Reggie Bush (1 Viewer)

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

Bush is so good it's scary at this point. He is the only reason USC won today. He won the Heisman today IMO.

I agree, he's the leading candidate over his player partner at this point.

 

[Unlucky]

Bush is really good. Size concerns? Is he really that small? I think he's got plenty of size. It's just that as the kick and punt returner, he doesn't see 25+ carries a game. I have little concern over durability at this point. He'd be crazy not to go pro next year, and teams will be crazy to pass on him. ARZ, SF, CLE, MIN, maybe even GB, TEN, maybe HOU, NYJ - all would be crazy to pass on Bush.

 

[Patoons]

Bush is really good. Size concerns? Is he really that small? I think he's got plenty of size. It's just that as the kick and punt returner, he doesn't see 25+ carries a game. I have little concern over durability at this point. He'd be crazy not to go pro next year, and teams will be crazy to pass on him. ARZ, SF, CLE, MIN, maybe even GB, TEN, maybe HOU, NYJ - all would be crazy to pass on Bush.

If the Jets have a shot at Bush or Maroney, I'd rather Maroney. He's proven he can shoulder a large load.

 

[roadkill1292]

The few times I've seen Bush play, he's been the best player on the field. Head and shoulders above everybody else talent-wise.

 

[brobe4]

Bush is the number 1 back in college this year.I believe he will be a stud in the nfl this kid is awesome baby.

 

[Bouddha]

I really like Bush and think he can become a great NFL player. But I think that D. Williams and Maroney are more NFL-ready backs right now, in terms of a resume of highlight plays that translate to the NFL in a scout's mind. There always is someone who can come along and break the mold of the prototypical NFL player at a given position (see Vick, Michael), and Reggie may be that guy for every down RBs. But my opinion is that both his "lankiness" as someone called it and his lack of runs in between the tackles will drive him down some in the eyes of the typical NFL scout. Whether that is changed during his season this year remains to be seen.

Bush might be a first round pick and might have a decent NFL career, but DW and Maroney will be taken ahead of him in April's draft.

Bush is getting too much hype for someone who will not be drafted as one of the top 2 RBs.

 

[jwvdcw]

Bush is really good.  Size concerns?  Is he really that small?  I think he's got plenty of size.  It's just that as the kick and punt returner, he doesn't see 25+  carries a game.  I have little concern over durability at this point.  He'd be crazy not to go pro next year, and teams will be crazy to pass on him.  ARZ, SF, CLE, MIN, maybe even GB, TEN, maybe HOU, NYJ - all would be crazy to pass on Bush.

If the Jets have a shot at Bush or Maroney, I'd rather Maroney. He's proven he can shoulder a large load.

Anyone think the Ravens might target him if Lewis continues to struggle??

 

[Jason Wood]

I really like Bush and think he can become a great NFL player. But I think that D. Williams and Maroney are more NFL-ready backs right now, in terms of a resume of highlight plays that translate to the NFL in a scout's mind. There always is someone who can come along and break the mold of the prototypical NFL player at a given position (see Vick, Michael), and Reggie may be that guy for every down RBs. But my opinion is that both his "lankiness" as someone called it and his lack of runs in between the tackles will drive him down some in the eyes of the typical NFL scout. Whether that is changed during his season this year remains to be seen.

Bush might be a first round pick and might have a decent NFL career, but DW and Maroney will be taken ahead of him in April's draft.

Bush is getting too much hype for someone who will not be drafted as one of the top 2 RBs.

Reggie Bush is, without question, going to be the top RB drafted if he remains healthy and declares. And to those who question his size but point toward Maroney...

Bush = 6'0", 205 lbs and runs a 4.4 and has vision that you can't teach

Maroney = 5'11", 210 lbs and runs a 4.55 and isn't a game breaker

Comparing the two is sacreligious IMHO

 

[shakeybarn]

TROJAN NATION

 

[cstu]

I think he'll be fine and a great total yardage RB in the NFL. I can understand the size/strength risk right now, but the kid is 6' 200 lbs and only 20. He might even have some natural growing left. Once he hits the weights and gets into some sort of training program preparing himself for the NFL he'll be fine.

Kevin Jones was once considered an NFL risk becuase of his size while at VT. IIRC he was listed at 6' 200 his first year there and by his Junior year (21 years old) was listed at 6' 209. Then he shows up to the combine at 5'11 and 225.

Right now, it appears that Bush = Faulk.

 

[cstu]

Bush is really good. Size concerns? Is he really that small? I think he's got plenty of size. It's just that as the kick and punt returner, he doesn't see 25+ carries a game. I have little concern over durability at this point. He'd be crazy not to go pro next year, and teams will be crazy to pass on him. ARZ, SF, CLE, MIN, maybe even GB, TEN, maybe HOU, NYJ - all would be crazy to pass on Bush.

If the Jets have a shot at Bush or Maroney, I'd rather Maroney. He's proven he can shoulder a large load.

Like Cedric Benson?

