Teams Looking For RBs Next Yr, Per Pasquarelli (1 Viewer)

[EastBayFunk]

The draft should bring 2-3 new starters. Then again, I also thought that Tampa, Dallas, and New England would be drafting backs last year. In hindsight they probably should have. Then again, last year's RB class is a regular mash unit:McGahee - Tore up his knee and still isn't back to full speedM. Smith - Was injured in college and missed time this yearC. Brown - Tore his hamstring and missed all of the preseason along with significant action in the regular seasonPinner - Is just now returning from an injuryFargas - Had a bad leg injury early in his college career and now has a mysterious torn ligament in his kneeO. Smith - Has been healthy this year, but suffered a somewhat serious knee injury last year in collegeD. Davis - Has been able to make a fantasy impact, but missed much of training camp with a broken wrist

 

[ConstruxBoy]

I love these threads. Best 6 backs that could come out:S Jackson K Jones M MooreC BensonG JonesC PerryI think Moore is very underrated. Smallish maybe, but he is a slightly slower version of DDavis, IMHO. More than a 3rd down back.Edited to add that Yes I left out C Williams and M Turner on purpose. Seen Auburn 3 times and N Illinois twice and there is just something about them I don't like.

 

[Kleck.]

So if Dillon doesn't leave, does Rudi?

 

[TheLaw]

Rudi would look mighty fine in a Steelers' uniform.

 

[humans_being]

that mock is bogus. andrew walter in the first round? and at #11? no way. the cardinals wouldnt even take Suggs last year from ASU, so dont there is no reason to take walter that high

21. New England Patriots (via Baltimore) - *Cedric Houston - Tennessee (RB)

 

[Kleck.]

I'm surprised there isn't more talk about Cedric Houston. I wouldn't be surprised if he's the #3 RB taken behind Jackson and KJones. That is if he declares.Atleast Bruce Hammond mentioned him.

 

[EastBayFunk]

My money says the Patriots will draft either Michael Clayton or Michael Jenkins with one of their first round picks. They've been hurting for a tall receiver for quite a while.

 

[EastBayFunk]

Mewelde Moore is indeed underrated. He could be one of the big surprises as a rookie. My concern with him is that he may not have enough speed and quickness to be a truly dominant RB in the NFL. Then again, he's never really been fully dedicated to football (he's a minor league baseball player) and if he hits the weight room then he could get big enough to the point where he won't need quite so much speed/quickness.I don't like Chris Perry. He's nothing special. Cadillac Williams is an interesting prospect. I definitely think he has the running skills, but he's pretty skinny and you have to wonder how he'll hold up to the pounding. Then again, wasn't Walter Payton a pretty small guy?I also wouldn't risk taking Greg Jones. While he was definitely a first round talent last year, some players never recover from tearing their ACL. He just doesn't look very explosive to me at this point and though he has a lot of potential, I think I'll let someone else roll the dice on him.I haven't seen a lot of Cedric Benson or Cedric Cobbs yet. I'm hoping that I'll be able to see their bowl games.

 

[aaronr28]

Teams that could/should add a RB:New England - could use a stud to end the RBBC madnessDallas - Hambrick sucksPittsburgh - Bettis is done and Zeroue lost his jobDetroit - Unless Pinner does something big real soonTampa - Gruden doesn't seem to mind RBBC muchWashington - Betts/Canidate haven't shown enough yetTennessee - George looks done; is Brown the future?Oakland - Garner/Wheatley looking old; is Fargas the future?Chicago - Atrain is steady; Forsey is white; could use special RB to build aroundCleveland - WGreen is a mess; is Suggs the future?Other comments:- Dillon seems to be doing better in Cincinnati these days and I'm not sure the Bengals will look to get rid of him unless he forces the issue or they get a great offer.- Henry is not going anywhere unless someone offers the Bills a unbelievable deal that is too good to pass up. He's under contract for 2 more years and is one of the least expensive elite RBs in the NFL. Also, there is zero chance of him being traded to a division rival like the Pats or Jets.- Duce Staley could be a great fit in Detroit. He's a solid west coast RB with great hands who is also a good blocker. He shouldn't be too expensive, and would provide some veteran experience and leadership to young guys like Harrington and Rogers.- I think Kevin Jones will be the top RB drafted. I'm not sure how to rate the others just yet, but I am guessing guys like Steven Jackson, Chris Perry, Cadillac Williams, and Michael Turner should go by the end of the 2nd or early 3rd round. If Tony Hollings can go for a late 2nd round pick after playing 4 games, I'd imagine Greg Jones could easily go for the same.

 

[tommyboy]

steven jackson is 6'3 235lbs and runs a 4.3 40' and you think he'll be a 2nd rounder? hmmm........

 

[tommyboy]

here's how good Steven Jackson is going to be in the NFL. last year I traded Ricky Williams for Priest Holmes, next year I'm going to trade Priest Holmes for Steven Jackson at the draft. He will be the #1 pick in our dynasty league.Think Edgerrin James part 2 with a great stiffarm.later.

 

[Bri]

And as for Dillon, there is NO way he is going to leave Cinn unless they can get a lot in return.

I think this is exactly what happens with Dillon. Cincy might even Franchise him just to make sure thay get a #1 pick out of him. Parcells & the Cowboys perhaps? Tuna has shown in the past he's not afraid to do a deal like this, ala Martin from the Pats to the Jets. Jerry Jones certainly isn't scared to spend money and he wants a winner.

