2011 NFL Draft: Comparing Top Running Backs to Current and Former NFL Players

Finding comparisons in each position is both an entertaining way to get some final thoughts on these prospects as well as get a good indication of what they could actually be once they get to the NFL.

While these running back comparisons are not likely shared by everyone and it may not be an exact match, these are who the top 10 running backs (and one fullback) on our board remind me of.

Fullback: Stanley Havili, USC: Peyton Hillis

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LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 16: Marc Tyler #26 of the USC Trojans uses the block of Stanley Havilli #31 to score a touchdown for a 21-0 lead over the California Golden Bears during the second quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on October 16, 2010 in

As the NFL goes more and more away from the old (only about 5-10 years ago) use of fullbacks, these position players will need to adapt or find themselves without a role for NFL teams.

This past year, once thought of fullback Peyton Hillis emerged as a powerful rusher for the Browns, and though I'm not sure if Havili will be able to be as dominate as Hillis has, he did come from a similar background.

Both players were capable of playing running back in college, but thanks to other elite talents (McFadden and Felix Jones for HIllis, a host of guys for Havili), neither really got to shine.

Jamie Harper, Clemson: Brian Leonard

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AUBURN, AL - SEPTEMBER 18: Jamie Harper #8 of the Clemson Tigers is tackled by Nick Fairley #90, Antoine Carter #45 and Josh Bynes #17 of the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on September 18, 2010 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Ima

Brian Leonard came into the NFL from Rutgers as a fullback, but that may unfortunately have been because the media instantly thought a white running back simply didn't exist.

Now that he's gotten a shot to show that he can play running back behind Steven Jackson, he has proven his value as a powerful runner who can plow up the middle as well as be a receiver out of the backfield.

Harper may be viewed as a fullback to some because he plays around 230ish already, but he can do a lot more than just be a load to bring down.

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Taiwan Jones, Eastern Washington: Justin Fargas

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BERKELEY, CA - SEPTEMBER 12: Mychal Kendricks #30 of the California Golden Bears returns a fumble for 45 yards against Taiwan Jones #22 of the Eastern Washington Eagles at Memorial Stadium on September 12, 2009 in Berkeley, California. (Photo by Jed Jacob

Many are hoping on the Taiwan Jones bandwagon because he had such an explosive showing in his workouts, but I still wonder about his power up the middle, his pad level running style for a player of his stature and if he can stay healthy.

Justin Fargas, when he was in the NFL, was a speedy outside runner who had some shiftiness.

Jones has a similar body type (only an inch or so shorter and 15 pounds lighter, but could bulk up), but I don't think he'll be anything more than a No. 2 or even No. 3 running back in the NFL.

Shane Vereen, California: Chester Taylor

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BERKELEY, CA - NOVEMBER 20: Shane Vereen #34 of the California Golden Bears warms up for their game against the Stanford Cardinal at California Memorial Stadium on November 20, 2010 in Berkeley, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Finding a back-up running back that can not only add to a rotation in terms of taking up carries to keep other backs fresh, but also one that is a versatile presence that can do many things, is increasingly difficult.

Chester Taylor has always found a niche and always will, as long as he can stay healthy as a solid 10-15 carry a game guy if need be, as well as be a solid pass blocker and receiver out of the backfield.

Vereen isn't there as of now as a blocker, but he can eat up carries both inside and outside with some production and is a solid to above average pass catcher out of the backfield.

Demarco Murray, Oklahoma: Joe McKnight

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GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 01: DeMarco Murray #7 of the Oklahoma Sooners runs the football to score a touchdown in the first quarter against the Connecticut Huskies during the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl at the Universtity of Phoenix Stadium on January 1, 2011 in G

This comparison is both a good and bad thing.

Joe McKnight showed signs of potential brilliance in the "Hard Knocks" practice for the Jets as well as at times this year, and reports are that he could have a much bigger role for the team as a second option and pass catcher.

However, what both he and Murray worry me about is their occasional hesitation to explode into the hole and lack of great short area quickness.

Both are sometimes long-striders, which is great for big plays, but not for handing a rushing load more than 10 carries.

