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[h1]LT the clear choice as the best back in the NFL[/h1]
By Scouts Inc.
(Archive)
Updated: June 4, 2008
[h4]Scouts Inc.'s Top RBs[/h4]
About the only certainty in this list is that not everyone will agree with it. So here are Scouts Inc.'s top 64 backs and a chance for you to tell us how you would rank them.
• LT or LJ? Westbrook or Jackson? And what about Adrian Peterson? The top backs were almost too close to call. Nos. 1-20
• Edge or Reggie? And where do you put star rookies like Darren McFadden? Nos. 21-40
• Do you take a rookie or established veteran here? And where do those versatile backups fall? Nos. 41-64
• SportsNation: Your turn to rank the best RBs.
Ranking the top running backs is about as easy as tackling any of them in the open field. Still, Scouts Inc. looked at every back in the league -- from thesuperstars to the rookies to the established veterans to those still looking for a job -- and listed them 1-64.
Some were easy. Others caused some long and loud arguments. And this list will undoubtedly cause many more debates. But ultimately, we looked at a varietyof factors. We studied the player's body of work as well as looked ahead and projected future production. We took into account the kind of offense theyplay in, the scheme and supporting cast around them. We compared players who were every-down backs against those who didn't play as much. We factored indurability and versatility. We looked at everything we could think of and when all else failed, we just asked who would we want on our team right now.
So here is our list of the top running backs in the NFL from 1 to 64. Let the second-guessing begin.
1. LaDainian Tomlinson, San Diego Chargers
Watch: Tomlinson highlights
Superpower -- Tomlinson is the most versatile back in the NFL. He has elite vision and ranks among the best ever to play the game when itcomes to finding cutback lanes. He has an excellent combination of size, strength and speed, can run inside or outside, catches the ball like a receiver andblocks effectively. In short, LT is the most dangerous back in the league today.
Kryptonite -- None. Wear and tear could soon become a factor because of the sheer amount of touches he has had during his career, and a kneeinjury that hindered him in last season's AFC Championship Game proved he is indeed human.
2. Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings
Watch: Peterson highlights
Superpower -- Peterson runs behind the best offensive line in the NFL but also is the most physically dominating back in the league. He runswith elite power and strength, gains a lot of yards after contact and knows how to finish runs. The Viking has deceptive quickness in the hole for a back hissize. He is the most explosive finisher in the NFL with his combination of strength, power and speed.
Kryptonite -- Not surprisingly, durability always will be a concern. Even though Peterson does a nice job of lowering his pads on contact anddelivers a bigger blow than he receives, his running style lends itself to taking big hits. And though it often was because he tried to extend runs, he fumbledthe ball too often (four times) last season.
3. Steven Jackson, St. Louis Rams
Superpower -- His versatility. Jackson is an excellent inside-out runner who is smooth and fluid. He is light on his feet for his size and canmake the first defender miss in the hole. He can run around or through defenders, making it difficult to get him off his feet. He has excellent hands andcreates numerous mismatches for an opposing defensive coordinator.
Kryptonite -- Like many backs who get many touches, durability is a concern. At times, he could run a little more physically in short-yardagesituations.
4. Brian Westbrook, Philadelphia Eagles
Superpower -- Westbrook can align anywhere on the field and create mismatches. No linebacker in the NFL can handle Westbrook in man-to-mancoverage. He has elite quickness to get on the edges and turn the corner. He is a better receiver than runner, and that is saying a lot because as a runner heshows excellent vision and instincts.
Kryptonite -- Lack of size. He is not a guy who will carry the ball 30 times per game and wear down opposing defenses.
5. Larry Johnson, Kansas City Chiefs
Superpower -- Johnson fits the definition of a "bell cow" better than any back on the list. The Chiefs can feed him the ball all daylong, and he'll wear down an opposing defense. He is a physical inside runner who moves the pile after contact and can get tough yards otherwise. Thoughhe's a bigger back, he has breakaway speed when he hits the second level at full speed.
Kryptonite -- He is not an elite receiver out of the backfield, nor is he very quick or elusive. For Johnson to be effective, he needs a solidoffensive line, because he won't make defenders miss or create on his own if there is no initial hole for him to reach.
6. Joseph Addai, Indianapolis Colts
Watch: Addai highlights
Superpower -- Addai's No. 1 asset as a runner is his patience, which is a must in the Colts' scheme. He is a one-cut runner who canget downhill in a hurry when he sees a hole. Addai is shifty at the second level as well and has excellent hands and feel in the passing game. He is dangerousin the open field after the catch because he does an excellent job of setting up his blocks.
Kryptonite -- Though he has not had major injuries, there have been some nicks. We would not describe Addai as a tough or physical runner. Heruns a little upright and takes some big hits. We also wonder whether he is a "system" player and whether he would have the same value in anotheroffense.
7. Frank Gore, San Francisco 49ers
Superpower -- We're not sure we have seen a back who is so explosive yet has dealt with so many injuries. Gore shows exceptional quicknessto and through the hole and can plant and change directions quickly. He runs with good balance and is tough to get off his feet. His hands are an asset, and helikely will catch close to 100 balls in 2008 in the scheme of new offensive coordinator Mike Martz.
Kryptonite -- Durability. Gore has had two major knee injuries dating back to college, and in the NFL he has been nicked up often. We wonderabout his longevity as a feature back. The 49er did not run as hard last season and became frustrated with his role in the offense. He needs to mature andbecome a more effective leader.
8. Marion Barber, Dallas Cowboys
Watch: Barber highlights
Superpower -- Second only to Minnesota's Peterson as a physical inside runner, Barber delivers a huge blow on contact and always fallsforward or keeps his feet moving after contact. He catches the ball well and is tough to get off his feet in space. He is an excellent leader and motivator,and you can see the spark he brings to the offense when he gets in the game.
Kryptonite -- Questions exist about whether he can produce as an every-down back. Barber just got a new mega contract but never has been thetrue starter in Dallas. He is not shifty and does not avoid well, and even though he packs a punch, he gets hit hard often as a runner. You wonder whether hecan hold up long-term with the amount of hits he takes. His lack of game-breaking speed also needs to be noted.
9. Clinton Portis, Washington ********
Watch: Portis highlights
Superpower -- Portis is simply impressive in terms of production. He is near the top of the league every year and is a tough player who willfight through bumps and bruises. He attacks the line of scrimmage and can make the first defender miss in the hole. He does not have elite size but knows howto finish his runs.
Kryptonite -- He puts the ball on the ground too often and at times does so in critical situations. He can be aloof when he needs to take careof the ball, dropping easy passes to kill drives and missing blocks in pass protection. He has great physical tools but at times seems to check outmentally.
10. Marshawn Lynch, Buffalo Bills
Watch: Lynch highlights
Superpower -- For a back who had concerns about toughness, Lynch sure does know how to finish. He lowers his pads and breaks tackles on firstcontact. He showed solid vision and run instincts last year as a rookie, something many first-year backs struggle with.
Kryptonite -- Lynch needs to develop his receiving skills; he had 18 receptions out of the backfield last season. He does not show a lot ofwiggle and can be a bit of a straight-line runner. He needs to become a better blocker, as he missed some blitz pickups that resulted in QB sacks lastseason.
11. Fred Taylor, Jacksonville Jaguars
Superpower -- Taylor keeps getting better. He is still extremely explosive to the hole and has an excellent stutter-step to show patiencewhile the hole develops. He's elusive and can make defenders miss with a spin move or foot quickness.
Kryptonite -- He is no longer an every-down back and does not catch the ball out of the backfield as well as he once did. Age does not seem tobe a factor right now, but his legs are not getting any younger.
12. Willis McGahee, Baltimore Ravens
Superpower -- He is much more explosive than he appears to be. At times he seems methodical in his movements, but he does show explosivenessto and through the hole. McGahee is a solid inside runner who occasionally bounces the ball to the edge. He is an underrated player who is extremely tough --he's even played despite having cracked ribs.
Kryptonite -- He is not very flashy or explosive. He is not a home run threat in the open field nor does he show the consistent quickness toget out on the edges and make plays. He put the ball on the ground a few times last season in critical situations.
13. Willie Parker, Pittsburgh Steelers
Superpower -- Parker has been an explosive playmaker since taking over as the starter in 2005. He is an explosive player who can strike fromanywhere on the field and has the speed and acceleration to pressure the edges of a defense.
Kryptonite -- Parker doesn't have the size you look for in a three-down back. He lacks a variety of moves in open space and doesn'trun with a lot of tackle strength on the second level. He can be a liability as a pass-blocker when isolated in one-on-one situations.
14. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars
Watch: Jones-Drew highlights
Superpower -- Jones-Drew is an explosive playmaker who can break a big run from anywhere. He runs with excellent power and strength withenough toughness to be effective as an inside runner. If he can find a crease he can use his speed, balance and body control to make big plays. He hasadditional value in the passing game and as a return specialist.