Martin's salary increases a ton next year. We often talked of how the Jets would likely trade him before the 2004 season, this offseason. I think Marvin Lewis is just playing the trading game and making sure folks don't offer some piddly offer for Dillon.Each Dillon and Martin are relatively old as far as NFL RBs go an that'll hurt their value. Eddie George is an interesting fellow because an ol' ballcoach like Parcells will see alot of value in him protecting the rock, picking up the blitz, having great offseason conditioning, and a positive attitude. In NFL terms, veteran doesn't get the same respect all the time. He'd be like a war veteran or ??? having been thru the trenches and ol' coaches will absolutely appreciate that. Hearst could easily jump in this mix. The best interest of the Cowboys(or any other team) is probably to land a vet and draft a youngster. I can't help but think Parcells would love to have two of the above, regardless of their "rb age".Pittsburgh has a tough situation. Obviously Bettis isn't the future. Amos seemed like it but there are reservations about that now. If Bettis can be traded for a young RB I think they'd have to strongly consider it. That'd be another ol' dog thrown into the mix.I think ya also have to throw in Onterrio Smith. Folks here still think he's awesome. He didn't get awesome results so I can't say as I agree. However, if you're right, he's a waste as a #3 runningback. Houston will have to strongly consider moving Hollings. It seems like they could resign Mack no prob. To get a starter in return for a backup always has to be considerred.On a whim, the Giants could shop Tiki and his fumbles. Ernie Accorsi doesn't believe(from what I read) that teams can afford to be loyal to veterans in this age of free agency. See Jessie Armstead.Rams could shop Lamar Gordon as Arlen Harris did pretty well as a starter.

 

[Bri]

here's how good Steven Jackson is going to be in the NFL. last year I traded Ricky Williams for Priest Holmes, next year I'm going to trade Priest Holmes for Steven Jackson at the draft. He will be the #1 pick in our dynasty league.Think Edgerrin James part 2 with a great stiffarm.later.

Duckett, McGahee, Onterrio, Hollings, Suggs, Foster, Pinner.......I think we've seen the value of RBs fall in the draft because teams simply aren't very good at evaluating them anymore. Whether they admit it or not, they're scared of this.Curtis Martin and Terrell Davis(to name a mere two) were later picks. Dominack Davis?I think there has been some growing reservations in GM's minds about drafting RBs so highly. To get the top pick in the NBA draft you have to win the NBA Lottery. That's a pretty good/fair name for it. A rookie RB that starts 16 games is rare, extremely rare. Since many folks believe you have a "window of opportunity" to win. Depending on the team, a veteran RB may seem like the better move. Window might be closed by the time the rook "makes it".

 

[Ranethe]

Just try and remember that there was shock at the RB position in the draft recently when (1) Jamal Lewis went ahead of Thomas Jones and (2) Edgerrin James went ahead of Ricky Williams.

If i recall James getting selected ahead of Williams wasn't really much of a surprise. James' stock rose very fast right before the draft and the analysis at the time said his skills were a better fit for the Colts offense than Williams' were.

 

[Joseph]

FWIW Mewelde Moore broke his hand and is out for the rest of the year. Not sure how much affect that has on his draft position, but its worth mentioning.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=1654841

Also, Carnell Williams has stated a few times that he won't be coming out for the draft and will retrun to Auburn for his senior year.

Kevin Jones has also said that he'd return for his senior year.

 

[Jason Wood]

here's how good Steven Jackson is going to be in the NFL.  last year I traded Ricky Williams for Priest Holmes, next year I'm going to trade Priest Holmes for Steven Jackson at the draft.  He will be the #1 pick in our dynasty league.Think Edgerrin James part 2 with a great stiffarm.later.

Duckett, McGahee, Onterrio, Hollings, Suggs, Foster, Pinner.......I think we've seen the value of RBs fall in the draft because teams simply aren't very good at evaluating them anymore. Whether they admit it or not, they're scared of this.Curtis Martin and Terrell Davis(to name a mere two) were later picks. Dominack Davis?I think there has been some growing reservations in GM's minds about drafting RBs so highly. To get the top pick in the NBA draft you have to win the NBA Lottery. That's a pretty good/fair name for it. A rookie RB that starts 16 games is rare, extremely rare. Since many folks believe you have a "window of opportunity" to win. Depending on the team, a veteran RB may seem like the better move. Window might be closed by the time the rook "makes it".

It's an interesting point but you have to point to a very myopic period in NFL draft history for the supposition to hold water.2001 was a banner year for RBs. Tomlinson was a top 5 pick and has been worth every penny. McAllister was next off the board and was a steal at 23. Michael Bennett, when healthy, has more than proven worthy of his late 1st round grade. A-Train, while not super, has accomodated himself well in spurts. LaMont Jordan, by all accounts, has just lacked opportunity. Travis Henry, a second rounder, is a stud. You've also got James Jackson, Kevan Barlow, Rudi Johnson, Correll Buckhalter and Derrick Blaylock going that year.In 2000, there were two top tier backs, Shaun Alexander and Jamal Lewis. Both were first rounders.In 1999, there were two studs, Ricky Williams and Edgerrin James. Again, both were first rounders.There are good years (2001, 2000) and bad years (2002, 1999) in every crop. And to be fair, it's really too early to rate this year's class because injury and opportunity have prevented them from showing their stuff. By and large most of these guys were brought in as backups. It's a rare situation when every RB drafted in the first three rounds was slotted as a backup, very rare.I'd also add that for every Terrell Davis there are five Pro Bowl HBs who went early in the draft. Cheers

 

[zamboni]

Rams could shop Lamar Gordon as Arlen Harris did pretty well as a starter.

