The 2008 NFL draft is only a couple of weeks away. Here are the top three running backs to watch for...
1. Rashard Mendenhall, Illinois
5-11, 210 pounds 40 time-4.48 Projection: 1st round
I know all of you are wondering why I put him at No. 1, but in my eyes, he is the best back of the class. He has the balance of an Adrian Peterson type of back.
He runs tough, is an average pass catcher and puts in extra effort so his team can win. If you are wondering why the Illini were so good this year, you need look no further than this guy. What you do need to watch out for though is he was only a lead back in his junior season.
2. Jonathan Stewart, Oregon
5-11, 235 pounds 40 time-4.48 Projection: 1st round
Virtually no scout thinks much of Stewart. They don't think about his stop-watch speed or his junior season. I have watched plenty of video of his breakaway speed, and he looks better then maybe even Mendenhall for balance.
Stewart is the perfect blend of speed and power a team would want in a running back. Watch out for the same thing in Stewart as with Mendenhall. He only started his junior season.
3. Darren McFadden, Arkansas
6-2, 210 pounds 40 time-4.38 Projection: 1st round
McFadden is basically a bigger and stronger Marshal Faulk. Even though he's No. 3 on my list, I think he may be better than the two above him.
He can catch the ball, run hard and get you those extra three yards for the first down. There's also his trouble holding the ball during his career in Arkansas.
In his three years, he fumbled 15 times and recovered it only five times. Don't listen to the critics. McFadden is a good guy who gets in trouble for the dumbest reasons.
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6 months ago
There should be no question that McFadden is the best RB in this years draft. This just came off as a pathetic attempt to stir up controversy. There is nothing that would suggest that Stewart or Mendenhall or even in the same class as McFadden. Look at the stastics, combine info, or tapes. All points to McFadden being the best of the best.
6 months ago
He's entitled to his own opinion. With that said, he did get McFadden's 40 time wrong. It was 4.33.
from 6 months ago
yea i no i just wrote it wrong
6 months ago
I like your rankings. I still think Stewart will be a great pro; him having the toe surgery now AFTER he's worked out should not hurt his draft stock. I don't like McFadden's up-right running style or his slim lower body. People will say that AD did just fine his rookie year, but comparing McFadden to All Day in terms of running people over is hilarious. McFadden will not be successful with the full load, but should do very well in a 2-back system. Also, I think he's a little too tall at 6-2. That just seems a little too tall; HBs should be compact and have a pretty good center of gravity.
6 months ago
Tell that to Eddie George and Eric Dickerson.
What infuriates me about the McFadden haters is that there were virtually none until Mayock came out with his short-sighted analysis.
Let me tell you something about Mike Mayock. He knows his shit-he really does. But he's a little too opinionated and stubborn to be an excellent draft analyst.
His damning of McFadden will be a huge pockmark on his transcript.
from 6 months ago
who the hell said anything about mike mayock
6 months ago
I think the most underrated RB in the class might be Felix Jones, just because he played in the shadows of McFadden. He has quick bursts and finds the holes quickly.
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