 

[Bevo]

Bush is really good.  Size concerns?  Is he really that small?  I think he's got plenty of size.  It's just that as the kick and punt returner, he doesn't see 25+  carries a game.  I have little concern over durability at this point.  He'd be crazy not to go pro next year, and teams will be crazy to pass on him.  ARZ, SF, CLE, MIN, maybe even GB, TEN, maybe HOU, NYJ - all would be crazy to pass on Bush.

If the Jets have a shot at Bush or Maroney, I'd rather Maroney. He's proven he can shoulder a large load.

Like Cedric Benson?

If you are talking about in their college career (which is what it seems like the previous poster was saying) then, yes, Benson absolutely proved that he could carry a heavy load. IMO, very few other RBs in the history of college football could even be considered to have provided more proof of that.If you are talking about the NFL, would it be O.K. if we give the guy at least one or two years before we throw him under the wagon and run over him? I suspect that there might have been one or two RBs in the history of the NFL that did not prove to be heavy load producers in the 1st 5 or 6 games of their 1st season and still came on a bit later to fill that need for a team. What do you think?

 

[Bouddha]

I really like Bush and think he can become a great NFL player. But I think that D. Williams and Maroney are more NFL-ready backs right now, in terms of a resume of highlight plays that translate to the NFL in a scout's mind. There always is someone who can come along and break the mold of the prototypical NFL player at a given position (see Vick, Michael), and Reggie may be that guy for every down RBs. But my opinion is that both his "lankiness" as someone called it and his lack of runs in between the tackles will drive him down some in the eyes of the typical NFL scout. Whether that is changed during his season this year remains to be seen.

Bush might be a first round pick and might have a decent NFL career, but DW and Maroney will be taken ahead of him in April's draft.

Bush is getting too much hype for someone who will not be drafted as one of the top 2 RBs.

Reggie Bush is, without question, going to be the top RB drafted if he remains healthy and declares. And to those who question his size but point toward Maroney...

Bush = 6'0", 205 lbs and runs a 4.4 and has vision that you can't teach

Maroney = 5'11", 210 lbs and runs a 4.55 and isn't a game breaker

Comparing the two is sacreligious IMHO

What about DeAngelo Williams? I am assuming by your response that you think Maroney > DW.If Bush was playing with Memphis and if DW was playing with USC, I am not sure that Bush would do better than what DW currently does and I am not sure that DW would do worse than what Bush currently does.

 

[MelvinTScupper]

is this where we post similar backs who failed in the NFL and ignore similar backs who were studs?Or vice-versa?

 

[lod2005]

Reggie Bush is superior to Laurence Maroney but to say Maroney is not a game breaker and has 4.55 speed doesn't jive with his 93 yard TD run this past weekend. That would mean the fastest guy on the field was running a 4.55 40 becasue no one was catching him from behind.

 

[Jason Wood]

I really like Bush and think he can become a great NFL player. But I think that D. Williams and Maroney are more NFL-ready backs right now, in terms of a resume of highlight plays that translate to the NFL in a scout's mind. There always is someone who can come along and break the mold of the prototypical NFL player at a given position (see Vick, Michael), and Reggie may be that guy for every down RBs. But my opinion is that both his "lankiness" as someone called it and his lack of runs in between the tackles will drive him down some in the eyes of the typical NFL scout. Whether that is changed during his season this year remains to be seen.

Bush might be a first round pick and might have a decent NFL career, but DW and Maroney will be taken ahead of him in April's draft.

Bush is getting too much hype for someone who will not be drafted as one of the top 2 RBs.

Reggie Bush is, without question, going to be the top RB drafted if he remains healthy and declares. And to those who question his size but point toward Maroney...

Bush = 6'0", 205 lbs and runs a 4.4 and has vision that you can't teach

Maroney = 5'11", 210 lbs and runs a 4.55 and isn't a game breaker

Comparing the two is sacreligious IMHO

What about DeAngelo Williams? I am assuming by your response that you think Maroney > DW.If Bush was playing with Memphis and if DW was playing with USC, I am not sure that Bush would do better than what DW currently does and I am not sure that DW would do worse than what Bush currently does.

Full Disclosure: I'm a HUGE fan of DeAngelo Williams, but I'm not sure he's a lock to be a high first round pick. If you listen to Mel Kiper, he's a possible top 10 selection while others question whether he's a first rounder at all. That said, I personally think Maroney isn't as good as either Bush or Williams.

 

[Bouddha]

while others question whether he's a first rounder at all.

If DW does not go in the 1st round, I guess almost nobody is taking a RB in the 1st round!

I think it's almost impossible for DW to fall off the 1st round barring injury. Many teams will prefer a "cheap" RB at 15th-20th overall for example, rather than paying big $$ for S Alex, Edge, Westbrook, etc.

 

[Jason Wood]

while others question whether he's a first rounder at all.

If DW does not go in the 1st round, I guess almost nobody is taking a RB in the 1st round!

I think it's almost impossible for DW to fall off the 1st round barring injury. Many teams will prefer a "cheap" RB at 15th-20th overall for example, rather than paying big $$ for S Alex, Edge, Westbrook, etc.