This could be interesting, and either Gordon or Harris could be shopped. With Faulk healthy and productive, there may not be a need for two backups, one of whom could very well be the heir apparent.Both guys could probably start for several teams, although that depends on mutual interest of course. Not to mention the potential glut of FAs and rookies available to RB needy teams.

 

[RTB1]

So if Dillon doesn't leave, does Rudi?

Rudi is an RFA next season. The Bengals will have to commit some decent money to him to prevent some other team from swooping in (ala the Redskins taking Coles).Parcells reportedly tried to trade for Rudi earlier this year but couldn't pull it off. He swiped Martin from the Pats in a similar fashion, so I wouldn't be surprised if Parcells or someone else tries to sign Rudi and force the Bengals to match it. Then, can the Bengals afford to high-priced RB's? Not if Marvin wants a few more free-agents to build that monster defense he wants.My guess is either Rudi or Dillon go elsewhere next year.Link to Rudi's contract status

 

[Goat Herders]

If i recall James getting selected ahead of Williams wasn't really much of a surprise. James' stock rose very fast right before the draft and the analysis at the time said his skills were a better fit for the Colts offense than Williams' were

True, it wasn't a draft day surprise, but earlier that year, if you would have told someone that the NCAA all-time leading rusher and Hiesman winner would be the 2nd RB taken, you would have sounded ludicrous.HERD

 

[beto]

Duckett, McGahee, Onterrio, Hollings, Suggs, Foster, Pinner.......I think we've seen the value of RBs fall in the draft because teams simply aren't very good at evaluating them anymore. Whether they admit it or not, they're scared of this.Curtis Martin and Terrell Davis(to name a mere two) were later picks. Dominack Davis?I think there has been some growing reservations in GM's minds about drafting RBs so highly. To get the top pick in the NBA draft you have to win the NBA Lottery. That's a pretty good/fair name for it. A rookie RB that starts 16 games is rare, extremely rare. Since many folks believe you have a "window of opportunity" to win. Depending on the team, a veteran RB may seem like the better move. Window might be closed by the time the rook "makes it".

You bring up some valid points. Some teams have really gotten burned with 1st Rounders recently, injuries aside:Browns - William Green - I don't think many question his talent but did question his drive and personality. This is now coming back to haunt them.Giants - Ron Dayne - I don't have to explain this oneCards - Thomas Jones - I can't explain why he was so well liked but ended up sucking. Maybe someone else here can. Switz?Dolphins - John Avery????

 

[XNOUGHT]

Rudi is an RFA next season. The Bengals will have to commit some decent money to him to prevent some other team from swooping in (ala the Redskins taking Coles).Parcells reportedly tried to trade for Rudi earlier this year but couldn't pull it off. He swiped Martin from the Pats in a similar fashion, so I wouldn't be surprised if Parcells or someone else tries to sign Rudi and force the Bengals to match it. Then, can the Bengals afford to high-priced RB's? Not if Marvin wants a few more free-agents to build that monster defense he wants.My guess is either Rudi or Dillon go elsewhere next year.Link to Rudi's contract status

........You know, I wouldn't be surprised if the Pats try to go after him.......

 

[Big Score]

In 2000, there were two top tier backs, Shaun Alexander and Jamal Lewis. Both were first rounders.

In 2000 there were also two less than elite backs, Ron Dayne & Thomas Jones. Both were first rounders

 

[Jason Wood]

Duckett, McGahee, Onterrio, Hollings, Suggs, Foster, Pinner.......I think we've seen the value of RBs fall in the draft because teams simply aren't very good at evaluating them anymore. Whether they admit it or not, they're scared of this.Curtis Martin and Terrell Davis(to name a mere two) were later picks. Dominack Davis?I think there has been some growing reservations in GM's minds about drafting RBs so highly. To get the top pick in the NBA draft you have to win the NBA Lottery. That's a pretty good/fair name for it. A rookie RB that starts 16 games is rare, extremely rare. Since many folks believe you have a "window of opportunity" to win. Depending on the team, a veteran RB may seem like the better move. Window might be closed by the time the rook "makes it".

You bring up some valid points. Some teams have really gotten burned with 1st Rounders recently, injuries aside:Browns - William Green - I don't think many question his talent but did question his drive and personality. This is now coming back to haunt them.Giants - Ron Dayne - I don't have to explain this oneCards - Thomas Jones - I can't explain why he was so well liked but ended up sucking. Maybe someone else here can. Switz?Dolphins - John Avery????

That's been the case for as long as the NFL has had a draft, and it's not limited to RBs in the first round. Take a look at any year and you'll find guys that never panned out who went high, it's the nature of the beast.Cheers

 

[beto]

That's been the case for as long as the NFL has had a draft, and it's not limited to RBs in the first round. Take a look at any year and you'll find guys that never panned out who went high, it's the nature of the beast.

I'll grant you that but how do you explain players like Clinton Portis falling into the second round, Duece McAllister and Shaun Alexander falling so far in the first.To a fairly casual observer like myself these players had very evident talent but teams seemed reluctant to select them highly either based on needs or some perceived risk. I guess it boils down to draft philosophy. Every team and GM probably has a different one that could change in any given year based on a number of factors.

 

[ConstruxBoy]

FWIW Mewelde Moore broke his hand and is out for the rest of the year. Not sure how much affect that has on his draft position, but its worth mentioning.http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=1654841

Very true Joseph and I'm sorry I didn't mention it before. He was fantastic last year too, though. He's no one year wonder. I don't think it drops his draft position much, but EastBay has a good point about him being big enough. May scare teams away when combined with an injury. Also, I'm not saying that he'll be the 3rd RB taken, just that I think he'll end up being the 3rd best from the class.

