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2010 Runningbacks

rmartin65

Hall of Fame
Allow me to start off by saying that I like Slaton, and I do think he has potential. However, this season I am not seeing it, and it is causing me some worry. Add that to the fact that he will never be a power back, and it led me to create this list for all of you (and myself).

Tier 1- Elite Prospects

Georgia Tech's Jonathan Dwyer, 5'11" 235
Dwyer burst onto the scene last year with 1395 rushing yards and 21 TD's. This year is not going so well, although he is still the best pro RB out there. He has ideal size/speed ratio, but I worry that he is a product of the Georgia Tech offense. He should be the first RB off the board, probably a top 10 pick.

Stanford's Toby Gerhart, 6'1" 235
Gerhart is a football player, no other way to put it. Great power, great blocking, solid hands, surprising agility and a great work ethic. Yes, I readily admit that I have a man crush. While he wont reach the 2000 yard mark he wanted this year, he should still hit 1500 yards. That might not sound too impressive, but he IS the offense. Gerhart will fall because he does not have the sexy measurables that NFL GM's covet, but I would take him in the first. He will actually be picked in the late second or early third.

Tier 2- Good prospects

Clemson's CJ Spiller, 5'11" 195
Spiller has elite speed, but he just is not big enough to be a feature back. Some team will take him in the first because of his workouts, but he will be a Reggie Bush in the pros.

Cal's Jahvid Best, 5'10" 195
What I wrote about Spiller. Best is an electrifying talent, but I dont think he will ever be a dangerous feature back in the pros. He either has to gain more weight and lose his explosiveness (which is his game), or he stays the same weight and will need to be part of a rotation. A first round pick, probably in the 20's.

Oklahoma's DeMarco Murray, 6' 214
Murray, if we were just going off of physical talent, would be a Tier 1 guy. While not huge, he has decent size and good put on another 5-7 lbs and not lose any of his speed (4.3 or so). He can catch as well as run, blocking is a slight concern. The major knock on him is injuries. He just cant stay healthy. I predict an early second call for Mr. Murray.

LSU's Charles Scott, 5'11" 234
Scott took the SEC by storm last year. He is a power back, no ifs ands or buts about it. His speed is even worse than Gerhart's, and I dont get the same "player" vibe out of him. He probably has the most power of all the backs in the draft. If he can improve on his speed he will be a late 1st guy. If not, mid second.

Tier 3- Solid Prospects

Tennessee's Montario Hardesty, 6' 215
Hardesty is having a career year. He has a good combination of speed and power, but is not outstanding at either. He is the definition of a 3rd rounder, good, but not spectacular.

Oklahoma State's Kendall Hunter, 5'8" 198
Hunter is short, but not small. There is a big difference. He has dynamite speed, and (like I alluded to above) surprising power. He does a decent job catching the ball, but is just over matched when it comes to blocking. I would take him in the 3rd.

Mississippi State's Anthony Dixon, 6'1" 235
Another power back (this draft has a few good ones, which bodes well for the Texans), Dixon is a tough one to peg. I know some on this board really like him, but I dont get a great feeling off of him. Sounds weird, I know. He would be a good 4th round pick, but I think he will go higher.

West Virginia's Noel Devine, 5'6" 176
If Devine had more size, he would be much higher. He is a monster, but just too small. I think he can be a great Reggie Bush player in the pros though. 3rd rounder.
 
Allow me to start off by saying that I like Slaton, and I do think he has potential. However, this season I am not seeing it, and it is causing me some worry. Add that to the fact that he will never be a power back, and it led me to create this list for all of you (and myself).

Tier 1- Elite Prospects

Georgia Tech's Jonathan Dwyer, 5'11" 235
Dwyer burst onto the scene last year with 1395 rushing yards and 21 TD's. This year is not going so well, although he is still the best pro RB out there. He has ideal size/speed ratio, but I worry that he is a product of the Georgia Tech offense. He should be the first RB off the board, probably a top 10 pick.

Stanford's Toby Gerhart, 6'1" 235
Gerhart is a football player, no other way to put it. Great power, great blocking, solid hands, surprising agility and a great work ethic. Yes, I readily admit that I have a man crush. While he wont reach the 2000 yard mark he wanted this year, he should still hit 1500 yards. That might not sound too impressive, but he IS the offense. Gerhart will fall because he does not have the sexy measurables that NFL GM's covet, but I would take him in the first. He will actually be picked in the late second or early third.


