Salivating over the rookie RB crop this year! (1 Viewer)

[LILB811]

BTW, when Maroney, Addai, and DeAngelo Williams aren't 5 stars, but taken in the 1st round, I question scout.com's ratings. Zero in 2005?

5 start does not mean first round per se, does it? If the best possible guys out there are say high 4 star players, and teams feel they have a need at RB and may scout these players a bit better than others do, that could explain first round picks - especially if these players strengths fit the systems of the teams drafting them (i.e. Addai is a great fit for indy). None of those three listed should have garnered 5 stars fwiw - they were not ADP type talents coming out of college, not even close.

I just took a quick look at scout.com. In 2006, there were only 8 5 star players. This year they have 34 players listed as 5 star players. I don't think we should be using past grades to evaluate this class as the criteria certainly couldn't have stayed the same.

 

[yellowdog]

BTW, when Maroney, Addai, and DeAngelo Williams aren't 5 stars, but taken in the 1st round, I question scout.com's ratings. Zero in 2005?

5 start does not mean first round per se, does it? If the best possible guys out there are say high 4 star players, and teams feel they have a need at RB and may scout these players a bit better than others do, that could explain first round picks - especially if these players strengths fit the systems of the teams drafting them (i.e. Addai is a great fit for indy). None of those three listed should have garnered 5 stars fwiw - they were not ADP type talents coming out of college, not even close.

I just took a quick look at scout.com. In 2006, there were only 8 5 star players. This year they have 34 players listed as 5 star players. I don't think we should be using past grades to evaluate this class as the criteria certainly couldn't have stayed the same.

Looking at the 2006 class, it's not very impressive. The 2003 class had 33 5 stars.

 

[Illegal Pants Downfield]

<snip>The 2003 class had 33 5 stars.

http://profootballexperts.scout.com/a.z?s=...124&yr=2003

WR 1 ***** Charles Rogers

D'oh (I know, I know...ALL the draft analyts missed on Rogers that year...pooooor Lions...)

 

[SuperJohn96]

Actually I can see a lot of these guys as elite. Many say McFadden will be better than ADP while others say that actually Jones is the better back from Arkansas. And look at the production from Forte, Rice and Smith-almost puts the rest to shame. Then there are guys with great ypc. from Stewart to Mendenhall to Charles to Jones' eye-popping amount of 8.7! And how about guys with a nose for the endzone like Forte, Rice and Smith again? Can't wait for draft day in April!!

Most of those guys are too small to be elite. Stewart and Mendenhall are NFL size right now. All those other guys are similar to Jerious Norwood...and so many of you on here declared that he was too small to be an every down NFL back.

I think most of these guys will be 3rd down C.O.P type backs.

So are you saying that if you have a top 3 pick in a rookie draft, you're looking good if you go RB?

 

[LILB811]

BTW, when Maroney, Addai, and DeAngelo Williams aren't 5 stars, but taken in the 1st round, I question scout.com's ratings. Zero in 2005? :X

5 start does not mean first round per se, does it? If the best possible guys out there are say high 4 star players, and teams feel they have a need at RB and may scout these players a bit better than others do, that could explain first round picks - especially if these players strengths fit the systems of the teams drafting them (i.e. Addai is a great fit for indy). None of those three listed should have garnered 5 stars fwiw - they were not ADP type talents coming out of college, not even close.

I just took a quick look at scout.com. In 2006, there were only 8 5 star players. This year they have 34 players listed as 5 star players. I don't think we should be using past grades to evaluate this class as the criteria certainly couldn't have stayed the same.

Looking at the 2006 class, it's not very impressive. The 2003 class had 33 5 stars.

Taylor Jacobs, Kelley Washington and Bryant Johnson had 5 stars. Braylon Edwards did not, and he was the #1 rated player in 2005. There were 0 5 star players in 2005.I understand that 2006 was not very impressive but Cutler and Young with only 4 stars but back in 2003 Grossman and Boller had 5? There is not much consistency with these rankings.