 

[CrossEyed]

I don't see Pittsburgh taking a QB or RB in the first round. O-Line O-Line O-Line!Then some secondary improvements. After that, developmental QB, about the fourth round.RB? I wouldn't be surprised to see Dillon or Barlow in a black & gold uniform. But I would bet that Haynes or Brown will be starting for the Steelers next year. Probably Haynes.If Tommy Gun is thru, I'd look for a vet to come in and start.

Have to agree with this assessment. The Steelers don't usually take a skill position (RB, WR, QB) in the first round. Probably because when they do it has rarely been a good pick (Troy Edwards, Charles Johnson, Tim Worley, Walter Abercrombie, Mark Malone, Greg Hawthorne).Since they have significant needs at o-line and the secondary, I would look for those to be their first two picks.It would be nice to see a Pittsburgh guy like Barlow in a Steelers uniform next year but I agree that Haynes or Brown behind and improved o-line would probably get the job done.I also think that Maddox could still be a good enough QB if he could get some more time to throw. When he has time and gets in a rhythm he can pick you apart. Unfortunately that has been quite rare this year.

 

[EastBayFunk]

I really don't understand the argument that Arlen Harris did well as a starter. His YPC was more or less wretched and his blocking was even worse. In the game I saw him in he looked every bit the undrafted rookie that he is.

 

[aaronr28]

steven jackson is 6'3 235lbs and runs a 4.3 40' and you think he'll be a 2nd rounder? hmmm........

I never said he'd be a 2nd rounder. I think he'd be the 2nd back taken behind Kevin Jones. I said ALL those RBs would likely be gone BY the end of the 2nd, early part of the 3rd.At this point, seems to me that Kevin Jones and Steven Jackson are the only 2 RBs that are likely to carry 1st round grades.As for the Steelers, I think it makes sense for them to go after Drew Henson and groom him behind Maddox for a year or two.

 

[guderian]

FWIW Mewelde Moore broke his hand and is out for the rest of the year. Not sure how much affect that has on his draft position, but its worth mentioning.http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=1654841

Very true Joseph and I'm sorry I didn't mention it before. He was fantastic last year too, though. He's no one year wonder. I don't think it drops his draft position much, but EastBay has a good point about him being big enough. May scare teams away when combined with an injury. Also, I'm not saying that he'll be the 3rd RB taken, just that I think he'll end up being the 3rd best from the class.

Moore's injury, a broken hand, shouldn't affect his draft slot at all. Obviously its not like a leg or knee or something and the break should heal just fine.

 

[Marvelous]

Rudi is an RFA next season. The Bengals will have to commit some decent money to him to prevent some other team from swooping in (ala the Redskins taking Coles).Parcells reportedly tried to trade for Rudi earlier this year but couldn't pull it off. He swiped Martin from the Pats in a similar fashion, so I wouldn't be surprised if Parcells or someone else tries to sign Rudi and force the Bengals to match it. Then, can the Bengals afford to high-priced RB's? Not if Marvin wants a few more free-agents to build that monster defense he wants.My guess is either Rudi or Dillon go elsewhere next year.Link to Rudi's contract status

I don't think the tenders for RFA are that expensive. Coles had a tender for a 1st round draft pick and it was around $1.3M. It would have been around $1.7M for a tender for a 1st and 3rd round pick. Although $1.3 M is not super cheap, I think the 1st round draft pick would prevent would prevent teams from going after him. If he is given the lowest tender, the Bengals would only receive a 4th round pick (the round Rudi was drafted) in return. I think some teams would consider making an offer then. Plus, the Bengals would still have the right to match if they wish.

 

[Bri]

It's an interesting point but you have to point to a very myopic period in NFL draft history for the supposition to hold water.2001 was a banner year for RBs. Tomlinson was a top 5 pick and has been worth every penny. McAllister was next off the board and was a steal at 23. Michael Bennett, when healthy, has more than proven worthy of his late 1st round grade. A-Train, while not super, has accomodated himself well in spurts. LaMont Jordan, by all accounts, has just lacked opportunity. Travis Henry, a second rounder, is a stud. You've also got James Jackson, Kevan Barlow, Rudi Johnson, Correll Buckhalter and Derrick Blaylock going that year.

