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Lets talk second tier Rookie RB's (1 Viewer)

Kevin Smith 6-1 211 Smith was amazing for central florida. He appears to be a long strider and resembles an Eric Dickerson like running style. He didn't blow away from defenders, but didn't get caught from behind either. So the main question is....how fast is he really?
I think he is quick enough laterally as well as downfield to succeed as an everydown 'back in the NFL. Not to mention he has the endurance to be a bellcow. The flaw I see in Smith is perhaps his running form. As you mentioned, he has very long strides. It seems to affect his balance, and in turn- his inabilty to break through hits he takes below the waist. He doesn't run extremely upright, but something about his instint to break tackles just isn't there. Maybe I'm reading too much into it, and perhaps this running style isn't all that odd- after all, it did work for Dickerson. I think some team will take a chance on him in Round 2 or 3. I can see him sticking around the league and flashing potential to be an every-down 'back, but being more of a DeShaun Foster-type.
I am seeing the same things with Smith. He just looks taller than 6-1.....like he is 6-4. Those long legs remind me of Norwood, just waiting to get injured. However, I am so interested to see how he times in the 40.
 
I don't think I'd have Felix Jones and Jamaal Charles in a different tier then Jon Stewart. :)
Maybe not Felix, but definitely Charles. I don't even think Charles belongs in the 2nd tier, but I'm sure to be the minority there.
Based on what?
See Tinker Bell comparison, Charles is his clone.
Aside from the fact that they have almost nothing in common, you are absolutely correct. Furthermore, Bell was RB4 in his draft.
Comparing Tinker Bell's position drafted to Charles' is irrelevant. Tinker Bell's draft class wasn't as strong as this one, not even close. Outside of Steven Jackson the best talent's have ended up being KJ, Julie Jones, Derrick Ward, and maybe Michael Turner - we'll see. You're entitled to your Jamaal Charles is not a Tinker Bell clone, I disagree. That's all.
Charles final College year: 6.3 ypc, 18 TDs. Charles size: 6'1, 205.

Charles speed (est) 4.3 - 4.4

Bell's final College year: 6py, 16 TDs

Bell's size: 5'10, 210

Bell's Speed: 4.42

You brought it up, so I'll ask again: what about Jamaal Charles, aside from being in the Big 12 like Bell, is remotely similar to Tatum Bell? Charles is faster and runs MUCH better outside.
Christ, am I not allowed to have a different opinion than you? Did I miss the memo?Like Tinker Bell, CHarles struggles running between the tackles and is a liability in the passing game. I find it hard to believe you can confidently call Charles faster than Tinker Bell based on him running a nose faster in a 40 without pads, they're both fast. His game is going to be very limited at the next level. Great college RB, not a good pro. If he were a late 3rd/early 4th round pick with plans of using him as a change of pace back, fine, but I believe some team will pick him up in the 2nd with other plans. If this draft class weren't so stacked at the position he may have even been a 1st rounder.
I think Charles will be a better pro than Bell, however they just seem somewhat similiar. The thing I see in Charles is his motivation to succeed, that drive, like he wants it more.
 
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I think Austin Scott could end up in this tier as well.I'm not sure if he's going to the combine but I could see some team take a shot with him ala A. Bradshaw.
Average at best, not going to be drafted. haven't followed his case but how is accused rape going for him?
 
I don't think I'd have Felix Jones and Jamaal Charles in a different tier then Jon Stewart. :rolleyes:
i would
I am tempted to Take Stewart over McFadden. I like DM, but I really like what I see from Stewart. I have the 1.01, 1.07(trying to trade for Sidney Rice) and 1.14 this year.
The thing that I am missing from watching stewart is explosiveness, that burst. It seems like he is running and then he eventually gets to a top speed. Felix Jones has burst, McFadden has burst, so does mendenhall. I just don't see it from stewart and I believe that is his downfall.
 