 

[yellowdog]

BTW, when Maroney, Addai, and DeAngelo Williams aren't 5 stars, but taken in the 1st round, I question scout.com's ratings. Zero in 2005?

5 start does not mean first round per se, does it? If the best possible guys out there are say high 4 star players, and teams feel they have a need at RB and may scout these players a bit better than others do, that could explain first round picks - especially if these players strengths fit the systems of the teams drafting them (i.e. Addai is a great fit for indy). None of those three listed should have garnered 5 stars fwiw - they were not ADP type talents coming out of college, not even close.

I just took a quick look at scout.com. In 2006, there were only 8 5 star players. This year they have 34 players listed as 5 star players. I don't think we should be using past grades to evaluate this class as the criteria certainly couldn't have stayed the same.

Looking at the 2006 class, it's not very impressive. The 2003 class had 33 5 stars.

Taylor Jacobs, Kelley Washington and Bryant Johnson had 5 stars. Braylon Edwards did not, and he was the #1 rated player in 2005. There were 0 5 star players in 2005.I understand that 2006 was not very impressive but Cutler and Young with only 4 stars but back in 2003 Grossman and Boller had 5? There is not much consistency with these rankings.

The 2005/2006 ratings do have me a bit perplexed. I'll agree with you there. But the RB ratings for most years seem to go along with the consensus.

 

[EBF]

Scout has changed their staff quite a bit over the years. It's pretty pointless to compare their player rankings from year to year. A much more useful comparison will happen in April when the real talent evaluators decide how good these guys are.

 

[3nOut]

Unless you are in a dynasty, how many of these will have a realistic chance to start and make an impact this coming year? Also consider that the draft will occur aft all of the FA signings. These rookies will hav to compete with FA vets like Turner who hit the market this year. Possible impact?...

How about a list also of teams that may be in need of a draft-day RB?

Comments?

AFC EastMiami? - not until later rounds, but yes they will address it....

N.Y.Jets? - possible early pick... Not this year, I think they give Jones one more chance.

AFC South

Indianapolis - doubt they draft an RB

Tennessee - probably

Houston - they could grab a high RB

AFC North

Pittsburgh - definitely... they have good depth

Cleveland - yes... may invest but jamal isn't going anywhere

Cincinnati - they should, but I doubt they do

AFC West

Oakland - no

Kansas City - yes ...I think LJ comes back Denver - yes, maybe very high for once, as I can see Shanny liking one RB in this draft very much

NFC East

Dallas - not until late

Philadelphia - they always draft later RBs

N.Y.Giants - no

NFC North

Detroit - if it makes sense they won't do it...

Chicago - they need to address this position ...rumor is turner though, and still have Benson

NFC South

Atlanta - yes but not until late ...Dunn is not done yet

Carolina - Slayton/Rice type

Tampa Bay - late

New Orleans - I see Turner ending up here for some reason

NFC West

Seattle - Mendenhall is their target ... I think the OLine was the biggest poblem with their run game bt they may. No impact here early, maybe late in the season.

Arizona - not likely

San Francisco - a later pick if any

That's only THREE teams where a new RB can make an impact this year... if everything goes right.

 

[Jason Wood]

One thing I think we need to be mindful of is how early we are in the process. Once these kids have a chance to go to the Combine, perform at their Pro Days, etc...I suspect the number of 5/4/3 stars will begin to normalize. Right now everyone is 10-15 heavier than they really are, 0.1 to 0.2 seconds faster and all have "worked hard" on their blocking/pass catching.

 

[TheFanatic]

Some of these guys will absolutely slip into Day 2 (Round 4) this year.

There's only so many NFL RB jobs and not every team is in the market for a back.

You know that they are only doing the first two rounds this year on day 1 right? Day two will be rounds 3 and on...

 

[yellowdog]

One thing I think we need to be mindful of is how early we are in the process. Once these kids have a chance to go to the Combine, perform at their Pro Days, etc...I suspect the number of 5/4/3 stars will begin to normalize. Right now everyone is 10-15 heavier than they really are, 0.1 to 0.2 seconds faster and all have "worked hard" on their blocking/pass catching.

