary...he had a 38" vertical, one of the better ones among the frontline RB prospects (hardesty was tops with 41"?)...gerhart is a great athlete and played outfield for stanford, and should be able to at least partly inherit taylor's role as receiving back (peterson set a career high in receptions last year, and could see an expanding role there)...

Fair enough, although hindsight is 20/20, so it's easy to describe him as "lumbering, plodding, and ponderous" at this point. When Vardell was at the same stage in his career that Gerhart's at, I'm sure he was described as "powerful, bruising, and surprisingly quick" or something along those lines. I definitely acknowledge that Gerhart is faster -- maybe Brandon Jacobs is a better comp in terms of running style.

 

[cstu]

Tommy Vardell.

vardell was lumbering, plodding, ponderous.gerhart definitely a different animal from the NFL RB beastiary...he had a 38" vertical, one of the better ones among the frontline RB prospects (hardesty was tops with 41"?)...gerhart is a great athlete and played outfield for stanford, and should be able to at least partly inherit taylor's role as receiving back (peterson set a career high in receptions last year, and could see an expanding role there)...

Fair enough, although hindsight is 20/20, so it's easy to describe him as "lumbering, plodding, and ponderous" at this point. When Vardell was at the same stage in his career that Gerhart's at, I'm sure he was described as "powerful, bruising, and surprisingly quick" or something along those lines. I definitely acknowledge that Gerhart is faster -- maybe Brandon Jacobs is a better comp in terms of running style.

Vardell was a workout warrior who had done little before his 1100 yard senior season. Before his junior year in which he ran for 457 yards and 14 TD's the most yards and TD's he had were 252/3.

 

[bweiser]

Why is he always compared to white guys?

He's not Tommy Vardell, Mike Alstott, or John Riggins.

When I interviewed him before the Heisman Trophy presentation he told me his dad's favorite player was Earl Campbell, and that he patterned his game after Michael Turner.

I don't believe he's as powerful as those two, but when he runs it reminds me of Jerome Bettis. He's got nifty feet - not quite as freakishly nimble as Bettis - and is more elusive than you would expect a back his size to be.

He runs a bit upright, like Eddie George - but he will drop his pads before contact is initiated.

great comparison. reminds me of Eddie as well.

I like that...a little bit of Earl Campbell(see the ND game for proof), a little Burner Turner, and a smidge of Eddie George. I hate to call him the great white hype, but if TG can't do it, I doubt any other caucasian will. I'm sold on the guy, time will tell though...

well, he got drafted into a terrible situation to end the drought. if peterson stays healthy. gerhart will play as much as turner did in sd. probably not even as much.

 

[az_prof]

Why is he always compared to white guys?

He's not Tommy Vardell, Mike Alstott, or John Riggins.

When I interviewed him before the Heisman Trophy presentation he told me his dad's favorite player was Earl Campbell, and that he patterned his game after Michael Turner.

I don't believe he's as powerful as those two, but when he runs it reminds me of Jerome Bettis. He's got nifty feet - not quite as freakishly nimble as Bettis - and is more elusive than you would expect a back his size to be.

He runs a bit upright, like Eddie George - but he will drop his pads before contact is initiated.

great comparison. reminds me of Eddie as well.

I like that...a little bit of Earl Campbell(see the ND game for proof), a little Burner Turner, and a smidge of Eddie George. I hate to call him the great white hype, but if TG can't do it, I doubt any other caucasian will. I'm sold on the guy, time will tell though...

well, he got drafted into a terrible situation to end the drought. if peterson stays healthy. gerhart will play as much as turner did in sd. probably not even as much.

I disagree because the Vikings have a proven history of trying to lighten ADPs workload and not break him. Why would a young HB who was a second round pick get fewer carries than Chester Taylor? I can't see how Gerhart isn't used at least as much as Taylor, and likely more, unless he can't pick up the blocking.

 

[TheWheel]

Gerhard should get more carries than Taylor ever did. ADP will wear down eventually and he can't be used to burn the clock with his fumbling problems.

 

[Andrew Garda]

10 fumbles, 7 lost.

5 of them in his senior year if I'm not mistaken and at bad moments.All that said - I more hate the situation he landed in then his potential butterfingers. I don't see him getting enough carries to be worth much until either Peterson implodes/gets hurt or Gerhart gets a shot to move elsewhere either towards the end of his rookie contract (via trade) or after it's done completely.Don't get me wrong - love what he can o. Just think the opportunity will be minimal.

 

[TLEF316]

my all time favorite shark pool moment is still when some moron seriously compared Jacob Hester to Wes Welker.

 

[Yenrub]

I do think that his race has led to people in the NFL and in fantasy to underrate him. In fantasy, it is not unusual to see Dwyer taken before him in rookie dynasty drafts. Yet, Gerhart did more in college and had a better Combine. Gerhart was drafted in the second round and Dwyer fell to sixth. Maybe people think Dwyer has a better chance of playing because he is behind Mendenhall instead of ADP, but not only does Dwyer have Mendenhall but in terms of immediate carries he has Mewelde Moore--he is third on depth chart, while Gerhart is a solid second.

