NFL lockout: Top UDFA running backs

by Dan Kadar on Jul 20, 2011 8:30 PM EDT

With the NFL lockout coming to an end soon, undrafted players from the 2011 NFL Draft will finally be able to sign with teams. Over the next couple days we'll look at some of the top available players your team may be considering.

With 28 running backs being picked in the 2011 NFL Draft, there isn't much left to choose from. That even includes three players (Anthony Sherman, Shaun Chapas and Stanley Havili) who were college fullbacks.

Mario Fannin | 5'10, 231 pounds | Auburn
Surprisingly good as an all-around running back, Fannin's biggest issues are pure speed and fumbling. Plays with a good amount of power, is a solid blocker and above-average as a receiver.

Henry Hynoski | 6'0, 257 pounds | Pittsburgh
Hynoski is a nimble fullback who is better as a pass receiver than blocker. Running the ball, Hynoski is probably only useful in occasional short yardage situations. Solid as a run blocker as long as he doesn't have to target quick defenders.

Derrick Locke | 5'9, 182 pounds | Kentucky
If he's healthy and in the right situation, Locke can be a playmaker for whoever picks him up. He has plenty of speed and elusiveness in his game and is a weapon receiving and returning the ball.

Tweet Comment 9 comments | Add comment | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Dion Lewis

Lewis was taken by the Eagles in the 5th round

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dion_Lewis

by montanajagsfan on Jul 20, 2011 9:26 PM EDT reply actions

Blarf. Thanks.

Mocking the Draft: Talking NFL Draft all year.

by Dan Kadar on Jul 20, 2011 10:07 PM EDT up reply actions

I'd love for the Chiefs to bring in Evans/Fannin and see if they could be groomed up to pair with Charles

I don't start arguments, I provoke thinking. -Me
H^2-Hali and Houston

by BAMFSpecialOps on Jul 20, 2011 9:36 PM EDT reply actions

I'd like Chad Spann as well

Though our backfield is crowded right now so I doubt we target anybody really.

Better to be a Diamond with a flaw than a Pebble without - Master Kong

by ChiefWarPaint on Jul 21, 2011 1:11 AM EDT up reply actions

Jones wore down and Battle has clearly not been the answer

We need someone

I don't start arguments, I provoke thinking. -Me
H^2-Hali and Houston

by BAMFSpecialOps on Jul 21, 2011 6:44 AM EDT up reply actions

Twos a company and threes a crowd

With DexFlex taking more of a RB role in place of Battle we just don’t have the space really.

So I can see why we wouldn’t go after someone, however the top Rookie RBs last year were UDFAs so we’ll see.

Better to be a Diamond with a flaw than a Pebble without - Master Kong

by ChiefWarPaint on Jul 22, 2011 5:41 AM EDT up reply actions

The little guys

I think Devine and Locke were hurt by the changing role of the 3rd down back. Where once teams liked quick guys that could catch the ball, the ability to pick up the blitz has become more desired. But I’ve been watching Devine for a few years now, he belongs on a roster.

Cooper I’m betting was hurt by his injury history, even though he looked good in the postseason.

"Good, bad, I'm the guy with the gun."

by ct17 on Jul 21, 2011 12:33 AM EDT reply actions

I don't understand how DeVine wasn't drafted..

Forget about his size; the guy is the ultimate weapon.

by JetKing55 on Jul 21, 2011 8:32 AM EDT reply actions

This

The player I would like least at #9 would be my sister’s cat, Captain Creamsicle. She does have a great work ethic and agility, but I’m really concerned that at 9 lbs., she’s too small to play safety in the NFL. She also bites way too often on play action and is easily distracted by someone waving string in the crowd. Lastly, her wonderlic score was pretty awful, answering "meow meow meow" for most of the questions- Dr. Brackish Okun

by mob16151 on Jul 22, 2011 5:36 PM EDT up reply actions