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2008 RB Class

nero THE zero

nero THE zero

All Pro
As more and more RB prospects declare this class is looking deeper than ever. Let's make a list of all of the notable RBs who have declared:

Darren McFadden Arkansas 6'2" 205 lbs
40-time: 4.4

Rashard Mendenhall Illinois 5'11" 224 lbs
40-time: 4.5

Jonathan Stewart Oregon 5'11" 230 lbs
40-time: 4.5

Felix Jones Arkansas 6' 200 lbs
40-time: 4.4

Jamaal Charles Texas 6'1" 205 lbs
40-time: 4.4

Kevin Smith Central Florida 6'1" 211 lbs
40-time: 4.65

Ray Rice Rutgers 5'9" 205 lbs
40-time: 4.55

Steve Slaton West Virginia 5'10" 190 lbs
40-time: 4.4

Mike Hart Michigan 5'9" 202 lbs
40-time: 4.55

James Davis Clemson 5'11" 205 lbs
40-time: 4.5

Tashard Choice Georgia Tech 6'1" 205 lbs
40-time: 4.55
Strengths:Natural runner with excellent instincts...Terrific vision...Hits the hole hard..Is tough and aggressive...Adequate blocker...Good hands and can catch the ball out of the backfield...Nice balance...Hard worker and leader with top intangibles...Productive.
Weaknesses:Timed speed is just average...Not very elusive and doesn't have much wiggle...He doesn't run with a lot of power and lacks strength...Is not a big play threat...Might run too physical for his own good...Durability is a concern..Upside could be limited.

Chris Johnson East Carolina 5'11" 200 lbs
40-time: 4.3
Strengths:Extremely fast and explosive...A terror in space...Very quick and elusive...Fantastic receiver with terrific (albeit small) hands...Runs good routes...Decent vision and a good cutback runner...Can really turn the corner...A great natural athlete...A very versatile weapon..Also an outstanding kick returner..Still has considerable upside.
Weaknesses:Lacks the size and bulk that you look for...Not tough or physical...Looks to bounce everything outside and he doesn't offer much as an inside runner..Toughness and durability are issues...Sub par blocker...May be a 'tweener without a true position.

BenJarvus Green-Ellis Mississippi 5'11" 225 lbs
40-time: 4.55

Cory Boyd South Carolina 6'1" 214 lbs
40-time: 4.55

Allen Patrick Oklahoma 6'1" 196 lbs
40-time: 4.45

Matt Forte Tulane 6'1" 224 lbs
40-time: 4.6
Strengths:Has excellent size...Real versatile...Tough and physical...Very good blocker...Great vision and instincts...Runs hard and with power...Does a nice job in short-yardage situations...Good hands and he can catch the ball out of the backfield...Productive.
Weaknesses:Lacks great timed speed and quickness...Needs to get stronger...A 'tweener who may not have a true pro position...Is not explosive or a big play threat...Won't be a traditional lead blocker...Not real elusive...Has some durability / health concerns.

List anyone I am missing.
 
T

threetoedpete

Hall of Fame
So hang it out there Nero...

Are you posting that this class of RBs will be comparable to the QB class of 1983 ? Inquiring mind wish to know.

PFW has the average number over the last couple of years showing how many were taken in the first round. In terms of production, I think it is a very rich class. I'll be surprised if more than three goes in the first round. I will also be surprised if there is more than three twenty carries a game backs in this class. But there are a lot of them. And they all have tallent.
 
infantrycak

infantrycak

Hall of Fame
threetoedpete said:
I will also be surprised if there is more than three twenty carries a game backs in this class.
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There were only four twenty carry backs in the NFL last year and no one over 21.5. Times have changed.

FYI--over the last 10 draft classes, there have been an average of 7.1 RB's taken before the Texans' 3rd round draft spot.
 
Lucky

Lucky

Ride, Captain, Ride!
Staff member
Hart and Choice are seniors, so they they don't have to declare for the draft to be eligible. If you're justing list RBs who could/should go on the draft's 1st day, East Carolina's Chris Johnson should be added to the list.

There are probably another handful of backs who emerge from the draft process. One that I like is Mississippi's BenJarvus Green-Ellis. He's a productive SEC runner with size & speed. Green-Ellis spent is first two seasons at Indiana, where he played ahead of Texans RB Chris Taylor.
 
T

threetoedpete

Hall of Fame
Lucky said:
Hart and Choice are seniors, so they they don't have to declare for the draft to be eligible. If you're justing list RBs who could/should go on the draft's 1st day, East Carolina's Chris Johnson should be added to the list.

