2012 NFL Draft Running Back Rankings Pros and Cons
By Editorial Staff
I will list the pros and cons for every running back prospect. This will be just like last weeks feature with the quarterback prospects that I did. I will start with the feature running back for the 2012 NFL Draft Trent Richardson. 2012 may be considered a weak running back class, but some unknown prospects are beginning to emerge.
Will anyone jump Richardson in the draft rankings?
Trent Richardson Running Back Alabama #3 Junior 5 foot 11 224 pounds
STATS: During Richardson’s first two seasons he split carries with 2011 first round pick Mark Ingram ceasing every opportunity he had as the Crimson Tide’s back in the backfield. Richardson is the feature running back in the 2012 NFL Draft. Ingram was the feature running back in the 2011 NFL Draft. Richardson projected to get drafted much higher than his predecessor Mark Ingram. Ingram won the 2009 Heisman Trophy for those who recall.
As a freshman in 2009 Trent Richardson rushed for 751 rushing yards on 145 carries along with 8 rushing touchdowns. Richardson averaged 5.2 yards per carry as a freshman. Despite splitting carries with Ingram, Richardson finished 10th in SEC rushing yards as a true freshman averaging about a bare minimum of 54 rushing yards a game splitting carries with Ingram as a true freshman.
Richardson had 2 games of over 100 rushing yards as a freshman. One of those games came against the Texas Longhorns in the 2010 BCS Championship Game. Richardson has delivered on the big stage before in a big game so there is no reason to think Richardson is incapable of this feat at the professional level.
As a sophomore in 2010, Richardson started the first 2 games for an injured Mark Ingram who was attempting to defend his Heisman trophy. Richardson did well in those 2 starts and earned more reps splitting carries with Ingram in 2010.
Richardson finished the 2010 season with 112 carries for 700 rushing yards, and 6 rushing touchdowns. Despite splitting carries with Ingram once again in 2010, Ingram averaged a mind boggling 6.2 yards per carry as a sophomore. Richardson led Alabama with 36 plays of 15 yards or more last season.
So far in 2011 Alabama is off to a 7-0 start. In 7 games Richardson has 132 carries, averaging 6.9 yards per carry, 912 rushing yards, and 15 rushing touchdowns.
Those numbers are simply unheard of. The record for most yards per carry is 7.6 held by Barry Sanders back in 1987. No one will ever touch that record in today’s generation of football with so many coaches trying to game plan against the run. The fact that Richardson is only 0.8 yards behind that record with 6.9 yards per carry when the game is much more evolved today has to baffle your mind to a certain extent.
DRAFT STATUS: Richardson should declare after this season. Richardson is a top 10 pick and a top 5 talent who could potentially end up being drafted in the top 5 of April’s 2012 NFL Draft.
PROS: Has the physical tools, physical ability, durability, size, can play in any NFL scheme, has the mental attributes and intangibles to succeed in the NFL, speed, excellent ball carrier vision, can be used as a power runner, can be used as an elusive runner, equally balanced as a power runner, catches in the backfield, catches out of the backfield, breaks tackles, jukes defenders, trucks defenders, stiff arm d can give your team 25 to 30 carries a game, workhorse, runs to the inside, runs to the outside, catches out of the backfield, current and former teammates speak very highly of Richardson, production, potential
CONS: Has a really good run blocking offensive line. Could be more agile not reading too much into this because Richardson is very elusive as a power runner. Was the secondary back in Alabama’s backfield prior to this season. Are you getting a primary back or a secondary back with Richardson?
I love Richardson as a prospect, but your kidding yourself if you think NFL GM’s won’t ask themselves if Richardson is a primary or secondary back because he rotated carries with Ingram for 2 years. I think its kind of pointless to ask yourself these questions when your evaluating an exceptional back like Richardson. Still, running backs have short life spans in the NFL and GM’s want to find answers to their questions.
Summary: Trent Richardson is arguably the best running back prospect to declare since Adrian Peterson. Richardson has a chance to become the first running back drafted in the top 5 since Darren McFadden back in 2008.
Player Comparison: Richardson has Barry Sanders elusiveness and Emmitt Smith’s power running. Richardson is not as elusive as Barry, but he displays ability to be elusive like Sanders at times while showcasing power running ability in the mold of an Emmitt Smith type back.