Tier 2- Good prospects

Clemson's CJ Spiller, 5'11" 195
Spiller has elite speed, but he just is not big enough to be a feature back. Some team will take him in the first because of his workouts, but he will be a Reggie Bush in the pros.

Cal's Jahvid Best, 5'10" 195
What I wrote about Spiller. Best is an electrifying talent, but I dont think he will ever be a dangerous feature back in the pros. He either has to gain more weight and lose his explosiveness (which is his game), or he stays the same weight and will need to be part of a rotation. A first round pick, probably in the 20's.

Oklahoma's DeMarco Murray, 6' 214
Murray, if we were just going off of physical talent, would be a Tier 1 guy. While not huge, he has decent size and good put on another 5-7 lbs and not lose any of his speed (4.3 or so). He can catch as well as run, blocking is a slight concern. The major knock on him is injuries. He just cant stay healthy. I predict an early second call for Mr. Murray.

LSU's Charles Scott, 5'11" 234
Scott took the SEC by storm last year. He is a power back, no ifs ands or buts about it. His speed is even worse than Gerhart's, and I dont get the same "player" vibe out of him. He probably has the most power of all the backs in the draft. If he can improve on his speed he will be a late 1st guy. If not, mid second.

Tier 3- Solid Prospects

Tennessee's Montario Hardesty, 6' 215
Hardesty is having a career year. He has a good combination of speed and power, but is not outstanding at either. He is the definition of a 3rd rounder, good, but not spectacular.

Oklahoma State's Kendall Hunter, 5'8" 198
Hunter is short, but not small. There is a big difference. He has dynamite speed, and (like I alluded to above) surprising power. He does a decent job catching the ball, but is just over matched when it comes to blocking. I would take him in the 3rd.

Mississippi State's Anthony Dixon, 6'1" 235
Another power back (this draft has a few good ones, which bodes well for the Texans), Dixon is a tough one to peg. I know some on this board really like him, but I dont get a great feeling off of him. Sounds weird, I know. He would be a good 4th round pick, but I think he will go higher.

West Virginia's Noel Devine, 5'6" 176
If Devine had more size, he would be much higher. He is a monster, but just too small. I think he can be a great Reggie Bush player in the pros though. 3rd rounder.

give me Rolle in 2nd I'll give you Gerhart in 3rd :handshake:
 
Due to place of Texans, I have started my picks much earlier. At first I thought Gerhart would slide to round 3 but no way. I think we will be selecting at about #14 and I have him in round #2 now. He has size and good speed + he should have some blocking skills as he played as a FB some. I hope to actually see this Stanford player on the field so if anyone can give me a heads up, I'd appreciate it. My concern is if he does well he may move up to round one. It is time for us to splurge with a higher round pick for a quality power back. I see this draft as weak over all especially for RB and run stopping DTs.
 
Due to place of Texans, I have started my picks much earlier. At first I thought Gerhart would slide to round 3 but no way. I think we will be selecting at about #14 and I have him in round #2 now. He has size and good speed + he should have some blocking skills as he played as a FB some. I hope to actually see this Stanford player on the field so if anyone can give me a heads up, I'd appreciate it. My concern is if he does well he may move up to round one. It is time for us to splurge with a higher round pick for a quality power back. I see this draft as weak over all especially for RB and run stopping DTs.

RB position is & will probably continue to be a numbers game. They'll keep bringing in bodies, plugging them in & see if they fit. look @ N.O. they spent the #2 overall pick on a RB in 06 but the best back on the team is Thomas Pierre, undraftred in 07. It will be interesting to see how Chris Henry performs he came out of that same draft & was a 2nd rounder.
 
RB position is & will probably continue to be a numbers game. They'll keep bringing in bodies, plugging them in & see if they fit. look @ N.O. they spent the #2 overall pick on a RB in 06 but the best back on the team is Thomas Pierre, undraftred in 07. It will be interesting to see how Chris Henry performs he came out of that same draft & was a 2nd rounder.

