On the Clock: Beanie Wells

by Jon Dove on Aug 4, 2011 9:00 AM EDT

On the Clock is going to be a new series of articles that examines players that are knocking on the door of being labeled a bust. Basically, these players are on the clock and its time to act because time is running out for them to capitalize on their potential.

Player: Beanie Wells

Team: Arizona Cardinals

Position: Running Back

Draft History: 2009 NFL Draft, No. 31 overall

Thoughts: Recently, the Cardinals have been known for a wide open offense that features multiple receiver sets. However, Coach Whisenhunt continues to work towards balancing the offense and that begins with the running game. In the 2009 draft, Arizona went with the talented running back out of Ohio State, Beanie Wells.

Wells entered the draft as a hot prospect with some injury concerns. However, when healthy he showed that he could be an every down back with the power to gain yards after contact. Wells was part of a potent Ohio State offense and a major part of their success. He was productive over several years making him a trusted prospect. The question marks on Wells were his injury history and lack of top end speed.

Read the rest of my thoughts after the Jump

This year appears to be a make or break year for Beanie Wells. The Cardinals traded away Tim Hightower but also drafted Ryan Williams in the 2nd round. Wells will face tough competition from Williams and very well could start the season as the backup. However, if Wells can remain healthy and cash in on some of the promise he showed earning carries won't be a problem.

Wells has not been as productive as the Cardinals want and his high yardage total from last year was only 75 yards. However, many will link the poor performances to the offensive line but the only thing that matters is production. His career 3.4 yards per carry needs to be improved and Wells needs to do more with his opportunities.

Ultimately, Wells is on the clock because he hasn't produced and faces a real threat in Ryan Williams. If Wells wants to live up to his 1st round status then he needs to remain healthy and produce.

Poll

Is Beanie Wells on the verge of being labeled a bust?

Yes

84 votes

No

50 votes

134 votes | Poll has closed

Tweet Comment 8 comments | Add comment | 0 recs |

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Comments

I was surprised when the Cards drafted Beanie

he had such a bad injury history I didn’t think anyone would take a shot in the first, but after watching that team that year RB was one of their few glaring holes, so you couldn’t blame them.

He had a pretty promising rookie year, but struggled mightily last year. I wouldn’t really be debating this if the Cards didn’t draft Williams, but maybe Beanie will benefit from having a good RB to split carries. So no, I’m not ready to say he’s a bust yet. I wouldn’t say on the verge either. I think if he struggles again this year I would say yes

If you reply to a comment/post/fanshot of mine, I will more likely then not respond to it, unless you come off like a d-bag.

by DBroncs1414 on Aug 4, 2011 12:01 PM EDT reply actions

Drafting Beanie

I was surprised too. I thought they would pick up a running back but thought that guy would be McCoy. He’s done quite well for the Eagles. Thought he would fit the offense the Cardinals were running better than Wells. The thing that most impressed me with Wells in his rookie year was his stiff arm. Brutal.

by hadrarius on Aug 4, 2011 10:51 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm honestly a little stunned at how poorly he has performed

watching him in college, his physical tools were obvious. Perhaps he just doesn’t have the work ethic to stick.

"There are few things graven in stone, except that you have to squat or you're a pussy." -Mark Rippetoe

by Brock8144 on Aug 4, 2011 8:47 PM EDT reply actions

Wells will be the starter this year. No questions.

Whisenhunt is not going to start a rookie running back. He puts way too much value in other facets of the position besides lugging the rock downfield. Pass protection is hugely important to him and the main reason Beanie was not the starter his rookie year or most of last year. Beanie struggled with a knee injury last season, exacerbated by having an allergic reaction to the drug they shot his knee up with. If he remains healthy he should have the year that everyone has been waiting to see. If he can’t stay healthy then the bust label is going to stick like glue.

by hadrarius on Aug 4, 2011 10:48 PM EDT reply actions

I have decided I hate upright runners like Bennie

The good ones with this stupid style can be counted on one hand. Now if Ryan Mathews…

Winning

by Foilhat on Aug 5, 2011 12:35 AM EDT reply actions

Moreno too...

where are these kids learning this? What kind of coach is not in these kids ears for not running low. playing low is the first thing you learn when playing this game, and it seems when they go pro they just forget

If you reply to a comment/post/fanshot of mine, I will more likely then not respond to it, unless you come off like a d-bag.

by DBroncs1414 on Aug 5, 2011 2:18 AM EDT up reply actions

when they go pro

its noticeable that is

Winning

by Foilhat on Aug 5, 2011 6:57 PM EDT up reply actions

That is Brandon Jacobs' #1 problem

He’s used to running over little guys, but does not realize that he cannot do the same to d-linemen. Standing upright he is an easy target to see and tackle.

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

by ct17 on Aug 5, 2011 11:27 PM EDT up reply actions