Your 2001 RBsLT-agreeDeuce-OK agree again but he was "nothing" his rookie year.Bennett-one very good year out of 3. Other two could certainly qualify as subpar(what was predicted)A-train, 2nd year....typical Bear RB draft pick(which alludes to many other drafted RBs like Salaam, Neal Anderson etc. ....catch up with this statement in a minute)LaMont Jordan flopped when given opportunity early in 2001 when Curtis was hurt and has failed to match his lofty rookie year average. What's he done?Blaylock is a 3rd stringer depending on whom you ask(LJ)James Jackson never got 1000 yards and is a backup RB starting because the true starter got suspended.Henry- agree, strongly agree though some would say he was a handful of fumbles(no pun intended) away from being benchedBarlow can't beat out an old codger and some say he is not very bright and can't pickup the offense after all this time. The latest coach started a whole new learning curve....not good news.Rudi, rode the bench til recently 2 years of zippo. He IS the backup too.Buckhalter has been hurt alot and in all fairness I don't think he belongs because wasn't he a FB? He hasn't accomplished much as a RB but it's hard to question he's a very useful player for the Eagles.So 4 1000 yard RBs. Deuce wasn't much of a rookie and neither was Bennett that year or this year. A-train flopped absolutely flopped his sophomore year. Hardly something to hang your hat on.Back to the Bears. Walter...oh sweetness what a player. Have they had a stud RB since? what's it been 18 years? Jets drafted countless RBs over the last 20-30 years. I recall one in the 70's, Freeman McNeil having a few good seasons and Johnny Hector having one. Their ability to draft a RB is downright awful but tons of football folks thought people lick Vick and Blair Thomas were "locks" to be great. Just think 3(maybe I missed one or two) or 5 good RB picks in 30 years. Bears are similar. How many RBs have the Skins had since Riggins and how many seasons was he great for? How about the Dolphins drafting "great" RBs throughout Marino's entire career? How about how many RBs have been drafted to replace Eddie George at some point? Rodney Thomas, John Simon, Chris Brown....they all stink thus far. Eagles supposedly have been trying to replace Duce for years and years yet even now that Westbrook is exciting, Duce is still fighting him for time and he can't completely beat him out.In all fairness, I could say the Cowboys stink because they "just" drafted Dorsett and Emmitt but...cmon those guys were great. I just feel like there are so many Jets, Dolphins, Bears etc and not many Cowboys. When you think of how many teams have landed a gem and then consider maybe 10+ are drafted in each draft it's rough.I remember a list from a few years ago but sadly can't recall the context. It was all starting RBs and when they were drafted. Yep Eddie George and some were high picks of their teams but there were more starting RBs that were NOT high picks. IMO that is still true.Break down starting RBs on each team and whether or not they were a high pick of them or not. You'll see.Some like Ricky, you've gotta score for the "not" side because you just can't ignore the Dolphins absolute inability to find a RB for the last 15 years so they traded. Ya can't give them credit for that, it's not right.Anyhow.....if you would think about that then pretend you're an NFL GM on draftday....does it really matter if you take a RB in round 1 or later? Is there more likelihood he'll be good if he's a #1 pick? I think it's become you only draft a RB if he makes you almost giddy with excitement like McGahee, otherwise you wait a bit.

 

[aaronr28]

I remember a list from a few years ago but sadly can't recall the context. It was all starting RBs and when they were drafted. Yep Eddie George and some were high picks of their teams but there were more starting RBs that were NOT high picks. IMO that is still true.Break down starting RBs on each team and whether or not they were a high pick of them or not. You'll see.

AFC East Buffalo Bills - Travis Henry (2nd round pick); Willis McGahee (1st round pick) Miami Dolphins - Ricky Williams (1st round pick; Dolphins also traded 2 1sts for him) New England Patriots - Antowain Smith (1st round pick); Kevin Faulk (2nd round pick) New York Jets - Curtis Martin (3rd round pick); Lamont Jordan (2nd round pick) AFC North Baltimore Ravens - Jamal Lewis (1st) Cincinnati Bengals - Corey Dillon (2nd); Rudi Johnson (4th) Cleveland Browns - William Green (1st); James Jackson (3rd) Pittsburgh Steelers - Jerome Bettis (1st); Amos Zereoue (3rd) AFC South Houston Texans - Domanick Davis (4th); Tony Hollings (2nd) Indianapolis Colts - Edgerrin James (1st) Jacksonville Jaguars - Fred Taylor (1st) Tennessee Titans - Eddie George (1st) AFC West Denver Broncos - Clinton Portis (2nd) Kansas City Chiefs - Priest Holmes (undrafted); Larry Johnson (1st) Oakland Raiders - Charlie Garner (2nd); Tyron Wheatley (1st) San Diego Chargers - Ladainian Tomlinson (1st) NFC East Dallas Cowboys - Troy Hambrick (undrafted) New York Giants - Tiki Barber (2nd round) Philadelphia Eagles - Duce Staley (3rd); Brian Westbrook (3rd); Correll Buckhalter (4th) Washington Redskins - Ladell Betts (2nd); Trung Canidate (4th) NFC North Chicago Bears - Anthony Thomas (2nd) Detroit Lions - James Stewart (1st); Shawn Bryson (3rd) Green Bay Packers - Ahman Green (3rd) Minnesota Vikings - Michael Bennett (1st) NFC South Atlanta Falcons - Warrick Dunn (1st); TJ Duckett (1st) Carolina Panthers - Stephen Davis (4th); Deshaun Foster (2nd) New Orleans Saints - Deuce McAllister (1st) Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Michael Pittman (4th); Thomas Jones (1st) NFC West Arizona Cardinals - Marcel Shipp (6th) San Francisco 49ers - Garrison Hearst (1st); Kevan Barlow (3rd) Seattle Seahawks - Shaun Alexander (1st); Maurice Morris (2nd) St. Louis Rams - Marshall Faulk (1st)The vast majority of starting RBs in the NFL were drafted in either the 1st or 2nd round.

 

[EastBayFunk]

Nice list. I see one mistake. Trung Canidate was a first round pick and you have him as a third.

 

[Couch Potato]

I remember a list from a few years ago but sadly can't recall the context. It was all starting RBs and when they were drafted. Yep Eddie George and some were high picks of their teams but there were more starting RBs that were NOT high picks. IMO that is still true.Break down starting RBs on each team and whether or not they were a high pick of them or not. You'll see.