Kryptonite -- He never has been the featured guy while playing behind Fred Taylor in Jacksonville. He lacks the size to be a consistentlyeffective blocker, and there are some concerns about his ability to run between the tackles as an every-down player.
15. Jamal Lewis, Cleveland Browns
Superpower -- Lewis played at a very high level last season as the Browns' featured running back. He has a solid, thick frame and runswith a low center of gravity. He also shows good vision and the power to run between the tackles. Lewis breaks arm tackles and keeps his balance to gain extrayards after initial contact. He still has game-breaking ability and the other tools he needs to be productive.
Kryptonite -- His overall athletic ability has declined throughout his career. His first step, though effective, isn't as quick as it wasin his 2,000-yard season of 2003. He doesn't provide much as a blocker in pass protection and is average at best as a receiver out of the backfield.
16. Michael Turner, Atlanta Falcons
Watch: Turner highlights
Superpower -- Turner played behind Tomlinson in San Diego but showed enough to say he has the talent to give the Falcons a huge lift on firstand second down. He was an excellent change-of-pace runner behind LT and runs with good pad level, showing good downhill acceleration when attacking holes. Heis a very productive north-south runner.
Kryptonite -- He has never been a featured back and has earned limited playing time in his career. He is not very elusive in space andcontributed mainly on first and second down with limited value as a receiver out of the backfield. He has not been consistent as a pass-blocker, either.
17. Brandon Jacobs, New York Giants
Superpower -- Jacobs has an excellent combination of size, strength and functional play speed. He is most effective when he uses his size toattack downhill between the tackles. He has good vision and run instincts with above-average speed and acceleration to get downhill and press the hole. He is apowerful runner who can lower his shoulder to gets yards after contact.
Kryptonite -- Jacobs has enough speed to get on the edge but is not a true home run threat. He has decent hands out of the backfield but stillhas a tendency to double-catch at times. He's not elusive as an open-field runner and struggles at times as a pass-blocker.
18. Laurence Maroney, New England Patriots
Superpower -- Maroney has shown flashes of everything the Patriots hoped he would be with his combination of speed, power and explosiveness.He has all the tools to be a productive front-line runner in the NFL. He is a natural jump-cutter with the ability to turn a short gain into an explosivedownfield play. Kryptonite -- Maroney has not been consistent and has struggled with durability issues. He lacks the bulk to run overdefenders and the size to consistently match up in pass protection schemes. He's not a natural receiver out of the backfield.
19. Ronnie Brown, Miami Dolphins
Superpower -- Brown is an extremely talented player who can contribute on first and second down. He is a tough, strong inside runner who hasthe ability to wear down defenses. He has an excellent combination of athleticism and size around which new head coach Tony Sparano can build his offensivesystem.
Kryptonite -- Injuries. Brown started the first seven games of the season last year before landing on injured reserve with a knee injury. Hehas never played a full 16-game season in his short career and has yet to prove he can carry a consistent load. Brown is more natural running behind a fullbackand doesn't have much value as a receiver out of the backfield at this point in his career.
20. Ryan Grant, Green Bay Packers
Superpower -- Grant came out of nowhere last season to put up impressive numbers (five 100-yard games) in the Packers' zone-runningscheme. He has good size, functional strength and play speed. He is a natural one-cut runner who has the speed and acceleration to press the hole. He is aninstinctive runner with good vision through the hole.
Kryptonite -- Grant still needs to be more patient when getting on the second level. He has a tendency to try to bounce to the sidelineinstead of lowering his shoulder and running north-south on the second level. You don't see the consistent second gear on the second level. He's stilla young player who lacks experience as a starter in a 16-game season.
[h1]James, Bush headline second tier of running backs[/h1]
By Scouts Inc.
(Archive)
Updated: June 4, 2008
[h4]Scouts Inc.'s Top RBs[/h4]
About the only certainty in this list is that not everyone will agree with it. So here are Scouts Inc.'s top 64 backs and a chance for you to tell us how you would rank them.
• LT or LJ? Westbrook or Jackson? And what about Adrian Peterson? The top backs were almost too close to call. Nos. 1-20
• Edge or Reggie? And where do you put star rookies like Darren McFadden? Nos. 21-40
• Do you take a rookie or established veteran here? And where do those versatile backups fall? Nos. 41-64
• SportsNation: Your turn to rank the best RBs.
Ranking the top running backs is about as easy as tackling any of them in the open field. Still, Scouts Inc. looked at every back in the league -- from thesuperstars to the rookies to the established veterans to those still looking for a job -- and listed them 1-64.
Some were easy. Others caused some long and loud arguments. And this list will undoubtedly cause many more debates. But ultimately, we looked at a varietyof factors. We studied the player's body of work as well as looked ahead and projected future production. We took into account the kind of offense theyplay in, the scheme and supporting cast around them. We compared players who were every-down backs against those who didn't play as much. We factored indurability and versatility. We looked at everything we could think of and when all else failed, we just asked who would we want on our team right now.
So here is our list of the top running backs in the NFL from 21-40. Let the second-guessing begin.
21. Edgerrin James, Arizona Cardinals
Superpower -- Has good vision and acceleration to press the hole, and even though his longest run was 27 yards, James still managed to rushfor 1,000 yards last season. Runs with a low center of gravity with good balance and control. Still has the speed to get outside on the edge with naturalcutback ability. He can be an effective receiver out of the backfield.
Kryptonite -- He has shown declining skills and is not the same back he was a few years ago. He is no longer a threat to strike from anywhereon the field, is not much of a blocker and doesn't always give consistent effort in pass pro. Will put the ball on the ground at times in criticalsituations.
22. LenDale White, Tennessee Titans
Superpower -- He is a young player with outstanding size and lower-body strength. He is a physical runner who can be very effective as aninside runner. Has vision, control and the burst to bounce outside and attack different levels in the defense.
Kryptonite -- Not always going to be in the best shape and will always have weight and work ethic concerns. Lacks breakaway speed and is notelusive in open space. Must improve his pass pro skills.
23. Darren McFadden, Oakland Raiders
Superpower -- Easily the best football player in the 2008 draft. He is a very talented running back with the speed and quickness to bedangerous anywhere on the field. He is very elusive and runs with a purpose and has the ability to be a difference-maker at the next level. He should be thefeatured runner in Oakland from day one if he is signed and under contract. Kryptonite -- Lacks NFL experience and will need time to develop.He must improve his lower-body strength and run after contact on the second level. He will need a lot of refinement as a pass-blocker when reacting to zonedogs and blitzes.
24. Thomas Jones, New York Jets
Superpower -- He is a short, well-built athlete with excellent athleticism and deceptive power, and his presence last season allowed the Jetsto rely more on a power rushing attack. He has excellent inline vision, foot agility, balance and quickness. He has patience to let blocking schemes developwhile utilizing his ability to move the pile or elude defenders with short-area quickness and wiggle.
Kryptonite -- Thomas had his least productive season as a starter in 2007 behind a very ineffective offensive line. He has just adequate handsas a receiver out of the backfield and has shown only decent ability to run after the catch. Thomas is a willing pass-blocker but can get out-leveraged attimes due to lack of height.
25. Reggie Bush, New Orleans Saints
Superpower -- If Bush is used properly within the offensive scheme, he has the speed and ability to make explosive plays in the running andpassing games. He must be accounted for within the defensive game plan when involved in certain personnel groupings. He has great body control and quickness,game-changing speed and impressive instincts. He is a very good receiver who catches passes at full speed and is a dangerous runner after the catch.
Kryptonite -- He is not an every-down back. Bush lacks elite size and the bulk to move the pile, and is susceptible to wearing down. Does notdo an effective job as a pass-blocker and still needs to improve his technique. He is only a multiple threat in the right kind of situations and personnelgroupings.
26. Chester Taylor, Minnesota Vikings
Superpower -- There isn't really anything you can say he does poorly. He is a tough runner who also catches the ball well and is verycapable of picking up the blitz. He is effective running outside or between the tackles. While he isn't the most dynamic runner around, he is anexceptional No. 2 that any team would love to have. It went under the radar a bit as he ended up being the backup to Adrian Peterson, but Taylor did rack up844 yards on the ground last year and gained a whopping 5.4 yards per carry.
Kryptonite -- One word: Peterson. While Taylor doesn't excel in any one area, he would be the one posting impressive numbers if theVikings hadn't taken Peterson in the 2007 draft. Hard to blame a guy for a situation like that.
27. DeAngelo Williams, Carolina Panthers
Superpower -- Williams has very good natural running skills. He sees a play develop, is patient letting his blockers to do their jobs and thenexplodes through the hole with excellent burst. He runs low and has very good balance. There is a lot to like about how he carries the football.
Kryptonite -- He has not gotten a true chance to show what he can do with a high number of carries. While he isn't an exceptionalpile-mover inside and isn't built like a typical workhorse, he is productive when given the chance. With more touches -- which is now unlikely after thePanthers drafted Jonathan Stewart -- Williams could potentially break out.
