Is running back one word or two words? I’m too lazy to get out the AP style guide. Forgive me.
Knowshon Moreno, Georgia
I strongly feel Moreno is the best all around running back in this year’s draft. He doesn’t have blazing speed, but he’s incredibly agile with great vision. He came out this year as a redshirt sophomore, so he doesn’t have many miles on his tires. In his two seasons between the hedges, Moreno racked up 2,734 yards on the ground and 704 receiving yards. He has the ability to be a force when he takes a hand off and also as a slot receiver, if needed. He’s a likely first round pick and the team that gets him will be getting a gem, should he stay healthy.
LeSean McCoy, Pittsburgh
McCoy is a true sophomore who decided to turn pro (he spent a year in prep school after his high school graduation). McCoy is extremely agile and has good vision, but hasn’t timed quite as expected in the 40-yard dash. He has a history of ankle problems, but as a sophomore, hasn’t taken a lot of pounding. The real problem with McCoy is how he carries the football. He has a penchant for carrying it VERY far away from his body, especially when he jukes or makes cuts. He is fumble prone (fumbled six times in 2008, including twice versus Iowa) and hasn’t shown an ability to change the way he carries the ball. McCoy will likely be a late first or second round pick, but, he is going to need a lot of seasoning before he becomes an every down NFL runner.
Javon Ringer, Michigan State
Ringer was Michigan State’s entire offense during his senior season. He carried the ball 390 times with an astounding 22 touchdowns; also was once on pace for 500 carries during 2008. Great stats, but definitely a red flag for NFL talent evaluators because he’s had so many carries during college. Ringer has no major injury history, but unlike Moreno and McCoy, he’s been used very heavily. Ringer has the speed to get outside if needed and good vision. His hands are s0-so as he hasn’t shown he’s a threat to get the ball on a swing pass. Despite all of this, I feel Ringer will be the surprise out of his year’s crop of runners and will blossom into a top 10 NFL running back during his career, provided he stays healthy.
Ian Johnson, Boise State
The big question for Boise State’s Ian Johnson had to do with his athleticism. Many saw him as a typical big, slow player from a small school who happened to make a good play in a big game. Flash forward to now. Johnson turned in a 4.46 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine and had an otherwise great workout. His short shuttle at his pro day was 4.24 seconds, another impressive mark. So, with the questions about his athleticism answered, what’s there not to like? Johnson carries the ball with a very upright style, which could leave him prone to fumbling. His production has also not been consistent. But, for a team looking at running backs in the third-fourth round time frame, Johnson will be a great pick. He probably won’t turn into an every down back in the NFL, but he could be a valuable asset to a team both on the field and in the locker room.
Conredge Collins, Pittsburgh
This is a name you probably haven’t heard. Conredge Collins was a three year starter at fullback at Pitt, blocking for LeSean McCoy during his sophomore and junior years. At 6′ and 230lbs, Collins turned in a solid pro day workout, timing as low as 4.64 in the 40-yard dash. Collins was a highly rated recruit out of high school with offers from Miami, Florida State and Florida but ended up coming to Pittsburgh to play for Dave Wannstedt and then offensive coordinator Matt Cavanaugh. Though his decision making should be called into question by actually deciding to play for Wanny/Cavanaugh at Pitt…..okay, we’ll stop there–WE’RE KIDDING! Collins is an athletic fullback who has decent running and blocking ability while also being a threat as a receiver out of the backfield. Fullback is a dying position in the NFL, but Collins is the type of guy who can carve a niche in the right system, just like LeRon McClain has done in Baltimore. Collins faces an uphill battle to get drafted, but he will provide an attractive late-draft option for those teams who still have a need at the position.
Discussion
No comments yet.