There are probably another handful of backs who emerge from the draft process. One that I like is Mississippi's BenJarvus Green-Ellis. He's a productive SEC runner with size & speed. Green-Ellis spent is first two seasons at Indiana, where he played ahead of Texans RB Chris Taylor.
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And he's over two hundred pounds ? After Reggie Bush, everyone will have danger Will Robinson on any RB under two-ten. Believe anything believe that. No one will over pay for a running back.
 
tulexan

tulexan

Hall of Fame
threetoedpete said:
So hang it out there Nero...

Are you posting that this class of RBs will be comparable to the QB class of 1983 ? Inquiring mind wish to know.

PFW has the average number over the last couple of years showing how many were taken in the first round. In terms of production, I think it is a very rich class. I'll be surprised if more than three goes in the first round. I will also be surprised if there is more than three twenty carries a game backs in this class. But there are a lot of them. And they all have tallent.
Click to expand...
This RB class has three 2,000 yard rushers in it.
 
nero THE zero

nero THE zero

All Pro
My objective here isn't to declare this class as historically significant or anything. I am simply trying to gather a list of the notable RBs coming out in the draft to (1) highlight the depth at the position and (2) bring some familiarity to each individual player. As we fill up the list I'd like to start adding more information to each RB on the list.
 
T

threetoedpete

Hall of Fame
tulexan said:
This RB class has three 2,000 yard rushers in it.
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Not to bang on Ronnie, but so was Dayne ? Don't see your point there. Toting the rock in the NFL is just a little bit different than running it out of a spread offense there....Just saying. Lot of these guys will be a cup of coffee and on the waiver wire in spetember. A few being touted here by some as day one picks.

Yes, yes, speed does matter. But if that was all there was to it , Hercules Walls would be in the HOF and house hold name. Just because he does it for a living doesn't mean he's not wrong. Sooner or latter gotta bang it on the inside in the NFL. And that IS why Gayle Sayers is in the HOF.
 
tulexan

tulexan

Hall of Fame
threetoedpete said:
Not to bang on Ronnie, but so was Dayne ? Don't see your point there. Toting the rock in the NFL is just a little bit different than running it out of a spread offense there....Just saying. Lot of these guys will be a cup of coffee and on the waiver wire in spetember. A few being toted here by some as day one picks.
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Dayne has also shown to be someone who has been misused for most of his career. He was drafted to be a short yardage back, but isn't one. I think he would have a solid career if he was made a full time back earlier.
 
beerlover

beerlover

Hall of Fame
Everyone has a favorite player. This RB draft class is so great because it pushes a quality starting caliber RB to the Texans in the 3rd rd. no idea who that will be. here is a couple favourable sceneros.

Option A: Chris Johnson, East Carolina, 5014 198. he has true breakaway speed & a tough, slashing runner for his size between the tackles. replacement for Ahman Green. he would be an absoulte steal in the 3rd.

Option B: James Davis, Clemson 5112 208 lbs. explosive inside, downhill runner assumes the power back role of Ron Dayne. pounds the ball inside between the tackles with decent speed should be more effective in the red zone. I fully expect Davis to still be on the board when the Texans select in the 3rd.
 
beerlover

beerlover

Hall of Fame
there are only three RB's going to be taken in the 1st rd. McFadden, Stewart & Mendenhall. the bulk of the talent will be 2nd & 3rd rd. hence the Texans should have a good option @ RB. Chris Johnson if hes available & James Davis (yes Tulexan we agree about a RB).
 
The Pencil Neck

The Pencil Neck

Hall of Fame
281 said:
i can't find any place that has it officially. where'd you find out?
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My bad. I didn't think that several of these sites (like the about.com and nfldraftcountdown) were showing guys that hadn't officially declared but apparently, he's not official yet.

Again, sorry about that.
 
texasguy346

texasguy346

Mod Squad
beerlover said:
Option B: James Davis, Clemson 5112 208 lbs. explosive inside, downhill runner assumes the power back role of Ron Dayne. pounds the ball inside between the tackles with decent speed should be more effective in the red zone. I fully expect Davis to still be on the board when the Texans select in the 3rd.
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I really like James Davis as a prospect. I believe Clemson also went to a zone blocking scheme a couple years ago as well so he'd have some familiarity with what we'll be doing here. Plus if he could convince Walker to give him the #37 then there'd be plenty of fans who could get some new use out of their old DD jerseys.
 
T

twelvegage

Noob
beerlover said:
Everyone has a favorite player. This RB draft class is so great because it pushes a quality starting caliber RB to the Texans in the 3rd rd. no idea who that will be. here is a couple favourable sceneros.

