RB Rankings w/ NFL Comparisons and analysis (1 Viewer)

[pjconley]

2008 Running Back prospects

by PJ Conley

1) Darren McFadden, Arkansas

NFL Comparison: A bigger Willie Parker/ shades of LT

McFadden is faster and bigger then Parker. Heck I would love to compare him to someone like Marshall Faulk, but like Parker who has blazing speed, he has a tendency to not fight for those extra yards, he doesn’t drive his legs upon contact. Some call him Baby Cow legs. Many also question whether he can carry the load alone. Ideally, I think he could potentially break out his rookie year, especially if he gets drafted to a team with an established veteran runner. Sort of like an RBBC.

2) Rashard Mendenhall, Illinois

NFL Comparison: Edge James in his prime

An explosive workhorse who can carry the load for whatever team that drafts him in the first round.

3) Jonathan Stewart, Oregon

NFL Comparison: Curtis Martin on Steriods (Picture Martin with about 20 more pounds of muscle)

He has the size and strength of a fullback but bursts like a scat back. The guy is one of the best feature backs coming out college this year. I’ve had him ranked as my number back but because of his turf toe injury, he got knocked down a few spots. Stewart has said that he wants to play like a combination of Bo Jackson AND Walter Peyton.

4) Felix Jones, Arkansas

NFL Comparison: Brian Westbrook

The speedy versatile back is a triple threat in the running, receiving, and return game. The question is, can he handle the workload being that he was second

5) Jamaal Charles, Texas

NFL Comparison: Jerious Norwood

Jamaal is a speedy elusive back that may lack the power needed to be an every down workhouse, but could do very well along side a power back in an RBBC system

6) Chris Johnson, East Carolina

NFL Comparison: Reggie Bush

He’s going to be an explosive threat in the NFL in both the backfield and the return game. He runs in the same fashion as Reggie Bush. Excellent outside runner but not the best inside runner, dangerous in the open field, great receiver out of the backfield, and a dangerous return man. He too will succeed as a slasher type back in an RBBC.

7) Ray Rice, Rutgers

NFL Comparison: Emmit Smith

Small, compact, and a powerful strait line runner that’ll bust through the first level and take it to the house.

8) Kevin Smith, Central Florida

NFL Comparison: Rudi Johnson

Smith is powerful, durable and consistent. He’ll be a steal in the late 2nd-3rd round due to his ability to be a workhorse for the team that drafts him. (Thanks to fellow Jets fan and Draft expert Andrew Garda for)

9) Matt Forte, Tulane

NFL Comparison: Ryan Grant

Forte is a powerful runner and receiver out of the back field. He will be a steal capable of carrying the load for whatever team drafts him.

10) Tashard Choice, Georgia Tech

NFL Comparison: Lamont Jordon

Choice is a downhill runner that lacks the explosiveness to be a feature power back.

11) Steve Slaton, West Virginia

12) Mike Hart, Michigan

13) Allen Patrick, Oklahoma

14) Chauncy Washington, USC

15) Thomas Brown, Georgia

16) Justin Forsett, Cal

17) Ben-Jarvis Green Ellis, Mississippi

18) Xavier Omon, North West Missouri State

19) Cory Boyd, South Carolina

20) Tim Hightower, Richmond

21) Anthony Aldridge, Houston

22) Danrell Savage, Oklahoma State

23) Jalen Parlame, Toledo

24) Tony Temple, Missouri

25) Ryan Torrain, Arizona State

 

[gianmarco]

Good posting. I like all of your comparisons except for McFadden. The only thing I see in common with Parker is his speed and the only thing with LT is that they are both being drafted #1.

 

[awesomeness]

Good posting. I like all of your comparisons except for McFadden. The only thing I see in common with Parker is his speed and the only thing with LT is that they are both being drafted #1.

 

[Maroney=Speed]

3) Jonathan Stewart, Oregon

NFL Comparison: Curtis Martin on Steriods (Picture Martin with about 20 more pounds of muscle)

He has the size and strength of a fullback but bursts like a scat back. The guy is one of the best feature backs coming out college this year. I’ve had him ranked as my number back but because of his turf toe injury, he got knocked down a few spots. Stewart has said that he wants to play like a combination of Bo Jackson AND Walter Peyton.

Did He just say fullback?