I don't think I'd have Felix Jones and Jamaal Charles in a different tier then Jon Stewart. :goodposting:
i would
I am tempted to Take Stewart over McFadden. I like DM, but I really like what I see from Stewart. I have the 1.01, 1.07(trying to trade for Sidney Rice) and 1.14 this year.
The thing that I am missing from watching stewart is explosiveness, that burst. It seems like he is running and then he eventually gets to a top speed. Felix Jones has burst, McFadden has burst, so does mendenhall. I just don't see it from stewart and I believe that is his downfall.
A concern no doubt, I like the power aspect of his game. I know Dmac seems like the no brainer, I am a little worried about is lower body build(chicken legs). But your right about Stewart, I dont see him taking one to the house from 40 yards out. I keep seeing Jerome Bettis with a little more speed.
 
I don't think I'd have Felix Jones and Jamaal Charles in a different tier then Jon Stewart. :shrug:
i would
I am tempted to Take Stewart over McFadden. I like DM, but I really like what I see from Stewart. I have the 1.01, 1.07(trying to trade for Sidney Rice) and 1.14 this year.
The thing that I am missing from watching stewart is explosiveness, that burst. It seems like he is running and then he eventually gets to a top speed. Felix Jones has burst, McFadden has burst, so does mendenhall. I just don't see it from stewart and I believe that is his downfall.
A concern no doubt, I like the power aspect of his game. I know Dmac seems like the no brainer, I am a little worried about is lower body build(chicken legs). But your right about Stewart, I dont see him taking one to the house from 40 yards out. I keep seeing Jerome Bettis with a little more speed.
I don't know if the Jerome Bettis comparison is very accurate. Stewart is about 15-20 pounds lighter and quite a bit faster. I know Mayock raised questions about his quickness and I can see where that criticism is coming from. But the guy shows a pretty good burst of speed IMO. Take a look at the run at 2:13 in this video:

He seems to get to top speed very quickly. He is a decent 60m sprinter, so I don't think acceleration is one of his big negatives.

 
OK.....the combine is fast approaching and Bloom's article on who has the most to gain/lose etc at the combine.

It got me thinking. What do you guys expect these RB's to run at the combine(assuming they all run, which they won't)

Who will be a surprize in the 40?

Who will have the best short shuttle?

3 cone?

 
OK.....the combine is fast approaching and Bloom's article on who has the most to gain/lose etc at the combine.It got me thinking. What do you guys expect these RB's to run at the combine(assuming they all run, which they won't)Who will be a surprize in the 40?
Chris Johnson and Jamaal Charles are the two guys who figure to run blistering times. I look for Charles to rise a little bit and probably lock down a spot somewhere in the 30-60 range. The big issue with him is size. If he checks in at 210+ then his stock could really rise. As far as who will impress the scouts most, I'd probably guess Jonathan Stewart and Rashard Mendenhall if they work out. They have the most impressive combination of size/speed/strength. I look for both of them to generate some buzz coming out of this weekend.
Who will have the best short shuttle?3 cone?
I don't pay much attention to either of these drills. IMO, they're not very important.
 
OK.....the combine is fast approaching and Bloom's article on who has the most to gain/lose etc at the combine.It got me thinking. What do you guys expect these RB's to run at the combine(assuming they all run, which they won't)Who will be a surprize in the 40?
Chris Johnson and Jamaal Charles are the two guys who figure to run blistering times. I look for Charles to rise a little bit and probably lock down a spot somewhere in the 30-60 range. The big issue with him is size. If he checks in at 210+ then his stock could really rise. As far as who will impress the scouts most, I'd probably guess Jonathan Stewart and Rashard Mendenhall if they work out. They have the most impressive combination of size/speed/strength. I look for both of them to generate some buzz coming out of this weekend.
Who will have the best short shuttle?3 cone?
I believe that the short shuttle and 3 cone are almost as important as the 40.The short shuttle will show how long it will take a guy to get to top gear, his acceleration.3 cone tests thier agility.With so many good backs all these tests will help seperate them.I don't pay much attention to either of these drills. IMO, they're not very important.
 