Projected Round: Top 5 Talent Top 10 Pick
Lamar Miller Running Back Miami FL #6 Sophomore Redshirt 5 foot 11 212 pounds
STATS: Lamar Miller redshirted in 2009. Miller was a secondary back complimenting the #1 back in the backfield in 2010. Miller played in 11 games only making 1 start. Miller rushed for 646 rushing yards, averaged 6 yards per carry, and rushed for 6 rushing touchdowns.
Miller only had 108 carries as a redshirt freshman. As a redshirt sophomore Miller has 110 carries through 6 games. Miller has 706 rushing yards and 6 total touchdowns (5 rushing and 1 receiving) through 6 games.
Miller averaged 6 carries as a redshirt freshman. As the feature back Miller has averaged 6.4 yards per carry.
DRAFT STATUS: Its uncertain whether Miller declares or not. Miller could be a first round prospect in 2012 or 2013. Miller has a greater chance of being a first round pick if he returns for his junior redshirt season because he will have consistency. At the same time 2013 is a strong running back class with underclassmen Marcus Lattimore and Michael Dyer.
2012 is a weak running back class and Miller has the skill set to be the 2nd running back drafted in the first round if he opts to declare early.
Miami has that probation scandal occurring for paying student athletes. My original impression is that Miller would return to Miami FL next season. Now I am leaning towards the idea of him leaving a year early to avoid any potential conflict that could hurt his draft stock.
PROS: has the physical tools, physical Ability, durability, size, displays the mental intangibles to succeed, can play in any NFL scheme, ball carrier vision, speed, agility, runs to the inside, runs to the outside, catches in the backfield, catches out of the backfield, fights for every yard, production, potential
CONS: needs to show more ability as a power runner, one year wonder as a starter, needs more experience, has really good run blocking offensive line at Miami FL which may cover up some of his potential weaknesses. Not completely buying into the concept of Lamar Miller as a workhorse back yet.
Summary: Miller could declare following in the footsteps of former Hurricane running backs. Miller is graded out as a first round back. The question is will he declare?
Player Comparison: Edgerin James with more elusiveness coming out of college.
Projected Round: 1st Round
Chris Polk Running Back Washington #1 Junior Redshirt 6 foot 222 pounds
STATS: Polk rushed for back to back seasons of over 1,100 rushing yards. Polk illustrated his ability to catch the football out of the backfield by averaging 8.2 yards per catch. This season in 2011, Polk has averaged 12.8 yards per catch.
Polk could run a high 4.3 40 time at the 2012 NFL Combine. Polk has rushed for 728 rushing yards through 6 games as a junior redshirt.
DRAFT STATUS: Its uncertain whether Polk declares or not. 2013 looks stacked at running back and there is a chance that Polk could fall like James Starks if he got injured as a senior. There is no reason for Polk to return so I have to believe he will declare.
PROS: Has physical tools, physical ability, durability, size, has mental attributes, can play in any NFL scheme, intangibles, ball carrier vision, speed, agility, runs to the inside, runs to the outside, makes, can be used as a power runner, can be used as an elusive runner, catches out of the backfield, makes defenders miss by juking, makes defenders miss by trucking, explosive burst out of the backfield, makes big plays with a weak offensive line, current and former teammates speak very highly of Polk, workhorse, fights for every yard, production, potential
CONS: I literally cannot think of any particular cons that stand out. I don’t want to say nothing though. Even though I love Polk as a prospect he has a total of 640 carries at Washington while being on pace to have his 3rd straight season of 220+ carries. Could Polk be getting an excessive amount of carries at the collegiate level?
Summary: Chris Polk should be considered a first round back. He will probably fall to the late 2nd round due to the surplus of talent in this 2012 Draft Class. Polk could get pushed up if underclassmen return to school while injuries on seniors continue to pile up.
Player Comparison: Chris Johnson with better size coming out of Washington
Projected Round: 2nd Round Talent
Andre Ellington Running Back Clemson #23 Junior Redshirt 5 foot 10 190 pounds
STATS: Ellington was redshirted in 2008 when Clemson had James Davis, CJ Spiller, and Jamie Harper at running back. Ellington was a 3rd stringer as a freshman redshirt in 2009 behind Spiller and Harper.
Ellington ended his redshirt freshman campaign with 68 carries, 491 rushing yards, and 4 rushing touchdowns. Ellington gave coordinators nightmares when he had the chance averaging 7.2 yards per carry on limited attempts.
In 2010 as a sophomore redshirt Ellington was effective in the red zone with 10 rushing touchdowns while splitting carries with Jamie Harper. Ellington had 118 carries as a #2 back during his sophomore redshirt season.
