2008 NFL Draft Position
Rankings
The Running Backs
Rankings & Breakdowns
Top 50 Players - 1 to
25 |
Top 50 Players - 26 to 50
|
Quarterbacks
Running Backs |
Wide Receivers
|
Tight Ends
|
Offensive Tackles
Offensive Guards |
Centers
|
Defensive Ends
|
Defensive Tackles
Linebackers |
Safeties
|
Cornerbacks
|
Punters & Kickers
By
Pete Fiutak
The Class
Is ... Strong, with all sorts of options, a few possible
all-timers, and something for everyone. Fans will debate for
years to come about the pecking order at the top, and there's
going to be at least two backs ranked between 12-to-25 who'll
produce as well as one ranked 4-to-11.
The Best Value Pick Will Be ... Ray Rice, Rutgers
Most Underrated ... Matt Forte, Tulane
Most Overrated ... Tashard Choice, Georgia Tech
The Deep, Deep Sleeper Is .. Jerome Messam, GracelandFULLBACKS
1.
Jacob Hester, FB LSU
A great runner, a good scorer, and a nice receiver, he's a
do-it-all fullback who'll be a nice piece to the puzzle. If
nothing else he'll be a fan favorite and a star on special
teams.
CFN Projection: Fourth Round
2. Peyton Hillis, FB Arkansas
His money will be made as a receiver. A decent blocker, but
not a special one, and not an NFL power runner, he'll find a
role as a receiver out of the backfield.
CFN Projection:
Fifth Round
3. Owen Schmitt, FB West Virginia
Psychotic, but in a good way. He stunk in the Senior Bowl, but
he's a good receiver, phenomenal in the weight room, and will
work his tail off to do anything necessary.
CFN Projection:
Sixth Round
4. Jerome Felton, FB Furman
5. Lex Hilliard, FB Montana
6. Carl Stewart, FB Auburn
7. Brandon McAnderson, FB Kansas
8. Rolly Lumbala, FB Idaho
9. Mike Cox, FB Georgia Tech
10. Steven Korte, FB LSU |
THE FRANCHISE
1.
Rashard Mendenhall, RB Illinois
Back in 1999, Ricky Williams was the sure-thing, must-have
running back who appeared to be the obvious choice as the first back
taken. The Colts made a big call by taking Edgerrin James fourth,
with Williams going fifth, and they turned out to be right. This
might be the same dynamic between Darren McFadden and Rashard
Mendenhall. Late on the draft scene with only one big year at
Illinois, Mendenhall has some questions about his long-term ability;
why wasn't he a star right away? Whatever. While not as fast as
McFadden, he's fast enough with 4.45 wheels on a 225-pound frame.
Very strong, very fast (just ask USC) and very good both inside and
out, he's about as sure a prospect as can be; at least physically.
The key will be how much he wants it. If he can find the fire and
the drive to be special, he'll be a yearly Pro Bowl performer.
CFN Projection: First Round
2. Darren McFadden, RB Arkansas
While it might be easy to blow off the off-the-field issues and the
character questions, they do merit attention. Is he Rashaan
Salaam/Curtis Enis once he hits the big time? The speed is jaw-dropping,
the burst and quickness are phenomenal, and the college résumé is
unquestioned. Physically, at the next level, his issues could be with
ball security and getting into the open to make the long runs he'll need
to make a big impact. NFL backs don't get into the clear all that often;
the breakaway speed won't matter as much outside of roughly six times a
year. Just ask Reggie Bush. It'll be the ability to pound it inside on a
regular basis that'll be the key, and his upright running style will get
him popped a little too often. With his frame, body-type, and speed, he
could be the next Robert Smith. That's not a negative.
CFN Projection: Early First Round
3. Jonathan Stewart, RB Oregon
So he has a big toe problem. Injuries heal. A special back who could be
an elite difference maker for about ten games a season, it'll be the
other six games that'll be an issue. Sort of because the way he's built,
at 230 pounds, and with the way he cuts, he's always going to have
problems with ankle injuries. Backs his size who try to cut like Barry
Sanders simply don't hold up over the long haul without a variety of
problems. However, speed and quickness-wise, he's the total package. He
has the cutting ability to make defenders miss at the line, and the
breakaway speed to tear off yards in chunks once he gets to the second
level. He does everything well with the ability to catch out of the
backfield and be used on kickoff returns on a regular basis. While he
could be a workhorse who becomes a team's running game, he'll be
absolutely devastating over the long haul if he's the No. 1 back on a
team with a good No. 2 option to share a bit of the load.