Hey Bouddha...that is the scenario that would facilitate DW not being a first rounder. As I said, I think he WILL be a first rounder, but RB is not considered a very strong position this year, and we just had the strongest RB class in ages in 2005. With so many proven backs coming available in free agency and the perception of a weak class in general, we could have a situation where only 1 or 2 RBs go in the first round. It would be odd...but not impossible considering the potential strength of the CB, OT, LB and QB classes this year.

 

[LHUCKS]

Colin Cowherd was speaking to this very topic on ESPN radio this morning.Basically a lot of pro scouts think he could fill a Warrick Dunn role of about 12-15 touches a game if his body type doesn't change. That being said, everybody agrees he's more explosive than Dunn.The other comparison was Marshall Faulk, because Marshall was a smaller guy that bulked up as his career progressed. I think both are great comparisons and we will be seeing a lot of Reggie Bush TDs in the NFL for years to come.

 

[LHUCKS]

one other note, USC insiders said Bush couldn't get out of bed for two days after his 25 carry day vs. Oregon.

 

[Jason Wood]

Colin Cowherd was speaking to this very topic on ESPN radio this morning.

Basically a lot of pro scouts think he could fill a Warrick Dunn role of about 12-15 touches a game if his body type doesn't change. That being said, everybody agrees he's more explosive than Dunn.

The other comparison was Marshall Faulk, because Marshall was a smaller guy that bulked up as his career progressed.

I think both are great comparisons and we will be seeing a lot of Reggie Bush TDs in the NFL for years to come.

Another reason why I detest Colin Cowherd. :X Dunn = 185 pounds...Bush = 205+++ (he'll be 210-215 at a minimum when he works out at his Pro Day)...which is no smaller than Dom Davis, Clinton Portis, Tiki Barber, etc...he can absolutely be an every down back at that size.

 

[Bob Henry]

Bush is as much of an elite RB prospect as I've seen in years. He reminds me of Marcus Allen, not just because of his uniform either. The guy has an extra gear that few other players have.

 

[Jason Wood]

Bush is as much of an elite RB prospect as I've seen in years. He reminds me of Marcus Allen, not just because of his uniform either.

The guy has an extra gear that few other players have.

That's the thing...as anyone who cares to can see from earlier posts in this thread, I suggested that Bush would have to prove some things this year in order to earn the hype he was getting last year. But he's done that and then some. When people aren't arguing whether he's great or not, but rather whether he's more like Marcus Allen or Marshall Faulk or Barry Sanders, you know chances are pretty good the kid is going to have a future in the NFL.

 

[Holy Schneikes]

Hey Bouddha...that is the scenario that would facilitate DW not being a first rounder. As I said, I think he WILL be a first rounder, but RB is not considered a very strong position this year, and we just had the strongest RB class in ages in 2005. With so many proven backs coming available in free agency and the perception of a weak class in general, we could have a situation where only 1 or 2 RBs go in the first round. It would be odd...but not impossible considering the potential strength of the CB, OT, LB and QB classes this year.

Are people still considering 2005 the "best RB class in ages"? I said prior to the draft and still say now after the draft that the 2005 class was HUGELY over-hyped. Outside of the top 3 guys going very high, there was nothing unusual about the way the draft unfolded in terms of RBs.I own Caddy in nearly all of my leagues, and I'd like to have Brown in a few of them, but really outside of those two guys where is the legendary 2005 RB class strength and depth?

But hey, wait till next year just prior to the draft. By then, it will be the "best RB draft class in ages" too (happens every year lately). From the little I've seen of guys like Bush, Williams and Maroney and Riggs, they don't seem to have any less potential than Caddy, Brown, Benson and Arrington.

 

[Jason Wood]

Hey Bouddha...that is the scenario that would facilitate DW not being a first rounder. As I said, I think he WILL be a first rounder, but RB is not considered a very strong position this year, and we just had the strongest RB class in ages in 2005. With so many proven backs coming available in free agency and the perception of a weak class in general, we could have a situation where only 1 or 2 RBs go in the first round. It would be odd...but not impossible considering the potential strength of the CB, OT, LB and QB classes this year.

Are people still considering 2005 the "best RB class in ages"? I said prior to the draft and still say now after the draft that the 2005 class was HUGELY over-hyped. Outside of the top 3 guys going very high, there was nothing unusual about the way the draft unfolded in terms of RBs.I own Caddy in nearly all of my leagues, and I'd like to have Brown in a few of them, but really outside of those two guys where is the legendary 2005 RB class strength and depth?

But hey, wait till next year just prior to the draft. By then, it will be the "best RB draft class in ages" too (happens every year lately). From the little I've seen of guys like Bush, Williams and Maroney and Riggs, they don't seem to have any less potential than Caddy, Brown, Benson and Arrington.

The fact that three backs went in the top five was evidence of your views being off kilter last year, this year it would be mildly surprising if three RBs went in the first round, much less the first five picks.