This season Ellington has 139 carries, 740 rushing yards, and 7 rushing touchdowns through 7 games. Clemson is off to a 7-0 start in 2011.
DRAFT STATUS: Ellington is in your ideal running back jam that most underclassmen deal with. If he returns repeating his success he could be a late first rounder in 2013. If Ellington returns and gets injured his draft stock could take a hit. If Ellington comes out this year he is a 2nd round talent who is a stone cold lock to be a day 2 selection barring injuries or poor workouts at the 2012 NFL Combine.
PROS: Physical Ability, durability, mental attributes, can play in any NFL scheme, intangibles, ball carrier vision, speed, agility, runs to the inside, runs to the outside, juking ability, trucking ability, can play special teams, production, has potential to develop into effective complimentary back.
CONS: Undersized at the running back position. I want to see Ellington catch out of the backfield. Ellington tries to play like a power runner and he has the size of an elusive runner that may hurt him in the NFL. Has only one year of being the starting back despite being featured in Clemson’s running game constantly.
Summary: Ellington could get drafted in the first 2 rounds if he declares a year early. There is always a chance he returns for his senior year though. Clemson’s offense could return most of their offensive starters if all their underclassmen players on offense opt to return to Clemson.
Player Comparison: Maurice Jones Drew
Projected Round: 2nd Round Talent
Ray Graham Running Back Pittsburgh #1 Junior 5 foot 9 195 pounds
STATS: Graham had 349 rushing yards as a true freshman seeing very limited action behind Dion Lewis who ended up being a freshman of the year for Pittsburgh in 2009. Graham had 922 rushing yards and 8 rushing touchdowns as a sophomore splitting carries with Dion Lewis in 2010.
In 2011 Graham has 162 carries, 945 rushing yards, and 9 rushing touchdowns. Graham has 30 receptions this year. Graham has had 200 receiving yards for the 2nd straight season so Graham has the ability to catch the football out of the backfield.
DRAFT STATUS: Pittsburgh landed 5 star recruit Rushel Shell a 5 star recruit who weighs 5 foot 11 215 pounds out of high school. Graham’s draft stock will dip if he does not declare in 2012. 2012 is a weak running back class so Graham may benefit from leaving early. LeSean McCoy and Dion Lewis both left Pittsburgh as underclassmen. I get the feeling that Ray Graham will follow suit also. Pittsburgh produces a good running back factory for the NFL with old school backs like Tony Dorsett and Curtis Martin in addition to new school backs like LeSean McCoy and Dion Lewis.
Ray Graham has a very good chance of declaring in 2012. Pittsburgh wants to give Shell a good majority of the teams carries in 2012 since he is such a highly coveted recruit.
PROS: physical ability, durability, can play in any NFL offensive scheme, intangibles, ball carrier vision, speed, can run inside running lanes, can run outside running lanes, can be used as a power runner, can be used as an elusive runner, catches passes out of the backfield, has stepped up for a Pittsburgh offense that lacked an identity heading into this season, production, potential
CONS: Lacks the size, good run blocking offensive line, Graham only has 1 year of experience as a starting running back. I would like to see him break more tackles by juking and trucking defenders. Graham has the ability to run inside or outside the running lanes with his elusive agility and power running technique. I would like to see Graham break more tackles.
This is not a criticism towards Graham. I think Graham has the ability to develop into a solid starter. I just am stating the obvious when I would like to see Graham brake tackles more often.
Summary: Ray Graham is a day 2 talent if he comes out this year. He may as well declare because he will be a day 3 pick if he returns for his senior year. Plus 2013 will be a much stronger running back class so he almost has to declare now in 2012.
Player Comparison: Dion Lewis
Edwin Baker Running Back Michigan State #4 Junior 5 foot 9 210 pounds
STATS: Baker had 427 rushing yards as a freshman in 2009. In 2010 Baker had 1,201 rushing yards as a true sophomore. Baker has 419 rushing yards with 88 carries so far in 2011.
Baker had 26 carries, 167 rushing yards, and a rushing touchdown against a legit Michigan defense that uses a 3-4 scheme.
DRAFT STATUS: Edwin Baker’s draft status is a major uncertainty at this point. Last week I had Baker graded out as a 4th round talent before bumping him up to a 3rd round talent this week. I believe Baker could be a 2nd round pick in 2013 if he returns for his senior season at Michigan State. Kirk Cousins will be gone so I get the feeling that Baker may return because the offense will center around him more.
