2010 NFL Draft: Running backs
QB | RB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | OLB | MLB | CB | FS | SS
| 1. C.J. Spiller | 5'11, 195 pounds | Clemson | ||
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Where Spiller lacks in size and strength, he makes up for in speed and athleticism. A dynamic running back who considered entering the 2009 NFL Draft, Spiller is a multi-threat player who can play special teams and catch passes. But he's made his name running around and past defenders. He instinctively eludes contact and gets up to speed quickly. Size is a concern, but his added special teams value could make him a first-round pick. |
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| 2. Montario Hardesty | 6'0, 215 pounds | Tennessee | ||
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Write-up coming soon! |
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| 3. Charles Scott | 5'11, 233 pounds | LSU | ||
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A compact runner, Scott might be best on zone-scheme teams. He makes one cut and works up field. Has a great lower center of gravity and can really bowl over defenders. Kind of a poor man's Michael Turner. Very good on short yardage and in the red zone. |
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| 4. Chris Brown | 5'11, 208 pounds | Oklahoma | ||
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An intelligent runner who seems to have a great sense for where a hole is going to open up on the offensive line. Changes direction smoothly, allowing him to pop outside for a bigger gain. What holds Brown back as a prospect, however, is that he's just average in power and athleticism. He doesn't break a lot of tackles and isn't very elusive. |
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| 5. Toby Gerhart | 6'1, 235 pounds | Stanford | ||
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A big bruising work horse back, Gerhart should get a shot at the next level as part of a tandem back field. He has solid short-area quickness. Displays good patience waiting for blocks to open up. Doesn't have great speed and he runs too upright between the tackles. Not much of a receiving threat. |
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| 6. Ben Tate | 5'11, 217 pounds | Auburn | ||
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Tate is a tough-running back and does a really good job of keeping his pads low. He's at best going in-between the tackles. Keeps his shoulders square to the line while running and is a classic north-south runner. Doesn't get much separation on the second level. |
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| 7. Anthony Dixon | 6'1, 235 pounds | Mississippi State | ||
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Dixon is one of the few big backs with ability that will be in the 2010 NFL Draft. Because of that, he has some extra value. Helping his cause is a good first step and good vision into the hole. He doesn't have a lot of elusiveness but can break tackles. |
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| 8. Andre Anderson | 5'11, 212 pounds | Tulane | ||
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When he took over for Matt Forte at the beginning of last season, few expected Anderson to shine like he did. In the first seven games of the season, he rushed for 864 yards and caught 25 passes for 202 yards. However, he missed the rest of the season due to a separated shoulder. Anderson is a strong but quick runner who few know about. |
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| 9. Damion Fletcher | 5'10, 178 pounds | Southern Miss | ||
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An ultra-productive running back since his freshman season, Fletcher is an undersize back with deceptive strength. He always seems to manage to get through arm tackles and into the open field. The problem is that he doesn’t have great playing speed. Fletcher also has serious character issues and served six months probation on weapons charges. The Combine will be especially crucial for Fletcher. |
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| 10. Stafon Johnson | 5'11, 215 pounds | USC | ||
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Given USC's running back by committee approach, it's a little difficult to get a great grab on Johnson. He profiles as a work horse back, but never had more than 19 carries in a game last season. Johnson is always going forward, but he has the speed to break outside. His footwork needs refinement, but he's a good sleeper. |
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| 11. Jarvaris James | 5'11, 208 pounds | Miami | ||
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James has had an up-and-down college career. He put it together more during his senior season and has the skills of a solid all-around running back. James doesn't have great speed or power, but his vision is very good and he knows how to make people miss. |
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| 12. Keiland Williams | 5'11, 221 pounds | LSU | ||
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Write-up coming soon! |
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| 13. Brandon Minor | 6'1, 228 pounds | Michigan | ||
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Write-up coming soon! |
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| 14. Andre Dixon | 6'1, 202 pounds | Connecticut | ||
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Write-up coming soon! |
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| 15. Michael Smith | 5'7, 180 pounds | Arkansas | ||
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Write-up coming soon! |
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| 16. Lonyae Miller | 5'11, 220 pounds | Fresno State | ||
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Write-up coming soon! |
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JUNIORS:
| 1. Jonathan Dwyer | 5'11, 235 pounds | Georgia Tech | ||
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An incredible combo running back who is reminiscent of Deuce McAllister in his prime. Earned ACC player of the year honors last season while rushing for 1,395 yards and 12 touchdowns. Great on pitches where he can use his speed on the outside. Has the strength to easily get past arm tackles. Great effort runner. Not especially elusive in the open field. Frame is likely maxed out as he's already put on more than 30 pounds of bulk since high school. |
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| 2. Jahvid Best | 5'10, 195 pounds | California | ||
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Even more explosive as a runner than C.J. Spiller. Best is a thin speed back who is incredible in the open field. Has elite agility for the position and can really make defenders miss. Does a nice job avoiding big hits by keeping low between the tackles. Solid receiving swing passes. Clearly lacks strength throughout his frame, which makes you wonder how well he'll stay healthy. Decent effort blocker. |
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| 3. DeMarco Murray | 6'0, 205 pounds | Oklahoma | ||
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After bursting on the scene his freshman season, Murray has showed the ability to be a threat in the open field. he has a solid second gear and gets up to speed quickly. Does a nice job of keeping his pads low. Doesn't make a lot of people miss because his change of direction is only average. Solid receiver. Not a No. 1 running back. |
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| 4. Noel Devine | 5'8, 176 pounds | West Virginia | ||
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Although Devine might be undersized, he's an electric playmaker. If Devine can get into space, it's hard to bring him down. He's quick, elusive and has another gear in the open field. He'll never be a lead back, but he shouldn't be judged as such. Devine has special athletic ability and deserves a chance to showcase it. |
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| 5. Ryan Mathews | 5'11, 220 pounds | Fresno State | ||
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Write-up coming soon! |
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| 6. Joe McKnight | 6'0, 200 pounds | USC | ||
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There is no more confounding prospect than Joe McKnight. He's a Reggie Bush clone, but Bush has struggled adjusting to the NFL. He's also had injury problems and has talked about wanting to play defense. However, it's hard to deny is speed and athleticism. Both are world class. He's a good receiving option and can play special teams. This will be a telling season for McKnight. |
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| 7. Evan Royster | 6'1, 215 pounds | Penn State | ||
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Following a breakthrough 2008 season in which he had 1,236 yards rushing and 12 touchdowns, Royster is quickly becoming a top running back prospect. He’s hard to take down in the open field and runs with a lot of determination. Pretty solid as a receiver, even though he’s not a top target in Penn State’s pass offense. |
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| 8. Kendall Hunter | 5'8, 198 pounds | Oklahoma State | ||
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Write-up coming soon! |
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