 

[LHUCKS]

Hey Bouddha...that is the scenario that would facilitate DW not being a first rounder. As I said, I think he WILL be a first rounder, but RB is not considered a very strong position this year, and we just had the strongest RB class in ages in 2005. With so many proven backs coming available in free agency and the perception of a weak class in general, we could have a situation where only 1 or 2 RBs go in the first round. It would be odd...but not impossible considering the potential strength of the CB, OT, LB and QB classes this year.

Are people still considering 2005 the "best RB class in ages"? I said prior to the draft and still say now after the draft that the 2005 class was HUGELY over-hyped. Outside of the top 3 guys going very high, there was nothing unusual about the way the draft unfolded in terms of RBs.I own Caddy in nearly all of my leagues, and I'd like to have Brown in a few of them, but really outside of those two guys where is the legendary 2005 RB class strength and depth?

But hey, wait till next year just prior to the draft. By then, it will be the "best RB draft class in ages" too (happens every year lately). From the little I've seen of guys like Bush, Williams and Maroney and Riggs, they don't seem to have any less potential than Caddy, Brown, Benson and Arrington.

The fact that three backs went in the top five was evidence of your views being off kilter last year, this year it would be mildly surprising if three RBs went in the first round, much less the first five picks.

1. maroney2. Bush

3. Williams

 

[Holy Schneikes]

Hey Bouddha...that is the scenario that would facilitate DW not being a first rounder. As I said, I think he WILL be a first rounder, but RB is not considered a very strong position this year, and we just had the strongest RB class in ages in 2005. With so many proven backs coming available in free agency and the perception of a weak class in general, we could have a situation where only 1 or 2 RBs go in the first round. It would be odd...but not impossible considering the potential strength of the CB, OT, LB and QB classes this year.

Are people still considering 2005 the "best RB class in ages"? I said prior to the draft and still say now after the draft that the 2005 class was HUGELY over-hyped. Outside of the top 3 guys going very high, there was nothing unusual about the way the draft unfolded in terms of RBs.I own Caddy in nearly all of my leagues, and I'd like to have Brown in a few of them, but really outside of those two guys where is the legendary 2005 RB class strength and depth?

But hey, wait till next year just prior to the draft. By then, it will be the "best RB draft class in ages" too (happens every year lately). From the little I've seen of guys like Bush, Williams and Maroney and Riggs, they don't seem to have any less potential than Caddy, Brown, Benson and Arrington.

The fact that three backs went in the top five was evidence of your views being off kilter last year, this year it would be mildly surprising if three RBs went in the first round, much less the first five picks.

Again, that was the ONLY thing unusual about the RB class. There were the same number of 1st round backs as usual, the same number of 1st day backs as usual and roughly the same number of backs drafted in general. The REASON there were three backs drafted in top 5 was simply that the draft class sucked IN GENERAL and there really weren't a lot of top-notch players available at other positions (particularly OL). If you took the 2005 backs and swapped them into the 2006 draft (where there ARE some stud-level players at other positions), you wouldn't see all three of them in the top 5 again. Another indication of the 2005 class's odd suckiness is the fact the Rodgers was being seriously considered as a #1 overall choice and then fell to the end of the round.Everybody was talking up Arrington and Shelton and Gore and Morency and Moatts and Clarett and Barber and Jacobs and Fason and Pearman and 30 other guys like they were all NFL stud material. Guess not.

Compare 2005 to weak old 2004 with S Jackson, Perry, K Jones, J Jones, Bell, and Moore.

 

[Chaos Commish]

Hey Bouddha...that is the scenario that would facilitate DW not being a first rounder. As I said, I think he WILL be a first rounder, but RB is not considered a very strong position this year, and we just had the strongest RB class in ages in 2005. With so many proven backs coming available in free agency and the perception of a weak class in general, we could have a situation where only 1 or 2 RBs go in the first round. It would be odd...but not impossible considering the potential strength of the CB, OT, LB and QB classes this year.

Are people still considering 2005 the "best RB class in ages"? I said prior to the draft and still say now after the draft that the 2005 class was HUGELY over-hyped. Outside of the top 3 guys going very high, there was nothing unusual about the way the draft unfolded in terms of RBs.I own Caddy in nearly all of my leagues, and I'd like to have Brown in a few of them, but really outside of those two guys where is the legendary 2005 RB class strength and depth?

But hey, wait till next year just prior to the draft. By then, it will be the "best RB draft class in ages" too (happens every year lately). From the little I've seen of guys like Bush, Williams and Maroney and Riggs, they don't seem to have any less potential than Caddy, Brown, Benson and Arrington.

The fact that three backs went in the top five was evidence of your views being off kilter last year, this year it would be mildly surprising if three RBs went in the first round, much less the first five picks.

1. maroney2. Bush

3. Williams

Bush will go in the top 5. Depending on combines and the rest of the season the other two will go in the top 20, maybe top 15. Maroney is probably top 10 right now.

