After Reggie Bush

[Odie 0]

Just curious how everyone thinks the rest of the Rookie RB class will do and where they will end up?

[jdswan922 0]

Based on talent alone I would go:

 

Maroney

Williams

White

Addai

Calhoun

 

But nothing is really known until we see what situations each of them land in

[Bently 0]

after Bush, based on skill, potential, and NFL-readiness:

 

1. DeAngelo Williams - this guy is a stud in the making. He is small at 5'9, but at 215 pounds he is compact and tough. He is good between the tackes, has good hands, and sheds tackles. He also knows how to take a hit, and doesn't unnecessarily put himself in harm's way. Has the best vision and instincts of any runner in this class, and has the speed to take it outside. He reminds me a bit of Travis Henry in terms of his deceptive power for a smaller back. Likely a top 15 pick, I can see the Denver Broncos picking him up at 15th overall. I have a feeling they moved up to get a good back, and in Denver's system Williams is an ideal fit. I could also see the New York Jets taking him early with what appears to be a more solid QB situation. Both of the above teams have obvious needs at RB, but their need for defense is much greater. I think that Mario Williams and AJ Hawk could go 4th and 5th (to the Jets and Packers, in what ever order), and therefore SF could be a darkhorse team to nab him early at 6th overall.

 

2. LenDale White - A power back with good feet and deceptive quickness. He is quick to the hole and has burst through the hole, but lacks the second gear to break past the secondary. Some compare him to Jamal Lewis, but he isn't as good a pure runner as Lewis. I think he may struggle some with better tacklers in the pros, but his size will help him puch the pile. He appears to have decent hands, and makes good decisons. Rarely ever goes down on the first hit, and always falls forward. He would be a good fit in Cleveland, but they have much bigger needs at DL (particularly end) and LB (because they play a 3-4). I think it is very possible he lands with Philadelphia at 14th overall. Their need for D-line help may push them into a corner, but I think Ngata and Bunkley will be gone. LenDale is a good compliment to Westbrook, and we could see some Thunder and Lightning in Philly for a long time. The Vikings may also be a landing place, but that seems less likely now that they have Chester Taylor. If he slips, look for New England to pick him up.

 

3. Laurence Maroney - A great pure runner with a lot of question marks. Some are concerned about his speed and durability. He is your classic one-cut runner who busts through the hole hard. He prefers to take the ball outside when possible, which might be difficult in the pros where the LBs are much quicker. He has good field awareness and quick feet. He was not utilized often as a reciever in college, making him an uncertainty for a pass-heavy offense. While his timed speed is not the best he, like Reggie Bush, has great game speed. He is a game-breaker with home-run ability. Very good overall runner, and great size for a pro back. In the right system he could do very well as a rookie. He will go nearer the end of the first round. New England could take a chance if Len Dale is gone. I think Jacksonville is a team to watch near the end of the first round too, because Maroney would be a good runner behind that line. The Denver Broncos could take him with their later pick if they opt to take a D-lineman with their early pick. If he makes if that far, Indianapolas will surely pick him up. If he lands in Indy, he could wind up being the top rookie pick in drafts.

 

4. Joseph Addai - This man can do it all. He is an every-down back with excellent pass-blocking and receiving skills. Has all the tools to succeed, but has suffered with injuries. He isn't really a power back who punishes between the tackles, but he has very good size for a pro back. Because it is unlikely the top 4 make it to the tail end of the first round, he could end up in Indianapolas. He had a stellar combine, and is defeinately a worhty first round pick, but it is possible he slips to the second round. If so, look for him to go very early to the Jets or Packers.

 

5. Maurice Jones-Drew - Another back similar to Addia in his muti-threat ability. An excellent reciever (best in this class), and a good pure runner. Would also factor into the return game. Some question his ability to carry the entire load, but sharing the rock would be ideal. The Lions could take him in the second round at 41 overall, but I think he could slip the the late second, where the Giants or Panthers might take him. The Steelers may decide to gamble on a smaller back in the second as well, but it is not likely given they already have a fast home-runner in Parker.

 

6. Brian Calhoun - Personally, I think he will struggle at the next level. He is not very big, and is coming from a Wisconsin system that is very runningback firendly. Forget the myths about Wisonsin backs busting, this guy just doesn't have the pure talent. He is a tough kid who works hard, but he isn't the type of guy who will hold up a full season. Think Tatum Bell, but not as fast. He could go in the last second to Indy if they don't take a back in the first round, but I don't think he will be had until the third round.

[football_scooter 0]

For a team in need of a "feature back", I actually think white or Williams are better choices.

 

Bush is undoubtedly a playmaker with game-changing ability, but I don't know if he can hold up to the pounding of 25 carries a game.

 

Who knows though...so many RBs wash out at the pro level.

[The Moz 72]

1. DeAngelo Williams - this guy is a stud in the making. He is small at 5'9, but at 215 pounds

 

if he is over 205 i would be shocked !

[Raider 84 29]

DeAngelo best candidate for R.O.Y.

 

[War Pigs 0]

It's a shame that people annoint a consensus #1 overall guy like this every year. The poor team that has the top pick is almost forced thru peer & fan pressure to take the guy when he probably, in most cases, isn't all that he's billed to be. I think that the best back in this year's NFL (not cllege talent but perceived NFL talent) draft is Lendale White. I would be thrilled to be picking mid-1st rd. & land him for less $ & a higher probability of NFL success.