CFN Projection: First Round
POTENTIAL NFL STARTERS
4. Felix
Jones, RB Arkansas
He'll be the back for someone trying to get a speed runner on the
cheap. Don't want to pay the high price to get a McFadden, Mendenhall or
Stewart? Then wait for Jones and roll the dice on a jack-of-all-trades
back with a ton of tread on the tires and devastating breakaway speed.
The big question is whether or not he's a workhorse No. 1 back. He
wasn't in college and he's not built like a 25-carry-a-game NFL runner.
Ideally he fills a Reggie Bush role on a team with a Deuce McAllister
and is used to run and catch on the outside and not between the tackles.
With his ability to go from 0-to-60 in a heartbeat, he's the type of
player who makes offensive coordinators drool at the possibilities.
He'll be a fun toy to play with.
CFN Projection:
Late First
Round To Early Second Round
5. Jamaal Charles, RB Texas
So which Jamaal Charles will the pros be getting? Will he be the
breathtaking speedster who beat Oklahoma State and Nebraska by himself
last year, or will be the one who struggled as a sophomore and didn't
play up to expectations or his talent level? Probably a little of both,
but the upside is too great to pass up. The big issue could be Texas.
After the Ricky Williams situation and Cedric Benson turning into a dog
of a pro, is there going to be an anti-Longhorn bias? Built like a
smaller Darren McFadden, Charles is a sprinter who can be used in a
variety of ways. While he showed he could handle a big workload last
season, he's not going to be a pounding back who can handle a
full-season NFL schedule if he's asked to pound away. He's not a power
back by any stretch, but if he's able to keep his touches to around
15-to-20 per game, he'll be a difference maker.
CFN Projection:
Second
Round
6. Ray Rice, RB Rutgers
It all depends on how much of a chance someone is willing to give
him. Rice has a lot of tread on the tires. A LOT. On the plus side, he
proved he could handle a big workload and was ultra-durable. However, if
you're a believer that a back only has so many carries in him, the 935
total touches in three years at Rutgers might mean a short shelf live.
Who cares about five years from now? For the next few seasons, Rice
could turn into a productive, consistent runner at a high level if he's
allowed to pound away. His size, around 5-8, could be a positive as
he'll dart in and out of the line behind his big blockers. Much faster
than he looked on the field, he has the speed to hit the home run, but
that's just gravy. He'll be a consistent positive-yardage machine if
he's a featured back for a stretch. He's not the type to get a few
carries here and there; he'll need a few series here and there.
CFN Projection:
Late
Second Round
7. Kevin Smith, RB UCF
Would Smith be considered a first rounder if he was Kevin Smith,
Florida instead of Kevin Smith, UCF? While his competition will be
questioned, playing in Conference USA, he produced against everyone
including NC State (217 yards and two touchdowns), Texas (149 yards and
two touchdowns), and Mississippi State (119 yards, but on 35 carries).
George O'Leary and the Knights weren't afraid to overuse their star
getting him a whopping 450 carries and 24 catches last season, and he
cranked out 2,567 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns despite having all 11
defenders and the waterboy focused on stopping him. He's a producer, but
he'll have a short shelf life if he's asked to be a No. 1 back.
CFN Projection:
Late
Second To Early Third Round
8. Chris Johnson, RB East Carolina
4.29. For some reason, while everyone was oohing and ahhing over
Darren McFadden's workout, along with the size/speed dynamic of Rashard
Mendenhall and Jonathan Stewart, and rightly so, Johnson ripped off a
4.29 in 40 at the Combine. One of the best all-around backs in America
last year rushing for 1,423 yards and 17 touchdowns, catching 37 passes
for 528 yards and six touchdowns, and returning 1,009 yards worth of
kicks, he can do it all. However, he was held to 29 yards and a
touchdown on ten carries against Virginia Tech and ran for 76 yards and
a score on 14 carries against West Virginia. The biggest problem is his
size at around 5-10 and under 200 yards; he's not built like an
every-down runner. However, he's a dream of a third down back who'll
have to be a complementary back.