Not just Reggie Bush. Look at Darren Mcfadden. Mcfadden has bust written all over him. He's been worse than Reggie Bush has, but no one really talks about what a failure he's been as a #3 draft pick.
 
Not just Reggie Bush. Look at Darren Mcfadden. Mcfadden has bust written all over him. He's been worse than Reggie Bush has, but no one really talks about what a failure he's been as a #3 draft pick.

Raiders have bust written all over them look @ JaMarcus Russel #1 pick overall. not limited to just RB.

Put McFadden in wildcat w/Miami & look out. Raiders are clueless fitting pieces to the puzzle :choke:
 
RB position is & will probably continue to be a numbers game. They'll keep bringing in bodies, plugging them in & see if they fit. look @ N.O. they spent the #2 overall pick on a RB in 06 but the best back on the team is Thomas Pierre, undraftred in 07. It will be interesting to see how Chris Henry performs he came out of that same draft & was a 2nd rounder.
Not being sarcastic but players are drafted in rounds based on what teams will think player will do. Every year I am told that some 7th rounder is starting (Diles) and some #1 busted. I couldn't care less. odds are the higher the round the great chance player will work out. Right now FS, RB, CB and DT are my greatest concerns. I have no RB for our system rated in first round. I am going with Mays to resolve FS as he could be a franchise type player if such a thing could be said of a safety. I agree with your comment on Henry but do not expect him on field unless Slaton then Moats gets hurt. The latter has minimal game time but does well when he is on field. I am disappointed in Foster because I thought by now he would replace Brown and alternate with Steve. Man I hope we beat Arizona.
 
Not being sarcastic but players are drafted in rounds based on what teams will think player will do. Every year I am told that some 7th rounder is starting (Diles) and some #1 busted. I couldn't care less. odds are the higher the round the great chance player will work out. Right now FS, RB, CB and DT are my greatest concerns. I have no RB for our system rated in first round. I am going with Mays to resolve FS as he could be a franchise type player if such a thing could be said of a safety. I agree with your comment on Henry but do not expect him on field unless Slaton then Moats gets hurt. The latter has minimal game time but does well when he is on field. I am disappointed in Foster because I thought by now he would replace Brown and alternate with Steve. Man I hope we beat Arizona.

Moats has turf toe I believe & like you said Foster has not taken advantage during his window of opportunity. Chris Brown has ball security issues in heavy traffic that cost the Texans while Henry is getting a change of scenery to back-up Slaton. They are just running the numbers until someone sticks :polevault:
 
the Texans liked Coffee last year (Kubiak mentioned would have taken him rd. 3 if 9'ers had not scooped him up three picks before Texans). after watching him take over the starting role he looks lean & long adding length (6010 209) better than expected speed, fluid in transition run after catch w/good ball security similar skill set to Joseph Addai. Gets another start this weekend against the Falcons, worth a watch.

What about Evan Royster, RB Penn State in 3rd?
 
the Texans liked Coffee last year (Kubiak mentioned would have taken him rd. 3 if 9'ers had not scooped him up three picks before Texans). after watching him take over the starting role he looks lean & long adding length (6010 209) better than expected speed, fluid in transition run after catch w/good ball security similar skill set to Joseph Addai. Gets another start this weekend against the Falcons, worth a watch.

What about Evan Royster, RB Penn State in 3rd?

I like Royster. I think he will end up as a 2nd round guy.
 
the Texans liked Coffee last year (Kubiak mentioned would have taken him rd. 3 if 9'ers had not scooped him up three picks before Texans). after watching him take over the starting role he looks lean & long adding length (6010 209) better than expected speed, fluid in transition run after catch w/good ball security similar skill set to Joseph Addai. Gets another start this weekend against the Falcons, worth a watch.

What about Evan Royster, RB Penn State in 3rd?
Royster is a good player. Do we need another half back? His per carry or per catch avg is good but not much total yardage.
 
Royster is a good player. Do we need another half back? His per carry or per catch avg is good but not much total yardage.

Royster is a tough one to peg. He plays in that Spread HD, which opens up alot. He has pretty good size, and the ability to add 5-10 pounds. He has good speed and agility. I worry about his power though. If the Texans are to draft a back this year, it is going to be a power back.
 