PROS: physical ability, durability, mental attributes, can play in any NFL offense, intangibles, ball carrier vision, speed, agility, runs to the inside, runs to the outside, production, potential
CONS: undersized, needs to juke more, needs to truck more, needs to catch more passes out of the backfield, has a really good run blocking unit at Michigan State.
Summary: Edwin Baker has the talent to succeed in this league. He may one to return for his senior year because he does have some cons he needs to address. Returning could boost his draft stock. Declaring early makes Baker a late day 2 pick going in the 3rd round at best.
Player Comparison: Javon Ringer
Projected Round: 3rd Round Talent
Montee Ball Running Back Wisconsin Junior #28 5 foot 11 210 pounds
STATS: Montee Ball had 391 rushing yards as a true freshman. Ball had a mind boggling 18 rushing touchdowns and 996 rushing yards as a true sophomore. Ball averaged 6.1 yards per carry as a sophomore
As a junior through 6 games Ball has averaged 6.1 yards per carry, rushed for 653 rushing yards, and scored 16 rushing touchdowns.
DRAFT STATUS: Ball is a day 2 talent if he comes out this year. Ball could prove to be a first round talent if he returns for his senior year.
PROS: Elite physical tools, physical ability, durability, size, mental attributes, can play in any NFL offense, intangibles, ball carrier vision, production, potential
CONS: Need to see more speed and burst off the edge, needs to run to the outside more often, I would like to see Ball catch the football out of the backfield more often, splits carries, has an elite offensive line that opens huge running lanes
Summary: Someone on NFL mocks believes Ball is a first round pick. Ball has been very impressive with 34 rushing touchdowns over an 18 game span rushing for multiple rushing touchdowns every game this season.
I disagree about Ball being a first rounder though because the Badgers offensive line is beyond ridiculously good when it comes to pass blocking and run blocking despite losing Gabe Carimi and John Moffitt to the 2011 NFL Draft. Wisconsin has 2 bookend tackles in addition to 2 interior offensive lineman who are 2nd round prospects.
Wisconsin left tackle Ricky Wagner is a top 10 talent buying Russell Wilson time opening up the lanes for Ball. Center Peter Konz is arguably the top underclassmen center who would be the best center prospect after Ohio State’s Michael Brewster. Konz is a 2nd round prospect in 2012 and a 2013 first rounder if he returns for his senior year. Right guard Kevin Zeitler is a 2nd round pick. Bookend right tackle Josh Oglesby looks legit as a run blocking bookend. Wisconsin is an offensive line factory and the Badgers offensive line is producing a lot of openings for their running game with 3 offensive lineman projected to get drafted in the first 2 rounds of April’s 2012 NFL Draft.
Player Comparison: a rawer version of Rashard Mendenhall with more upside, character, and potential
Projected Round: 3rd Round Talent
Christine Michael Running Back Texas A&M #33 Junior 5 foot 11 213 pounds
STATS: Christine Michael had 844 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns as a true freshman in 2009 after A&M lost Mike Goodson to the 2009 NFL Draft the previous season. Injuries lingered and kept Michael from finishing the season in 2010. Now as a junior Michael splits carries with Cyrus Gray. The Michael/Gray tandem is similar to Oklahoma’s DeMarco Murray/Chris Brown running back tandem at Oklahoma.
DRAFT STATUS: As an underclassmen it would probably be in Michael’s best interest to finish out his senior campaign. Michael may opt to leave school early which is something to keep an eye on.
PROS: Elite Physical Ability, size, speed, runs to the inside, runs to the outside, catches out of the backfield production
CONS: Durability, mental attributes, ball carrier vision needs to improve, hasn’t proven he could be the feature back, has a really good offensive line run blocking for him, potential
Summary: Christine Michael reminds me a lot of DeMarco Murray with his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield.
Player Comparison: DeMarco Murray
Projected Round: 3rd Round Talent
Cyrus Gray Running Back Texas A&M #32 Senior 5 foot 10 200 pounds
STATS: Cyrus Gray had 75 carries as a freshman before becoming the #2 back as a sophomore for A&M. Gray really managed to burst onto the scene as a junior with 200 carries, 1,133 rushing yards, and 12 rushing touchdowns.
DRAFT STATUS: This years 2012 NFL Draft is weak when it comes to senior running backs. Cyrus Gray is the top senior running back. Gray should start for the South team in the 2012 Senior Bowl. We will get a better idea of what Gray can do once he starts at the senior bowl since he splits carries with Christine Michael.
