With the draft quickly approaching, I will continue to release the top 5 players by position for the upcoming draft. Many teams in the NFL have been going to a two or three back system and that has resulted in a high demand for running backs. The 2010 draft class has no shortage of talent at the position, and here are the top 5 ball carriers that your team could target:
1. C.J. Spiller, Clemson
Spiller is an explosive back that has scouts drooling. He has drawn comparisons to current Saints running back Reggie Bush, but Spiller has a more solid build and his legs don’t go dead on first contact like Bush. Spiller also has added value with his ability to catch passes out of the backfield and he will contribute in the returning game.
As a receiver, the Clemson back runs excellent routes and has great hands. He would be a perfect change of pace back and will be utilized in many positions. You could see Spiller in the backfield, lined up at slot or even split out wide.
Spiller will need to work on his pass protection and he isn’t going to be effective around the goal line, however, his explosiveness and versatility along with his patience and vision will land him in the top of the draft.
Grade: Top 15 pick
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2. Ryan Mathews, Fresno State
The nation’s leading rusher Ryan Mathews, unlike C.J. Spiller, has the size (5′11, 220) to become an every down back in the NFL. He has incredible footwork and balance. He proved during his time at Fresno State that he can handle the main load while still maintaining his speed.
Mathews will need to improve as a receiving threat, but he is a very reliable ball carrier.
What he lacks in the receiving game, Mathews more than makes up for it with his ball security and toughness. In his 535 career carries, Mathews only allowed the ball to hit the turf three times.
Mathews runs with power and he still has the ability to make defenders miss in tight spaces. If Mathews see a gap he will beat the defender to the spot and take the ball all the way to the endzone.
Grade: Top 25 pick
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3. Jahvid Best, California
Jahvid Best has been out of action since November 7 when he suffered a serious concussion against Oregon State. Best is another speed back, which this class is heavy on.
He has elite speed, but what makes him dangerous is his ability to maintain that speed in and out of the cuts. Best always keeps his feet moving and that allows him to pick up some extra yards. He does need to get stronger and run with more power, but with his elusiveness and vision, Best will be able to find the hole.
Best also brings the added value as a receiving threat. He has soft hands and is brilliant in open space. He runs with a low pad level that will make him a challenge to bring down for defensive backs.
Grade: First-round pick
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4. Dexter McCluster, Ole Miss
McCluster is the most exciting player in this year’s draft. He is the jack of all trades and has really seen his value skyrocket in the offseason. McCluster blew scouts away at the Senior Bowl with his ability to play both running back and wide receiver.
With his lack of size (5-foot-6, 165-pounds), McCluster will likely be drafted as a running back and could see himself filling the “Darren Sproles” role for an offense. The running style is similar, however, the Ole Miss back is a much better passing threat than Sproles.
McCluster will be highly valued with his home run ability. Offensive coordinators will be lobbying to take this guy in the teams war rooms on draft day.
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5. Jonathan Dwyer, Georgia Tech
Dwyer is one of the top power backs in this year’s class. At 235-pounds, he runs with incredible power and will not shy away from contact. Dwyer had 517 carries during his time at Georgia Tech and he never recorded a fumble in his collegiate career.
His numbers are not as eye-dropping as some other prospects, but that is mainly due to his role in the Yellow Jackets triple-option offense. Dwyer served as the fullback where most of his work was done inside the tackles.
While his numbers may have suffered, his leg strength and bruising running style was highlighted.
Grade: mid to late second-round pick
DC Pro Sports Report
FanSided
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How the hell can you not include Toby Gerhart?? You include the midget McCluster instead? I will never read any more of your write ups, you somehow forget to include the best runningback in D1 this year. Do your research man.
@TY15 Gerhart will likely be a late second or third round selection. He may have been the best in college and could be a solid NFL back, but he is not one of the top five draft prospects at his position.
What is the problem u don’t think Gerhart has the chops to make it in the NFL? U r a nut Sanchez. At the very least he should be a mid 1st rounder, but I guess he does not possess the the proper shake and bake to make it in the NFL as a feature back (we all know what that means). Good lord I hope he blows everyone away and ends up in the 1,000 yard club, it sure has been a long time since we have seen that! (Know what I mean). I would love to hear your excuse for this, I can go all day. I must agree with TY15 do your research man!
No where did I say Gerhart couldn’t cut it. I just stated that he is not a top 5 prospect at his position. He fits in the late second-third round range which would rank him anywhere from 6-8.
Just to list a few concerns on Gerhart: he lacks elite speed, he needs to seriously improve his ball security, he is not shifty, and is a one dimensional back (not much of a receiving threat)
He could develop into a Brandon Jacobs type runner, but that is not worth a top draft pick
Toby Gerhart is more powerful & has better balance than most all these mugs. It’s only due to the fallacious caste system that he’s not the #1 or #2 RB/TB selected.
ignore the trolls, Josh. they’re from a pro-white football forum and don’t like seeing black players ahead of Toby Gerhart.
Whatever chrisbm, you must have brain frag. Not everyone is a troll and they do have some better than adequate statements to make and I understand the frustration. But to say that they are trolls because they think that Gerhart is a better back than let’s say Spiller because Gerhart is white is a little ridiculous on your part. Gerhart just happens to be the best back in the country and he just happens to be white. I don’t agree with everything they may argue about but they do make a point on this particular issue. I am not a member of that forum but I do observe as I do others, and I can see why this has become a hot issue. Any thoughts?
@SMS: Click on “DixieDestroyer’s” name and look at the site it links to. It’s sports website with obvious racist motivations.