You can't really argue the production from this class. I think the combine results will be good as well. Individually, some may be overrated, but the depth of this class is better than ever, imo.

 

[Jason Wood]

One thing I think we need to be mindful of is how early we are in the process. Once these kids have a chance to go to the Combine, perform at their Pro Days, etc...I suspect the number of 5/4/3 stars will begin to normalize. Right now everyone is 10-15 heavier than they really are, 0.1 to 0.2 seconds faster and all have "worked hard" on their blocking/pass catching.

You can't really argue the production from this class. I think the combine results will be good as well. Individually, some may be overrated, but the depth of this class is better than ever, imo.

Better than ever? Again...we just had a class a few years ago where three RBs went in the top 5 overall. Depends on how you are evaluating things.

 

[Verbal Kint]

Where does Michael Turner fit in talent wise with this crop? I'd put McFadden and Rice above him, but I admittedly don't know alot about some of the guys listed here.

 

[Geddy Lee]

Unless you are in a dynasty, how many of these will have a realistic chance to start and make an impact this coming year?

.......

That's only THREE teams where a new RB can make an impact this year... if everything goes right.

Thanks, Captain Obvious -- many of us are in dynasty leagues.

 

[Warpig]

Actually I can see a lot of these guys as elite. Many say McFadden will be better than ADP while others say that actually Jones is the better back from Arkansas. And look at the production from Forte, Rice and Smith-almost puts the rest to shame. Then there are guys with great ypc. from Stewart to Mendenhall to Charles to Jones' eye-popping amount of 8.7! And how about guys with a nose for the endzone like Forte, Rice and Smith again? Can't wait for draft day in April!!

Most of those guys are too small to be elite. Stewart and Mendenhall are NFL size right now. All those other guys are similar to Jerious Norwood...and so many of you on here declared that he was too small to be an every down NFL back.

I think most of these guys will be 3rd down C.O.P type backs.

So are you saying that if you have a top 3 pick in a rookie draft, you're looking good if you go RB?

Yep. I have #4 and I'm sure I'll get one of them. Especially with all the Felix Jones love.

 

[yellowdog]

One thing I think we need to be mindful of is how early we are in the process. Once these kids have a chance to go to the Combine, perform at their Pro Days, etc...I suspect the number of 5/4/3 stars will begin to normalize. Right now everyone is 10-15 heavier than they really are, 0.1 to 0.2 seconds faster and all have "worked hard" on their blocking/pass catching.

You can't really argue the production from this class. I think the combine results will be good as well. Individually, some may be overrated, but the depth of this class is better than ever, imo.

Better than ever? Again...we just had a class a few years ago where three RBs went in the top 5 overall. Depends on how you are evaluating things.

Those 3 RBs went to teams with obvious needs, and there was a huge dropoff in perceived talent after those guys.ETA: "perceived" MBIII, Jacobs, Grant and Gore were drafted later.

 

[3nOut]

Unless you are in a dynasty, how many of these will have a realistic chance to start and make an impact this coming year?

.......

That's only THREE teams where a new RB can make an impact this year... if everything goes right.

Thanks, Captain Obvious -- many of us are in dynasty leagues.

How old are you 12? And many of us aren't in dynasty leagues. The OP never mentioned dynasty, I was just offering a different perspective.

 

[kremenull]

Here is Jonathan Stewart the "plodder":

There are no good current Jonathan Stewart highlight videos on YouTube right now, but you can see some of his runs in the Sun Bowl here:

4.55????.....Are you really this out of touch with what's been going on with the RB class of '08? This guy will NO DOUBT clock somewhere in the 4.45 range or better.....And at 5'11" 235 lbs, that is very good speed.......This guy has been on the track team......

 

[Warpig]

Here is Jonathan Stewart the "plodder":

There are no good current Jonathan Stewart highlight videos on YouTube right now, but you can see some of his runs in the Sun Bowl here:

I read that he can run a 4.39. Lots of different stories out there. We'll have to see what he puts down at the combine.

