Seventh in a series exploring the April 28-30 NFL draft.
There’s still some debate over whether Mark Ingram or Mikel Leshoure should be the first running back taken in the NFL draft, but most observers seem in Ingram’s corner. It’s possible only one back will be taken in the first round. The value picks should come in the third and fourth rounds, where a great number of talented runners are expected to be selected.
The best
1. Mark Ingram, Alabama, 5-9, 215.
The underclassman lost a little steam when he ran a 4.62 40-yard dash at the scouting combine, but he plays faster than that. Regardless of speed, Ingram has excellent balance, quickness, vision and determination. He runs at a good pad level and has a powerful lower body so he breaks tackles. He knows how to follow blockers and understands schemes. He also can be a weapon in the passing game. The 2009 Heisman winner has a little wear and tear, but it isn’t anything to prevent teams from drafting him. He is a little reminiscent of Emmitt Smith in terms of style. His father is former Giants receiver Mark Ingram.
2. Mikel Leshoure, Illinois, 6-0, 227.
This is a big, physical back with vision and shiftiness. Leshoure has a nice feel for finding daylight and is a patient runner. He does not have blazing speed, but does have very quick feet. He can play on third downs and excel in short yardage. He came on strong in his junior season, but much of his production was against so-so competition. Earlier in his career, he got into a fight with a teammate and was suspended for failing a drug test.
3. Ryan Williams, Virginia Tech, 5-9, 212.
Williams finds the crease, runs hard and can get yards after contact. He does not have special speed or burst. He has had hamstring problems so his durability is a concern. Williams did not have a great 2010 and left school early.
4. Taiwan Jones, Eastern Washington, 6-0, 196.
He has flown up draft boards after running a 4.33 40 at his pro day. Jones is drawing comparison to Chris Johnson of the Titans because of his speed and explosiveness. Though he’s a playmaker who averaged 7.9 yards per carry, Jones has had durability issues and has not faced top competition. He is a former cornerback with only two years at running back. Jones might not be powerful enough to excel in the inside running game. He has pretty good return ability.
5. Shane Vereen, California, 5-10, 210.
A versatile back who could be a weapon as a receiver, Vereen has a lot of potential as a pro. The junior eligible is a quick, powerful and instinctive runner who was very productive. Vereen was durable in college, never missing a game.
6. Daniel Thomas, Kansas State, 6-0, 230.
This is a big, tough, power runner who punishes defenders in the mold of Eddie George. He has an attacking style to go with a good feel for running the ball. Thomas is an excellent receiver and can help in pass protection. A former quarterback, his 4.62 40 did not help his cause. Ball security and an upright running style are causes for concern. He has had some difficulties with academics.
7. Delone Carter, Syracuse, 5-9, 222.
This is a compact runner who can explode through contact. Carter has a big lower body. He runs decisively and with good vision. He was a productive college player and he helped himself at the East-West game.
8. Bilal Powell, Louisville, 5-11, 207.
He is a one year wonder who has picked up steam late in the draft process. Powell has not been able to work out for scouts because of a knee injury, but he looks fast and explosive on tape with big-play ability. He runs aggressively and breaks tackles. He also catches the ball well.
9. Kendall Hunter, 5-7, 199.
Though small, Hunter is well built. Still, he will be limited between the tackles and he won’t get away from many defenders once they hit him. He has vision, quickness and burst. Hunter could be a third down back because he catches the ball well and is a willing blocker.
10. Stevan Ridley, Louisiana State, 5-11, 225.
He wasn’t helped by a 4.65 40, but Ridley had a very productive season. He is a tough inside runner who is at his best on first and second downs. He does not have breakaway speed, and might be a No. 2 back on an NFL team. Ridley left school with a year of eligibility remaining.
11. Alex Green, Hawaii, 6-0, 225.
He has size and explodes on contact, and he also can run away from defenders. Green’s physical, slashing style is an asset and he also has the hands to contribute on third downs. He has helped himself in the postseason, both at the East-West game and with his workouts. Some scouts question his instincts as a runner.
12. DeMarco Murray, Oklahoma, 6-0, 213.
His speed, athleticism and production make Murray attractive. He’s a straight-line runner with an upright style who subsequently takes a lot of hits. Durability has been a problem. He could be a change-of-pace back. He also can catch the ball, return kicks and even play quarterback in the Wildcat formation.
13. Jacquizz Rodgers, Oregon State, 5-6, 196.
This diminutive back is lightning quick, and was a nightmare for opponents in the Pac 10. He has some strength for his size and good hands. He does not have great long speed, but plays faster than he ran (4.59 40). Rodgers has to be a role player in the NFL. The junior eligible also could be an outstanding return man.
14. Anthony Allen, Georgia Tech, 6-1, 228.
This is a big, versatile back with power. Allen is an ideal third down player because he can block and he catches well. He also is being considered as a fullback. He does not have top speed.
15. Jamie Harper, Clemson, 5-11, 233.
This powerful back can get the tough yards inside. He also is a fine receiver. He could fit in well as a fullback on a team that uses a split backfield. Harper, who left school early, does not offer much as a breakaway runner.
16. Roy Helu, Nebraska, 6-0, 219.
He was productive with good speed and he has decent size. He shows a nice burst through the hole when he hits it, but he sometimes hesitates. He can catch out of the backfield and could be a change-of-pace back. Helu is not real physical and he doesn’t always finish his runs well.
17. Jordan Todman, Connecticut, 5-9, 203.
A small back who has been an overachiever, Todman finds a way to get the job done. The junior eligible does not have special speed or athleticism, but he has been very productive. He is tough and competitive. Todman helped himself with a nice combine workout.
18. Evan Royster, Penn State, 6-0, 212.
He gets yards with instincts and vision. Royster is effective between the tackles. He also can contribute as a receiver.
19. Darren Evans, Virginia Tech, 6-0, 227.
Evans is quick rather than fast. He has vision and a one-cut running style. His hands are a plus. His athleticism is so-so and is probably a backup.
20. Noel Devine, West Virginia, 5-8, 179.
This undersized back has a water bug style of running. Once he makes tacklers miss, Devine can take it all the way. He doesn’t have a lot of power, but he is tough.
Others
21. Da’Rel Scott,
Maryland
22. Derrick Locke,
Kentucky
23. Mario Fannin,
Auburn
24. Graig Cooper,
Miami
25. Brandon Saine,
Ohio State
26. John Clay,
Wisconsin
27. Johnny White,
North Carolina
28. Dion Lewis,
Pittsburgh
29. Chad Spann,
Northern Illinois
30. Armando Allen,
Notre Dame
The Bears
They have Matt Forte in his prime, Chester Taylor in reserve and two young backs they would like to develop in Harvey Unga and Kalil Bell. Still, they can’t ignore the position because it is so important in their team philosophy. If they have an opportunity to select a dynamic replacement for Taylor, who is 31 and averaged 2.4 yards per carry last year, they may act.
Twitter @danpompei