AFC East Buffalo Bills - Travis Henry (2nd round pick); Willis McGahee (1st round pick) Miami Dolphins - Ricky Williams (1st round pick; Dolphins also traded 2 1sts for him) New England Patriots - Antowain Smith (1st round pick); Kevin Faulk (2nd round pick) New York Jets - Curtis Martin (3rd round pick); Lamont Jordan (2nd round pick) AFC North Baltimore Ravens - Jamal Lewis (1st) Cincinnati Bengals - Corey Dillon (2nd); Rudi Johnson (4th) Cleveland Browns - William Green (1st); James Jackson (3rd) Pittsburgh Steelers - Jerome Bettis (1st); Amos Zereoue (3rd) AFC South Houston Texans - Domanick Davis (4th); Tony Hollings (2nd) Indianapolis Colts - Edgerrin James (1st) Jacksonville Jaguars - Fred Taylor (1st) Tennessee Titans - Eddie George (1st) AFC West Denver Broncos - Clinton Portis (2nd) Kansas City Chiefs - Priest Holmes (undrafted) Oakland Raiders - Charlie Garner (2nd) San Diego Chargers - Ladainian Tomlinson (1st) NFC East Dallas Cowboys - Troy Hambrick (?) New York Giants - Tiki Barber (2nd round) Philadelphia Eagles - Duce Staley (3rd); Brian Westbrook (3rd); Correll Buckhalter (4th) Washington Redskins - Ladell Betts (2nd); Trung Canidate (3rd) NFC North Chicago Bears - Anthony Thomas (2nd) Detroit Lions - James Stewart (1st); Shawn Bryson (3rd) Green Bay Packers - Ahman Green (3rd) Minnesota Vikings - Michael Bennett (1st) NFC South Atlanta Falcons - Warrick Dunn (1st); TJ Duckett (1st) Carolina Panthers - Stephen Davis (4th); Deshaun Foster (2nd) New Orleans Saints - Deuce McAllister (1st) Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Michael Pittman (4th); Thomas Jones (1st) NFC West Arizona Cardinals - Marcel Shipp (6th) San Francisco 49ers - Garrison Hearst (1st); Kevan Barlow (3rd) Seattle Seahawks - Shaun Alexander (1st); Maurice Morris (2nd) St. Louis Rams - Marshall Faulk (1st)The vast majority of starting RBs in the NFL were drafted in either the 1st or 2nd round.

Hey thanks. I was going to do something like this myself just to see, and you saved me the work!Hambrick was an undrafted FA Dallas added in 2000. My 2 cents.

 

[Jason Wood]

This is actually the topic of my column on the site this week. I'll be looking at 1,000 yard rushers, Pro Bowl RBs, HOF caliber RBs and seeing what rounds they were drafted...stay tuned.Cheers

 

[EastBayFunk]

A while back I did a very quick little study of draft position and how it equates to FF success. You can find it in this thread:

http://footballguys.net/forum/index.php?ac...th%20hurts&st=0

 

[humans_being]

A while back I did a very quick little study of draft position and how it equates to FF success. You can find it in this thread:http://footballguys.net/forum/index.php?ac...th%20hurts&st=0

Good stuff, EBF.I never realized Joe Horn was a 5th round pick. Wow...

 

[mrspree15]

Since we are talking college/draft, is anyone else underwhelmed by Chris Gamble (CB, OSU)? All I ever hear is how great a cover guy he is, but all I ever see is him getting beaten. Braylon Edwards torched him multiple times, Lee Evans, the same. Maybe the coverages were designed to have Gamble trailing the WR, but I just don't think he is any better than other top college corners. He does have nice size for a corner, I'll give him that.

 

[Bri]

I remember a list from a few years ago but sadly can't recall the context. It was all starting RBs and when they were drafted. Yep Eddie George and some were high picks of their teams but there were more starting RBs that were NOT high picks. IMO that is still true.Break down starting RBs on each team and whether or not they were a high pick of them or not. You'll see.

AFC East Buffalo Bills - Travis Henry (2nd round pick); Willis McGahee (1st round pick) Miami Dolphins - Ricky Williams (1st round pick; Dolphins also traded 2 1sts for him) New England Patriots - Antowain Smith (1st round pick); Kevin Faulk (2nd round pick) New York Jets - Curtis Martin (3rd round pick); Lamont Jordan (2nd round pick) AFC North Baltimore Ravens - Jamal Lewis (1st) Cincinnati Bengals - Corey Dillon (2nd); Rudi Johnson (4th) Cleveland Browns - William Green (1st); James Jackson (3rd) Pittsburgh Steelers - Jerome Bettis (1st); Amos Zereoue (3rd) AFC South Houston Texans - Domanick Davis (4th); Tony Hollings (2nd) Indianapolis Colts - Edgerrin James (1st) Jacksonville Jaguars - Fred Taylor (1st) Tennessee Titans - Eddie George (1st) AFC West Denver Broncos - Clinton Portis (2nd) Kansas City Chiefs - Priest Holmes (undrafted) Oakland Raiders - Charlie Garner (2nd) San Diego Chargers - Ladainian Tomlinson (1st) NFC East Dallas Cowboys - Troy Hambrick (undrafted) New York Giants - Tiki Barber (2nd round) Philadelphia Eagles - Duce Staley (3rd); Brian Westbrook (3rd); Correll Buckhalter (4th) Washington Redskins - Ladell Betts (2nd); Trung Canidate (4th) NFC North Chicago Bears - Anthony Thomas (2nd) Detroit Lions - James Stewart (1st); Shawn Bryson (3rd) Green Bay Packers - Ahman Green (3rd) Minnesota Vikings - Michael Bennett (1st) NFC South Atlanta Falcons - Warrick Dunn (1st); TJ Duckett (1st) Carolina Panthers - Stephen Davis (4th); Deshaun Foster (2nd) New Orleans Saints - Deuce McAllister (1st) Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Michael Pittman (4th); Thomas Jones (1st) NFC West Arizona Cardinals - Marcel Shipp (6th) San Francisco 49ers - Garrison Hearst (1st); Kevan Barlow (3rd) Seattle Seahawks - Shaun Alexander (1st); Maurice Morris (2nd) St. Louis Rams - Marshall Faulk (1st)The vast majority of starting RBs in the NFL were drafted in either the 1st or 2nd round.