28. Rudi Johnson, Cincinnati Bengals
Superpower -- He is tough, falls forward on contact and does an excellent job of taking what is given to him. He can wear a defense down andpunish tacklers, which pays dividends late in games. Johnson had always been a player whom Cincinnati could count on to do the heavy lifting and get the toughyards, which opens up its dangerous passing game.
Kryptonite -- As evidenced by his paltry 2.9 yards per carry last year, the end might be approaching quickly for Johnson. He has a lot of wearand tear on his body and wasn't the niftiest guy to begin with. When pounding backs like Johnson lose the little burst and quickness that they have,getting out of the way of aggressive defenders becomes a big problem. This year is pivotal for Johnson's career.
29. Jonathan Stewart, Carolina Panthers
Superpower -- Stewart has a lot of big-play ability for a back of his size and should complement DeAngelo Williams very well. Carolina wantsto pound the rock and Stewart should eventually see the bulk of the carries for the Panthers. He can wear a defense down and also has the ability to break longruns. Exactly what you are looking for in a first-round running back.
Kryptonite -- Like any rookie, adapting to the NFL will not be easy. But for Stewart it could be more difficult, because he is nursing anagging toe injury. Although running back might be the easiest transitional position for first-year players, rookies need all the reps they can get, andStewart is presently unable to perform due to his injury.
30. Rashard Mendenhall, Pittsburgh Steelers
Superpower -- The rookie is big and is very fast for such a powerful runner. He cuts sharply and wastes little motion and doesn't have togear down when changing directions. He is a developing receiver who should only get better in this area. Pittsburgh is an excellent place for his short- andlong-term development, and Mendenhall could have a very bright future.
Kryptonite -- Mendenhall carried the ball a lot during his one year as the starter at Illinois, but he was not asked to do much in the way ofpass blocking. He has the mentality and physical ability to be a fine pass-blocker, but this is a difficult skill for a rookie to learn. It is tough to put arunning back on the field if he will likely get his star quarterback blindsided by a blitzing linebacker.
31. Justin Fargas, Oakland Raiders
Superpower -- Fargas attacks the line of scrimmage with vigor and fights for yardage with impressive passion. He runs very hard and breakstackles, but is still an explosive athlete with the speed to take it the distance. Fargas is the kind of guy you like to have in a rotation and should form avery productive pair with McFadden.
Kryptonite -- Because of his aggressiveness and high running style, Fargas has proved to be a durability risk. Adding another ball carrier tolighten his load will surely prolong his career and keep him fresh late in games and as the season progresses. He is a bit of a straight-line player anddoesn't show the lateral agility of many of the top backs on this list.
32. Carnell Williams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Superpower -- Williams can be a great running back with his rare vision, aggressiveness and natural running instincts. He plays the game withpassion and has an excellent burst to attack a defense. It is difficult to predict how he will recover from his latest injury, but when he is right, there arefew who run the ball like Williams.
Kryptonite -- He just cannot stay on the field. He runs extremely hard and isn't really built to take that kind of pounding. Makingmatters worse, he just seems to have bad luck when it comes to injuries. He very well could get healthy and re-establish himself a great back, but he mightalso never play effectively again.
33. Deuce McAllister, New Orleans Saints
Superpower -- Few backs have the combination of natural running ability, power and big-play ability that McAllister boasts. There reallyisn't anything that he can't do well on the field. Having McAllister back in the starting lineup at full health would allow New Orleans to betterutilize Bush's impressive pass-catching ability.
Kryptonite -- Much like Cadillac Williams, McAllister's ability to stay on the field is a major issue. He is recovering from anotherserious knee injury and is getting to the age where players at his position begin their natural decline anyway. If he can get back to form and stay healthy, hewill shoot right back up this list, but counting on him to do so is a risky proposition.
34. Kevin Jones, No team
Superpower -- His talent is apparent and Jones has a lot going for him when he is healthy. He can break long runs or carry the ball withpower. He cuts sharply and shows good feet in tight quarters. There is surely a team out there that will jump on him once he proves he is recovered frominjury.
Kryptonite -- Health is obviously a huge problem for Jones right now, because he is a talented player without a home. He has had a difficulttime staying healthy over his short career and isn't really someone who a coach can comfortably count on to carry the load on a game-to-game basis.
35. Julius Jones, Seattle Seahawks
Superpower -- Jones is a talented running back with enough size, good speed and impressive explosiveness. While he wasn't much of areceiver in Dallas, he has the ability to step up in this department, especially in Seattle's pass-heavy attack. The change of scenery to the Northwestcould do him a lot of good.
Kryptonite -- Jones' toughness has been called into question at times and there are certainly instances in which you would like to see himbe more physical with the ball in his hands or in pass protection. He is also a bit of a tweener in that he isn't big enough to pound a defense or quickand elusive enough to be the ideal change-of-pace runner.
36. Travis Henry, no team
Superpower -- Henry is a powerful downhill runner who runs hard. He has excellent experience and knows what it takes to be successful at thehighest level. He sees the play develop well and almost always gets every yard he can. Henry is a tough player to get on the ground as well.
Kryptonite -- Comes with some off-field concerns and might not be the kind of player that every team would welcome into its locker room. Henryalso has a difficult time staying healthy and has to be considered a declining player at this advanced stage of his career. He also adds little as apass-catcher and is a two-down player at best.
37. Earnest Graham, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Superpower -- You have to love Graham's effort and work ethic. Those traits paid off for him in a big way last year and he grabbed theBuccaneers' starting running back job by the throat. He is tough and reliable and will fight for every yard possible. Graham runs low, doesn't avoidcontact and has a little wiggle to his running style. Despite his age, he also has very little wear on his tires.
Kryptonite -- Before last season Graham has only been a depth runner and special teams player. Physically, he isn't overwhelming in anyarea and his performance last season has to be considered at or near his ceiling. He isn't big and will need to be spelled at times to stay effective, andhe should not be considered the running back of the future in Tampa Bay.
38. Warrick Dunn, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Superpower -- The Bucs will be thrilled to have Dunn back in the fold. He is the ultimate professional and has outstanding character. He doesall the little things well and knows what it takes to be a success. His attitude should be infectious and he can be counted on to contribute to JonGruden's offense on any down. Not only has he put together a great career, but Dunn is also the type of player who is very easy to root for.
Kryptonite -- Many knock Dunn for being too small, but he has proved time and time again that he can get the job done. However, he isn't aback who you want to carry the entire load at this stage of his career and his exceptional quickness and elusiveness are beginning to fade.
39. Kevin Smith, Detroit Lions
Superpower -- A smooth glider with good acceleration out of his cuts. Has good hands and receiving skills, catches the ball easily and hasgood buildup speed in space. He has good strength and vision for his size and runs aggressively. Smith can bounce and slide effectively to find daylight. Notthe biggest or fastest guy, but a good football player.
Kryptonite -- He's not a blazer and will run a little too upright at times. Lacks some initial burst and acceleration with the ball. Needsto improve his overall technique in pass protection in order to face up and play stout when taking on linebackers.
40. Jerious Norwood, Atlanta Falcons
Superpower -- He provides explosive speed as a change-of-pace runner for the Falcons. He has good burst into space on toss plays or whenbouncing to the outside. Runs with good vision and instincts, doing a very good job making subtle moves at full speed and keeping his momentum alive to producelong gains. Also shows good hands as a receiver out of the backfield with the ability to outrun defenders after the catch.
Kryptonite -- He lacks nifty feet in tight areas in traffic. Will take extra steps to gear down or gather himself when attempting to make hardcuts and is missing power between the tackles and good pass pro awareness.
[h1]Lesser-known rookies and backups round out top 64 RBs[/h1]
By Scouts Inc.
ESPN.com
(Archive)
Updated: June 4, 2008
[h4]Scouts Inc.'s Top RBs[/h4]
About the only certainty in this list is that not everyone will agree with it. So here are Scouts Inc.'s top 64 backs and a chance for you to tell us how you would rank them.
• LT or LJ? Westbrook or Jackson? And what about Adrian Peterson? The top backs were almost too close to call. Nos. 1-20
• Edge or Reggie? And where do you put star rookies like Darren McFadden? Nos. 21-40
• Do you take a rookie or established veteran here? And where do those versatile backups fall? Nos. 41-64
• SportsNation: Your turn to rank the best RBs.
Ranking the top running backs is about as easy as tackling any of them in the open field. Still, Scouts Inc. looked at every back in the league -- from thesuperstars to the rookies to the established veterans to those still looking for a job -- and listed them 1-64.
Some were easy. Others caused some long and loud arguments. And this list will undoubtedly cause many more debates. But ultimately, we looked at a varietyof factors. We studied the player's body of work as well as looked ahead and projected future production. We took into account the kind of offense theyplay in, the scheme and supporting cast around them. We compared players who were every-down backs against those who didn't play as much. We factored indurability and versatility. We looked at everything we could think of and when all else failed, we just asked who would we want on our team right now.