Derrick Locke, Kentucky: Jerious Norwood

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LEXINGTON, KY - SEPTEMBER 18: Derrick Locke #20 of the Kentucky Wildcats runs with the ball during the game against the Akron Zips at Commonwealth Stadium on September 18, 2010 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Locke is high on my board because of the fact that he can bring such dynamic explosiveness to an NFL team that maybe no other runner in this draft can bring, and that quickness and game-breaking speed is worth taking a risk on.

He doesn't have the size to be anything more than a 160-200 carry a season guy, but he could b a dangerous "thunder or lightening" combo for a team, similar to how Jerious Norwood has been for the Falcons when he's been able to stay healthy.

Jordan Todman, UConn: Tashard Choice

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EAST HARTFORD, CT - NOVEMBER 27: Jordan Todman #23 of the Connecticut Huskies carries the ball around the Cincinnati Bearcats defense on November 27, 2010 at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, Connecticut. The Huskies defeated the Bearcats 38-17. (Photo

A zone blocking scheme will likely fit Todman best, but he has the quickness and toughness as a runner to fit in just about any system well enough to succeed.

Choice may be a 1,000 yard rusher in a system like Washington's or Houston's, but instead has become a solid option in the three-back rotation in Dallas.

Todman has too much short area shiftiness and explosiveness as a rusher for non-zone blocking scheme teams to pass on him, but like Choice, he could be very successful if that's where he ends up.

Daniel Thomas, Kansas State: Shonn Greene

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LAWRENCE, KS - OCTOBER 14: Daniel Thomas #8 of the Kansas State Wildcats carries the ball as Olaitan Oguntodu #44 of the Kansas Jayhawks defends during the game on October 14, 2010 at Memorial Stadium in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Im

Thomas is an underrated athlete who has surprisingly quick feet.

Part of his ability is to deliver a blow to the defense when linebackers and safeties come up for a tackle, which is a result of his ability to get in good position with a strong base and pad level, something that will translate well to the NFL.

He doesn't have the big play ability that teams want in a sure-fire No. 1 running back, but he could surprise teams with a few big plays, especially if he's able to barrel through the line.

Like Greene, his main focus will be the ability to make plays outside the tackle box and stay healthy.

Mikel LeShoure, Illinois: Willis McGahee/Rashard Mendenhall

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CHICAGO - NOVEMBER 20: Mikel Leshoure #5 of the Illinois Fighting Illini runs on his way to a 339 yard rushing performance against the Northwestern Wildcats during a game played at Wrigley Field on November 20, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. Illinois defeated

Outside of the knee injury, which severely put a hamper on how great McGahee could have been, he's struggled to be able to consistently make the right read when fighting through running lanes.

Mendenhall, another Illinois product, had similar question marks coming out of college, and similar to LeShoure he was a bit of a one year wonder, though LeShuore had two previous seasons with some meaningful production.

LeShoure needs to show that he has the vision as a runner to be a 100 yard rusher in the NFL before he'll be a Top 40 pick, but he has that level of potential if he can improve it.

Ryan Williams, Virginia Tech: Jahvid Best

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CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 04: Ryan Williams #34 of the Virginia Tech Hokies runs with the ball against the Florida State Seminoles during their game at Bank of America Stadium on December 4, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Get

Williams could be any mix of rushers in the NFL that are built well for a running back, but have that explosive speed that could make them No. 1 rushers if they can stay healthy and have another rotational back.

Jahvid Best showed his dynamic ability early in his career, but struggled with staying consistent and healthy throughout his rookie season, and I think Williams could have a very similar early portion of his career.

Both Williams and Best should be pretty consistent 1,000 plus yard rushers if they can stay healthy and have depth behind them.

Mark Ingram, Alabama: Curtis Martin

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TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 13: Running back Mark Ingram #22 of the Alabama Crimson Tide rushes upfield against the Mississippi State Bulldogs November 13, 2010 at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

While I'd rather compare each player to a current NFL player, the similarities between Martin and Ingram are too close to pass up.

Both players don't have the big play speed that will consistently excite teams and scream out "superstar".

However, both players are great blockers in pass protection, can catch the ball well out of the backfield, take care of the ball and can consistently pick up four yards a carry over a game and over a season where they get 300 plus carries.

Martin was consistently overlooked throughout much of his playing days with the Jets, and Ingram is getting overlooked now on draft day, though I still think he ends up as a first rounder when it's all said and done.

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