 

[weasel3515]

I'm guessing there could be 2-3 that are given starter jobs like Marshawn Lynch was this year. There could be another couple that get them by default (injury to the starter). The rest would be good for dynasty purposes. But don't invest too heavily in them for this year...and don't forget about them hitting the rookie wall late in the season.

 

[Couch Potato]

Color me non-plussed. There are some good prospects, as usual. But other than McFadden, no one I expect will carry an elite grade.

I looked through my big box of 80 Crayolas and couldn't find non-plus anywhere. Sorry. In addition to McFadden, I think Stewart and Mendenhall will become terrific NFL (and fantasy) backs, with 3-4 others proving to be fantasy starters in time.

If a typical feature RB's time as starter lasts 4-6 years, that means on average the NFL has to reload with 5-8 new starters each year (32/4=8 or 32/6=5.3). That doesn't mean all must come from the rookie crop right away, but on average from each class eventually. If this crop is better than most, and I think it is, we're looking at the high end of that 5-8 range. It wouldn't surprise me at all to see about 7 of these guys being starters by 2009 or 2010.

 

[beto]

I looked through my big box of 80 Crayolas and couldn't find non-plus anywhere. Sorry.

Woodrow works from the 120 box.

 

[prymetyme25]

 

[BassNBrew]

bassnbrewrules

 

[tex]

Here is a list of rookie RBs for the NFL next year with some stats. I'd say this is probably the most impressive group ever.

Name, school Height, Weight Rushing Yds Avg./Carry TDs

Jamaal Charles, Texas 6-1, 205 1,619 6.3 18

James Davis, Clemson 5-11, 205 1,064 5.0 10

Mike Forte, Tulane 6-1, 224 2,127 5.9 23

Mike Hart, Michigan 5-9, 202 1,361 5.1 14

Felix Jones, Arkansas 6-0, 200 1,162 8.7 11

Darren McFadden, Arkansas 6-2, 205 1,830 5.6 16

Rashard Mendenhall, Illinois 5-11, 224 1,681 6.4 17

Ray Rice, Rutgers 5-9, 205 2,012 5.3 24

Kevin Smith, Central Florida 6-1, 211 2,567 5.7 29

Steve Slaton, West Virginia 5-10, 190 1,051 5.0 17

Jonathan Stewart, Oregon 5-11, 230 1,722 6.2 11

Of this list only Clemson's Davis doesn't have anything very remarkable. Even Hart is well known for rarely fumbling (except for twice on the goalline in their bowl game). Slaton, though undersized, could be a speedier version of Warrick Dunn. It should be a very exciting draft day to see the situations they land in. Discussion?

I'm gonna try and break down most of these guys by the end of the week and then again after the combine. I'll havce strengths/weaknesses and comparable styles. Only guy I dont hae any clips on is Mike Forte and although he is not highly touted as the rest i'm intrigue by his size and would love to see what he has to offer.Anyone have any clips on Forte?

I'll post it here if anyone is interested.

Maybe because his name is Matt Forte, not Mike.

 

[Godsbrother]

The Steelers are reportedly interested in back to complement FWP. Their pressing needs are at O-line and D-line but it wouldn't completely shock me if they went RB in day 1.

I would be absolutely shocked.Unless Parker's injury is more serious than a simple fracture there is zero need for a day 1 RB. Makes no sense financially or personnel wise.The depth is very good with Davenport and Russel.

Russell hasn't proven anything and Davenport was 16/26 for a 1.5 yd average against the Jags. As I said their pressing needs are on both lines and I think they'll go in that direstion but they might be tempted to take a RB early in the draft as well.From yesterday's Post-Gazette:

Colbert said the Steelers could draft virtually any position in the first round, and that includes a running back. Willie Parker led the NFL in rushing until his right fibula was broken in the 15th game in St. Louis.It's not the injury that might prompt them to draft a back -- Colbert said Parker should be as good as new and he would have returned to play in 2007 if the injury came earlier in the season.Might they draft a back in the first round?"Heck, yeah, absolutely," Colbert said.Why?"LaDainian Tomlinson and Michael Turner [of San Diego], Kevin Faulk and Laurence Maroney [of New England], Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw [of the New York Giants]. Just looking at the teams that are still successful -- look at what Ryan Grant's doing for the Packers after they lost their guy. Unless you have a superstar, and even in San Diego's case, that's as good as it gets but it's still nice to have another guy."