So here is our list of the top running backs in the NFL from 41 to 64. Let the second-guessing begin.
41. Matt Forte, Chicago Bears
Superpower -- He has good overall size and instincts for the position with good buildup speed. He runs with good toughness and will give goodsecond effort to finish his carries. He can get down hill and has enough foot quickness to be effective between the tackles.
Kryptonite -- He lacks the quickness to avoid penetration and is more effective if he has room to get started. Not a real home run threat onthe edge and missing some overall quickness in a tight area.
42. DeShaun Foster, San Francisco 49ers
Superpower -- He is a talented, experienced backup who will bring good production and versatility to the 49ers' backfield. He can be veryeffective in a rotation or on third down. Foster possesses good hands as a receiver out of the backfield, and he can stay in and pass protect effectively. Hestill has good strength and quickness to be effective running between the tackles or on the outside.
Kryptonite -- Ball security always has been an issue with him, and he is starting to lose some of the elusiveness for which he was knowncoming out of college. He also gets upright when running inside. He is not a guy you want carrying the load full time, but he still can produce in a variety ofsituations.
43. Ray Rice, Baltimore Ravens
Superpower -- He is a short, compact runner with very good feet and short-area burst. He is tough for his size and has enough quickness tomake defenders miss in traffic. He shows very good body control, knows how to create and can be elusive in one-on-one situations. He also has natural hands asa receiver out of the backfield with enough speed to break long gains.
Kryptonite -- As a rookie, he obviously lacks experience. His lack of size will limit his effectiveness in pass protection. He also lacks theframe and strength to break a lot of tackles or move the pile in short-yardage situations.
44. Ahman Green, Houston Texans
Superpower -- He always has been good at making quick cuts and getting downhill with authority. He has very good lower-body strength forbreaking tackles and enough balance to stay on his feet after contact. He is effective running between the tackles, and he has good hands to be productive onscreens and check downs.
Kryptonite -- He is on the wrong side of 30, and his legs have taken a pounding over the years. His ability to make multiple cuts andconsistently avoid in space is deteriorating. Durability is a concern at this point in his career.
45. Felix Jones, Dallas Cowboys
Superpower -- He is a versatile rookie who can be productive as a running back or kick returner. He is a good overall athlete with very goodquickness and acceleration. He possesses very good vision, explosive burst and the ability to finish once he gets into space. He is very productive on theperimeter with his speed and ability to make defenders miss.
Kryptonite -- He lacks ideal strength and power as an inside runner. He has only adequate hands as a receiver out of the backfield. He needsto improve his overall strength and technique in pass protection to be relied on at this level.
46. Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans
Superpower -- He brings a lot of versatility to Tennessee's roster with his abilities as a runner, receiver and kick returner. He is anextremely fast player who can outrun angles and take it the distance at any time. He catches the ball naturally and can cause matchup problems for defenses.
Kryptonite -- He is better on the edge than as an inside runner. He is not an overly elusive player who can create when things break down atthe line of scrimmage or in one-on-one situations.
47. Cedric Benson, Chicago Bears
Superpower -- Benson has the physical size and athletic ability to be a productive starter. He has good vision combined with good pad leveland good balance for running inside. He can read blocks and show patience, then accelerate with good burst for his size. He also is a capable receiver out ofthe backfield.
Kryptonite -- He has not produced up to his potential during his first three seasons, and he has failed to prove to management and histeammates that he can be "the guy." His overall passion for the game and desire to be a dominant player have been questioned.
48. Shaun Alexander, No team
Superpower -- He has very good size, vision and instincts. He can read blocks quickly and hit a crease with good pad level and balance. Heknows how to run under control and behind his pads, and he has the ability to set up defenders with subtle moves once he gets into space.
Kryptonite -- He has had a good career, but many now question his ability to run with the type of determination needed to be productive at hisage. His hands as a receiver and willingness to take on blitzers in pass protection are limited. He also goes down easily in congestion at times.
49. LaMont Jordan, Oakland Raiders
Superpower -- Jordan is a strong downhill runner with good vision. He has a thick lower body and can break tackles. He shows good balance andbody control. He catches the ball well for a bigger back and is quick to make adjustments to the ball and turn upfield after the catch.
Kryptonite -- He lacks elusiveness and has not been very durable as a starter. He is missing speed to the outside and overall burst to avoidin space. A back injury last season and the fact that he soon will be 30 create longevity concerns.
50. Kevin Faulk, New England Patriots
Superpower -- He is a very instinctive player who gives the Patriots a lot of versatility and production as a backup. He is an undersizedplayer who has very good quickness and body control in space. He has excellent hands as a receiver out of the backfield and continues to make defenders miss byusing foot quickness, spin moves and his lateral cutting ability.
Kryptonite -- He is 32 years old and better as a rotation or change-of-pace player. While you love his versatility, you don't want him tohave to carry the load. He lacks strength as an inside runner and does not break many tackles in traffic.
51. Kenny Watson, Cincinnati Bengals
Superpower -- He is a productive backup who also can return kicks. He's a good third-down player who has better quickness than strength.He is effective on toss plays and draws, using his quickness to slip or avoid tackles. He has very good vision to hit a crease while showing good burst andacceleration with the ball. He also changes direction well on cutbacks, showing good balance and pad level against the grain.
Kryptonite -- At times, he can be stood up quickly by linebackers who gain a good wrap on tackles. He doesn't break a lot of tacklesunless he is at full speed, and his long speed is average in the open field.
52. Ladell Betts, Washington ********
Superpower -- Betts has been a career backup for the ******** but has provided valuable minutes when given the opportunity to toe thefootball. He is a hard-nosed runner with power to move the pile. He is an instinctive player with good vision and inline run skills. Betts is reliable in thepassing game as a receiver out of the backfield as well as in protecting the quarterback.
Kryptonite -- He is a good football player who lacks great speed and burst to be effective as a perimeter threat. He doesn't have greatelusive qualities to make defenders miss in the open field, which limits his versatility as an NFL running back.
53. Chris Brown, Houston Texans
Superpower -- Brown has found a new home with the Texans as a backup. He has good size and straight-line speed. Brown can be effective as aninside power runner and has enough burst to press the edge on the perimeter. He has good inline vision and run instincts to take advantage of zone-blockingschemes.
Kryptonite -- He has all the tools to be a productive back but has had durability problems throughout his career. Brown's upright runningstyle enables defenders to make some big hits on him. He doesn't have great elusiveness in traffic, which only adds to his durability concerns.
54. Tatum Bell, Detroit Lions
Superpower -- Bell is listed as the backup to rookie RB Kevin Smithbut likely will see the field often in 2008. He has excellent speed and burst to hit a crease and pick up chunks of yards. He has good foot agility and balanceto make effective cuts in traffic. Bell can stretch a defense by getting to the edge quickly as well as being elusive in space. He can be dangerous on thesecond level in the Lions' ground attack as well as a receiver out of the backfield.
Kryptonite -- He lacks great inside presence on power plays. He doesn't run with conviction between the tackles, tends to lose patienceand bounces the ball to the outside too often. His physicality and durability have been a concern over his career, and he has missed time every season.
55. Maurice Morris, Seattle Seahawks
Superpower -- Morris had his best season of his six-year career marking up solid numbers while replacing the injured Shaun Alexander in 2007.He is a versatile runner who has enough speed to turn the corner and the toughness to be an effective inside ball carrier. He is a patient, instinctive runnerwho shows good inline vision and run skills. He has excellent hands and creates matchup problems as a receiver out of the backfield.
Kryptonite -- He lacks great bulk and natural power to be an effective goal-line and short-yardage runner. He has learned to carry his padsbetter but still tends to run high and will take some big hits. He has average lower-body strength, which makes it tough for him to move the pile oncontact.
56. Adrian Peterson, Chicago Bears
Superpower -- He is a tough, hard-nosed back who gave some consistency to Chicago's ground attack in 2007. He is a good combination ofstrength and athleticism. Peterson has great inline vision and run instincts to be effective in traffic. He runs with good lateral quickness and agility toavoid contact and hit a crease. He has good hands and has expanded his ability as a receiver out of the backfield. Peterson also has been an excellent specialteams contributor throughout his career.
Kryptonite -- He has been a career backup who appears to have hit his ceiling as an NFL runner. He is good in many aspects as a runner but notspecial in any particular area. He doesn't have great explosiveness or speed to be a dangerous runner and lacks bulk to be a consistent power back.
57. Leon Washington, New York Jets
Superpower -- He has excellent quickness and deceptive power for his size. He runs with conviction between the tackles and shows strength tomove the pile on contact. He is tough for defenders to find behind his large offensive line, which makes his cutting ability even more effective. Washingtonhas great inline vision, foot agility and elusiveness both as an inside and outside runner. He has good hands and is an effective receiver out of thebackfield. He also is an outstanding kick returner -- he ran back three for touchdowns last season.