CFN Projection:
Late
Second Round To Early Third Round
9. Matt Forte, RB Tulane
Forte is the back for those who believe breakaway speed is
overrated. After all, how many backs tear off 40-yard runs? Forte
doesn't have great straight-line speed, but he's a strong inside runner
who was extremely dependable last season rushing for 2,127 yards and 23
touchdowns for the Green Wave. A big runner who pounds away, he's a
positive carry every time he touches the ball. If you're looking for a
thrilling back who'll make the highlight reel, that's not Forte. If
you're looking for a steady, dependable all-around back who can catch,
pound, and work his tail off, that's Forte.
CFN Projection:
Third
Round
BEST OF THE REST
10. Mike Hart, RB Michigan
Ultra-productive, never fumbles, and is as hard and tough a runner
as a 5-9, 200 pounder can be. He won't tear off any big runs and he will
never last a 16-game season if he's a featured back, but he'll block, be
a dirty-work runner who can crank out long drives, and he has a major
attitude, in a good way. You know what you're getting, there's no upside
to hope for, but he's still good enough to be a nice reserve back.
CFN Projection: Late Third Round To Early Fourth Round
11. Tashard Choice, RB Georgia Tech
If healthy, he's a top five back. He won't stay healthy. He has
speed, but he's a physical runner who'll wear down in a big hurry, but
when he's on, he's tough and will carry an offense. While he doesn't
have elite measurables and he doesn't do any one thing all that well on
an NFL level, he's a dream No. 2 back, or even a No. 1A, with high
character, great drive, and the potential to save an offense for a game
or five when the star back can't go.
CFN Projection: Third Round
12. Steve Slaton, RB West Virginia
He should've stayed. A speed rusher who always produced gaudy
numbers, he gets it into gear instantly and can blast through any hole.
The problem is size and toughness in crunch time. He went M.I.A. in some
of West Virginia's biggest games and he almost never had to power over
anyone. He's a pure space runner who can find the daylight and take off,
but he'll have to prove early on that he's the sophomore version and not
the 2007 back who was fine, but not as special.
CFN Projection:
Fourth
Round
13. Ryan Torain, RB Arizona State
Patience is a virtue. Torain could be a fantastic mid-round investment
with a big payoff down the road. At 6-0 and 213 pounds with nice speed,
he has the measurables. They might not be first round skills, but
they're more than good enough to be an NFL starter. He's a hard runner
who can catch the ball and will do whatever is asked of him. But he's
hurt. A foot injury, needing to undergo Lisfranc surgery in the middle
of last season, he likely won't be the player he should become by 2009
at the earliest. When he's right, he'll be an excellent No. 2 back.
CFN Projection:
Fifth
Round
14.
Dantrell Savage, RB Oklahoma State
A huge disappointment in workouts, he was expected to be a 4.4 back
who's really around a 4.6 runner. At his size, 5-8 and 185 pounds,
that's not good. However, he's a good runner who produced as a high Big
12 level. Very quick, he could turn himself into a fantastic third down
back who becomes more dangerous as a receiver than a runner. If he can
show he can return kicks at an NFL level, he'll stay on a team for a
long time.
CFN Projection: Fifth Round
15. Chad Simpson, RB Morgan State
Yeah, Morgan State, but the measurables are too good to ignore.
While he's short, he's 216 pounds with 4.4 speed. Great at the Combine,
the MEAC Player of Year opened up some eyes and performed like he
belonged with the big boys. He's quick through the hole, shifts gears
immediately, and isn't afraid to take a shot. The problem might be his
role. Not built to be a third down back and with questionable receiving
skills, he'll have to work to find a niche.
CFN Projection: Fifth Round
16.
Jalen Parmele, RB Toledo
He was the Toledo running game last season. At 224 pounds with good
straight-line speed, he can also run inside and make a quick cut and
bounce it outside in a hurry. However, he's not going to make too many
people miss and he's not as hard a runner as his size might indicate.
While he'll be purely a backup and special teamer, he'll work his way on
a team and will find a niche.
CFN Projection:
Sixth
Round
17. Thomas Brown, RB Georgia
Sort of poor man's Mike Hart, Brown is the same size and has the
same style as the former Michigan star but wasn't nearly as productive.
