RB's Projected at the Next Level (1 Viewer)

[el-gato-grande]

Aside from Peterson and Lynch, which RB's this year have the best physical and mental make-up to be feature every-down backs in the NFL? To me, once you get past their running skills, then the two biggest characteristics that keep most backs off the field in the NFL or limited to third down roles is durability and blocking skills. Size factors into both of these because a small back typically struggles at the point of attack against larger defenders.

Michael Bush, Lousiville - I think he definately qualifies as an every-down back, but does his injury call into question his durability and will it threaten his future in the league?

Tony Hunt, Penn State - Another move the chains kind of guy, but does he have the explosiveness and acceleration to compete at the next level?

Kenny Irons, Auburn - He run the ball aggresively inside, has the speed to run outside, and finished off runs in college. But, at 5-11 198 lbs, is he big enough to hold up at the next level? I've also read veiled references to his inability to pickup a full playbook.

Antonio Pittman, Ohio State - Size similar to Irons with an even slighter frame and he is not a good blocker. He doesn't have the receiving skills to be a third-down back so could be a complete flame out at the next level.

Lorenzo Booker, Florida State - This guy has elite skills and he has speed. I've seen some amazing footage on him evading defenders with awe inspiring change of direction and vision. But, at 5-11 188 lbs, he is even smaller than the guys listed above. Does that limit him to a third down role? That would be a shame considering the guy's ability.

Garrett Wolfe, N. Illinois - Another guy with amazing running skills. Now we're talking Smurf territory at 5-8 182 lbs. Is he even worth drafting in dynasty? I notice he isn't even listed in Bloom's top 100.

Other possibilities for feature runners - Brandon Jackson, Gary Russell, Others?

Of course, the interesting twist to this discussion is the current RBBC trend in the NFL. Is the feature back becoming a dinosaur concept in the league? Will every team split carries across two or even three runners? It certainly puts emphasis on certain teams this year that do not have stacked backfields such as GBP, BUF, and TEN.

 

[King of the Jungle]

After studying scouting highlights (I know they are highlights for a reason - but that is all I have to go on), I found Brandon Jackson to be one of the most complete RBs in the draft as far as running ability. He looks very fluid/natural while running the ball. His lateral ability is teamed up with above average power for his size. Also has enough speed to take it outside and his receiving ability seems to be at the top of the class. I am very interested to see where he falls and hope to snag him in my rookie draft. Not sure why he is consistently ranked 8-10 in this class, right now he is my firm #3. Time will tell, but I really like what I see out of this kid.

 

[fruity pebbles]

I like Brandon Jackson and Antonio Pittman as next level backs who could command significant carries.

 

[el-gato-grande]

I like Brandon Jackson and Antonio Pittman as next level backs who could command significant carries.

Care to elaborate on why?

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

Aside from Peterson and Lynch, which RB's this year have the best physical and mental make-up to be feature every-down backs in the NFL? To me, once you get past their running skills, then the two biggest characteristics that keep most backs off the field in the NFL or limited to third down roles is durability and blocking skills. Size factors into both of these because a small back typically struggles at the point of attack against larger defenders.Michael Bush, Lousiville - I think he definately qualifies as an every-down back, but does his injury call into question his durability and will it threaten his future in the league?

It very well could. I am still enamored with the idea of Atlanta taking Bush.

Tony Hunt, Penn State - Another move the chains kind of guy, but does he have the explosiveness and acceleration to compete at the next level?

as an everydown back? no, but he could be a nice "finisher" for a team that lacks a power back.

Kenny Irons, Auburn - He run the ball aggresively inside, has the speed to run outside, and finished off runs in college. But, at 5-11 198 lbs, is he big enough to hold up at the next level? I've also read veiled references to his inability to pickup a full playbook.

Irons strikes me an RBBC back.

Antonio Pittman, Ohio State - Size similar to Irons with an even slighter frame and he is not a good blocker. He doesn't have the receiving skills to be a third-down back so could be a complete flame out at the next level.