Kryptonite -- He lacks height, which hinders his ability to be an effective pass-protector. He can be overpowered or out-leveraged easily attimes. Even though he is well-built and has deceptive power, he isn't consistent as a short-yardage or goal-line runner.
58. Derrick Ward, New York Giants
Superpower -- Ward had an outstanding 2007 season, giving depth to a banged up New York backfield. He is a good combination of size, strengthand athleticism. He has power to move the pile as well as deceptive speed and quickness to get to the second level. Ward is a hard-nosed runner who hits thehole with effective vision and strength between the tackles. He is an instinctive player who showed he can make effective lateral cuts to find a crease. Wardalso developed his receiving skills and was a pleasant surprise in the Giants' passing game.
Kryptonite -- He has had durability questions during his short career in the league. He has had a hard time staying healthy and tends to besomewhat reckless in his running style. Ward needs to carry his pad level better because he tends to run a bit upright at times. He isn't an explosiveplayer and has been only an average special teams contributor thus far.
59. Dominic Rhodes, Indianapolis Colts
Superpower -- He returns to the Colts in a backup role after spending one season in the same capacity in Oakland. He is a hard-nosed back whoruns with conviction between the tackles. He is quick to hit the hole and has great straight-line speed to pick up big chunks of yards. He is an instinctiveplayer who is patient to let blocking schemes unfold. Rhodes also has effective vision and receiving skills as a target out of the backfield.
Kryptonite -- He is undersized and limited as an every-down back. He has questionable durability, isn't very elusive in the open field andtends to take too many direct hits for an athlete his size.
60. Selvin Young, Denver Broncos
Superpower -- He is coming off an impressive rookie season in which he provided excellent depth in the Broncos' backfield. Young was apleasant surprise for the Denver staff after being acquired as a college free agent in 2007. He showed deceptive power for his size, as he runs with convictionand great body lean. He has excellent vision and instincts with the lateral quickness and agility to find a crease.
Kryptonite -- Young has had durability concerns in the past, and it remains to be seen how well he can handle the pounding with more playingtime. He lacks great elusiveness in space and is more of a straight-line runner. He will need to develop in the passing game, especially in blitz-pickupsituations.
61. Sammy Morris, New England Patriots
Superpower -- Morris is coming off his most productive season in his eight-year career. He is a good combination of size, strength andathleticism. He runs with excellent body lean and power to break tackles inline. He has good vision and instincts in traffic. Morris is a solid pass-protectorduring blitz pickups and shows a good feel for the passing game. He wasn't involved as much in the Patriots' special teams units in 2007, but he wasexcellent in that phase of the game in previous seasons.
Kryptonite -- He has durability problems because he has had a hard time staying on the field for an entire season. He doesn't have greatburst through the hole or the speed to turn the corner on perimeter plays. Morris doesn't have great elusive qualities to make defenders miss in space.
62. T.J. Duckett, Seattle Seahawks
Superpower -- He has excellent size and strength as an NFL back. He has deceptive foot agility, balance and quickness to make effective cutsfor a 254-pound ball carrier. Duckett is a punishing runner who shows the power to break tackles on contact. He has good vision and inline running skills,which enable him to get through trash effectively. He also has solid hands as a receiver out of the backfield and deceptive run skills after the catch.
Kryptonite -- He is with his fourth club in the past four seasons and primarily has been a backup his entire career. Duckett doesn't havegreat burst or speed to threaten the perimeter and rarely picks up huge chunks of yards. He has prompted weight concerns as well as work ethic questions sinceentering the league.
63. Ron Dayne, Houston Texans
Superpower -- He is a short, thick-built player with good power to break tackles. He has good foot agility, inline quickness, vision and runinstincts. He is very effective in short-yardage and goal-line situations and has a nose for the end zone.
Kryptonite -- He has had a tough time staying healthy the past four seasons. He also has had weight concerns throughout most of his career. Hedoesn't have great burst or top-end speed to press the edge, which makes him a one-dimensional runner. He is limited as a receiver out of the backfield andas a special teams contributor.
64. Jamaal Charles, Kansas City Chiefs
Superpower -- He will be coming into the league to complement the Chiefs' featured running back. He is a good combination of athleticismand instincts. He has excellent speed and burst both as a runner and receiver out of the backfield. He is football player who has outstanding track speed. Heshould give the Chiefs an explosive threat on the perimeter as well as after the catch.
Kryptonite -- He doesn't have great power as an inside runner. He needs to gain weight and strength to become a complete back. Charlesisn't always a patient runner and needs to mature as a between-the-tackles ball carrier. Charles also needs to improve his blitz-pickup and develop hisroute running. He is somewhat of a one-dimensional player, lacking inside, short-yardage and goal-line effectiveness.
By Scouts Inc.
(Archive)
Updated: June 4, 2008
[h4]Scouts Inc.'s Top RBs[/h4]
About the only certainty in this list is that not everyone will agree with it. So here are Scouts Inc.'s top 64 backs and a chance for you to tell us how you would rank them.
• LT or LJ? Westbrook or Jackson? And what about Adrian Peterson? The top backs were almost too close to call. Nos. 1-20
• Edge or Reggie? And where do you put star rookies like Darren McFadden? Nos. 21-40
• Do you take a rookie or established veteran here? And where do those versatile backups fall? Nos. 41-64
• SportsNation: Your turn to rank the best RBs.
Ranking the top running backs is about as easy as tackling any of them in the open field. Still, Scouts Inc. looked at every back in the league -- from thesuperstars to the rookies to the established veterans to those still looking for a job -- and listed them 1-64.
Some were easy. Others caused some long and loud arguments. And this list will undoubtedly cause many more debates. But ultimately, we looked at a varietyof factors. We studied the player's body of work as well as looked ahead and projected future production. We took into account the kind of offense theyplay in, the scheme and supporting cast around them. We compared players who were every-down backs against those who didn't play as much. We factored indurability and versatility. We looked at everything we could think of and when all else failed, we just asked who would we want on our team right now.
So here is our list of the top running backs in the NFL from 1 to 64. Let the second-guessing begin.
1. LaDainian Tomlinson, San Diego Chargers
Watch: Tomlinson highlights
Superpower -- Tomlinson is the most versatile back in the NFL. He has elite vision and ranks among the best ever to play the game when itcomes to finding cutback lanes. He has an excellent combination of size, strength and speed, can run inside or outside, catches the ball like a receiver andblocks effectively. In short, LT is the most dangerous back in the league today.
Kryptonite -- None. Wear and tear could soon become a factor because of the sheer amount of touches he has had during his career, and a kneeinjury that hindered him in last season's AFC Championship Game proved he is indeed human.
2. Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings
Watch: Peterson highlights
Superpower -- Peterson runs behind the best offensive line in the NFL but also is the most physically dominating back in the league. He runswith elite power and strength, gains a lot of yards after contact and knows how to finish runs. The Viking has deceptive quickness in the hole for a back hissize. He is the most explosive finisher in the NFL with his combination of strength, power and speed.
Kryptonite -- Not surprisingly, durability always will be a concern. Even though Peterson does a nice job of lowering his pads on contact anddelivers a bigger blow than he receives, his running style lends itself to taking big hits. And though it often was because he tried to extend runs, he fumbledthe ball too often (four times) last season.
3. Steven Jackson, St. Louis Rams
Superpower -- His versatility. Jackson is an excellent inside-out runner who is smooth and fluid. He is light on his feet for his size and canmake the first defender miss in the hole. He can run around or through defenders, making it difficult to get him off his feet. He has excellent hands andcreates numerous mismatches for an opposing defensive coordinator.
Kryptonite -- Like many backs who get many touches, durability is a concern. At times, he could run a little more physically in short-yardagesituations.
4. Brian Westbrook, Philadelphia Eagles
Superpower -- Westbrook can align anywhere on the field and create mismatches. No linebacker in the NFL can handle Westbrook in man-to-mancoverage. He has elite quickness to get on the edges and turn the corner. He is a better receiver than runner, and that is saying a lot because as a runner heshows excellent vision and instincts.
Kryptonite -- Lack of size. He is not a guy who will carry the ball 30 times per game and wear down opposing defenses.
5. Larry Johnson, Kansas City Chiefs
Superpower -- Johnson fits the definition of a "bell cow" better than any back on the list. The Chiefs can feed him the ball all daylong, and he'll wear down an opposing defense. He is a physical inside runner who moves the pile after contact and can get tough yards otherwise. Thoughhe's a bigger back, he has breakaway speed when he hits the second level at full speed.
Kryptonite -- He is not an elite receiver out of the backfield, nor is he very quick or elusive. For Johnson to be effective, he needs a solidoffensive line, because he won't make defenders miss or create on his own if there is no initial hole for him to reach.