To me the true measure of a drill's worth is its accuracy in predicting success. I don't think the three cone drill and the short shuttle are very good predictors of success. Last year's class is a prime example. Neither Lynch nor Peterson did well in these drills, yet they both came into the league and were immediately effective. It's the same story in 2006. Neither Maurice Drew nor Joseph Addai did well in these drills. So I don't pay much attention to the shuttle or the three cone. An elite time in these drills is pretty meaningless. The only time I really take notice is when a prospect puts up a truly awful time, in which case I hold it against him.

The jumps are the most important drills for RBs. They seem to correlate pretty strongly with success.

 
anyone else notice that Jamaal Charles carries the ball in his left arm the entire time?Any other Rb's do this?
I did:
Charles has speed, but is usually off balance when he runs. He's easy to knock down (notice I didn't say tackle? You look at him funny and he falls down)He hasn't learned to switch hands instinctively and carries the ball awkwardly.He would have benefitted by staying in school to work on the basics.
 
It is difficult for me to take RB advice from a guy who's avatar is Benson Will Lead the Way.
I find it difficult listening to armchair quarterbacks that have never played/coached football(beyond HS).
No argument there.
So you're only going to listen to people who've either played or coached in college football or beyond?BTW, I think Mike Hart is definately a 2nd tier RB. I know he'll find a spot somewhere and work hard and get the ball somehow, someway.He isn't the fastest or biggest guy but he's got the intensity, the will and he's got extremely good vision. He fumbled twice his last game as a Wolverine but that was almost comical (only because they won) because the guy heading into that game just didn't fumble. I think whatever teams ends up with Mike Hart will find themselves with a steal because with all these backs being mentioned ahead of him, he'll slip in the draft and someone will have a good football player on their hands.
 
It is difficult for me to take RB advice from a guy who's avatar is Benson Will Lead the Way.
I find it difficult listening to armchair quarterbacks that have never played/coached football(beyond HS).
No argument there.
So you're only going to listen to people who've either played or coached in college football or beyond?BTW, I think Mike Hart is definately a 2nd tier RB. I know he'll find a spot somewhere and work hard and get the ball somehow, someway.He isn't the fastest or biggest guy but he's got the intensity, the will and he's got extremely good vision. He fumbled twice his last game as a Wolverine but that was almost comical (only because they won) because the guy heading into that game just didn't fumble. I think whatever teams ends up with Mike Hart will find themselves with a steal because with all these backs being mentioned ahead of him, he'll slip in the draft and someone will have a good football player on their hands.
No I just find it difficult.I think Hart is too average.....the only thing that he brings to the table is toughness. But even that toughness was at the college level, he might not be able to take the beating in the NFL b/c he is undersized.
 
To me the true measure of a drill's worth is its accuracy in predicting success. I don't think the three cone drill and the short shuttle are very good predictors of success. Last year's class is a prime example. Neither Lynch nor Peterson did well in these drills, yet they both came into the league and were immediately effective. It's the same story in 2006. Neither Maurice Drew nor Joseph Addai did well in these drills. So I don't pay much attention to the shuttle or the three cone. An elite time in these drills is pretty meaningless. The only time I really take notice is when a prospect puts up a truly awful time, in which case I hold it against him. The jumps are the most important drills for RBs. They seem to correlate pretty strongly with success.
# cone and short shuttle are much more important for wr's and TE's, particularly if the project to work over the middle. For rb, it really isn't that important.
 