Pittman is a very hotly debated guy. Some really love him (Russ Lande thinks he has "it" and put him ahead of Lynch), and others are skeptical because of the huge holes he had to run through at tOSU

Lorenzo Booker, Florida State - This guy has elite skills and he has speed. I've seen some amazing footage on him evading defenders with awe inspiring change of direction and vision. But, at 5-11 188 lbs, he is even smaller than the guys listed above. Does that limit him to a third down role? That would be a shame considering the guy's ability.

Booker will play a similar role to Reggie Bush in the pros, imo.

Garrett Wolfe, N. Illinois - Another guy with amazing running skills. Now we're talking Smurf territory at 5-8 182 lbs. Is he even worth drafting in dynasty? I notice he isn't even listed in Bloom's top 100.

He'll make the next Bloom 100 (next installment 61-70 coming soon now that I have slayed this dragon), and you reminded me that I probably shouldn't have left him out my seven rounder I just don't like Wolfe because he's small, but not necessarily shifty. Everyone wants to compare him to Sproles, but Sproles was a very accomplished return man, and he's just slippery. Wolfe did look amazing vs. Ohio State, so I am somewhat conflicted, but I feel sure that he will never be a fantasy RB of consequence.

Other possibilities for feature runners - Brandon Jackson, Gary Russell, Others? Of course, the interesting twist to this discussion is the current RBBC trend in the NFL. Is the feature back becoming a dinosaur concept in the league? Will every team split carries across two or even three runners? It certainly puts emphasis on certain teams this year that do not have stacked backfields such as GBP, BUF, and TEN.

Jackson is more than a few people's favorite sleeper. Russell has been unimpressive and out of shape during the predraft activities.Feature back is indeed becoming a dinosaur, Peterson is one of the last of a dying breed. Just look at who is likely to be the top 2 backs next year - Darren McFadden and Steve Slaton - both are amazing playmakers, but not ideal workhorses.

 

[fruity pebbles]

I like Brandon Jackson and Antonio Pittman as next level backs who could command significant carries.

Care to elaborate on why?

Sure.Irons strikes me as a slower Norwood. Think he'll be good but coaches will want him as part of a RBBC than as the feature type runner.Bush is overrated IMO and think he's going to bust ala Eric SheltonHunt is a dog, May get the goalline work somewhere but that's itBooker I think is more a change of pace homerun hitter type than someone you give the ball to 15-20 times a gamePittman I think is a very good runner but a marginal receiver. Did well at the combine and added some weight which I think was his biggest prior drawback. Like that he gets his pads low and he seems to work well in traffic. Something I look for in college backs as the holes aren't nearly as big in the pros.Jackson I think is the most complete back of the group. Durability and whether he can handle a large workload are concerns. None stand out as sure fire players at the next level. But I'd rank them Pittman, Jackson, Irons not knowing where they end up.

 

[Two Deep]

Brian Leonard: Give me a John Riggins, Larry Csonka, Mike Alsttot, Jerome Bettis type everytime. These guys aren't the fastest or flashiest runners but all they do is produce.

 

[H.K.]

Brian Leonard: Give me a John Riggins, Larry Csonka, Mike Alsttot, Jerome Bettis type everytime. These guys aren't the fastest or flashiest runners but all they do is produce.

Brian Leonard = Brad Muster

 

[el-gato-grande]

Aside from Peterson and Lynch, which RB's this year have the best physical and mental make-up to be feature every-down backs in the NFL? To me, once you get past their running skills, then the two biggest characteristics that keep most backs off the field in the NFL or limited to third down roles is durability and blocking skills. Size factors into both of these because a small back typically struggles at the point of attack against larger defenders.Michael Bush, Lousiville - I think he definately qualifies as an every-down back, but does his injury call into question his durability and will it threaten his future in the league?