 

[delusional]

Heh eagles FO been saying they have no problem taking the BPA and if that happens to be a RB then so be it.

Hmm where has Felix been falling?

 

[Yitbos69]

3) Jonathan Stewart, Oregon

NFL Comparison: Curtis Martin on Steriods (Picture Martin with about 20 more pounds of muscle)

He has the size and strength of a fullback but bursts like a scat back. The guy is one of the best feature backs coming out college this year. I’ve had him ranked as my number back but because of his turf toe injury, he got knocked down a few spots. Stewart has said that he wants to play like a combination of Bo Jackson AND Walter Peyton.

Did He just say fullback?

Did he just say scat back?

 

[Maroney=Speed]

3) Jonathan Stewart, Oregon

NFL Comparison: Curtis Martin on Steriods (Picture Martin with about 20 more pounds of muscle)

He has the size and strength of a fullback but bursts like a scat back. The guy is one of the best feature backs coming out college this year. I’ve had him ranked as my number back but because of his turf toe injury, he got knocked down a few spots. Stewart has said that he wants to play like a combination of Bo Jackson AND Walter Peyton.

Did He just say fullback?

Did he just say scat back?

, I think He covered. No?

 

[pjconley]

3) Jonathan Stewart, Oregon

NFL Comparison: Curtis Martin on Steriods (Picture Martin with about 20 more pounds of muscle)

He has the size and strength of a fullback but bursts like a scat back. The guy is one of the best feature backs coming out college this year. I’ve had him ranked as my number back but because of his turf toe injury, he got knocked down a few spots. Stewart has said that he wants to play like a combination of Bo Jackson AND Walter Peyton.

Did He just say fullback?

Did he just say scat back?

Hm, I figured that was pretty self explanitory...He has the size and strength of a full back (Not he is a fullback)

Scat Back... for a big dude, the guy can wiggle

 

[jonessed]

Good posting. I like all of your comparisons except for McFadden. The only thing I see in common with Parker is his speed and the only thing with LT is that they are both being drafted #1.

LT was drafted #5

 

[gianmarco]

Good posting. I like all of your comparisons except for McFadden. The only thing I see in common with Parker is his speed and the only thing with LT is that they are both being drafted #1.

LT was drafted #5

Fantasy draft. McFadden won't be #1 in the NFL draft either. Look at his list above. It's numbered 1-9. McFadden is #1. LT was in a similar spot the year he was drafted.

 

[Cookiemonster]

Good posting. I like all of your comparisons except for McFadden. The only thing I see in common with Parker is his speed

Funny. I see McFadden like a Willie Parker/Justin Fargas but with a turbocharger. Stronger upper body too. Definately an upgrade to the comparisons, but style of running matches pretty well. Very good speed/acceleration. Hits the hole w/ reckless abandon and very little regard for his own safety. Doesn't keep his feet/balance well following contact. May or may not have good vision. I can't tell 'cause he lacks the patience and outruns the blockers to the point of attack.

 

[Michael Fox Fan]

4) Felix Jones, ArkansasNFL Comparison: Brian WestbrookThe speedy versatile back is a triple threat in the running, receiving, and return game. The question is, can he handle the workload being that he was second

I don't really understand this comparison at all. Everything I've read suggests that Jones isn't a very good receiver and he needs a ton of work on pass protection / blitz pickup. Since Faulk retired, Westbrook is one of the best receiving backs in the game. So this compare just doesn't resonate with me.

 

[Michael Fox Fan]

1) Darren McFadden, ArkansasNFL Comparison: A bigger Willie Parker/ shades of LTMcFadden is faster and bigger then Parker. Heck I would love to compare him to someone like Marshall Faulk, but like Parker who has blazing speed, he has a tendency to not fight for those extra yards, he doesn’t drive his legs upon contact. Some call him Baby Cow legs. Many also question whether he can carry the load alone. Ideally, I think he could potentially break out his rookie year, especially if he gets drafted to a team with an established veteran runner. Sort of like an RBBC.

How is McFadden anything like LT? LT is very compact, built very solid despite his short stature. McFadden is tall and lean with skinny legs (see: J Norwood). In fact, he looks way more like Norwood than LT.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

Pretty good overall.

I like the Ray Rice (Emmitt) and Chris Johnson (Reggie Bush) comparisons.