It is difficult for me to take RB advice from a guy who's avatar is Benson Will Lead the Way.
I find it difficult listening to armchair quarterbacks that have never played/coached football(beyond HS).
No argument there.
So you're only going to listen to people who've either played or coached in college football or beyond?BTW, I think Mike Hart is definately a 2nd tier RB. I know he'll find a spot somewhere and work hard and get the ball somehow, someway.He isn't the fastest or biggest guy but he's got the intensity, the will and he's got extremely good vision. He fumbled twice his last game as a Wolverine but that was almost comical (only because they won) because the guy heading into that game just didn't fumble. I think whatever teams ends up with Mike Hart will find themselves with a steal because with all these backs being mentioned ahead of him, he'll slip in the draft and someone will have a good football player on their hands.
No I just find it difficult.I think Hart is too average.....the only thing that he brings to the table is toughness. But even that toughness was at the college level, he might not be able to take the beating in the NFL b/c he is undersized.
I don't mind that he's short. I think that's not a big deal at all, plus he's strong. I'm not saying he's your traditional power back where you bring in for short yard situations but he's not a guy I'm worried about not breaking a tackle.The only thing I'll say that he lacks is break away speed. He won't hit a hole and pull away from the players in the NFL. He's not slow, he's just not super fast. Also, I really think you're underestimating his ability to make a guy miss, especially that first guy in the hole. I can't tell you how many times I've seen a good block, then he completely makes a linebacker miss on his own and then he's into the secondary looking to run somebody over.It'll be a fun running back crop to watch because some of these guys everyone is hi on, I have my doubts about.
 
It is difficult for me to take RB advice from a guy who's avatar is Benson Will Lead the Way.
I find it difficult listening to armchair quarterbacks that have never played/coached football(beyond HS).
No argument there.
So you're only going to listen to people who've either played or coached in college football or beyond?BTW, I think Mike Hart is definately a 2nd tier RB. I know he'll find a spot somewhere and work hard and get the ball somehow, someway.He isn't the fastest or biggest guy but he's got the intensity, the will and he's got extremely good vision. He fumbled twice his last game as a Wolverine but that was almost comical (only because they won) because the guy heading into that game just didn't fumble. I think whatever teams ends up with Mike Hart will find themselves with a steal because with all these backs being mentioned ahead of him, he'll slip in the draft and someone will have a good football player on their hands.
No I just find it difficult.I think Hart is too average.....the only thing that he brings to the table is toughness. But even that toughness was at the college level, he might not be able to take the beating in the NFL b/c he is undersized.
I don't mind that he's short. I think that's not a big deal at all, plus he's strong. I'm not saying he's your traditional power back where you bring in for short yard situations but he's not a guy I'm worried about not breaking a tackle.The only thing I'll say that he lacks is break away speed. He won't hit a hole and pull away from the players in the NFL. He's not slow, he's just not super fast. Also, I really think you're underestimating his ability to make a guy miss, especially that first guy in the hole. I can't tell you how many times I've seen a good block, then he completely makes a linebacker miss on his own and then he's into the secondary looking to run somebody over.It'll be a fun running back crop to watch because some of these guys everyone is hi on, I have my doubts about.
I think Hart and Choice are very similiar.Which RB's aren't you high on?
 
With Forte running a 4.46 and Kevin Smith a 4.43, given their idea size, I could see either of them going much higher than anyone expects at this point and joining the big three. Rice also, since the only question with him was his speed.

 
Still working on this but I have this right now:

1- Darren McFadden

2. Rashard Mendenhall

3-Jonathan Stewart

4-Matt Forte

5-Ray Rice

6-Kevin Smith

7-Chris Johnson

8-Jamaal Charles

9-Felix Jones

10-Steve Slaton

 
..................................Darren McFadden

.................................................|

.................................................|

.................................Rashard Mendenhall

......................................John Stewart

................................................|

................................................|

Tashard Choice---------------------------------Jamaal Charles

Kevin Smith--------------------------------------Chris Johnson

Ray Rice-----------------------------------------Steve Slaton

Matt Forte----------------------------------------Thomas Brown

It makes sense to me.