Option A: Chris Johnson, East Carolina, 5014 198. he has true breakaway speed & a tough, slashing runner for his size between the tackles. replacement for Ahman Green. he would be an absoulte steal in the 3rd.

Option B: James Davis, Clemson 5112 208 lbs. explosive inside, downhill runner assumes the power back role of Ron Dayne. pounds the ball inside between the tackles with decent speed should be more effective in the red zone. I fully expect Davis to still be on the board when the Texans select in the 3rd.
Click to expand...
this is who I'd REALLY like to see the Texans take. I think, depending on how healthy Green is, be starting for us by the end of the season next year should we draft him. If we could get a LT/Kenny Phillips in the 1st, and James Davis in the 3rd, then it's a successful draft IMO.
 
LonerATO

LonerATO

All Pro
his father came out today and said that it wasnt true that he had signed papers while espn said that they had a source saying he did
 
P

painekiller

All Pro
Well he is driving around in a brand new Cadillac SUV, owned by an agent. He is going pro, or Arkansas is going on probation. And wouldn't that be kinda like karma is saying something about the HC signing?
 
LORK 88

LORK 88

Wreck'em Ŧech!
Honoring Earl 34 said:
I guy who has the same size and speed as others but is not mentioned is Tony Temple . Anyone know why ?
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He's only 5'9" 200 lbs and speed is only average. He's been productive in college, but I'm sure people have questions about his upside and potential in the NFL.

As for Slaton declaring, the word striking when the iron is hot comes to mind for both the RB and CB position. There are going to be guys in the 3rd round at both positions who would've been a possible round 1 pick if they would've stayed or the talent pool wouldn't be so deep. I'm getting excited about potentially drafting a CB/RB rounds 1 and 3 and both being able to start right away.
 
B

Bubbajwp

All Flopper
I know there is alot of people on here who arent high on Slaton. But i think we need to seriously look at him @18. He would give us the breakaway threat weve never had.
 
Honoring Earl 34

Honoring Earl 34

Something Witty !
LORK 88 said:
He's only 5'9" 200 lbs and speed is only average. He's been productive in college, but I'm sure people have questions about his upside and potential in the NFL.

As for Slaton declaring, the word striking when the iron is hot comes to mind for both the RB and CB position. There are going to be guys in the 3rd round at both positions who would've been a possible round 1 pick if they would've stayed or the talent pool wouldn't be so deep. I'm getting excited about potentially drafting a CB/RB rounds 1 and 3 and both being able to start right away.
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He's the same size and speed as Hart and Rice .

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/players.php?genpos=RB&draftyear=2008&sortorder=tsxpos&order=ASC
 
LonerATO

LonerATO

All Pro
Bubbajwp said:
I know there is alot of people on here who arent high on Slaton. But i think we need to seriously look at him @18. He would give us the breakaway threat weve never had.
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he is not 1st round talent in this draft with all these backs maybe if he waited and came out next year. i want that 18 pick to be an LT or seconday help
 
LORK 88

LORK 88

Wreck'em Ŧech!
Honoring Earl 34 said:
He's the same size and speed as Hart and Rice .

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/players.php?genpos=RB&draftyear=2008&sortorder=tsxpos&order=ASC
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It's not the size of the dog, but the size of the fight in the dog. Ray Rice is actually 5'9" 205 although he plays like he's 225. Rice is incredibly tough, explosive, grinds out the early yards, and can break long runs like their nothing (he ran a 4.46 several times this summer). He also just rushed for 2,000 yards this season and has been incredibly productive and consistent his entire career.

If you really want me to go into more detail about Temple, he was up and down all season. It seemed that for every good game, he had a horrible game to go along with it. He also has been injured-plagued this past season, having missed time because of injuries to his neck, ankle, and knee. His speed is also average as previously stated, and he doesn't play big for his size (5'9" 200 lbs is the average I see on the majority of sites, including mizzou's official site). He has decent explosion, but doesn't hit the hole with authority and doesn't grind out the extra yards that well.

I personally have nothing against Temple, he just isn't anything special like Rice is. He doesn't have the potential that other RBs in the draft have, and his measurables won't get him noticed.
 
Honoring Earl 34

Honoring Earl 34

Something Witty !
LORK 88 said:
It's not the size of the dog, but the size of the fight in the dog. Ray Rice is actually 5'9" 205 although he plays like he's 225. Rice is incredibly tough, explosive, grinds out the early yards, and can break long runs like their nothing (he ran a 4.46 several times this summer). He also just rushed for 2,000 yards this season and has been incredibly productive and consistent his entire career.

