As a Freshman Stewart failed to beat out Terrence Whitehead at Oregon. In fact, Whitehead was a feature back for them which included 3rd down duties. As a Sophomore Stewart was in RBBC with Jeremiah Johnson and pretty much written out of the third down package, not because he wasn't capable of the role, but because Johnson was better at it. This continued through Stewart's Junior season until Johnson tore up his knee. Then and only then did Stewart become a 3 down back at Oregon. He dominated in that role once given the opportunity. Stewart's sharing role has been glossed over here as coaching philosophy. This is false. Whitehead was fully featured in the game plan. Stewart was deliberately written out of the third down package. This is the reason I originally downgraded Stewart, and while he has made some terrific catches, he does seem a little stiff out of the backfield and in the pattern. I still suspect him to be the type to best fit in a sharing role, maybe similar to Marion Barber, but I'm not real sure of this. For that matter, any back can find himself in an RBBC in the NFL, I suppose. As EBF mentioned, Addai traveled the opposite path. From a role player in college to being featured in Indy. So, I dropped that downgrade from my opinion and now see Stewart as clearly the #2 back in the draft with no beef against those who see him as RB1. I suspect he could be drafted ahead of McFadden.
Like Stewart to Whitehead, Mendenhall arrived at Illinois with a blue chip rating but failed to take over for Pierre Thomas. Thomas is a good back and Mendenhall spent his Freshman season learning. He did flash some serious talent from time to time, as did Stewart as a Freshman. As a Sophomore it was more of the same for Mendenhall. He clearly showed he was the most explosive and dynamic back on the team. He remained a back up to Thomas because he was a little slow to learn the spread offense, and he had some fumbling issues. The coaches even acknowledged him as the most talented back on the team, but they could trust Pierre more, and used Mendenhall to spell Thomas and add some juice to the offense. In this case the term coach's philosophy may be more accurate than in Stewart's case. He was given the keys to the offense as a junior and dominated.
Their roles as backups and committee partners should have a little influence in their evaluations, I suppose, but not much. I put them side by side and see very similar players with one just a little more capable. Running between the tackles -- a slight edge to Stewart. He has better power and a little better moves. Running on the edge -- a slight edge to Stewart. He's more of a load to handle in space with his size and power and regardless of Combine results has a little better deep speed. As blockers Stewart really came along last year and he has the edge. Moves and lateral agility, I think Stewart is a little better at hitting the brakes, change of direction and getting through traffic. Stewart runs with better power. Basically, they are very similar players, but Stewart is a little bigger, a little faster, a little more athletic, and it's hard to grade Mendenhall above him. I expect both to be top 10 backs in the NFL eventually if they both stay healthy. Health being the redflag for Stewart. I read an article recently where he discussed the injury history, playing through it, the nature of the injuries, and why he thinks it's blown out of proportion. I wish I bookmarked it, because I cannot find it, but he convinced me not to make too much of it. I know little about Mendenhall on the personal side of things, but I can tell you their may not be a better "character" than Stewart in the draft. I would be absolutely giddy if Dallas somehow added him to Barber. It would shoot his fantasy potential in the foot, but it would give Dallas one helluva duo for a run at a title.