 

[Cookiemonster]

Pretty good overall.I like the Ray Rice (Emmitt) and Chris Johnson (Reggie Bush) comparisons.

I 2nd that.

 

[EBF]

I can see the McFadden/Parker comparison. McFadden/LT are two completely different beasts though. Almost polar opposites except for speed. LT has power and agility that McFadden can only dream of.

Physically, Mendenhall is similar to James, but James was a more dynamic runner. I wouldn't really call Rashard explosive. He's a good athlete, but not a great one. More of a power back than a home run threat at the NFL level.

I also don't see Kevin Smith/Rudi Johnson or Tashard Choice/LaMont Jordan.

I think the rest of your comparisons are pretty good.

I would shuffle your 11-25 quite a bit, but these aren't my rankings.

 

[Maroney=Speed]

I can see the McFadden/Parker comparison. McFadden/LT are two completely different beasts though. Almost polar opposites except for speed. LT has power and agility that McFadden can only dream of. Physically, Mendenhall is similar to James, but James was a more dynamic runner. I wouldn't really call Rashard explosive. He's a good athlete, but not a great one. More of a power back than a home run threat at the NFL level. I also don't see Kevin Smith/Rudi Johnson or Tashard Choice/LaMont Jordan. I think the rest of your comparisons are pretty good. I would shuffle your 11-25 quite a bit, but these aren't my rankings.

I was looking at it more. Like, how He thinks a player will do in the Pro's? McFadden=LT, I can see that.

 

[gianmarco]

When can we expect to see the name McFadden=Speed?

 

[Maroney=Speed]

When can we expect to see the name McFadden=Speed?

Funny guy as J.Stewart=fullback and McFadden=LT. Like JohnnyU like's to say 'I'm just saying'.

 

[Max Power]

Pretty good overall.I like the Ray Rice (Emmitt) and Chris Johnson (Reggie Bush) comparisons.

I 2nd that.

Nice post...but the Ray Rice to Emmitt comparison is awful IMO. Does a similar body style = a vaild comparison?

 

[EBF]

I can see the McFadden/Parker comparison. McFadden/LT are two completely different beasts though. Almost polar opposites except for speed. LT has power and agility that McFadden can only dream of. Physically, Mendenhall is similar to James, but James was a more dynamic runner. I wouldn't really call Rashard explosive. He's a good athlete, but not a great one. More of a power back than a home run threat at the NFL level. I also don't see Kevin Smith/Rudi Johnson or Tashard Choice/LaMont Jordan. I think the rest of your comparisons are pretty good. I would shuffle your 11-25 quite a bit, but these aren't my rankings.

I was looking at it more. Like, how He thinks a player will do in the Pro's? McFadden=LT, I can see that.

Then it's still not a good comparison.

 

[Kegs & Eggs]

I think McFadden resembles Marcus Allen. Physically, they are almost identical.

 

[bcr8f]

What about Chauncey Washington?

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

Pretty good overall.I like the Ray Rice (Emmitt) and Chris Johnson (Reggie Bush) comparisons.

I 2nd that.

Nice post...but the Ray Rice to Emmitt comparison is awful IMO. Does a similar body style = a vaild comparison?

OK - who do you think Ray Rice resembles?

 

[Michael Fox Fan]

Pretty good overall.I like the Ray Rice (Emmitt) and Chris Johnson (Reggie Bush) comparisons.

I 2nd that.

Nice post...but the Ray Rice to Emmitt comparison is awful IMO. Does a similar body style = a vaild comparison?

OK - who do you think Ray Rice resembles?

Somebody with less talent than Emmitt Smith.

 

[Max Power]

Pretty good overall.I like the Ray Rice (Emmitt) and Chris Johnson (Reggie Bush) comparisons.

I 2nd that.

Nice post...but the Ray Rice to Emmitt comparison is awful IMO. Does a similar body style = a vaild comparison?

OK - who do you think Ray Rice resembles?

Somebody with less talent than Emmitt Smith.

pretty much what I was thinking. Comparing the NFL's all time leading rusher to a potential 3rd round pick is a bit much for me.Personally I like the MJD comparison better.

 

[Michael Fox Fan]

Pretty good overall.I like the Ray Rice (Emmitt) and Chris Johnson (Reggie Bush) comparisons.

I 2nd that.