 

[P Boy]

I would bump up the rushing yards of the QB of any team that drafts Bush. Leinard is going to take 2 years to get the handprints from Sat.'s game vs ND off his back.

 

[LHUCKS]

Hey Bouddha...that is the scenario that would facilitate DW not being a first rounder. As I said, I think he WILL be a first rounder, but RB is not considered a very strong position this year, and we just had the strongest RB class in ages in 2005. With so many proven backs coming available in free agency and the perception of a weak class in general, we could have a situation where only 1 or 2 RBs go in the first round. It would be odd...but not impossible considering the potential strength of the CB, OT, LB and QB classes this year.

Are people still considering 2005 the "best RB class in ages"? I said prior to the draft and still say now after the draft that the 2005 class was HUGELY over-hyped. Outside of the top 3 guys going very high, there was nothing unusual about the way the draft unfolded in terms of RBs.I own Caddy in nearly all of my leagues, and I'd like to have Brown in a few of them, but really outside of those two guys where is the legendary 2005 RB class strength and depth?

But hey, wait till next year just prior to the draft. By then, it will be the "best RB draft class in ages" too (happens every year lately). From the little I've seen of guys like Bush, Williams and Maroney and Riggs, they don't seem to have any less potential than Caddy, Brown, Benson and Arrington.

The fact that three backs went in the top five was evidence of your views being off kilter last year, this year it would be mildly surprising if three RBs went in the first round, much less the first five picks.

1. maroney2. Bush

3. Williams

Bush will go in the top 5. Depending on combines and the rest of the season the other two will go in the top 20, maybe top 15. Maroney is probably top 10 right now.

I was pointing out that three RBs will go in the first at this juncture.

 

[Chaos Commish]

Hey Bouddha...that is the scenario that would facilitate DW not being a first rounder. As I said, I think he WILL be a first rounder, but RB is not considered a very strong position this year, and we just had the strongest RB class in ages in 2005. With so many proven backs coming available in free agency and the perception of a weak class in general, we could have a situation where only 1 or 2 RBs go in the first round. It would be odd...but not impossible considering the potential strength of the CB, OT, LB and QB classes this year.

Are people still considering 2005 the "best RB class in ages"? I said prior to the draft and still say now after the draft that the 2005 class was HUGELY over-hyped. Outside of the top 3 guys going very high, there was nothing unusual about the way the draft unfolded in terms of RBs.I own Caddy in nearly all of my leagues, and I'd like to have Brown in a few of them, but really outside of those two guys where is the legendary 2005 RB class strength and depth?

But hey, wait till next year just prior to the draft. By then, it will be the "best RB draft class in ages" too (happens every year lately). From the little I've seen of guys like Bush, Williams and Maroney and Riggs, they don't seem to have any less potential than Caddy, Brown, Benson and Arrington.

The fact that three backs went in the top five was evidence of your views being off kilter last year, this year it would be mildly surprising if three RBs went in the first round, much less the first five picks.

1. maroney2. Bush

3. Williams

Bush will go in the top 5. Depending on combines and the rest of the season the other two will go in the top 20, maybe top 15. Maroney is probably top 10 right now.

I was pointing out that three RBs will go in the first at this juncture.

Right. I was agreeing with you and just adding their current percieved draft status and disagreeing with Wood... like you. There's a possibility of five backs going in the first round. LenDale White has some big fans among NFL scouts, and Jerome Harrison's star is really on the rise. White seems like a fit for a late first round Bettis replacement. Harrison could push for 2000 yards, and he's had his best performances against the best defenses he's faced. UCLA shut down a healthy Adrian Peterson, and just got ripped by Harrison-- 34-260-2.

 

[Jason Wood]

Hey Bouddha...that is the scenario that would facilitate DW not being a first rounder. As I said, I think he WILL be a first rounder, but RB is not considered a very strong position this year, and we just had the strongest RB class in ages in 2005. With so many proven backs coming available in free agency and the perception of a weak class in general, we could have a situation where only 1 or 2 RBs go in the first round. It would be odd...but not impossible considering the potential strength of the CB, OT, LB and QB classes this year.

Are people still considering 2005 the "best RB class in ages"? I said prior to the draft and still say now after the draft that the 2005 class was HUGELY over-hyped. Outside of the top 3 guys going very high, there was nothing unusual about the way the draft unfolded in terms of RBs.I own Caddy in nearly all of my leagues, and I'd like to have Brown in a few of them, but really outside of those two guys where is the legendary 2005 RB class strength and depth?

But hey, wait till next year just prior to the draft. By then, it will be the "best RB draft class in ages" too (happens every year lately). From the little I've seen of guys like Bush, Williams and Maroney and Riggs, they don't seem to have any less potential than Caddy, Brown, Benson and Arrington.

The fact that three backs went in the top five was evidence of your views being off kilter last year, this year it would be mildly surprising if three RBs went in the first round, much less the first five picks.

1. maroney2. Bush

3. Williams

Bush will go in the top 5. Depending on combines and the rest of the season the other two will go in the top 20, maybe top 15. Maroney is probably top 10 right now.