6. Joseph Addai, Indianapolis Colts
Watch: Addai highlights
Superpower -- Addai's No. 1 asset as a runner is his patience, which is a must in the Colts' scheme. He is a one-cut runner who canget downhill in a hurry when he sees a hole. Addai is shifty at the second level as well and has excellent hands and feel in the passing game. He is dangerousin the open field after the catch because he does an excellent job of setting up his blocks.
Kryptonite -- Though he has not had major injuries, there have been some nicks. We would not describe Addai as a tough or physical runner. Heruns a little upright and takes some big hits. We also wonder whether he is a "system" player and whether he would have the same value in anotheroffense.
7. Frank Gore, San Francisco 49ers
Superpower -- We're not sure we have seen a back who is so explosive yet has dealt with so many injuries. Gore shows exceptional quicknessto and through the hole and can plant and change directions quickly. He runs with good balance and is tough to get off his feet. His hands are an asset, and helikely will catch close to 100 balls in 2008 in the scheme of new offensive coordinator Mike Martz.
Kryptonite -- Durability. Gore has had two major knee injuries dating back to college, and in the NFL he has been nicked up often. We wonderabout his longevity as a feature back. The 49er did not run as hard last season and became frustrated with his role in the offense. He needs to mature andbecome a more effective leader.
8. Marion Barber, Dallas Cowboys
Watch: Barber highlights
Superpower -- Second only to Minnesota's Peterson as a physical inside runner, Barber delivers a huge blow on contact and always fallsforward or keeps his feet moving after contact. He catches the ball well and is tough to get off his feet in space. He is an excellent leader and motivator,and you can see the spark he brings to the offense when he gets in the game.
Kryptonite -- Questions exist about whether he can produce as an every-down back. Barber just got a new mega contract but never has been thetrue starter in Dallas. He is not shifty and does not avoid well, and even though he packs a punch, he gets hit hard often as a runner. You wonder whether hecan hold up long-term with the amount of hits he takes. His lack of game-breaking speed also needs to be noted.
9. Clinton Portis, Washington ********
Watch: Portis highlights
Superpower -- Portis is simply impressive in terms of production. He is near the top of the league every year and is a tough player who willfight through bumps and bruises. He attacks the line of scrimmage and can make the first defender miss in the hole. He does not have elite size but knows howto finish his runs.
Kryptonite -- He puts the ball on the ground too often and at times does so in critical situations. He can be aloof when he needs to take careof the ball, dropping easy passes to kill drives and missing blocks in pass protection. He has great physical tools but at times seems to check outmentally.
10. Marshawn Lynch, Buffalo Bills
Watch: Lynch highlights
Superpower -- For a back who had concerns about toughness, Lynch sure does know how to finish. He lowers his pads and breaks tackles on firstcontact. He showed solid vision and run instincts last year as a rookie, something many first-year backs struggle with.
Kryptonite -- Lynch needs to develop his receiving skills; he had 18 receptions out of the backfield last season. He does not show a lot ofwiggle and can be a bit of a straight-line runner. He needs to become a better blocker, as he missed some blitz pickups that resulted in QB sacks lastseason.
11. Fred Taylor, Jacksonville Jaguars
Superpower -- Taylor keeps getting better. He is still extremely explosive to the hole and has an excellent stutter-step to show patiencewhile the hole develops. He's elusive and can make defenders miss with a spin move or foot quickness.
Kryptonite -- He is no longer an every-down back and does not catch the ball out of the backfield as well as he once did. Age does not seem tobe a factor right now, but his legs are not getting any younger.
12. Willis McGahee, Baltimore Ravens
Superpower -- He is much more explosive than he appears to be. At times he seems methodical in his movements, but he does show explosivenessto and through the hole. McGahee is a solid inside runner who occasionally bounces the ball to the edge. He is an underrated player who is extremely tough --he's even played despite having cracked ribs.
Kryptonite -- He is not very flashy or explosive. He is not a home run threat in the open field nor does he show the consistent quickness toget out on the edges and make plays. He put the ball on the ground a few times last season in critical situations.
13. Willie Parker, Pittsburgh Steelers
Superpower -- Parker has been an explosive playmaker since taking over as the starter in 2005. He is an explosive player who can strike fromanywhere on the field and has the speed and acceleration to pressure the edges of a defense.
Kryptonite -- Parker doesn't have the size you look for in a three-down back. He lacks a variety of moves in open space and doesn'trun with a lot of tackle strength on the second level. He can be a liability as a pass-blocker when isolated in one-on-one situations.
14. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars
Watch: Jones-Drew highlights
Superpower -- Jones-Drew is an explosive playmaker who can break a big run from anywhere. He runs with excellent power and strength withenough toughness to be effective as an inside runner. If he can find a crease he can use his speed, balance and body control to make big plays. He hasadditional value in the passing game and as a return specialist.
Kryptonite -- He never has been the featured guy while playing behind Fred Taylor in Jacksonville. He lacks the size to be a consistentlyeffective blocker, and there are some concerns about his ability to run between the tackles as an every-down player.
15. Jamal Lewis, Cleveland Browns
Superpower -- Lewis played at a very high level last season as the Browns' featured running back. He has a solid, thick frame and runswith a low center of gravity. He also shows good vision and the power to run between the tackles. Lewis breaks arm tackles and keeps his balance to gain extrayards after initial contact. He still has game-breaking ability and the other tools he needs to be productive.
Kryptonite -- His overall athletic ability has declined throughout his career. His first step, though effective, isn't as quick as it wasin his 2,000-yard season of 2003. He doesn't provide much as a blocker in pass protection and is average at best as a receiver out of the backfield.
16. Michael Turner, Atlanta Falcons
Watch: Turner highlights
Superpower -- Turner played behind Tomlinson in San Diego but showed enough to say he has the talent to give the Falcons a huge lift on firstand second down. He was an excellent change-of-pace runner behind LT and runs with good pad level, showing good downhill acceleration when attacking holes. Heis a very productive north-south runner.
Kryptonite -- He has never been a featured back and has earned limited playing time in his career. He is not very elusive in space andcontributed mainly on first and second down with limited value as a receiver out of the backfield. He has not been consistent as a pass-blocker, either.
17. Brandon Jacobs, New York Giants
Superpower -- Jacobs has an excellent combination of size, strength and functional play speed. He is most effective when he uses his size toattack downhill between the tackles. He has good vision and run instincts with above-average speed and acceleration to get downhill and press the hole. He is apowerful runner who can lower his shoulder to gets yards after contact.
Kryptonite -- Jacobs has enough speed to get on the edge but is not a true home run threat. He has decent hands out of the backfield but stillhas a tendency to double-catch at times. He's not elusive as an open-field runner and struggles at times as a pass-blocker.
18. Laurence Maroney, New England Patriots
Superpower -- Maroney has shown flashes of everything the Patriots hoped he would be with his combination of speed, power and explosiveness.He has all the tools to be a productive front-line runner in the NFL. He is a natural jump-cutter with the ability to turn a short gain into an explosivedownfield play. Kryptonite -- Maroney has not been consistent and has struggled with durability issues. He lacks the bulk to run overdefenders and the size to consistently match up in pass protection schemes. He's not a natural receiver out of the backfield.
19. Ronnie Brown, Miami Dolphins
Superpower -- Brown is an extremely talented player who can contribute on first and second down. He is a tough, strong inside runner who hasthe ability to wear down defenses. He has an excellent combination of athleticism and size around which new head coach Tony Sparano can build his offensivesystem.
Kryptonite -- Injuries. Brown started the first seven games of the season last year before landing on injured reserve with a knee injury. Hehas never played a full 16-game season in his short career and has yet to prove he can carry a consistent load. Brown is more natural running behind a fullbackand doesn't have much value as a receiver out of the backfield at this point in his career.
20. Ryan Grant, Green Bay Packers
Superpower -- Grant came out of nowhere last season to put up impressive numbers (five 100-yard games) in the Packers' zone-runningscheme. He has good size, functional strength and play speed. He is a natural one-cut runner who has the speed and acceleration to press the hole. He is aninstinctive runner with good vision through the hole.
Kryptonite -- Grant still needs to be more patient when getting on the second level. He has a tendency to try to bounce to the sidelineinstead of lowering his shoulder and running north-south on the second level. You don't see the consistent second gear on the second level. He's stilla young player who lacks experience as a starter in a 16-game season.
[h1]James, Bush headline second tier of running backs[/h1]
By Scouts Inc.
(Archive)
Updated: June 4, 2008
[h4]Scouts Inc.'s Top RBs[/h4]
About the only certainty in this list is that not everyone will agree with it. So here are Scouts Inc.'s top 64 backs and a chance for you to tell us how you would rank them.
• LT or LJ? Westbrook or Jackson? And what about Adrian Peterson? The top backs were almost too close to call. Nos. 1-20
• Edge or Reggie? And where do you put star rookies like Darren McFadden? Nos. 21-40
• Do you take a rookie or established veteran here? And where do those versatile backups fall? Nos. 41-64
• SportsNation: Your turn to rank the best RBs.