Toby Gerhart 20 attempts for 96yds. 4.8 avg. & 2 TD's
+ (1 rec. 11 yds)

Jacquizz Rodgers 33 attempts 189yds. 5.7 avg. 4 TD's
+ (5 rec. 82 yds)

:roast:

Haha, I want to have that little chat anyway. Let me first start off by saying I misjudged Rodgers. He looks like he could be a good 3rd down back, a very good one even. However, I still dont see him as a power starting back.

Gerhart played well, I would argue that he still had the better game. Stanford's quarterback played terribly. I believe he started of 0-7, and OSU was able to load the box. Plus, I hate doing this, but take out each guys longest run. Rodgers is 32 attempts for 128 yards, 3.28 average. Gerhart is 19 attempts for 80 yards, 4.21 yards. I know, its cheap to take out longest runs. But it shows that Rodgers is more of a boom or bust kind of runner, while Gerhart is more consistent.

What do you think?
 
Toby Gerhart 20 attempts for 96yds. 4.8 avg. & 2 TD's
+ (1 rec. 11 yds)

Jacquizz Rodgers 33 attempts 189yds. 5.7 avg. 4 TD's
+ (5 rec. 82 yds)

:roast:

When I watched Cushing having a hard time taking down Rodgers last year, I was pretty amazed by the guy.
And he just keep on chucking along, doesn't he?
 
Haha, I want to have that little chat anyway. Let me first start off by saying I misjudged Rodgers. He looks like he could be a good 3rd down back, a very good one even. However, I still dont see him as a power starting back.

Gerhart played well, I would argue that he still had the better game. Stanford's quarterback played terribly. I believe he started of 0-7, and OSU was able to load the box. Plus, I hate doing this, but take out each guys longest run. Rodgers is 32 attempts for 128 yards, 3.28 average. Gerhart is 19 attempts for 80 yards, 4.21 yards. I know, its cheap to take out longest runs. But it shows that Rodgers is more of a boom or bust kind of runner, while Gerhart is more consistent.

What do you think?

to be honest I could not catch a live feed of this broadcast, regional constraints in full effect.

It's not often I get the opportunity to measure up with a fellow Texan on favorite College prospects but JaQuizz has quickly become one of my favorites. very humble young man who is always questioned about lack of size, "boom or bust" label etc...all he does is play with a chip on shoulder making big play's out of nothing. Currently in the league reminds me of Maurice Jones Drew & Darren Sproles. But stepping back a few years the other OSU had an amazing RB named Barry Sanders, I'm not saying he is the next Barry Sanders but what I am saying his cut-back ability, stopping on a dime & changing direction is a special unique talent very few ever can claim. I used to get so excited to see Barry carry the rock it was just amazing you got the feeling something special was always possible especially in a broken play where he would invent open field running.
 
to be honest I could not catch a live feed of this broadcast, regional constraints in full effect.

It's not often I get the opportunity to measure up with a fellow Texan on favorite College prospects but JaQuizz has quickly become one of my favorites. very humble young man who is always questioned about lack of size, "boom or bust" label etc...all he does is play with a chip on shoulder making big play's out of nothing. Currently in the league reminds me of Maurice Jones Drew & Darren Sproles. But stepping back a few years the other OSU had an amazing RB named Barry Sanders, I'm not saying he is the next Barry Sanders but what I am saying his cut-back ability, stopping on a dime & changing direction is a special unique talent very few ever can claim. I used to get so excited to see Barry carry the rock it was just amazing you got the feeling something special was always possible especially in a broken play where he would invent open field running.

It is strange that you mentioned Sanders, because that is who he reminded me of, a poor man's Sanders. Watching this game really opened my eyes about him, and I would have no problem taking him in the 3rd or so. Maybe second. The comparison with Sanders is not all good though. Like Sanders, Rodgers does not always get positive yardage. He really is a breakout player. A player who will get 5 three yard games, then bust a fifty yarder.
 