Sig bet that Maroney doesn't sniff the top 10 if he comes out...?

 

[LHUCKS]

speaking of UCLA, where is Drew projected?

 

[Chaos Commish]

speaking of UCLA, where is Drew projected?

Mid second if he declares, but UCLA wants to hype him for the Heisman next year. Most think he stays in school, but this UCLA grad knows he's a little frustrated with the RBBC use of Markey-- another nice prospect and a soophomore. Drew is very similar to Sproles in ability, but faster, with even better balance, not quite as shifty, but still very quick with his cuts. I like him alot, but he is sooo short, I doubt an NFL team risks too much on him-- like Sproles.

 

[Jason Wood]

speaking of UCLA, where is Drew projected?

Mid second if he declares, but UCLA wants to hype him for the Heisman next year. Most think he stays in school, but this UCLA grad knows he's a little frustrated with the RBBC use of Markey-- another nice prospect and a soophomore. Drew is very similar to Sproles in ability, but faster, with even better balance, not quite as shifty, but still very quick with his cuts. I like him alot, but he is sooo short, I doubt an NFL team risks too much on him-- like Sproles.

Carries a 1st round grade on NFL Draft Scout for the 2007 class...currently 5th amnog juniors in their rankings (Bush, Maroney, Booker, White [Lendale], Drew)

 

[Chaos Commish]

Sig bet that Maroney doesn't sniff the top 10 if he comes out...?

I don't do sigs and I don't like Maroney. I'm just sharing perceptions from Scout.com and other draft ranking services. I've mentioned before my bro works in this field. When I say top 10 "right now", that's based on this weekend's monster game and 93 yard run. I think he slips up at the combines and with various testing, but still ends up top 20. Some people really love this guy. I think he barely has legit NFL game. He'll struggle and be mediocre in the long run-- a bad draft pick anywhere in the top 20, but that's where he will go. I could be wrong and he could be great, but I think we're in agreement on him.

 

[Jason Wood]

Sig bet that Maroney doesn't sniff the top 10 if he comes out...?

I don't do sigs and I don't like Maroney. I'm just sharing perceptions from Scout.com and other draft ranking services. I've mentioned before my bro works in this field. When I say top 10 "right now", that's based on this weekend's monster game and 93 yard run. I think he slips up at the combines and with various testing, but still ends up top 20. Some people really love this guy. I think he barely has legit NFL game. He'll struggle and be mediocre in the long run-- a bad draft pick anywhere in the top 20, but that's where he will go. I could be wrong and he could be great, but I think we're in agreement on him.

Sounds like we are in agreement. And to be fair, I haven't seen him enough to say I think he'll be a bust...far from it, but I also don't think he's got the requisite measurable nor running style to warrant projecting into the top 10 regardless of where his year end stats end up.

 

[Bob Henry]

I've seen a lot of Maroney, and now I can say I've seen enough of Bush, too. I've been a huge proponent for Maroney being a top pick in the draft, but I really can't say that I were an NFL GM that I'd draft him over Reggie Bush. No way, no how.. I really believe that Bush is an elite talent that will truly challenge whatever offensive coordinator ends up with him to think outside of the box. Let's face it. Teams will be able to do creative things with him on offense that other players (backs) simply don't give coordinators. He will be a nightmare for defensive coordinators to game plan and prepare for..I think Maroney has the burst, speed and generally the right package to be a very good pro back, but not elite.. I don't know why specifically, but I just get the feeling he'll be exposed somehow whether it's blocking, etc.. but he'll be a very good pro back and first round draft pick, but he won't come anywhere close to the greatness that Bush might bring providing the two both stay healthy.Granted, I've not seen much - if any - of DeAngelo Williams. I don't know where he falls with regards to those two, but he's probably in the same ball park from all the reviews and scouting reports I've read and small amounts of video I've seen of him.

 

[Chaos Commish]