PROS: Elite physical ability, durability, speed, agility, runs to the inside, runs to the outside, elite production
CONS: slightly undersized, lacks mental attributes, ball carrier vision needs improvement, potential
Projected Round 3rd Round Talent
Isaiah Pead Running Back Cincinnati Senior 5 foot 11 200 pounds
STATS: As a freshman in 2008 Pead had 38 carries for 194 rushing yards. Pead did not see much action as a freshman.
As a sophomore in 2009 Pead really helped balance the Bearcats offense making plays when quarterback Tony Pike didn’t fire the ball to wide receiver Mardy Gilyard. Pead had 806 rushing yards, 9 rushing touchdowns, and 2 receiving touchdowns as a sophomore.
As a junior Isaiah Pead rushed for more than 1,000 rushing yards. Pead had 1,029 rushing yards as a junior.
So far through 6 games Pead has 624 rushing yards and 8 rushing touchdowns for Cincinnati.
DRAFT STATUS: Pead could end up starting for the North team in the 2012 Senior Bowl. Pead’s draft status could be determined on his Senior Bowl and Combine performance.
PROS: Has elite physical tools, Physical Ability, durability, size, speed, agility, runs to the inside, runs to the outside, can be used as a power runner, can be used as an elusive runner, catches pass in the backfield, catches out of the backfield, production
CONS: Mental attributes need to improve, intangibles can be inconsistent at times, poor ball carrier vision, has the potential of a #3 back on a depth chart.
Summary: Pead is no starter by any stretch of the imagination. He may shoot up draft boards with a strong senior bowl and combine performance. Pead could be effective as a #3 back on a depth chart or a goal line back. I cannot see Pead succeeding as a #2 or #1 back right away as a rookie.
Player Comparison: Poor mans Gale Sayers I cannot see Pead succeeding, but one scout who saw Pead play in high school compared Pead to Gale Sayers. Pead shrugged off the comparison and then replied, “Who is Gale Sayers? Did he play for the Bears? I need to see him play?” Bears fans may get offended if their organization drafts Pead and he replies who is Gale Sayers?
Projected Round: 4th Round Talent
Daniel “Boom” Herron Running Back Ohio State #1 Senior Redshirt 5 foot 10 205 pounds
STATS: In 2007 Herron was redshirted. In 2008 Heron was the Buckeyes #3 in the backfield behind Chris “Beanie” Wells and Brandon Saine.
As a redshirt freshman in 2008 Saine had 89 carries, 439 rushing yards, and 6 rushing touchdowns. That is impressive for a 3rds tring back.
In 2009 as a sophomore redshirt Herron became the Buckeyes #2 back. Herron had 153 carries, 600 rushing yards, and 7 rushing touchdowns.
In 2010 as a junior redshirt Herron had a monster season. Herron had 216 carries, 1,155 rushing yards, and 16 rushing touchdowns.
In 2011 as as senior redshirt Herron got suspended for the first 6 games. Herron returned from his suspension last week having a mind boggling game with 23 carries, 114 rushing yards, and a rushing touchdown. Herron’s running and the Buckeye’s run blocking were the reason why Ohio State knocked off undefeated Illinois on the road.
DRAFT STATUS: Herron was a day 2 pick before his suspension at Ohio State. A strong senior bowl and combine could potentially propel Herron up to the late part of the 2nd round.
PROS: Physical Ability, Durability, can play in any NFL offensive scheme, production, potential
CONS: Intangibles, ball carrier vision, runs to the inside, runs to the outside, speed, agility, character, needs to catch better out of the backfield, has an elite run blocking offensive line at Ohio State.
Summary: Herron has the potential to develop into a pro bowler. At the same time this is a high risk high reward pick due to the lack of intangibles Herron displays at this point. Herron is a 4th round talent and I believe if you are picking in round 4 and Herron is available that you can overlook some of Herron’s concerns.
Player Comparison: Antonio Pittman
Projected Round: 4th Round Talent
Bernard Pierce Running Back Temple Junior 6 foot 218 pounds
STATS: As a true freshman Bernard Pierce rushed for 1,361 rushing yards, averaging 5.8 yards per carry while rushing for 16 rushing touchdowns.
As a sophomore Pierce had 728 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns. Temple struggled to stay healthy as a sophomore. People are saying Pierce struggled to stay healthy in both his freshman and sophomore seasons, but Pierce had a monster freshman campaign so I find that difficult to believe to a certain degree.
As a junior Pierce has 164 carries, 844 rushing yards, and 17 rushing touchdowns.