If you really want me to go into more detail about Temple, he was up and down all season. It seemed that for every good game, he had a horrible game to go along with it. He also has been injured-plagued this past season, having missed time because of injuries to his neck, ankle, and knee. His speed is also average as previously stated, and he doesn't play big for his size (5'9" 200 lbs is the average I see on the majority of sites, including mizzou's official site). He has decent explosion, but doesn't hit the hole with authority and doesn't grind out the extra yards that well.

I personally have nothing against Temple, he just isn't anything special like Rice is. He doesn't have the potential that other RBs in the draft have, and his measurables won't get him noticed.
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Actually that was kind of my point . That it is the assumption that some guys are bigger and faster because they play bigger and faster .

You look at what their actual size is and it's amazing . Another things is I don't want a Chris Henry . Looks like tarzan but did'nt do much .
 
P

PHAROAH

Rookie
Hey guys I was against trading back because i love mendenhall but I think that a guy like Steve Slaton or Jamal Charles in the 2nd round I say do it and we can possibly take a cornerback with that late 1st round pick.:pirate:
 
T

threetoedpete

Hall of Fame
Bubbajwp said:
I know there is alot of people on here who arent high on Slaton. But i think we need to seriously look at him @18. He would give us the breakaway threat weve never had.
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AH no.

Look... he not only has the spread strike against him...but he is alos light in the pockets. You guys want to go tramping for the tatar tots sprinters at RB, fine...do it with the second pick. Take anything running out of a spread with a grain of salt. And for goodness sakes do not over pay for the tallent.

Robinson will not be back untill October. And just judging by the franchises' past job in letting the fans know where the injuries are at....I wouldn't count on him at all in '08. So Unless you're telling me you know for a fact they are going to pull a FA Cb out of the air...then that will have to be the pick. And if the value of the CB dosen't match the slot....Smith has already told you, he will move back. They are not going to take one of the second teired RB with the eighteen. And that includs Kevin Smith, Ray Rice, Jonhson, Jamal Charles or any other of the second teired flavors of the day. I could see Stewart. He matches kubiak's proto type Rb. Mendenhal also. I just believe they can't afford the pick of a plattoon not ready for prime time RB over a Starter at CB or the o-line.
I could see OLT insurance with a high end guy. Just for the fact by the time they come up again in the third all of the high end guys will be gone. As will the CBs who have a legitimate chance to start. But unless you 're going to start Petey/Von Hutchinson again next season for eight or ten games..Cb has to be one of the first two picks. And I'll beleive a light wieght RB when Kubiak puts one on the roster. So far the Texan's have never drafted or signed a spread offense RB. Now you're telling me he is so good IYHO, he is going to break the mold....I stand to humbly disagree. Don't over pay for second teired tallent. and that is what he is a great RB in college who has a lot to prove befor he is a true stud in the NFL. You need to hit a starter with the first two picks. I could see Slaton platooning...not carring this club. One of them falls into the third and you've got the hots for him and you want to take '09 picks to go get him fine. Not with the eighteen though. Move down and accumulate picks to target one of them. But with so many on the board, it is foolish to take one with the eighteen.
 
T

threetoedpete

Hall of Fame
beerlover said:
there are only three RB's going to be taken in the 1st rd. McFadden, Stewart & Mendenhall. the bulk of the talent will be 2nd & 3rd rd. hence the Texans should have a good option @ RB. Chris Johnson if hes available & James Davis (yes Tulexan we agree about a RB).
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Agreed. All rookie RBs have to over come the blocking (blitz pickup), recieving and learning hurdle. Spread guys are behind the eight ball just for the fact they haven't done very much of it. The Two hundred pound guys are behind the eitght ball because there are very few of them who can block a 260 pound 3-4 OLB coming down hill full bore. Not saying some of the guys can't do it. I'm saying it's a very rare bird who can. Before you gamble your QB on the guy, you'd better be pretty damn sure about him.
 
kastofsna

kastofsna

Hall of Fame
not rare at ALL for a college player to have to learn from scratch to block and protect in the NFL. exceedingly common.
 
badboy

badboy

Hall of Fame
threetoedpete said:
Agreed. All rookie RBs have to over come the blocking (blitz pickup), recieving and learning hurdle. Spread guys are behind the eight ball just for the fact they haven't done very much of it. The Two hundred pound guys are behind the eitght ball because there are very few of them who can block a 260 pound 3-4 OLB coming down hill full bore. Not saying some of the guys can't do it. I'm saying it's a very rare bird who can. Before you gamble your QB on the guy, you'd better be pretty damn sure about him.
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Why wouldn't the full back pick up the OLB?
 
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