Ranking the top running backs is about as easy as tackling any of them in the open field. Still, Scouts Inc. looked at every back in the league -- from thesuperstars to the rookies to the established veterans to those still looking for a job -- and listed them 1-64.
Some were easy. Others caused some long and loud arguments. And this list will undoubtedly cause many more debates. But ultimately, we looked at a varietyof factors. We studied the player's body of work as well as looked ahead and projected future production. We took into account the kind of offense theyplay in, the scheme and supporting cast around them. We compared players who were every-down backs against those who didn't play as much. We factored indurability and versatility. We looked at everything we could think of and when all else failed, we just asked who would we want on our team right now.
So here is our list of the top running backs in the NFL from 21-40. Let the second-guessing begin.
21. Edgerrin James, Arizona Cardinals
Superpower -- Has good vision and acceleration to press the hole, and even though his longest run was 27 yards, James still managed to rushfor 1,000 yards last season. Runs with a low center of gravity with good balance and control. Still has the speed to get outside on the edge with naturalcutback ability. He can be an effective receiver out of the backfield.
Kryptonite -- He has shown declining skills and is not the same back he was a few years ago. He is no longer a threat to strike from anywhereon the field, is not much of a blocker and doesn't always give consistent effort in pass pro. Will put the ball on the ground at times in criticalsituations.
22. LenDale White, Tennessee Titans
Superpower -- He is a young player with outstanding size and lower-body strength. He is a physical runner who can be very effective as aninside runner. Has vision, control and the burst to bounce outside and attack different levels in the defense.
Kryptonite -- Not always going to be in the best shape and will always have weight and work ethic concerns. Lacks breakaway speed and is notelusive in open space. Must improve his pass pro skills.
23. Darren McFadden, Oakland Raiders
Superpower -- Easily the best football player in the 2008 draft. He is a very talented running back with the speed and quickness to bedangerous anywhere on the field. He is very elusive and runs with a purpose and has the ability to be a difference-maker at the next level. He should be thefeatured runner in Oakland from day one if he is signed and under contract. Kryptonite -- Lacks NFL experience and will need time to develop.He must improve his lower-body strength and run after contact on the second level. He will need a lot of refinement as a pass-blocker when reacting to zonedogs and blitzes.
24. Thomas Jones, New York Jets
Superpower -- He is a short, well-built athlete with excellent athleticism and deceptive power, and his presence last season allowed the Jetsto rely more on a power rushing attack. He has excellent inline vision, foot agility, balance and quickness. He has patience to let blocking schemes developwhile utilizing his ability to move the pile or elude defenders with short-area quickness and wiggle.
Kryptonite -- Thomas had his least productive season as a starter in 2007 behind a very ineffective offensive line. He has just adequate handsas a receiver out of the backfield and has shown only decent ability to run after the catch. Thomas is a willing pass-blocker but can get out-leveraged attimes due to lack of height.
25. Reggie Bush, New Orleans Saints
Superpower -- If Bush is used properly within the offensive scheme, he has the speed and ability to make explosive plays in the running andpassing games. He must be accounted for within the defensive game plan when involved in certain personnel groupings. He has great body control and quickness,game-changing speed and impressive instincts. He is a very good receiver who catches passes at full speed and is a dangerous runner after the catch.
Kryptonite -- He is not an every-down back. Bush lacks elite size and the bulk to move the pile, and is susceptible to wearing down. Does notdo an effective job as a pass-blocker and still needs to improve his technique. He is only a multiple threat in the right kind of situations and personnelgroupings.
26. Chester Taylor, Minnesota Vikings
Superpower -- There isn't really anything you can say he does poorly. He is a tough runner who also catches the ball well and is verycapable of picking up the blitz. He is effective running outside or between the tackles. While he isn't the most dynamic runner around, he is anexceptional No. 2 that any team would love to have. It went under the radar a bit as he ended up being the backup to Adrian Peterson, but Taylor did rack up844 yards on the ground last year and gained a whopping 5.4 yards per carry.
Kryptonite -- One word: Peterson. While Taylor doesn't excel in any one area, he would be the one posting impressive numbers if theVikings hadn't taken Peterson in the 2007 draft. Hard to blame a guy for a situation like that.
27. DeAngelo Williams, Carolina Panthers
Superpower -- Williams has very good natural running skills. He sees a play develop, is patient letting his blockers to do their jobs and thenexplodes through the hole with excellent burst. He runs low and has very good balance. There is a lot to like about how he carries the football.
Kryptonite -- He has not gotten a true chance to show what he can do with a high number of carries. While he isn't an exceptionalpile-mover inside and isn't built like a typical workhorse, he is productive when given the chance. With more touches -- which is now unlikely after thePanthers drafted Jonathan Stewart -- Williams could potentially break out.
28. Rudi Johnson, Cincinnati Bengals
Superpower -- He is tough, falls forward on contact and does an excellent job of taking what is given to him. He can wear a defense down andpunish tacklers, which pays dividends late in games. Johnson had always been a player whom Cincinnati could count on to do the heavy lifting and get the toughyards, which opens up its dangerous passing game.
Kryptonite -- As evidenced by his paltry 2.9 yards per carry last year, the end might be approaching quickly for Johnson. He has a lot of wearand tear on his body and wasn't the niftiest guy to begin with. When pounding backs like Johnson lose the little burst and quickness that they have,getting out of the way of aggressive defenders becomes a big problem. This year is pivotal for Johnson's career.
29. Jonathan Stewart, Carolina Panthers
Superpower -- Stewart has a lot of big-play ability for a back of his size and should complement DeAngelo Williams very well. Carolina wantsto pound the rock and Stewart should eventually see the bulk of the carries for the Panthers. He can wear a defense down and also has the ability to break longruns. Exactly what you are looking for in a first-round running back.
Kryptonite -- Like any rookie, adapting to the NFL will not be easy. But for Stewart it could be more difficult, because he is nursing anagging toe injury. Although running back might be the easiest transitional position for first-year players, rookies need all the reps they can get, andStewart is presently unable to perform due to his injury.
30. Rashard Mendenhall, Pittsburgh Steelers
Superpower -- The rookie is big and is very fast for such a powerful runner. He cuts sharply and wastes little motion and doesn't have togear down when changing directions. He is a developing receiver who should only get better in this area. Pittsburgh is an excellent place for his short- andlong-term development, and Mendenhall could have a very bright future.
Kryptonite -- Mendenhall carried the ball a lot during his one year as the starter at Illinois, but he was not asked to do much in the way ofpass blocking. He has the mentality and physical ability to be a fine pass-blocker, but this is a difficult skill for a rookie to learn. It is tough to put arunning back on the field if he will likely get his star quarterback blindsided by a blitzing linebacker.
31. Justin Fargas, Oakland Raiders
Superpower -- Fargas attacks the line of scrimmage with vigor and fights for yardage with impressive passion. He runs very hard and breakstackles, but is still an explosive athlete with the speed to take it the distance. Fargas is the kind of guy you like to have in a rotation and should form avery productive pair with McFadden.
Kryptonite -- Because of his aggressiveness and high running style, Fargas has proved to be a durability risk. Adding another ball carrier tolighten his load will surely prolong his career and keep him fresh late in games and as the season progresses. He is a bit of a straight-line player anddoesn't show the lateral agility of many of the top backs on this list.
32. Carnell Williams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Superpower -- Williams can be a great running back with his rare vision, aggressiveness and natural running instincts. He plays the game withpassion and has an excellent burst to attack a defense. It is difficult to predict how he will recover from his latest injury, but when he is right, there arefew who run the ball like Williams.
Kryptonite -- He just cannot stay on the field. He runs extremely hard and isn't really built to take that kind of pounding. Makingmatters worse, he just seems to have bad luck when it comes to injuries. He very well could get healthy and re-establish himself a great back, but he mightalso never play effectively again.
33. Deuce McAllister, New Orleans Saints
Superpower -- Few backs have the combination of natural running ability, power and big-play ability that McAllister boasts. There reallyisn't anything that he can't do well on the field. Having McAllister back in the starting lineup at full health would allow New Orleans to betterutilize Bush's impressive pass-catching ability.
Kryptonite -- Much like Cadillac Williams, McAllister's ability to stay on the field is a major issue. He is recovering from anotherserious knee injury and is getting to the age where players at his position begin their natural decline anyway. If he can get back to form and stay healthy, hewill shoot right back up this list, but counting on him to do so is a risky proposition.
34. Kevin Jones, No team
Superpower -- His talent is apparent and Jones has a lot going for him when he is healthy. He can break long runs or carry the ball withpower. He cuts sharply and shows good feet in tight quarters. There is surely a team out there that will jump on him once he proves he is recovered frominjury.