DRAFT STATUS: Pierce is in a similar situation as former MAC back James Starks. If he returns for his senior year and stays healthy he is a day 2 pick. If Pierce declares he will be a day 3 selection. By returning for his senior year he risks the chance of falling to the 6th round.
PROS: Physical ability, size, has the mental attributes, can play in any NFL scheme, intangibles, ball carrier vision, speed, agility, runs to the inside, runs to the outside, power runner, elusive runner, production, potential
CONS: Durability, plays against weak competition
Summary: Worst case scenario Bernard Pierce is the next James Starsk. Best case scenario Pierce goes on to have an Adrian Peterson like career. Pierce and Peterson both have a lot in common. Both players had monster campaigns in college before suffering injuries.
Player Comparison: Poor Mans Adrian Peterson
Projected Round: 4th Round Talent
Doug Martin Running Back Boise State #22 Senior Redshirt 5 foot 9 215 pounds
STATS: Martin redshirted in 2007. Martin saw limited action in 2008 as a redshirt freshman as Ian Johnson entered his final year at Boise State.
As a sophomore redshirt Doug Martin had 755 rushing yards, averaged 5.9 yards per carry, and 15 rushing touchdowns. Martin started to make Broncos coaches wonder if he could be a long term answer thanks to Johnson’s departure.
As a junior redhist Martin had 201 carries, 1260 rushing yards, averaging 6.3 yards per carry, while rushing for 12 rushing touchdowns.
As a senior redshirt through 6 games Martin has 121 carries. Martin has 622 rushing yards and 8 rushing touchdowns.
Martin had 20 carries 200 rushing yards and 3 rushing touchdowns against Colorado State last week. Take away Martin’s performance you will realize that Martin’s numbers have declined significantly from last year.
DRAFT STATUS: Martin is likely going to be a 3rd string back for the North Team at the senior bowl. Martin is a 4th round talent who looks like a day 3 pick. A strong senior bowl and combine could propel Martin to be a late round 2 pick.
PROS: physical ability, durability, production
CONS: undersized, lacks mental attributes, intangibles, lack of ball carrier vision, speed, agility, has a really good offensive line run blocking for him
Summary: People think Doug Martin could be a sleeper. I believe Martin is a poor mans version of former Boise State Bronco Ian Johnson because he relies on his offensive line to open up the running lanes.
Player Comparison: Poor Mans Ian Johnson
Projected Round: 4th Round Talent
Montel Harris Running Back Boston College #2 Senior 5 foot 11 207 pounds
STATS: As a true freshman in 2008 Montel Harris has rushed for 900 rushing yards while recording at least 1 receiving touchdown. The last two seasons Harris rushed for over 1,200 rushing yards in back to back seasons. Harris got 1 receiving touchdown in 2009 and 2010.
2011 has been a slow start for Montel Harris. He missed the first 3 weeks with an injury. When Boston College hosted Wake Forest, Montel Harris broke Boston College’s all time record for rushing yards.
Harris is now Boston College’s all time leader in rushing yards. What’s next for Harris? Maybe Harris will get a shot in the pros.
DRAFT STATUS: Montel Harris appears to be a day 3 selection at this point regardless of how he performs in the combine workouts. Its just a matter of Harris going in round 4 or potentially falling to round 7.
PROS: Durability is not a concern with Harris despite injuries his senior year, size, can play in any NFL scheme, ball carrier vision, runs to the inside, runs to the outside, production, potential
CONS: Lacks physical ability to truck defenders becoming a power runner.
Summary: Montel Harris is a day 3 pick. He is a 5th round talent right now, but he could move himself up to the 4th round or move himself down with a poor performance at the NFL Combine.
Player Comparison: Terrell Davis Montel Harris is a late round gem just like former Broncos back Terrell Davis.
Projected Round: 5th Round Talent
Marc Tyler Running Back USC #26 Senior Redshirt 5 foot 11 230 pounds
STATS: Marc Tyler is a very physical back. The problem is Tyler has never exceeded the 1,000 rushing yard mark. Last season as a junior redshirt Tyler had 913 rushing yards and 9 rushing touchdowns when fully healthy. Injuries have limited Tyler’s career.
DRAFT STATUS: Tyler is a 5th round talent. If he cannot work out at the 2011 NFL Combine his draft stock could slide further.
PROS: Elite physical ability, has the size that NFL scouts look for at the running back position, can play in any NFL scheme, can be used as a power runner, can run to the inside, solid production when healthy.