It is strange that you mentioned Sanders, because that is who he reminded me of, a poor man's Sanders. Watching this game really opened my eyes about him, and I would have no problem taking him in the 3rd or so. Maybe second. The comparison with Sanders is not all good though. Like Sanders, Rodgers does not always get positive yardage. He really is a breakout player. A player who will get 5 three yard games, then bust a fifty yarder.

really? check this out - http://espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=188524 http://espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=379208

Barry Sanders' career football stats from his three years at Oklahoma State University of the NCAA:

Year Team ATT Yards Avg TD Rec Yards Avg TD
1986 Oklahoma State Cowboys 74 325 4.4 2 0 0 0 0
1987 Oklahoma State Cowboys 111 622 5.6 9 4 58 14.5 1
1988 Oklahoma State Cowboys 344 2628 7.6 37 19 106 5.6 0

Career 529 3575 6.8 48 23 164 7.1 1
 
really? check this out - http://espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=188524 http://espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=379208

Barry Sanders' career football stats from his three years at Oklahoma State University of the NCAA:

Year Team ATT Yards Avg TD Rec Yards Avg TD
1986 Oklahoma State Cowboys 74 325 4.4 2 0 0 0 0
1987 Oklahoma State Cowboys 111 622 5.6 9 4 58 14.5 1
1988 Oklahoma State Cowboys 344 2628 7.6 37 19 106 5.6 0

Career 529 3575 6.8 48 23 164 7.1 1

I am sorry, I meant 3 five yard gains, not games.
 
after watching the Texans smash into another cloud of dust @ the goal line I wonder if it really matters who we draft to play RB. Right now I'm more inclined to draft Tim Tebow at least I know he can punch it in from the one :choke:
 
Royster is a tough one to peg. He plays in that Spread HD, which opens up alot. He has pretty good size, and the ability to add 5-10 pounds. He has good speed and agility. I worry about his power though. If the Texans are to draft a back this year, it is going to be a power back.
Agreed. We are not getting anything from RB position. If Slaton was not helping out with receptions, he would be a negative so far this year. Not sure what happened to him. Moats looked good 2 games ago when kubes sat Slaton but did not see him against Cards. Someone mentioned he had turf toe but I have no confirmation.
 
Agreed. We are not getting anything from RB position. If Slaton was not helping out with receptions, he would be a negative so far this year. Not sure what happened to him. Moats looked good 2 games ago when kubes sat Slaton but did not see him against Cards. Someone mentioned he had turf toe but I have no confirmation.

turf toe confirmation.
 
to be honest I could not catch a live feed of this broadcast, regional constraints in full effect.

It's not often I get the opportunity to measure up with a fellow Texan on favorite College prospects but JaQuizz has quickly become one of my favorites. very humble young man who is always questioned about lack of size, "boom or bust" label etc...all he does is play with a chip on shoulder making big play's out of nothing. Currently in the league reminds me of Maurice Jones Drew & Darren Sproles. But stepping back a few years the other OSU had an amazing RB named Barry Sanders, I'm not saying he is the next Barry Sanders but what I am saying his cut-back ability, stopping on a dime & changing direction is a special unique talent very few ever can claim. I used to get so excited to see Barry carry the rock it was just amazing you got the feeling something special was always possible especially in a broken play where he would invent open field running.
I followed him in highschool and he is doing well so far in college. He is a sophomore.
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=379208
 
1rd safety ( Trade up if you have to)
2nd RB

FA pay big money to dominant DT if available.
Good eval but DTs in free agency is slim. I'm looking at John Jolly 6'3" 325 Houston born Packers &
Anthony Montgomery 6'6" 330 Redskins 25yoa next March.
 
I'll take Mark Ingram, RB from Alabama if available. He will be a good 3rd rounder.

I know Ingram is a sophomore, as others in this thread have indicated. But Mark Ingram looked like the answer to the Texans running back problems tonight against South Carolina, if he were to come out.

Tonight in Birmingham, Ingram rushed 24 times for 246 yards. He was fantastic. Just what the Texans need.

Here is the box score:

http://espn.go.com/ncf/boxscore?gameId=292900333

Truly an amazing performance.
 
I know Ingram is a sophomore, as others in this thread have indicated. But Mark Ingram looked like the answer to the Texans running back problems tonight against South Carolina, if he were to come out.

Tonight in Birmingham, Ingram rushed 24 times for 246 yards. He was fantastic. Just what the Texans need.