It very well could. I am still enamored with the idea of Atlanta taking Bush.

Tony Hunt, Penn State - Another move the chains kind of guy, but does he have the explosiveness and acceleration to compete at the next level?

as an everydown back? no, but he could be a nice "finisher" for a team that lacks a power back.

Kenny Irons, Auburn - He run the ball aggresively inside, has the speed to run outside, and finished off runs in college. But, at 5-11 198 lbs, is he big enough to hold up at the next level? I've also read veiled references to his inability to pickup a full playbook.

Irons strikes me an RBBC back.

Antonio Pittman, Ohio State - Size similar to Irons with an even slighter frame and he is not a good blocker. He doesn't have the receiving skills to be a third-down back so could be a complete flame out at the next level.

Pittman is a very hotly debated guy. Some really love him (Russ Lande thinks he has "it" and put him ahead of Lynch), and others are skeptical because of the huge holes he had to run through at tOSU

Lorenzo Booker, Florida State - This guy has elite skills and he has speed. I've seen some amazing footage on him evading defenders with awe inspiring change of direction and vision. But, at 5-11 188 lbs, he is even smaller than the guys listed above. Does that limit him to a third down role? That would be a shame considering the guy's ability.

Booker will play a similar role to Reggie Bush in the pros, imo.

Garrett Wolfe, N. Illinois - Another guy with amazing running skills. Now we're talking Smurf territory at 5-8 182 lbs. Is he even worth drafting in dynasty? I notice he isn't even listed in Bloom's top 100.

He'll make the next Bloom 100 (next installment 61-70 coming soon now that I have slayed this dragon), and you reminded me that I probably shouldn't have left him out my seven rounder I just don't like Wolfe because he's small, but not necessarily shifty. Everyone wants to compare him to Sproles, but Sproles was a very accomplished return man, and he's just slippery. Wolfe did look amazing vs. Ohio State, so I am somewhat conflicted, but I feel sure that he will never be a fantasy RB of consequence.

Other possibilities for feature runners - Brandon Jackson, Gary Russell, Others? Of course, the interesting twist to this discussion is the current RBBC trend in the NFL. Is the feature back becoming a dinosaur concept in the league? Will every team split carries across two or even three runners? It certainly puts emphasis on certain teams this year that do not have stacked backfields such as GBP, BUF, and TEN.

Jackson is more than a few people's favorite sleeper. Russell has been unimpressive and out of shape during the predraft activities.Feature back is indeed becoming a dinosaur, Peterson is one of the last of a dying breed. Just look at who is likely to be the top 2 backs next year - Darren McFadden and Steve Slaton - both are amazing playmakers, but not ideal workhorses.

Thanks Bloom. I didn't see a post like this out there and I thought it was worth discussing since most of us focus on RB in the early rounds of dynasty and keeper leagues. I guess I'm very smitten with Booker and I need to take a closer look at Jackson. Both will be available in the middle of the first round of my dynasty draft, but I wonder if they are worthy of a selection that high.In terms of the RBBC issue, even Peterson might be put into a committee situation. If memory serves, you have him going to Cardinals, which would have him sharing time with Edge. That would greatly de-value both backs and Edge would probably throw a hissy. I'm hoping that Whisenhunt realizes that and opts to go offensive/defensive line or safety with that first pick. Mostly because I have Edge as my RB2.

 

[el-gato-grande]

Brian Leonard: Give me a John Riggins, Larry Csonka, Mike Alsttot, Jerome Bettis type everytime. These guys aren't the fastest or flashiest runners but all they do is produce.

Bloom had him going in the first round to New England. That doesn't seem to me to scream value, but I guess stranger things have happened.

 

[jurb26]

Feature back is indeed becoming a dinosaur, Peterson is one of the last of a dying breed. Just look at who is likely to be the top 2 backs next year - Darren McFadden and Steve Slaton - both are amazing playmakers, but not ideal workhorses.