I'm the opposite. I've seen just about every USC game since Bush has been there and I saw him play in high school too. I'm a little more guarded in my opinion than Henry, but nothing Bush does on the football field will surprise me. I liken him to a very fast Tiki Barber with better receiving skills-- a more down the field WR skillset. That's high praise from me, because I think Tiki runs with the best vision in the NFL. Do you ever see a back stopped and wonder why the heck he didn't see the wide opening you saw from the camera angle? Tiki almost always heads for that opening where other backs don't. Bush is like that but he's much more dangerous. I saw Maroney once last season, now I have seen his last 100+ carries this season, and I don't get the ultra-high praise. I know the numbers are very gaudy and he's leading the nation in rushing, but he really is in a great running system and sees huge holes most weeks while getting a massive workload. He does have nice vision. Not like Bush, but he's patient and let's the holes develop. What Henry likes, I have been waiting to see-- burst, acceleration as a combination of power and quickness. He was a high school sprint champion, and his top end is very fast, but he doesn't have that suddenness that is so important at the next level. I haven't seen him run with power, but I hear he does. I haven't seen him explode through holes, but I hear he does. I haven't seen him outrun angles. I have seen him stood up at the goal line by smallish defenders. I have seen him caught from behind by the same LB twice in one series. I have seen him take many losses that shouldn't have been losses. I hope my favorite team doesn't take the bait in the coming draft. He makes me think JJ Arrington every time I watch him. Minnesota's coaches say he is much better than Marion Barber who showed us this weekend he can play respectably in the NFL. Who knows? I sure respect the opinion of some of his bigger fans. I've also seen nothing of DeAngelo Williams, and I keep hoping a game of his will be televised in my area. I've been told he is a faster Shaun Alexander, and this I have to see. I know he was ranked above Bush and Maroney by many quality scouting services going into this season, but he has slid. I guess he's also dealt with a few too many injuries. I would love to see him play. He's so good his coach has put him in the shotgun and just told him to go for it several times this season. Anyway, those three and LenDale White WILL be first rounders. I mentioned Harrison has a chance to play his way into the first round. It's doubtful, but if he gets up around 2000 yards and measures out big on his pro day, his stock could go that high. I like the way he ran this weekend better than what I have seen from Maroney to this point. He's doing much of it on his own without the gaping holes to run through. He's averaging more yards per game, with a higher YPC, and more TDs without the aid of a great 0-line. I'm sure he is better in short yardage even though they weigh about the same. Harrison is more compact and powerful. Another back with a shot at the first round is Leon Washington. I have a hunch he's the fastest of the bunch, and those blazing 40s always kick the stock up. I like the way he hits holes with authority. And, like Bush, he's a threat to score whenever he touches the ball. In RBBC with Booker his numbers won't be impressive, but come the combines, he may start making headlines. Anyway, I was bored and now

 

[Babu Bhatt]

Reggie Bush will be out of the NFL by 2010.Mark this prediction.

 

[brobe4]

Bush is a stud rb!!! Period

 

[ConstruxBoy]

I really like Bush and think he can become a great NFL player. But I think that D. Williams and Maroney are more NFL-ready backs right now, in terms of a resume of highlight plays that translate to the NFL in a scout's mind. There always is someone who can come along and break the mold of the prototypical NFL player at a given position (see Vick, Michael), and Reggie may be that guy for every down RBs. But my opinion is that both his "lankiness" as someone called it and his lack of runs in between the tackles will drive him down some in the eyes of the typical NFL scout. Whether that is changed during his season this year remains to be seen.

Bush might be a first round pick and might have a decent NFL career, but DW and Maroney will be taken ahead of him in April's draft.

Bush is getting too much hype for someone who will not be drafted as one of the top 2 RBs.

Reggie Bush is, without question, going to be the top RB drafted if he remains healthy and declares. And to those who question his size but point toward Maroney...

Bush = 6'0", 205 lbs and runs a 4.4 and has vision that you can't teach

Maroney = 5'11", 210 lbs and runs a 4.55 and isn't a game breaker

Comparing the two is sacreligious IMHO

Keep in mind that I wrote the quoted post back on May 3rd. After seeing a couple of his games, I agree that he will be the #1 RB and that size is not an issue. However, I still think that to be completely effective, he needs to be used a certain way and is obviously best used in space. If the team that drafts him tries to use him as a pile mover between the tackles, I feel that he will underperform. Side Comment - Erik K on ESPNRadio yesterday said that the Texans would take him with the #1 pick because they don't need Leinart with Carr there. I almost swerved off the road. DD is vastly underrated and the Texans would be fools to take Bush over Leinart.

 

[Spike]

I really like Bush and think he can become a great NFL player. But I think that D. Williams and Maroney are more NFL-ready backs right now, in terms of a resume of highlight plays that translate to the NFL in a scout's mind. There always is someone who can come along and break the mold of the prototypical NFL player at a given position (see Vick, Michael), and Reggie may be that guy for every down RBs. But my opinion is that both his "lankiness" as someone called it and his lack of runs in between the tackles will drive him down some in the eyes of the typical NFL scout. Whether that is changed during his season this year remains to be seen.

Bush might be a first round pick and might have a decent NFL career, but DW and Maroney will be taken ahead of him in April's draft.

Bush is getting too much hype for someone who will not be drafted as one of the top 2 RBs.

Reggie Bush is, without question, going to be the top RB drafted if he remains healthy and declares. And to those who question his size but point toward Maroney...

Bush = 6'0", 205 lbs and runs a 4.4 and has vision that you can't teach

Maroney = 5'11", 210 lbs and runs a 4.55 and isn't a game breaker

Comparing the two is sacreligious IMHO

Keep in mind that I wrote the quoted post back on May 3rd. After seeing a couple of his games, I agree that he will be the #1 RB and that size is not an issue. However, I still think that to be completely effective, he needs to be used a certain way and is obviously best used in space. If the team that drafts him tries to use him as a pile mover between the tackles, I feel that he will underperform. Side Comment - Erik K on ESPNRadio yesterday said that the Texans would take him with the #1 pick because they don't need Leinart with Carr there. I almost swerved off the road. DD is vastly underrated and the Texans would be fools to take Bush over Leinart.