I don't understand it.

Absolutely.It shocking to me that Dwyer is taken before Gerhart in rookie drafts. Dwyer certainly has the potential to eventually become a good NFL RB, but he has serious holes in his game and he's buried behind an even younger back than Gerhart. If Gerhart was black I can guarantee you that people would be drooling over him - even sitting behind ADP.

The fact that the Vikings gave a 3rd round pick to trade up 11 spots in the 2nd round to get him as a backup says a lot to me. Teams generally don't blow a 2nd and 3rd pick at their strongest position unless they are very confident in a guy's abilities.

I think being behind Peterson instead of Mendenhall has a lot more to do with where he is being drafted instead of his race. (in my league Gerhart was drafted before Dwyer).Also no doubt that Gerhart had a better senior season (and combine) but look at their career stats.

Dwyer 517-3226-35 (6.23 per carry)

Gerhart 671-3522-43 (5.24 per carry)

As far as the comparison I like the Eddie George comparison but for some reason I went a little bit farther back and though of Kevin Mack.

 

[cstu]

I do think that his race has led to people in the NFL and in fantasy to underrate him. In fantasy, it is not unusual to see Dwyer taken before him in rookie dynasty drafts. Yet, Gerhart did more in college and had a better Combine. Gerhart was drafted in the second round and Dwyer fell to sixth. Maybe people think Dwyer has a better chance of playing because he is behind Mendenhall instead of ADP, but not only does Dwyer have Mendenhall but in terms of immediate carries he has Mewelde Moore--he is third on depth chart, while Gerhart is a solid second.

I don't understand it.

Absolutely.It shocking to me that Dwyer is taken before Gerhart in rookie drafts. Dwyer certainly has the potential to eventually become a good NFL RB, but he has serious holes in his game and he's buried behind an even younger back than Gerhart. If Gerhart was black I can guarantee you that people would be drooling over him - even sitting behind ADP.

The fact that the Vikings gave a 3rd round pick to trade up 11 spots in the 2nd round to get him as a backup says a lot to me. Teams generally don't blow a 2nd and 3rd pick at their strongest position unless they are very confident in a guy's abilities.

I think being behind Peterson instead of Mendenhall has a lot more to do with where he is being drafted instead of his race. (in my league Gerhart was drafted before Dwyer).Also no doubt that Gerhart had a better senior season (and combine) but look at their career stats.

Dwyer 517-3226-35 (6.23 per carry)

Gerhart 671-3522-43 (5.24 per carry)

As far as the comparison I like the Eddie George comparison but for some reason I went a little bit farther back and though of Kevin Mack.

I don't think you can compare their stats because of the gimmick offense that GT ran the past two years under Paul Johnson. Comparing Dwyer and Tashard Choice in 2007 (Chan Gailey's last season as coach) they both had the same YPC - 5.3.In 2008, Dwyer's YPC was 7.0 - incredible, right? Except that Roddy Jones averaged 8.5 YPC on 81 carries. Last year Dwyer's YPC was a lower, but still very good 5.9 YPC. Yet two other RB's had higher YPC - Roddy Jones with 6.5 YPC and Anthony Allen with a ridiculous 9.7 YPC.

In no way do I think Dwyer lacks potential because the talent is easy to spot when you watch him play. However, for him to slip to the 6th round at a position teams are very good at scouting is a huge red flag. There are very few 6+ round drafted RB's or UDFA FA RB's who have done well in the NFL, and most of them slipped due to injuries concerns that Dwyer doesn't have.

 

[Jason Wood]

I just wanted to say how much I appreciate this thread

Being on the East Coast I haven't had the chance to see Toby G much outside of highlight reel stuff, and have really been wondering about an apt comparison. The fact that not every comparison so far has been to a white RB was terrific to see.

 

[thevidon]

Before I even read this thread I knew people were gonna be comparing him to white RBs. Just stop it.

The fact that he is white has no bearing on his capacity to be a successful RB in the NFL. For the record, I think Bettis is a pretty good comparison, but Gerhart is faster.

 

[az_prof]

I would compare him to Brandon Jacobs. Similar power, both have good stiff arms, good ability to break tackles, good but not great speed, good but not great elusiveness, good vision in picking the hole, good nose for the endzone. Gerhart isn't as big as Jacobs, but he has very similar ability to run through arm tackles and to lower the shoulder and level a defensive back.

Earl Campbell? That would be mighty big shoes to fill. Jerome Bettis too. Those are HOF backs and I doubt that Gerhart will be anywhere near HOF good. But I think he is Brandon Jacobs good or Michael Turner good.

 

[vikingdave]

he doesnt even a little bit look like Bettis or Jacobs or George to me...looks like a smaller Mike Alstott to me...yawn...

 

[cstu]

he doesnt even a little bit look like Bettis or Jacobs or George to me...looks like a smaller Mike Alstott to me...yawn...

Based on height/weight (6-0, 231) he's most similar to SJax (6-2, 231), Grant (6-1, 226) and McGahee (6-0, 232).