Not only is McFadden an every down RB, he will be a better NFL RB than Peterson IMO.

 

[broncofan13000]

Feature back is indeed becoming a dinosaur, Peterson is one of the last of a dying breed. Just look at who is likely to be the top 2 backs next year - Darren McFadden and Steve Slaton - both are amazing playmakers, but not ideal workhorses.

Not only is McFadden an every down RB, he will be a better NFL RB than Peterson IMO.

I was just going to write the same thing. I'm not sure if McFadden will be better than Peterson, but my impression is he'll be an every down back.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

Feature back is indeed becoming a dinosaur, Peterson is one of the last of a dying breed. Just look at who is likely to be the top 2 backs next year - Darren McFadden and Steve Slaton - both are amazing playmakers, but not ideal workhorses.

Not only is McFadden an every down RB, he will be a better NFL RB than Peterson IMO.

I was just going to write the same thing. I'm not sure if McFadden will be better than Peterson, but my impression is he'll be an every down back.

How is he going to push the pile with those spindly legs? I say he's a little more upright, stretched out Reggie Bush without quite as insane lateral agility, but just as ridiculous a burst and top end speed, and he'll be every bit the nightmare of preparation for defenses as the one Bush is becoming. It would be a real shame if the team that drafts him doesn't let him take some snaps at QB in a few crucial situations a year and on two point conversions.

 

[fruity pebbles]

Feature back is indeed becoming a dinosaur, Peterson is one of the last of a dying breed. Just look at who is likely to be the top 2 backs next year - Darren McFadden and Steve Slaton - both are amazing playmakers, but not ideal workhorses.

Not only is McFadden an every down RB, he will be a better NFL RB than Peterson IMO.

I was just going to write the same thing. I'm not sure if McFadden will be better than Peterson, but my impression is he'll be an every down back.

How is he going to push the pile with those spindly legs? I say he's a little more upright, stretched out Reggie Bush without quite as insane lateral agility, but just as ridiculous a burst and top end speed, and he'll be every bit the nightmare of preparation for defenses as the one Bush is becoming. It would be a real shame if the team that drafts him doesn't let him take some snaps at QB in a few crucial situations a year and on two point conversions.

Isn't he only 5-10 pounds lighter than Adrian Peterson?

 

[ConstruxBoy]

So far I've looked at Hunt, Pittman, Bush and Jackson. I'd rank them

Jackson

Pittman

Hunt

Bush

I'm really pretty down on Bush though (don't tell my wife).

Still have to look at Irons, Booker and Leonard and then hope to get to Walker, Wright and Wynn.

Jackson looked pretty fantastic on the video clip I watched though.

 

[jurb26]

Feature back is indeed becoming a dinosaur, Peterson is one of the last of a dying breed. Just look at who is likely to be the top 2 backs next year - Darren McFadden and Steve Slaton - both are amazing playmakers, but not ideal workhorses.

Not only is McFadden an every down RB, he will be a better NFL RB than Peterson IMO.

I was just going to write the same thing. I'm not sure if McFadden will be better than Peterson, but my impression is he'll be an every down back.

How is he going to push the pile with those spindly legs? I say he's a little more upright, stretched out Reggie Bush without quite as insane lateral agility, but just as ridiculous a burst and top end speed, and he'll be every bit the nightmare of preparation for defenses as the one Bush is becoming. It would be a real shame if the team that drafts him doesn't let him take some snaps at QB in a few crucial situations a year and on two point conversions.

Isn't he only 5-10 pounds lighter than Adrian Peterson?

Peterson is about 6'2, 218McFadden is about 6'2, 205

 

[el-gato-grande]

I'm really pretty down on Bush though (don't tell my wife).

OK, that made me laugh.

 

[fruity pebbles]

Feature back is indeed becoming a dinosaur, Peterson is one of the last of a dying breed. Just look at who is likely to be the top 2 backs next year - Darren McFadden and Steve Slaton - both are amazing playmakers, but not ideal workhorses.