:football:

 
..................................Darren McFadden

.................................................|

.................................................|

.................................Rashard Mendenhall

......................................John Stewart

................................................|

................................................|

Tashard Choice---------------------------------Jamaal Charles

Kevin Smith--------------------------------------Chris Johnson

Ray Rice-----------------------------------------Steve Slaton

Matt Forte----------------------------------------Thomas Brown

It makes sense to me.

:football:
I think you might be the only one. :bag:
 
..................................Darren McFadden

.................................................|

.................................................|

.................................Rashard Mendenhall

......................................John Stewart

................................................|

................................................|

Tashard Choice---------------------------------Jamaal Charles

Kevin Smith--------------------------------------Chris Johnson

Ray Rice-----------------------------------------Steve Slaton

Matt Forte----------------------------------------Thomas Brown

It makes sense to me.

:football:
I think you might be the only one. :bag:
Look at the two columns like a cut deck of cards. Shuffling them gives a set of specific possible results. Make sense now? :rant:
 
It is difficult for me to take RB advice from a guy who's avatar is Benson Will Lead the Way.
I find it difficult listening to armchair quarterbacks that have never played/coached football(beyond HS).
No argument there.
So you're only going to listen to people who've either played or coached in college football or beyond?
No, I am just saying I find it more difficult to take advice from those that have not played beyond HS, than I do taking advice from those that have.
 
It is difficult for me to take RB advice from a guy who's avatar is Benson Will Lead the Way.
I find it difficult listening to armchair quarterbacks that have never played/coached football(beyond HS).
No argument there.
So you're only going to listen to people who've either played or coached in college football or beyond?
No, I am just saying I find it more difficult to take advice from those that have not played beyond HS, than I do taking advice from those that have.
So, umm, if you guys call the suicide hotline... do you only like to talk to counselors who've actually committed suicide?
 
I was very disappointed with Felix Jones at the combine. He looks rather pedestrian to me. I thought he had the best oppotunity to shoot up the ranks, but he didnt show me anything. Didnt even look like a RB to me.

Of this crew, I liked Rice and Choice the best. Definately looked the part and seemed to run well even though Choice wasnt overly impressive. I think both players looked the part of a 15-25 touch average touch player. Depending on where they go will most effect their FF draft status

 
The announcers said Slaton (and one other RB) were going to perform WR drills. Anyone see it? Did it happen?

 
Tashard Choice---------------------------------Jamaal CharlesKevin Smith--------------------------------------Chris JohnsonRay Rice-----------------------------------------Steve SlatonMatt Forte----------------------------------------Thomas Brown
I definitely agree with all the guys you have included in this 2nd tier, including also Felix Jones. Mike Hart seems to have proven he does not have the burst necessary to be a RB who will see significant touches for any NFL team. I'm not saying Thomas Brown and Steve Slaton will necessarily be more productive in their NFL careers, but at least they have the potential if they can work on their weaknesses.
 
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The announcers said Slaton (and one other RB) were going to perform WR drills. Anyone see it? Did it happen?
I just heard that they were looking at trying him out at WR. NFL Network cut short their coverage from what I saw, so who knows if he actually worked out with the WRs. I'm thinking more that they just meant that some teams may have him run routes, catch passes in private workouts.
 
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The announcers said Slaton (and one other RB) were going to perform WR drills. Anyone see it? Did it happen?
I just heard that they were looking at trying him out at WR. NFL Network cut short their coverage from what I saw, so who knows if he actually worked out with the WRs. I'm thinking more that they just meant that some teams may have him run routes, catch passes in private workouts.
They said in the coverage he was asked to run routes and catch balls as a WR. Dont know if it happened though, definately wasnt just conjecture on part of announcers.
 
The announcers said Slaton (and one other RB) were going to perform WR drills. Anyone see it? Did it happen?
I just heard that they were looking at trying him out at WR. NFL Network cut short their coverage from what I saw, so who knows if he actually worked out with the WRs. I'm thinking more that they just meant that some teams may have him run routes, catch passes in private workouts.
They said in the coverage he was asked to run routes and catch balls as a WR. Dont know if it happened though, definately wasnt just conjecture on part of announcers.
I think with the added weight he could stay at RB....just needs to find a zone blocking team to select him.
 