 

[bweiser]

Why is he always compared to white guys?

He's not Tommy Vardell, Mike Alstott, or John Riggins.

When I interviewed him before the Heisman Trophy presentation he told me his dad's favorite player was Earl Campbell, and that he patterned his game after Michael Turner.

I don't believe he's as powerful as those two, but when he runs it reminds me of Jerome Bettis. He's got nifty feet - not quite as freakishly nimble as Bettis - and is more elusive than you would expect a back his size to be.

He runs a bit upright, like Eddie George - but he will drop his pads before contact is initiated.

great comparison. reminds me of Eddie as well.

I like that...a little bit of Earl Campbell(see the ND game for proof), a little Burner Turner, and a smidge of Eddie George. I hate to call him the great white hype, but if TG can't do it, I doubt any other caucasian will. I'm sold on the guy, time will tell though...

well, he got drafted into a terrible situation to end the drought. if peterson stays healthy. gerhart will play as much as turner did in sd. probably not even as much.

I disagree because the Vikings have a proven history of trying to lighten ADPs workload and not break him. Why would a young HB who was a second round pick get fewer carries than Chester Taylor? I can't see how Gerhart isn't used at least as much as Taylor, and likely more, unless he can't pick up the blocking.

excuse me if i'm not excited about a guy getting 8 carries and 3 catches a game. that would be slightly more use than chester taylor got the last 2 years (101, 94 carries; 45, 44 receptions). you think gerhart is getting 128 carries? that is 8 a game. i don't see it. like others have said - i think his value comes after adp gets hurt/retires or he signs with another team after his rookie contract.

if you have peterson and are in a league where you can handcuff, go for it.

gerhart will not get drafted in my main big money league.

 

[Tanner9919]

slower riggins (outstanding prep sprinter, at least back in the day, and relatively speaking for a power back?) more flattering than the imo misguided alstott/hillis ones...a much niftier, more explosive larry csonka?

why does he have to be compared to other white RBs? you forgot John Capelletti Gerhart is right,he looks like a cross between Eddie George and Corey Dillon

 

[vikingdave]

slower riggins (outstanding prep sprinter, at least back in the day, and relatively speaking for a power back?) more flattering than the imo misguided alstott/hillis ones...a much niftier, more explosive larry csonka?

why does he have to be compared to other white RBs? you forgot John Capelletti Gerhart is right,he looks like a cross between Eddie George and Corey Dillon

what do you mean why? because he is...the last GREAT white RB was in the 70's for a reason...forgive me for not being excited over the next avg white RB...

 

[CalBear]

what do you mean why? because he is...the last GREAT white RB was in the 70's for a reason...forgive me for not being excited over the next avg white RB...

The reason the last great white RB was in the 70s is that great white athletes are steered towards other positions (starting in Pop Warner leagues), while great black athletes are steered towards RB/WR/CB positions. Gerhart refused to play LB or FB or TE, which is why he remains as one of the better RB prospects in this draft.Far be it from me to defend a Stanford product, but basing your evaluation of Gerhart on whether he's white or not is as asinine and ignorant as basing it on what color his uniform was in college. Is Aaron Rodgers going to be mediocre because Kyle Boller was? Is Colt McCoy going to play like Vince Young because they both went to Texas, or will he play like Steve Young because they're both white QBs? The answer is "neither"; Colt McCoy is going to play like Colt McCoy, because he's an individual.

 

[Jason Wood]

what do you mean why? because he is...the last GREAT white RB was in the 70's for a reason...forgive me for not being excited over the next avg white RB...

The reason the last great white RB was in the 70s is that great white athletes are steered towards other positions (starting in Pop Warner leagues), while great black athletes are steered towards RB/WR/CB positions. Gerhart refused to play LB or FB or TE, which is why he remains as one of the better RB prospects in this draft.Far be it from me to defend a Stanford product, but basing your evaluation of Gerhart on whether he's white or not is as asinine and ignorant as basing it on what color his uniform was in college. Is Aaron Rodgers going to be mediocre because Kyle Boller was? Is Colt McCoy going to play like Vince Young because they both went to Texas, or will he play like Steve Young because they're both white QBs? The answer is "neither"; Colt McCoy is going to play like Colt McCoy, because he's an individual.

This type of comparison drives me nuts, too, especially because it's totally subjective. I heard people discounting Jimmy Clausen because of what Brady Quinn hasn't done, yet I didn't see anyone bringing up Jason White and Josh Huepl as a reason to lower expectations for Sam Bradford. Evaluate the player, not the alma mater.

 

[Bojang0301]

If Ben Tate and Toby Gerhart changed teams I bet a lot of people would be changing where they took Toby and Tate would suffer a more massive drop than Toby is in drafts.

 

[Mister CIA]

If Ben Tate and Toby Gerhart changed teams I bet a lot of people would be changing where they took Toby and Tate would suffer a more massive drop than Toby is in drafts.

Agree. Lot's of people here preach "talent over situation," but Tate's high ranking says otherwise.