If the Texans don't take the top-rated OL with their first pick, Casserly (or whomever has the responsibility for the pick) should be lynched.

 

[loqutis]

Laurence Maroney

* This is a player at the running back position with skills of a feature back at any level

* He posses good instincts with deceptive speed and good cutback ability, with the potential to be a feature runner at the next level, along with the skills you look for in a elite runner, he posses excellent game speed, and gobbles up yardage quickly with his strides

* He also has a natural lean to his running style and finishing runs after contact, which when trying to pick up important short yardage or first downs that body lean can be the difference in converting on those

* He also has the explosive burst into and out of the hole you look for, and has the instinct to anticipate opening holes and the ability to cutback to make the big play happen on a consistent basis

* He posses strong leg drive, along with the knack and strength to break arm tackles on a consistent basis, which converts over to the important statistic of "yards after contact"

* He has NFL written all over him, along with the sturdy body structure you look for at the next level, one thing I am not sure of in his game is his hands, they never really thrown him the ball out of the backfield, other than that part of his game I see nothing else stopping him as a elite type of back

 

[loqutis]

LenDale White

* This is a player at the running back position with feature back qualities for the next level

* He is a runner at the collegiate and I feel can do the same at the next level to establish himself as a chain moving and possession retaining ball control type of offensive threat, who stretches and keeps defenses honest the corners with his unusual speed for a player of his size

* He is a grind it out type of runner that occasionally will break off the 20+ yard run for you, who is also good at breaking arm tackles on a consistent basis, reminds me of current NFL running back "Stephen Davis", in his running style and rugged play

* For a player of his size he posses a nice burst, who excels running inside between the tackles, and punishing oncoming defenders who get in his way, he tends to wear down defenses and gets stronger the more he receives the ball

* Unfortunately for him he is on a team with a teammate at the same position up for the Heisman Trophy, so he actually does not start but will be the better running back at the next level

Seems to Favor White over Bush

 

[Jayded]

For what it's worth, after coaching in the pros and against Reggie this past weekend, Charlie Weis told him and the media he fully expects him to have a successful pro career as a RB and when asked to liken him to someone he stated he most reminded him of Marshall Faulk coming out.

 

[reg]

Laurence Maroney

* He has NFL written all over him, along with the sturdy body structure you look for at the next level, one thing I am not sure of in his game is his hands, they never really thrown him the ball out of the backfield, other than that part of his game I see nothing else stopping him as a elite type of back

They have been doing more of it this year. Seems to have great hands.

 

[Rev]

Laurence Maroney

* This is a player at the running back position with skills of a feature back at any level

* He posses good instincts with deceptive speed and good cutback ability, with the potential to be a feature runner at the next level, along with the skills you look for in a elite runner, he posses excellent game speed, and gobbles up yardage quickly with his strides

* He also has a natural lean to his running style and finishing runs after contact, which when trying to pick up important short yardage or first downs that body lean can be the difference in converting on those

* He also has the explosive burst into and out of the hole you look for, and has the instinct to anticipate opening holes and the ability to cutback to make the big play happen on a consistent basis

* He posses strong leg drive, along with the knack and strength to break arm tackles on a consistent basis, which converts over to the important statistic of "yards after contact"

* He has NFL written all over him, along with the sturdy body structure you long for at the next level, one thing I am not sure of in his game is his hands, they never really thrown him the ball out of the backfield, other than that part of his game I see nothing else stopping him as a elite type of back

Been watching Moroney, and I'm not that impressed. I am impressed with his line, which is an amazing group of players. However, against Penn State's tough run defence, which neutralized the Gophers blocking schemes, Moroney did very little. He can hit a hole fairly well and has decent speede, but his moves are suspect and his vision isn't superior. He doesn't create on his own, but merely takes advantage of gaping holes. IMHO

 

[Chaos Commish]

LenDale White

Seems to Favor White over Bush

This might be a little dated. LenDale did have an almost equal or greater NFL rating to Bush coming into this season. He's done nothing to discourage scouts, but Bush has raised the bar by coming in stronger and faster than last year. There has been talk of Bush/White both going VERY early ala Brown/Williams. I expect White to slide not because of his play, but because of the wealth of OL and LB talent in this draft. White has very nice hands, btw.

 

[Chaos Commish]

For what it's worth, after coaching in the pros and against Reggie this past weekend, Charlie Weis told him and the media he fully expects him to have a successful pro career as a RB and when asked to liken him to someone he stated he most reminded him of Marshall Faulk coming out.

Yep, that's the most common comparison and it's valid because of the receiving angle, but, I remember Marshall in college and... sheesh... Reggie is not THAT unstoppable and explosive. When we start dropping HoF names like Sanders, Sayers, and Faulk... well, I think caution is due. It's nice to hope, but really, Sanders ran for 2600+ YARDS and 39 TDS in ONE season.

Faulk was ripping off 300 yard games with no help as a FRESHMAN at SDSU.