Not only is McFadden an every down RB, he will be a better NFL RB than Peterson IMO.

I was just going to write the same thing. I'm not sure if McFadden will be better than Peterson, but my impression is he'll be an every down back.

How is he going to push the pile with those spindly legs? I say he's a little more upright, stretched out Reggie Bush without quite as insane lateral agility, but just as ridiculous a burst and top end speed, and he'll be every bit the nightmare of preparation for defenses as the one Bush is becoming. It would be a real shame if the team that drafts him doesn't let him take some snaps at QB in a few crucial situations a year and on two point conversions.

Isn't he only 5-10 pounds lighter than Adrian Peterson?

Peterson is about 6'2, 218McFadden is about 6'2, 205

Last I saw he was up to 210-215. He's also 2 years younger than Peterson so I'm sure he has some filling out to do.

 

[jurb26]

Feature back is indeed becoming a dinosaur, Peterson is one of the last of a dying breed. Just look at who is likely to be the top 2 backs next year - Darren McFadden and Steve Slaton - both are amazing playmakers, but not ideal workhorses.

Not only is McFadden an every down RB, he will be a better NFL RB than Peterson IMO.

I was just going to write the same thing. I'm not sure if McFadden will be better than Peterson, but my impression is he'll be an every down back.

How is he going to push the pile with those spindly legs? I say he's a little more upright, stretched out Reggie Bush without quite as insane lateral agility, but just as ridiculous a burst and top end speed, and he'll be every bit the nightmare of preparation for defenses as the one Bush is becoming. It would be a real shame if the team that drafts him doesn't let him take some snaps at QB in a few crucial situations a year and on two point conversions.

Isn't he only 5-10 pounds lighter than Adrian Peterson?

Peterson is about 6'2, 218McFadden is about 6'2, 205

Last I saw he was up to 210-215. He's also 2 years younger than Peterson so I'm sure he has some filling out to do.

Absolutly. McFadden is going to be a beast so long as he avoids injury.

 

[Chaos Commish]

Feature back is indeed becoming a dinosaur, Peterson is one of the last of a dying breed. Just look at who is likely to be the top 2 backs next year - Darren McFadden and Steve Slaton - both are amazing playmakers, but not ideal workhorses.

Not only is McFadden an every down RB, he will be a better NFL RB than Peterson IMO.

I was just going to write the same thing. I'm not sure if McFadden will be better than Peterson, but my impression is he'll be an every down back.

How is he going to push the pile with those spindly legs? I say he's a little more upright, stretched out Reggie Bush without quite as insane lateral agility, but just as ridiculous a burst and top end speed, and he'll be every bit the nightmare of preparation for defenses as the one Bush is becoming. It would be a real shame if the team that drafts him doesn't let him take some snaps at QB in a few crucial situations a year and on two point conversions.

Isn't he only 5-10 pounds lighter than Adrian Peterson?

Peterson is about 6'2, 218McFadden is about 6'2, 205

Last I saw he was up to 210-215. He's also 2 years younger than Peterson so I'm sure he has some filling out to do.

McFadden is a thumper when he has to be, Sig. He can lay the wood. He reminds me of Peterson quite a bit.

 

[LHUCKS]

Another vote for Jackson...I've been pimping him since January.

 

[Two Deep]

Brian Leonard: Give me a John Riggins, Larry Csonka, Mike Alsttot, Jerome Bettis type everytime. These guys aren't the fastest or flashiest runners but all they do is produce.

Bloom had him going in the first round to New England. That doesn't seem to me to scream value, but I guess stranger things have happened.

I think he offers too much not to get a look as a potential feature back. He really impressed at the combine. He has decent speed, elusiveness, vision and very good hands. Beyond that he has more of the other things that IMO separate him from the other 2nd tier RBS; character, determination, work ethic, ultimate team player, intelligence and "Hardnosedness" . Without a doubt I think he could start over Lendale White and if Atlanta is looking for a power back he is a better pick than Bush. He is as talanted as Ronnie Brown, Chester Taylor, Jamal Lewis (at this stage). Of course these are my opinions. I know others will disagree.