Not a speed back, he's a quick, powerful runner who'll take a pounding
and ask for more carries. He's not going to do anything flashy and he's
not going to do anything on the outside, but he could be a nice fill-in
for a series or two or a game or two and keep the running game moving.
CFN Projection: Fourth Round
18. Allen Patrick, RB Oklahoma
Supremely quick with an extra gear he can get to in a hurry. While
he's not all that big, he's not afraid to take a bit of a pounding.
That's a positive and a negative since he doesn't have the body to take
a full-time NFL workload. If he's asked to find a hole and run through
it, he'll shine. If he's asked to be a starter for any stretch of time,
he won't be able to hold up and will get worse as the game goes on.
CFN Projection: Fourth Round
19. Jerome Messam, RB Graceland
A freakish back at around 6-4 and 230 pounds with 4.55 speed, the
Canadian is very big, very tough, and very mature. Smarts are an issue
having been declared academically ineligible at Rutgers and he never got
his grades up at North Dakota State College of Science or Graceland in
Iowa. He's a major project who needs a lot of work, but there just
aren't many backs with his tools.
CFN Projection: Sixth Round
20. Calvin Dawson, RB UL Monroe
Small, quick, and tremendously productive, he didn't just rock the
Sun Belt, he was great against Clemson, Texas A&M, and Alabama, too.
He'll be a kick returner and a special teamer at the next level, but
given the right chance in the right system at the right time, he could
be a spot starter who pulls off a few huge games. He's just not big
enough to handle a full-time NFL workload.
CFN Projection: Sixth Round
21. Justin Forsett, RB California
More J.J. Arrington than Marshawn Lynch, Forsett's a smallish, quick
back who came through with a nice senior season even when the team went
into the tank. He's not big and isn't fast enough to be a difference
maker scatback, but he can be a change of pace runner who'll need to do
something special right away in camp to stick. He can't be used as a
regular runner.
CFN Projection: Seventh Round To Free Agent
22.
Cory Boyd, RB South Carolina
A hard runner who isn't afraid to mix it up and get dirty, he'll do
whatever is needed and won't be afraid to throw his body around as a
blocker. Off-the-field issues kept him from ever reaching his potential
at South Carolina, but he'll be a good NFL practice player who'll be a
key special teamer and will have one or two games a year where he looks
like a possible starter.
CFN Projection: Sixth Round
23.
Jehuu Caulcrick, RB Michigan State
Power, power, power. Forget about any speed or quickness, he's a
bruising back who can move the pile once he gets up a head of steam. The
problem might be keeping his weight to a manageable 255 pounds and
getting NFL fullback strong, but he's a change of pace back the other
way. He could be a designated short-yardage goal line runner who becomes
a closer on late drives.
CFN Projection: Seventh Round
24. BenJarvus Green-Ellis, RB Ole Miss
It all depends on the perception. A big runner who's not as physical
as he probably should be, he's a quick 220 pounder who be like a pinball
when fighting through the line. What he doesn't have is another gear to
make the big run, and he's not powerful enough to overcome his lack of
speed, but if someone sees the right film and the right moment, and
maybe even the hair, there might be some ever so slight comparisons to
Marion Barber III. That's a huge stretch, though.
CFN Projection: Free Agent
25.
Chauncey Washington, RB USC
While he had some good post-season workouts to get on the draft map,
he never showed the talent he was supposed to have at USC. A baby-soft
inside runner considering his 210-pound body, he also lacks the speed to
do anything flashy. However, there is an upside. If he really wants to
work at it and really gets fired up about being a possible pro back, he
could eventually be a No. 3 back. Eventually.
CFN Projection: Seventh Round
ON
THE RADAR
26. Rafael Little, RB Kentucky
27. Marcus Thomas, RB UTEP
28. Matt Lawrence, RB Massachusetts
29. Allen Ervin, RB Lambuth
30. Kalvin McRae, RB Ohio
31. Timothy Hightower, RB Richmond
32. Rodney Kinlaw, RB Penn State
33. Keon Lattimore, RB Maryland
34. Yvenson Bernard, RB Oregon State
35. Kregg Lumpkin, RB Georgia
36. Andre Callender, RB Boston College
37. Albert Young, RB Iowa
38. Lance Ball, RB Maryland
39.
Tony Temple, RB Missouri
40. Jamario Thomas, RB North Texas