Overalls
All Pro
Well since there is some debate over if the Texans should draft a RB in the first or not I figured I would post the opinion of one sports writer about the backs that could be had in the 3rd round of the draft. He groups the backs into 3 groups but I'll only post his 3rd group.
http://www.nfl.com/draft/story?id=0...with-video&confirm=true&refcode=nfl-ed_0222NL
http://www.nfl.com/draft/story?id=0...with-video&confirm=true&refcode=nfl-ed_0222NL
Group Three
1. Chris Johnson, East Carolina. Johnson told me a few weeks ago that a 4.2 40 time is in the plans for this spring. He had 125 receptions in his college career and could be a bigger version of Brian Westbrook. If he lasts until the third round, he will be a steal.
2. Mike Hart, Michigan. A workhorse like DeAngelo Williams was in college, Hart had 1,015 carries for the Wolverines for 5,040 yards and 41 rushing touchdowns. He also caught 67 passes. His stock is a bit down, as one college scouting director is concerned he had too much wear and tear on the college gridiron.
3. Kevin Smith, Central Florida. Smith rushed for 2,567 yards last season and, at 6-foot-1, 210 pounds, he has the body to take a beating. His speed is the big question. If he runs a 4.5, his stock will rise quickly. One NFL scout thought he had a chance for an Edgerrin James-type career -- not a lot of big explosive runs, but steady and effective.
With all the young talent pouring into the NFL this spring, it will not be a good year for the veteran backs hoping free agency delivers a big contract. I didn't even put Tashard Choice (Georgia Tech) or Matt Forte (Tulane) in a group and there are a few teams thinking they could be an answer.
The teams getting excited about the 2008 running back class should include -- but not be restricted to -- Detroit, Houston, Cincinnati, Atlanta, Arizona, Cleveland, Chicago, and the Jets. I asked one offensive coordinator about his running back situation, which is poor to say the least, and he said, "Only one team is going to get Michael Turner from the Chargers in free agency, but the more tape I watch, the less concerned I am if we don't get him."