thank you aaron, thank you2nd round proves my point that teams are waiting, just think every team in the NFL passed. And if ya didn't draft em' you can't get credit for their draft position IMO.(pertaining to first stringers)AFC East-0 of 4North-2 of 4(2 of 8)South-3 of 4 (5 of 12)West- 1 of 4(6 of 16)NFC East-0 of 4(6 of 20)NFC North-1 of 4(7 of 24)NFC South-1 of 4(8 of 28)NFC West-1 of 4(9 of 32)Out of the 32 starting RBs only 9 were actually drafted by the teams they star for.Again, I just don't think it's fair to give the Fins credit if the Saints drafted Ricky and we heard year after year "if only Marino had a RB" "if only Marino had a D". Same with Jets/Pats and Martin. Steelers/Rams and Bettis.(Ignoring trades, compensation etc) You have 7 picks to make your team better. A perfect draft would be you draft 7 starters but that'd be like winning the lottery it's so rare. I do not think there is any merit in drafting a backup and I think that's real key here. I've never read in a mag "oh he's gonna be a wonderful backup to our RB for years to come, our team's so excited to have him." Each and every first rounder, some second rounders, are supposedly the next Joe Montana, Emmitt, Walter, Rice etc. If we all know we read that drivel every year then you just can't give a team credit for drafting a backup IMO. One exception IMO. FB Buckhalter or Navenport or Rodney ?? on the Giants that plays TE, S, and QB...guys like that, that have proven to be such useful tools to the coaches at more than one position. Even a guy like Jonas Jennings whom has played every position on the Bills line. Klecko's son whom I just saw this week blocking in their goalline offense. I absolutely do think this is great drafting and deserves credit. Also, this is a star position. We can argue whether this or the QB is most vital to a team's success. After a team loses a player that has manned the starting spot for 8 years the fans, media, teammates, and coaches(all of them) are really itching for another. Think of how Bear fans have been cruelly teased since Walter retired with most backs being good their rookie years then flopping. Since Riggins, the Skins best back they drafted was a FB that slid over. Jets+Fins...still haven't drafted one in "ages". Titans may or may not have drafted one in Chris Brown, wasted 3-4 picks trying to land one. Depending on whether ya count Warrick's one good one in a handful of seasons when he closed the season strong, haven't been very good since James friggin Wilder. Raiders are a weird franchise that rarely plays youngsters at key positions and instead get them from other teams. Chiefs haven't drafted a back since the Nigerian Nightmare and Word had very brief stints as a top back. Took a coaching change to give Tiki a chance, otherwise the G-men have to go to Rodney Hampton of the late 80's early 90s(ten+ years ago). Cardinals are funny cuz they draft them then they go elsewhere and succeed. Stump Mitchell's the last I can recall them having for an extended period. Leshon Johnson got hodgkin's disease so I'd give them a break on that one. Jason, if you're doing an article some interesting points maybe you hit.Colts and Broncos are awesome at drafting RBs. Bengals are underrated.I hope you'll give teams like the Pats, Chiefs, and Steelers your attention.Pats have drafted alot of RBs, they're a good team for your study for sure. Some gems some busts. Not sure what you consider Faulk, I'd swear he was drafted to start and after all this time...Chiefs-Mentioned Word and Okoye. Priest was a raven, Horn was a Chief they let go barely playing him but in a 3rd WR role his final year under contract. You definitely get a sense of a team "lost" when ya look at their drafting of offensive players.Steelers have had the Bus, a Ram, for years. How many supposed great backups have they drafted that it turns out aren't starting material? Amos, Fumu, etc. You can really sense some frustration from teams. It's not much of a stretch to imagine yourself the GM and getting headaches over some of this stuff.

 

[Nasty Nor'Easter]

First let me admit that I haven't read all the posts to this thread - so my apologies if I am repeating.C Dillon is NOT FA at the end of this season. However, Rudi Johnson will be a Restricted FA. As mentioned earlier - with such a lack of talent to chose from and so many teams in desperate need of RB help - he'll be signed to a big offer sheet & the Bengals won't be able to match (Much like WAS did w/ Coles).I also think that Buffalo drafted McGahee with the same thing in mind that the Saints did when they drafted McAllister. In other words, I see Buffalo shopping T Henry for a 1st Rounder plus other picks. Incidentally, he's the prototypical runner that Parcells LOVES.There are a handful of other FA's that might be playing elsewhere next season: Dominic Rhodes(RFA); Troy Hambrick (RFA); Duce Staley (UFA); Correll Buckhalter (RFA); Thomas Jones (UFA); Kevin Barlow (RFA). There is a handful of other less-desirable RBs with limited potential up for grabs as well - A Cason, S Bryson, D Chapman, etc.Another guy that could be traded is Wm Green - who seems to have screwed-the-pooch in Cleveland. One last note - Detroit may be OK if A Pinner can return healthy. He's a good little RB, and played in a pass-happy offense in KY.

 

[Bri]

In other words, I see Buffalo shopping T Henry for a 1st Rounder plus other picks. Incidentally, he's the prototypical runner that Parcells LOVES.