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

Some of these guys will absolutely slip into Day 2 (Round 4) this year.

There's only so many NFL RB jobs and not every team is in the market for a back.

You know that they are only doing the first two rounds this year on day 1 right? Day two will be rounds 3 and on...

Just using 2007 vernacular - looks like "Day 2" comments will have to be abandoned due to the re-shuffling of how they run the Draft.

 

[ConstruxBoy]

Some of these guys will absolutely slip into Day 2 (Round 4) this year.

There's only so many NFL RB jobs and not every team is in the market for a back.

You know that they are only doing the first two rounds this year on day 1 right? Day two will be rounds 3 and on...

Just using 2007 vernacular - looks like "Day 2" comments will have to be abandoned due to the re-shuffling of how they run the Draft.

I think the new set up sucks and I think we should continue to use the old vernacular going forward, just like no one calls Division 1-A football the FBS. That blows as well. So let's all agree to continue to call someone drafted in the first 3 rounds a "first day" pick.

 

[Beaumont]

Larry Johnson is absolutely coming back and the KC job is not even remotely in play ...

(In response to some earlier posts).

Now will he be top 3 fantasy? Questionable. But that job is not open for at least 3 years barring injury ... and Kolby Smith has proven to be a capable backup.

 

[moderated]

Larry Johnson is absolutely coming back and the KC job is not even remotely in play ...

(In response to some earlier posts).

Now will he be top 3 fantasy? Questionable. But that job is not open for at least 3 years barring injury ... and Kolby Smith has proven to be a capable backup.

No RB at 29-30 can say their starting job is safe for 3 more years.

 

[Beaumont]

Larry Johnson is absolutely coming back and the KC job is not even remotely in play ...

(In response to some earlier posts).

Now will he be top 3 fantasy? Questionable. But that job is not open for at least 3 years barring injury ... and Kolby Smith has proven to be a capable backup.

No RB at 29-30 can say their starting job is safe for 3 more years.

He just turned 28 and has little mileage comparably ...With the money they are paying him I think he is truly safe for 2008-2010 barring injury ...

ETA: 2008 and 2009 are guaranteed money. The signing bonus was $12m. He is not going anywhere and his legs will have to fall off for him not to be the lead dog in 2008-2009. In 2010 when he is 30-31, I think he will still be the lead dog but I :suppose: that could be left for debate ...

 

[brobe4]

Here is a list of rookie RBs for the NFL next year with some stats. I'd say this is probably the most impressive group ever.Name, school Height, Weight Rushing Yds Avg./Carry TDsJamaal Charles, Texas 6-1, 205 1,619 6.3 18James Davis, Clemson 5-11, 205 1,064 5.0 10Mike Forte, Tulane 6-1, 224 2,127 5.9 23Mike Hart, Michigan 5-9, 202 1,361 5.1 14Felix Jones, Arkansas 6-0, 200 1,162 8.7 11Darren McFadden, Arkansas 6-2, 205 1,830 5.6 16Rashard Mendenhall, Illinois 5-11, 224 1,681 6.4 17Ray Rice, Rutgers 5-9, 205 2,012 5.3 24Kevin Smith, Central Florida 6-1, 211 2,567 5.7 29Steve Slaton, West Virginia 5-10, 190 1,051 5.0 17Jonathan Stewart, Oregon 5-11, 230 1,722 6.2 11Of this list only Clemson's Davis doesn't have anything very remarkable. Even Hart is well known for rarely fumbling (except for twice on the goalline in their bowl game). Slaton, though undersized, could be a speedier version of Warrick Dunn. It should be a very exciting draft day to see the situations they land in. Discussion?

I really like this draft class the depth is what I think is special.