Top Five Running Backs of the 2009 Draft

Matt Gard by Senior Analyst Written on February 07, 2009

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NEW ORLEANS - JANUARY 01:  Knowshon Moreno #24 of the Georgia Bulldogs runs the ball against the Hawai'i Warriors during the Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome on January 1, 2008 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Georgia won 41-10.  (Photo by Chris G
(Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

There are a bevy of good running backs in this year's NFL Draft. Many of them could go in the first or second round.

In this slideshow, Matt Gard takes a look at Knowshon Moreno, Chris Wells, and the rest of his top five running backs in this year's draft, and tells why there may be some surprises in this year's running back class.

No. 5: James Davis, Clemson

CHESTNUT HILL, MA - SEPTEMBER 09: James Davis #1 of the Clemson Tigers runs the ball against the Boston College Eagles during their Atlantic Coast Conference game at Alumni Stadium on September 9, 2006 in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts.  (Photo by Jim McIsa

James Davis is a very solid back with a sick juke and good acceleration.

He only managed 751 yards in 2008 as he split time with CJ Spiller. However, he averaged 4.4 yards per carry with 11 touchdowns. He is 5'11" and runs a 4.48.

No. 4: Shonn Greene, Iowa

IOWA CITY, IOWA - NOVEMBER 8: Shonn Greene #23 of the Iowa Hawkeyes rushes for yards in the third quarter of play against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Kinnick Stadium on November 8, 2008 in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa defeated Penn State  24-23. (Photo by Da

It is amazing to see Shonn Greene break tackles.

The slowest back on this list, Greene relies on power. He had 307 carries this year for 1850 yards and 20 touchdowns.

He runs a 4.58 and has a good stature at 5'11", 235 pounds.

No. 3: Rashad Jennings, Liberty

ATHENS, OH - SEPTEMBER 9:  Running back Rashad Jennings #36 of the University of Pittsburgh Panthers rushes for yards during a game against the Ohio University Bobcats at the Peden Stadium on September 9, 2005 in Athens, Ohio.  Ohio won 16-10 in overtime.

After transferring from Pittsburgh to Liberty, Rashad Jennings tore it up in FCS.

He averaged 5.7 yards per carry while putting up 17 touchdowns. He is the fastest running back on this list as well as one of the strongest.

He runs a 4.42 and has a robust 6'1", 234-pound frame.

No. 2: Chris Wells, Ohio State

COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 22:  Chris Wells #28 of the Ohio State Buckeyes runs for a touchdown during the Big Ten Conference game against the Michigan Wolverines at Ohio Stadium on November 22, 2008 in Columbus, Ohio.  (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Beanie Wells is projected to be the best running back on most lists. He has great acceleration and the ability to make people miss.

He has also proven that he can outrun secondaries. Wells is 6'1" and weighs 237 pounds. He runs a 4.53.

No. 1: Knowshon Moreno, Georgia

ATHENS, GA - NOVEMBER 29:  Running back Knowshon Moreno #24 of the Georgia Bulldogs ran for 97 yards and a touchdown during the game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets during the game at Sanford Stadium on November 29, 2008 in Athens, Georgia.  The Y

Knowshon Moreno is just the kind of guy you want on your team. Not only is he a great player, but he also has good character.

Moreno averaged 5.6 yards per carry in 2008. He is the second-quickest back on this list with a 4.48 40-time. He also had 16 touchdowns.

Moreno is 5'11" and weighs 208 pounds.

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written on February 07, 2009 Sports


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