He fumbles(least that was the prob enterring this season) so I believe you're mistaken about Parcells. Not to say he wouldn't want him just "prototypical" is too extreme IMO

 

[Boone22]

There are a handful of other FA's that might be playing elsewhere next season: Dominic Rhodes(RFA); Troy Hambrick (RFA); Duce Staley (UFA); Correll Buckhalter (RFA); Thomas Jones (UFA); Kevin Barlow (RFA). There is a handful of other less-desirable RBs with limited potential up for grabs as well - A Cason, S Bryson, D Chapman, etc.

I can't believe nobody has mentioned Ron "The Donut" Dayne yet! Sure he's horrible but he's guaranteed to be gone this offseason and you know some team out there will pick him up and give him a shot during training camp*** I am in no way endorcing Ronny because crap is still crap, even when you put it in someone else's yard, but you can't dismiss the fact that he will get an opportunity to compete somewhere next year***

 

[Marvelous]

Looking over the list of starting rbs, I can make the following observations:1. There is a strong correlation between draft position and how well a rb does. Of course there are exceptions, but in general, the more talanted rbs who perform well are drafted higher. Edge, Faulk, LT, Williams, George, Bettis were all top 10 picks in the draft. Also, it is rare that a top 10 pick at rb does not perform fairly well (Thomas Jones is an exception).2. In the middle and lower first round, the odds of getting a good starter fall dramically. There are many good starters here as well as many busts (Ron Dayne comes to mind).3. In the lower rounds, sometimes a good rb can be found, but there are also a lot that do not pan out. So everytime someone mentions that O. Smith and Pinner are the future for their teams, remember that a lot of rbs drafted here don't pan out or become career backups/role players.

 

[zamboni]

Also, it is rare that a top 10 pick at rb does not perform fairly well (Thomas Jones is an exception).

Not entirely true - Ki-Jana Carter, Curtis Enis, Blair Thomas, Lawrence Phillips, Tim Biakabutuka were all top 10 picks over the past several years. And not all of them were even from Penn State

 

[aaronr28]

Also, it is rare that a top 10 pick at rb does not perform fairly well (Thomas Jones is an exception).

Not entirely true - Ki-Jana Carter, Curtis Enis, Blair Thomas, Lawrence Phillips, Tim Biakabutuka were all top 10 picks over the past several years. And not all of them were even from Penn State

I think GMs have a much better record of "hitting" on highly drafted RBs then they do at other positions (i.e., QB). The risk is relatively low, and RBs can normally come in and have a big impact right away.

 

[zamboni]

Also, it is rare that a top 10 pick at rb does not perform fairly well (Thomas Jones is an exception).

Not entirely true - Ki-Jana Carter, Curtis Enis, Blair Thomas, Lawrence Phillips, Tim Biakabutuka were all top 10 picks over the past several years. And not all of them were even from Penn State

I think GMs have a much better record of "hitting" on highly drafted RBs then they do at other positions (i.e., QB). The risk is relatively low, and RBs can normally come in and have a big impact right away.

I would tend to agree. Teams usually know right off the bat if a highly drafted RB was worth it, and can replace him in short order if he's not (see TIki/Dayne). With other positions like QB, it often takes time to see if they were worth the pick.Anyway, I'm going off tangent a bit from my original post, which is which teams will have new starters next year?

 

[Nasty Nor'Easter]

I can't believe nobody has mentioned Ron "The Donut" Dayne yet! Sure he's horrible but he's guaranteed to be gone this offseason and you know some team out there will pick him up and give him a shot during training camp*** I am in no way endorcing Ronny because crap is still crap, even when you put it in someone else's yard, but you can't dismiss the fact that he will get an opportunity to compete somewhere next year***

Although I agree with you entirely, that Dayne is gonna be gone... He is not actually a FA next year.

 

[Pigskin Fanatic]

I would love to see Duckett and Wheatley moved to teams with better defenses. Both of these guys are great power runners, but neither has a defense that will keep up with the other teams. In their current respective teams, their styles do not warrant starting jobs. Who the heck know what will happen in Oaktown next year and with Vick in the game, Duckett won't see daylight (barring injuries to Dunn of course).Also, what about James Stewart in Detroit? I would think Mooch will start him and develop Pinner. If he trades Stewart he might become real useful as a RB2 in fantasy leagues. I know his age is getting up there (next year is 9th or 10th season I think), but it was a shoulder injury, not anything with his legs, so I doubt he'll be any slower.

 

[Englishteacher]

CuMar is traded to Dallas;

man as a CuMar owner in a keeper league I'd love to see that!

 

[switz]

Also, it is rare that a top 10 pick at rb does not perform fairly well (Thomas Jones is an exception).

Not entirely true - Ki-Jana Carter, Curtis Enis, Blair Thomas, Lawrence Phillips, Tim Biakabutuka were all top 10 picks over the past several years. And not all of them were even from Penn State

Aside from Thomas, how many did poorly because of injury.Kijana - played for Bengals, was developing as a player when got hurtEnis - struggled but was not awfulBiakabatuka - was amazing when healthyPhillips everyone knew was a head caseBlair Thomas was a desparation pick by a bad scouting department and GM. I believe the guy who was involved in drafting him now writes about football instead of working for a team (hint hint - check out CNN/SI)As for beto's question about Thomas Jones - he wasn't a first round talent pure and simple. Everyone was all in love with his numbers, but did anyone WATCH him run? He never evaded tacklers, he just played teams with poor tacklers (BYU, Buffalo, Duke, NCState) - kids in the NFL hit alot harder. And you watch him now he always goes down on the first hit. He's not shifty, has no sidestep, and doesn't read blocks well.