Here is the box score:

http://espn.go.com/ncf/boxscore?gameId=292900333

Truly an amazing performance.

...but since he is a true sophomore he is not coming out until the 2011 draft.

That said, he is built and runs like a true NFL hand me the ball 20 plus times a game RB.
 
Ingram runs with authority, looks durable, good hands & ball security but I think the Texans already have the answer in Slaton they just need to beef up that OL :bowser:
 
I know everyone still wants us to get a big RB because Chris Brown is not getting it done on the goal line so I say take Brandon Minor, RB from Michigan, in the 3rd-6th round. I don't know where he will be projected, but it will probably be the 4th or 5th round range.

He's 6'1 216 lbs, but plays like he's 225+. He's as tough, physical, and as passionate a runner as anyone else in this draft. Also, Michigan uses the zone blocking principles in their offense so he could come in and contribute immediately much like Slaton did. He would be an upgrade over Chris Brown on the goal line plus he could be the priority backup to Slaton. Not a bad pickup in my mind.
 
Sounds good to me. Sign one of them for us badboy.

Go Texans!!
The last three games has shown the run avg against our defense dropping and I am concerned that Kubes will go for smaller DTs. Our success while good is based on lighter DTs with more ability than Frank Okam. Not sure that is the way to go.
 
I know everyone still wants us to get a big RB because Chris Brown is not getting it done on the goal line so I say take Brandon Minor, RB from Michigan, in the 3rd-6th round. I don't know where he will be projected, but it will probably be the 4th or 5th round range.

He's 6'1 216 lbs, but plays like he's 225+. He's as tough, physical, and as passionate a runner as anyone else in this draft. Also, Michigan uses the zone blocking principles in their offense so he could come in and contribute immediately much like Slaton did. He would be an upgrade over Chris Brown on the goal line plus he could be the priority backup to Slaton. Not a bad pickup in my mind.
WF the problem with 216 playing like 225+ in the NFL is the pounding. This is the concern for Slaton. Yeah he looks good sometimes going for 3-4 between the tackles but you have huge Dlinemen popping you as you run and some hit you pretty square. Even for a big guy it can be very harsh. I'm wanting a guy that is 230+ and plays like 260 with great hands that can catch, block and have enough speed once i the backfield to rumble for 15-20. We do not have that. Only 3 in draft right now; Scott, Gerhart and Dixon. Scott is dropping which does not say much this early. His 2009 is not as productive as 2008.
 
An interesting late round guy is Andre Dixon from UCONN. He was the starter here before donald brown took over last year and is starting now that he's gone. Listed at 6'1 210 but prob around 215-220 with room for a little more.

The thing I really like is that he fits the team needs. He's a powerful downhill runner who doesn't dance around in the backfield. He's very decisive and would be perfect for a zbs. So far this year he's got over 600 yards at 5 ypc and is splitting time at RB.
 
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An interesting late round guy is Andre Dixon from UCONN. He was the starter here before donald brown took over last year and is starting now that he's gone. Listed at 6'1 210 but prob around 215 with room for a little more.

The thing I really like is that he fits the team needs. He's a powerful downhill runner who doesn't dance around in the backfield. He's very decisive and would be perfect for a zbs. So far this year he's got over 600 yards at 5 ypc and is splitting time at RB.
Hopefully no halfback types will be drafted before 6th round as we have too many needs to go after a back up for Slaton and Moats.
 
Hopefully no halfback types will be drafted before 6th round as we have too many needs to go after a back up for Slaton and Moats.

Completely agree and that's why I like dixon (that and being a uconn student). He's not going to be a starter and lacks breakaway speed, but he's powerful, has good vision, almost always gains positive yards, never fumbles and can help in the pass game as a fantastic blocking back and someone who can do a little in the flats. This team has too many holes to use a high pick on a complement back.
 
Completely agree and that's why I like dixon (that and being a uconn student). He's not going to be a starter and lacks breakaway speed, but he's powerful, has good vision, almost always gains positive yards, never fumbles and can help in the pass game as a fantastic blocking back and someone who can do a little in the flats. This team has too many holes to use a high pick on a complement back.
Sounds like a Slaton type runner. I do not follow UCONN football. What quality teams has he run on?
 
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