CONS: Major issues when it comes to staying durable. Durability is a major red flag with Marc Tyler. Lacks the mental attributes to succeed, needs to improve ball carrier vision, cannot run to the outside, needs to improve juking, needs to improve trucking, has the potential of a #2 back in the backfield. Tyler is not a starter, but he could become a good complimentary back if he can stay healthy.
Summary: Marc Tyler’s injury issues could limit his carries in the NFL. It makes you wonder if any team will take a chance on him.
Player Comparison: Stefan Johnson with less mental discipline than Johnson
Projected Round: 5th Round Talent could slide further if injuries occur
Lance Dunbar Running Back North Texas #5 Senior 5 foot 9 203 pounds
STATS: Lance Dunbar rushed for nearly 3,000 rushing yards while rushing for a combined total of 30 rushing touchdowns. Dunbar is also effective at catching out of the backfield. Dunbar’s numbers are down this year. He has only had 3 games of 100 rushing yards.
DRAFT STATUS: Dunbar needs an impressive 2012 Senior Bowl and combine to solidify his draft status.
PROS: Back to back 1,000 yard rusher, runs to the inside, runs to the outside, can be used as a power runner, can be used to an elusive runner, catches out of the backfield
CONS: Needs to improve physical tools, lacks mental attributes, needs more experience running in an NFL offense, ball carrier vision needs improvement, production, potential
Summary: Dunbar is a 5th round talent who has shown some flashes at times with explosive big plays.
Player Comparison: Taiwan Jones
Projected Round: 5th Round Talent
Bryce Brown Running Back Kansas State #8 Sophomore Redshirt 6 foot 220 pounds
STATS: Bryce Brown was the #1 overall recruit coming out of high school. Brown exceeded the 100 rushing yard mark against Western Kentucky. Bryce Brown had 101 carries, 460 rushing yards, and 3 rushing touchdowns at Tennessee as a true freshman. Brown also had 10 receptions for 137 receiving yards and 1 receiving touchdown.
Brown transferred to Kansas State in 2010. Brown is now a sophomore redshirt.
DRAFT STATUS: Bryce Brown will declare after this season as a sophomore redshirt.
PROS: Durability, Size, Plays in an NFL offense, potential
CONS: Physical ability, intangibles, ball carrier vision, production
Summary: Bryce Brown is an underclassmen who will declare for the 2012 NFL Draft. Who knows if he even gets drafted.
Player Comparison: Darius Walker
Player Comparison: 6th Round Talent
LaMichael James Running Back Oregon #21 Junior Redshirt 5 foot 9 185 pounds
STATS: James sat out in 2008 as freshman redshirt. In 2009 as a freshman redshirt James had 230 carries for 1,546 rushing yards and 14 receiving touchdowns. In 2010 as a sophomore redshirt James had 294 carries for 1,731 rushing yards and 21 rushing touchdowns.
In 2011 James only has 852 rushing yards on 95 carries.
DRAFT STATUS: There is a good chance that LaMichael James could declare early. I think this would be a grave mistake. Scouts are already knocking James ability as a power runner.
PROS: Speed, agility, can run to the inside, can run to the outside, can juke tackles, can spin making defenders miss, can be used as an elusive runner, elite production getting back to back 1,500 rushing yard seasons.
CONS: Lacks physical tools, lacks physical ability to become power runner, durability issues, undersized, needs more experience in NFL offense, lacks the intangibles, ball carrier vision needs major improvement, does not have potential that other undersized backs have.
Summary: There are people who think James is the best back after Trent Richardson. There are people who think he is a mid round talent. Then there are people like me who are tough critics who question the possibility of even drafting LaMichael James.
Player Comparison: Jonathan Dwyer LaMichael James draft stock is just like Dwyer’s their running styles are different, but their draft stock is completely identical.
Projected Round: 6th Round Talent
Tauren Poole Running Back Tennessee #28 Senior 5 foot 10 215 pounds
STATS: Tauren Poole’s number of carries has been limited. As a junior in 2010 Poole rushed for 1,034 rushing yards. Poole is not close to matching those numbers in 2011.
DRAFT STATUS: Poole will likely be the 3rd string back for the South Team in the 2012 Senior Bowl. Poole will get additional opportunities to impress at the NFL scouts at the combine along with Tennessee’s pro day.
PROS: Physical Ability, size, plays in an NFL scheme, intangibles, ball carrier vision, speed, agility, can be used as an elusive runner, can be used as a power runner, can juke defenders, can truck defenders, can spin to make defenders miss, can stiff arm to make defenders miss, production, potential
CONS: durability, one year wonder
Summary: Tauren Poole has all the power running ability that you look for in a running back.