Nice post...but the Ray Rice to Emmitt comparison is awful IMO. Does a similar body style = a vaild comparison?

OK - who do you think Ray Rice resembles?

Somebody with less talent than Emmitt Smith.

pretty much what I was thinking. Comparing the NFL's all time leading rusher to a potential 3rd round pick is a bit much for me.Personally I like the MJD comparison better.

Nothing personal, but the MJD comparison doesn't work for me either. MJD is ridiculously explosive - Ray Rice isn't nearly as athletic. In fact, his athleticism (or lack thereof) is closer to Emmitt than MJD.

 

[pjconley]

4) Felix Jones, ArkansasNFL Comparison: Brian WestbrookThe speedy versatile back is a triple threat in the running, receiving, and return game. The question is, can he handle the workload being that he was second

I don't really understand this comparison at all. Everything I've read suggests that Jones isn't a very good receiver and he needs a ton of work on pass protection / blitz pickup. Since Faulk retired, Westbrook is one of the best receiving backs in the game. So this compare just doesn't resonate with me.

What? WHere did you hear that information? I've read so many scouting reports about how he has solid hands out of the backfield. Watch some of his game film on Youtube, you'll see what I'm talking about.

 

[Cookiemonster]

Pretty good overall.I like the Ray Rice (Emmitt) and Chris Johnson (Reggie Bush) comparisons.

I 2nd that.

Nice post...but the Ray Rice to Emmitt comparison is awful IMO. Does a similar body style = a vaild comparison?

OK - who do you think Ray Rice resembles?

Somebody with less talent than Emmitt Smith.

pretty much what I was thinking. Comparing the NFL's all time leading rusher to a potential 3rd round pick is a bit much for me.

It is very overboard if you are speaking of NFL potential, but we're talking about running style and I think Rice is right on. Very good vision, very good patience, mediocre speed, Emmit may have better acceleration, comparable elusiveness and balance combined w/ the ablity to run through arm-tackles hardly losing a step. Put Rice behind Emmit's line and you've got at least a 10K yard career back.

 

[Michael Fox Fan]

4) Felix Jones, Arkansas

NFL Comparison: Brian Westbrook

The speedy versatile back is a triple threat in the running, receiving, and return game. The question is, can he handle the workload being that he was second

I don't really understand this comparison at all. Everything I've read suggests that Jones isn't a very good receiver and he needs a ton of work on pass protection / blitz pickup. Since Faulk retired, Westbrook is one of the best receiving backs in the game. So this compare just doesn't resonate with me.

What? WHere did you hear that information? I've read so many scouting reports about how he has solid hands out of the backfield. Watch some of his game film on Youtube, you'll see what I'm talking about.

one exampleNEGATIVES

"He's not a natural receiver. His route running needs to be refined, and his hands aren't great."

"He occasionally gets overpowered in pass protection."

"Jones' biggest blemish as far as the Cowboys go is that he might not immediately be ready to assume the third-down back role."

2nd example

"His pass blocking is suspect; he is very inexperienced in most aspects of the passing game, which limits his usefulness at the next level. What good is a third down back if he can’t catch and block?"

A couple that I could find immediately. A few sites say he's a good receiver. Guess opinions are mixed.

 

[pjconley]

4) Felix Jones, Arkansas

NFL Comparison: Brian Westbrook

The speedy versatile back is a triple threat in the running, receiving, and return game. The question is, can he handle the workload being that he was second

I don't really understand this comparison at all. Everything I've read suggests that Jones isn't a very good receiver and he needs a ton of work on pass protection / blitz pickup. Since Faulk retired, Westbrook is one of the best receiving backs in the game. So this compare just doesn't resonate with me.

What? WHere did you hear that information? I've read so many scouting reports about how he has solid hands out of the backfield. Watch some of his game film on Youtube, you'll see what I'm talking about.

one exampleNEGATIVES

"He's not a natural receiver. His route running needs to be refined, and his hands aren't great."

"He occasionally gets overpowered in pass protection."

"Jones' biggest blemish as far as the Cowboys go is that he might not immediately be ready to assume the third-down back role."

2nd example

"His pass blocking is suspect; he is very inexperienced in most aspects of the passing game, which limits his usefulness at the next level. What good is a third down back if he can’t catch and block?"

A couple that I could find immediately. A few sites say he's a good receiver. Guess opinions are mixed.