I was very disappointed with Felix Jones at the combine. He looks rather pedestrian to me. I thought he had the best oppotunity to shoot up the ranks, but he didnt show me anything. Didnt even look like a RB to me.Of this crew, I liked Rice and Choice the best. Definately looked the part and seemed to run well even though Choice wasnt overly impressive. I think both players looked the part of a 15-25 touch average touch player. Depending on where they go will most effect their FF draft status
I agree with the Jones comments- for a guy who's supposed to be a burner and does about 0 running inside, he needed better times. For guys like Stewart and Mendenhall to be right there with him on 40 time is pretty bad for Jones. I really want to see the 1 and 20 yard splits for those guys. The above rankings where he was #9 look about right to me.I disagree on Choice though. He's older, has an injury history, and is solid but not spectacular and a lot of things. I don't see him doing a lot in the pros.
 
I don't think I'd have Felix Jones and Jamaal Charles in a different tier then Jon Stewart. :popcorn:
i would
I am tempted to Take Stewart over McFadden. I like DM, but I really like what I see from Stewart. I have the 1.01, 1.07(trying to trade for Sidney Rice) and 1.14 this year.
The thing that I am missing from watching stewart is explosiveness, that burst. It seems like he is running and then he eventually gets to a top speed. Felix Jones has burst, McFadden has burst, so does mendenhall. I just don't see it from stewart and I believe that is his downfall.
A concern no doubt, I like the power aspect of his game. I know Dmac seems like the no brainer, I am a little worried about is lower body build(chicken legs). But your right about Stewart, I dont see him taking one to the house from 40 yards out. I keep seeing Jerome Bettis with a little more speed.
If he is Jerome Bettis with a little more speed then he is a future hall of famer. Really. Think about what you are saying.
 
It is difficult for me to take RB advice from a guy who's avatar is Benson Will Lead the Way.
I find it difficult listening to armchair quarterbacks that have never played/coached football(beyond HS).
No argument there.
So you're only going to listen to people who've either played or coached in college football or beyond?
No, I am just saying I find it more difficult to take advice from those that have not played beyond HS, than I do taking advice from those that have.
So, umm, if you guys call the suicide hotline... do you only like to talk to counselors who've actually committed suicide?
Where do I say I refuse to listen? I am saying I find it easier to take advice from those that have played/coached beyond college; therefore it is more difficult to take adbvice from those that have not. This is more relvant when talking about real football, and not FF. Also, I would add that it would be better if someone called a suicide hotline and was able to talk with someone who had attempted suicide.
 
Ok I decided to put my REAL rankings out here despite many of my leaguemates on these boards.

1- Mendenhall

2- Stewart

3- McFadden

4- Kevin Smith

5- Ray Rice

6- Matt Forte

7- Jamaal Charles

8- Felix Jones

9- Chris Johnson

10- Steve Slaton

 
My take.

1- Stewart

2- McFadden

3- Mendenhall

4- Ray Rice

5- Matt Forte

6- Kevin Smith

7- Chris Johnson

8- Felix Jones

9- Jamaal Charles

10-Tashard Choice

 
My take.1- Stewart2- McFadden3- Mendenhall4- Ray Rice5- Matt Forte6- Kevin Smith7- Chris Johnson8- Felix Jones9- Jamaal Charles10-Tashard Choice
I like this unique list. ;) Although you probably have Charles too low; I'd like to see your tiers as opposed to a straight ranking.I find myself hoping Forte and Hart fall to my late picks. I think both will. Off hand:1- Stewart2- McFadden3- Mendenhall4- Ray Rice5- Matt Forte6- Kevin Smith7- Chris Johnson8- Felix Jones9- Jamaal Charles10- Mike Hart11-Tashard Choice
 

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