Player Comparison: Montario Hardesty with Mendenhall’s physical tools
Projected Round: 7th Round Talent
Brandon Bolden Running Back Ole Miss #34 Senior 5 foot 11 220 pounds
STATS: Bolden had over 900 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns.
DRAFT STATUS: Bolden was a 4th round pick heading into the year. Bolden has fallen to a 7th round talent with his poor start.
PROS: elite physical tools, physical ability, durability, size, mental attributes, can play in an NFL offense, intangibles, ball carrier vision, production, potential
CONS: Needs to be more consistent, has a really good run blocking offensive line
Summary: Bolden is a talented player. His poor 2011 start pushed Bolden down from a 2012 early day 3 pick to a borderline day 3 selection.
Player Comparison: Peyton Hillis
Projected Round: 7th Round Talent
Vick Ballard Running Back Mississippi State #26 Senior 5 foot 11 220 pounds
STATS: Had 20 touchdowns in 2010. 19 of those 20 touchdowns were rushing touchdowns on the ground for Mississippi State.
PROS: makes defenders miss tackles, size
CONS: Not physical enough, durability issues, mental attributes need to improve, intangibles, ball carrier vision, offensive line makes Ballard look better than he actually is, production, potential
Summary: Ballard opened up the year as a 5th round talent. Ballard has dropped to a 7th round talent.
Player Comparison: Poor Mans Anthony Dixon
Projected Round: 7th Round Talent
Jason Ford Running Back Illinois #21 Senior 6 foot 1 235 pounds
STATS: Jason Ford has yet to rush for 700 rushing yards in a regular season. Ford has sat out as a rotational back behind Mikel Leshoure until this year.
DRAFT STATUS: Jason Ford will maake or break his draft stock depending on his combine performance.
PROS: Elite physical tools, physical ability, durability, excellent size, potential
CONS: Lacks mental attributes, intangibles, ball carrier vision, production
Summary: Jason Ford is a 7th round talent. He could move up draft boards with an impressive combine.
Player Comparison: Poor mans Pierre Thomas
Projected Round: 7th Round Talent
Jeff Demps Running Back Florida #28 Senior 5 foot 7 191 pounds
STATS: Jeff Demps stats are really poor. Demps had 99 carries for 745 rushing yards in 2009 as a sophomore.
Demps numbers have declined significantly though over the past two seasons. Demps only had 551 rushing yards in 2010. Demps has 324 rushing yards so far in 2011.
DRAFT STATUS: Demps is a borderline draft prospect. Demps needs an impressive combine to solidify his draft status. A poor combine could put Demps with his teammate Rainey in the undrafted range.
PROS: Speed, Agility, Production
CONS: Physical Tools, mental attributes, ball carrier vision, potential
Summary: Jeff Demps is a borderline draft prospect. Demps needs a strong combine to solidify his day 3 draft status.
Player Comparison: Poor Mans Dexter McCluster
Projected Round: 7th Round Talent
Jermaine Thomas Running Back Florida State #38 Senior 5 foot 11 192 pounds
STATS: Jermaine Thomas had 1 decent year with 832 rushing yards as a sophomore. Jermaine Thomas has struggled as a senior.
DRAFT STATUS: Jermaine Thomas is going to workout at the combine and at Florida State’s pro day. These 2 games will determine whether he should be drafted.
PROS: Durability, intangibles, ball carrier vision, runs to the inside, runs to the outside, catches in the backfield, catches out of the backfield, production
CONS: physical ability, size, needs to learn plays faster, potential
Summary: Jermaine Thomas is a borderline draft pick. Even if he wows scouts he is still a day 3 pick.
Player Comparison: Poor mans Warrick Dunn with less potential
Projected Round: 7th Round Talent
Terrance Ganaway Running Back Baylor #24 Senior Redshirt
STATS: Has received limited carries. Former Houston back transferred to Baylor.
DRAFT STATUS: Terrance Ganaway could move up to the 4th round with a breakout combine.
PROS: Elite physical tools, physical ability, durability, size, production
CONS: Intangibles, ball carrier vision, needs to do a better job catching out of the backfield
Summary: Terrance Ganaway could be a good #2 back. I don’t see him as an ideal starter just yet. Ganaway could develop into a starter.
Player Comparison: Peyton Hillis
Projected Round: 7th Round Talent