 

[Michael Fox Fan]

Another vote for Jackson...I've been pimping him since January.

Really? Seriously, this may single-handedly keep some FBGs from drafting Jackson. He's on my radar, at this point I'd put him in the pack with Irons, Pittman, MBush, maybe Leonard. A lot will depend on where they end up.

 

[jurb26]

Brian Leonard: Give me a John Riggins, Larry Csonka, Mike Alsttot, Jerome Bettis type everytime. These guys aren't the fastest or flashiest runners but all they do is produce.

Bloom had him going in the first round to New England. That doesn't seem to me to scream value, but I guess stranger things have happened.

I think he offers too much not to get a look as a potential feature back. He really impressed at the combine. He has decent speed, elusiveness, vision and very good hands. Beyond that he has more of the other things that IMO separate him from the other 2nd tier RBS; character, determination, work ethic, ultimate team player, intelligence and "Hardnosedness" . Without a doubt I think he could start over Lendale White and if Atlanta is looking for a power back he is a better pick than Bush. He is as talanted as Ronnie Brown, Chester Taylor, Jamal Lewis (at this stage). Of course these are my opinions. I know others will disagree.

Wow . I have not seen anyone with this high of an opinion on Leonard before. I don't think he is nearly as talented as any of the RBs you list and will be nothing more than a situational type player. I've been wrong before but thats a rather large contrast in opinions.

 

[LHUCKS]

Another vote for Jackson...I've been pimping him since January.

Really? Seriously, this may single-handedly keep some FBGs from drafting Jackson.

Opposite

 

[ConstruxBoy]

I'm really pretty down on Bush though (don't tell my wife).

OK, that made me laugh.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

Feature back is indeed becoming a dinosaur, Peterson is one of the last of a dying breed. Just look at who is likely to be the top 2 backs next year - Darren McFadden and Steve Slaton - both are amazing playmakers, but not ideal workhorses.

Not only is McFadden an every down RB, he will be a better NFL RB than Peterson IMO.

I was just going to write the same thing. I'm not sure if McFadden will be better than Peterson, but my impression is he'll be an every down back.

How is he going to push the pile with those spindly legs? I say he's a little more upright, stretched out Reggie Bush without quite as insane lateral agility, but just as ridiculous a burst and top end speed, and he'll be every bit the nightmare of preparation for defenses as the one Bush is becoming. It would be a real shame if the team that drafts him doesn't let him take some snaps at QB in a few crucial situations a year and on two point conversions.

Isn't he only 5-10 pounds lighter than Adrian Peterson?

Peterson is about 6'2, 218McFadden is about 6'2, 205

Last I saw he was up to 210-215. He's also 2 years younger than Peterson so I'm sure he has some filling out to do.

McFadden is a thumper when he has to be, Sig. He can lay the wood. He reminds me of Peterson quite a bit.

Ive seen him flatten some guys in open space, I'm just not sure about grinding yards/pushing the pile, but I hate debates where we end up on opposite sides, so I'll be quiet.

 

[jurb26]

McFadden looks like a bit of a blend of Bush and Peterson to me. I think he has better lateral movement and hips than Peterson, but not as good as Bush. His hands are better than Peterson's, but again not as good as Bush. He is very comfortable in pass routes howwever and this should bode well for him in the NFL. He has nearly the same exact body frame of Peterson IMO. Only he runs lower and with a better center of gravity. He clearly has better power than Bush and I would say it is very similar to Peterson's. There is no doubt in my mind that McFadden looks like a prospect that can do it all as a featured RB in the NFL. Just like every other propect, we will have to wait and see. If I was to rank the 3 of these RBs I would go: Bush, McFadden, Peterson.