Now I know highlights are just that, a compilation of clips highlighting some of the guys best runs, but if you look up Felix Jones on youtube, you'll see numerous swing passes out of the backfield ran all the way for a touchdown.

 

[kremenull]

3) Jonathan Stewart, Oregon

NFL Comparison: Curtis Martin on Steriods (Picture Martin with about 20 more pounds of muscle)

He has the size and strength of a fullback but bursts like a scat back. The guy is one of the best feature backs coming out college this year. I’ve had him ranked as my number back but because of his turf toe injury, he got knocked down a few spots. Stewart has said that he wants to play like a combination of Bo Jackson AND Walter Peyton.

And I want to be rich like Bill Gates.........This guy will be fortunate to be as good as Jamal Lewis. And really, that is not a knock but a compliment. Expectations, expectations. Please lower them for ALL of these guys......Adrian Peterson is the exception, not the rule.

 

[Maroney=Speed]

3) Jonathan Stewart, Oregon

NFL Comparison: Curtis Martin on Steriods (Picture Martin with about 20 more pounds of muscle)

He has the size and strength of a fullback but bursts like a scat back. The guy is one of the best feature backs coming out college this year. I’ve had him ranked as my number back but because of his turf toe injury, he got knocked down a few spots. Stewart has said that he wants to play like a combination of Bo Jackson AND Walter Peyton.

And I want to be rich like Bill Gates.........This guy will be fortunate to be as good as Jamal Lewis. And really, that is not a knock but a compliment. Expectations, expectations. Please lower them for ALL of these guys......Adrian Peterson is the exception, not the rule.

Just think if I posted this?

 

[Cookiemonster]

3) Jonathan Stewart, Oregon

NFL Comparison: Curtis Martin on Steriods (Picture Martin with about 20 more pounds of muscle)

He has the size and strength of a fullback but bursts like a scat back. The guy is one of the best feature backs coming out college this year. I’ve had him ranked as my number back but because of his turf toe injury, he got knocked down a few spots. Stewart has said that he wants to play like a combination of Bo Jackson AND Walter Peyton.

And I want to be rich like Bill Gates.........This guy will be fortunate to be as good as Jamal Lewis. And really, that is not a knock but a compliment. Expectations, expectations. Please lower them for ALL of these guys......Adrian Peterson is the exception, not the rule.

:whoosh: Just think if I posted this?

You've worked hard for your status Maroney.

 

[switz]

4) Felix Jones, ArkansasNFL Comparison: Brian WestbrookThe speedy versatile back is a triple threat in the running, receiving, and return game. The question is, can he handle the workload being that he was second

I don't really understand this comparison at all. Everything I've read suggests that Jones isn't a very good receiver and he needs a ton of work on pass protection / blitz pickup. Since Faulk retired, Westbrook is one of the best receiving backs in the game. So this compare just doesn't resonate with me.

Jones is a good receiver, has great hands. The only negative comment I've hear is that at times in practice he drops balls due to lack of concentration, but that it doesn't happen in games.I don't get the Ray Rice/Emmitt comparison. They seem nothing alike to me...

 

[greyone]

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[switz]

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[Cookiemonster]

4) Felix Jones, Arkansas

NFL Comparison: Brian Westbrook

The speedy versatile back is a triple threat in the running, receiving, and return game. The question is, can he handle the workload being that he was second

I don't really understand this comparison at all. Everything I've read suggests that Jones isn't a very good receiver and he needs a ton of work on pass protection / blitz pickup. Since Faulk retired, Westbrook is one of the best receiving backs in the game. So this compare just doesn't resonate with me.

Jones is a good receiver, has great hands. The only negative comment I've hear is that at times in practice he drops balls due to lack of concentration, but that it doesn't happen in games.I don't get the Ray Rice/Emmitt comparison. They seem nothing alike to me...

And nearly identical to me. How about we make a friendly, slug-in-the-shoulder bet on Felix Jones vs. Ray Rice? Keep it in mind for 2013.

 

[switz]

And nearly identical to me. How about we make a friendly, slug-in-the-shoulder bet on Felix Jones vs. Ray Rice? Keep it in mind for 2013.

Sure... I don't do bets... but feel free to bump in a few years if Rice outperforms Felix... something I highly doubt (and I have Rice ranked pretty well)