Kryptonite -- Health is obviously a huge problem for Jones right now, because he is a talented player without a home. He has had a difficulttime staying healthy over his short career and isn't really someone who a coach can comfortably count on to carry the load on a game-to-game basis.
35. Julius Jones, Seattle Seahawks
Superpower -- Jones is a talented running back with enough size, good speed and impressive explosiveness. While he wasn't much of areceiver in Dallas, he has the ability to step up in this department, especially in Seattle's pass-heavy attack. The change of scenery to the Northwestcould do him a lot of good.
Kryptonite -- Jones' toughness has been called into question at times and there are certainly instances in which you would like to see himbe more physical with the ball in his hands or in pass protection. He is also a bit of a tweener in that he isn't big enough to pound a defense or quickand elusive enough to be the ideal change-of-pace runner.
36. Travis Henry, no team
Superpower -- Henry is a powerful downhill runner who runs hard. He has excellent experience and knows what it takes to be successful at thehighest level. He sees the play develop well and almost always gets every yard he can. Henry is a tough player to get on the ground as well.
Kryptonite -- Comes with some off-field concerns and might not be the kind of player that every team would welcome into its locker room. Henryalso has a difficult time staying healthy and has to be considered a declining player at this advanced stage of his career. He also adds little as apass-catcher and is a two-down player at best.
37. Earnest Graham, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Superpower -- You have to love Graham's effort and work ethic. Those traits paid off for him in a big way last year and he grabbed theBuccaneers' starting running back job by the throat. He is tough and reliable and will fight for every yard possible. Graham runs low, doesn't avoidcontact and has a little wiggle to his running style. Despite his age, he also has very little wear on his tires.
Kryptonite -- Before last season Graham has only been a depth runner and special teams player. Physically, he isn't overwhelming in anyarea and his performance last season has to be considered at or near his ceiling. He isn't big and will need to be spelled at times to stay effective, andhe should not be considered the running back of the future in Tampa Bay.
38. Warrick Dunn, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Superpower -- The Bucs will be thrilled to have Dunn back in the fold. He is the ultimate professional and has outstanding character. He doesall the little things well and knows what it takes to be a success. His attitude should be infectious and he can be counted on to contribute to JonGruden's offense on any down. Not only has he put together a great career, but Dunn is also the type of player who is very easy to root for.
Kryptonite -- Many knock Dunn for being too small, but he has proved time and time again that he can get the job done. However, he isn't aback who you want to carry the entire load at this stage of his career and his exceptional quickness and elusiveness are beginning to fade.
39. Kevin Smith, Detroit Lions
Superpower -- A smooth glider with good acceleration out of his cuts. Has good hands and receiving skills, catches the ball easily and hasgood buildup speed in space. He has good strength and vision for his size and runs aggressively. Smith can bounce and slide effectively to find daylight. Notthe biggest or fastest guy, but a good football player.
Kryptonite -- He's not a blazer and will run a little too upright at times. Lacks some initial burst and acceleration with the ball. Needsto improve his overall technique in pass protection in order to face up and play stout when taking on linebackers.
40. Jerious Norwood, Atlanta Falcons
Superpower -- He provides explosive speed as a change-of-pace runner for the Falcons. He has good burst into space on toss plays or whenbouncing to the outside. Runs with good vision and instincts, doing a very good job making subtle moves at full speed and keeping his momentum alive to producelong gains. Also shows good hands as a receiver out of the backfield with the ability to outrun defenders after the catch.
Kryptonite -- He lacks nifty feet in tight areas in traffic. Will take extra steps to gear down or gather himself when attempting to make hardcuts and is missing power between the tackles and good pass pro awareness.
[h1]Lesser-known rookies and backups round out top 64 RBs[/h1]
By Scouts Inc.
ESPN.com
(Archive)
Updated: June 4, 2008
[h4]Scouts Inc.'s Top RBs[/h4]
About the only certainty in this list is that not everyone will agree with it. So here are Scouts Inc.'s top 64 backs and a chance for you to tell us how you would rank them.
• LT or LJ? Westbrook or Jackson? And what about Adrian Peterson? The top backs were almost too close to call. Nos. 1-20
• Edge or Reggie? And where do you put star rookies like Darren McFadden? Nos. 21-40
• Do you take a rookie or established veteran here? And where do those versatile backups fall? Nos. 41-64
• SportsNation: Your turn to rank the best RBs.
Ranking the top running backs is about as easy as tackling any of them in the open field. Still, Scouts Inc. looked at every back in the league -- from thesuperstars to the rookies to the established veterans to those still looking for a job -- and listed them 1-64.
Some were easy. Others caused some long and loud arguments. And this list will undoubtedly cause many more debates. But ultimately, we looked at a varietyof factors. We studied the player's body of work as well as looked ahead and projected future production. We took into account the kind of offense theyplay in, the scheme and supporting cast around them. We compared players who were every-down backs against those who didn't play as much. We factored indurability and versatility. We looked at everything we could think of and when all else failed, we just asked who would we want on our team right now.
So here is our list of the top running backs in the NFL from 41 to 64. Let the second-guessing begin.
41. Matt Forte, Chicago Bears
Superpower -- He has good overall size and instincts for the position with good buildup speed. He runs with good toughness and will give goodsecond effort to finish his carries. He can get down hill and has enough foot quickness to be effective between the tackles.
Kryptonite -- He lacks the quickness to avoid penetration and is more effective if he has room to get started. Not a real home run threat onthe edge and missing some overall quickness in a tight area.
42. DeShaun Foster, San Francisco 49ers
Superpower -- He is a talented, experienced backup who will bring good production and versatility to the 49ers' backfield. He can be veryeffective in a rotation or on third down. Foster possesses good hands as a receiver out of the backfield, and he can stay in and pass protect effectively. Hestill has good strength and quickness to be effective running between the tackles or on the outside.
Kryptonite -- Ball security always has been an issue with him, and he is starting to lose some of the elusiveness for which he was knowncoming out of college. He also gets upright when running inside. He is not a guy you want carrying the load full time, but he still can produce in a variety ofsituations.
43. Ray Rice, Baltimore Ravens
Superpower -- He is a short, compact runner with very good feet and short-area burst. He is tough for his size and has enough quickness tomake defenders miss in traffic. He shows very good body control, knows how to create and can be elusive in one-on-one situations. He also has natural hands asa receiver out of the backfield with enough speed to break long gains.
Kryptonite -- As a rookie, he obviously lacks experience. His lack of size will limit his effectiveness in pass protection. He also lacks theframe and strength to break a lot of tackles or move the pile in short-yardage situations.
44. Ahman Green, Houston Texans
Superpower -- He always has been good at making quick cuts and getting downhill with authority. He has very good lower-body strength forbreaking tackles and enough balance to stay on his feet after contact. He is effective running between the tackles, and he has good hands to be productive onscreens and check downs.
Kryptonite -- He is on the wrong side of 30, and his legs have taken a pounding over the years. His ability to make multiple cuts andconsistently avoid in space is deteriorating. Durability is a concern at this point in his career.
45. Felix Jones, Dallas Cowboys
Superpower -- He is a versatile rookie who can be productive as a running back or kick returner. He is a good overall athlete with very goodquickness and acceleration. He possesses very good vision, explosive burst and the ability to finish once he gets into space. He is very productive on theperimeter with his speed and ability to make defenders miss.
Kryptonite -- He lacks ideal strength and power as an inside runner. He has only adequate hands as a receiver out of the backfield. He needsto improve his overall strength and technique in pass protection to be relied on at this level.
46. Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans
Superpower -- He brings a lot of versatility to Tennessee's roster with his abilities as a runner, receiver and kick returner. He is anextremely fast player who can outrun angles and take it the distance at any time. He catches the ball naturally and can cause matchup problems for defenses.
Kryptonite -- He is better on the edge than as an inside runner. He is not an overly elusive player who can create when things break down atthe line of scrimmage or in one-on-one situations.
47. Cedric Benson, Chicago Bears
Superpower -- Benson has the physical size and athletic ability to be a productive starter. He has good vision combined with good pad leveland good balance for running inside. He can read blocks and show patience, then accelerate with good burst for his size. He also is a capable receiver out ofthe backfield.
Kryptonite -- He has not produced up to his potential during his first three seasons, and he has failed to prove to management and histeammates that he can be "the guy." His overall passion for the game and desire to be a dominant player have been questioned.
48. Shaun Alexander, No team
Superpower -- He has very good size, vision and instincts. He can read blocks quickly and hit a crease with good pad level and balance. Heknows how to run under control and behind his pads, and he has the ability to set up defenders with subtle moves once he gets into space.
Kryptonite -- He has had a good career, but many now question his ability to run with the type of determination needed to be productive at hisage. His hands as a receiver and willingness to take on blitzers in pass protection are limited. He also goes down easily in congestion at times.
49. LaMont Jordan, Oakland Raiders
Superpower -- Jordan is a strong downhill runner with good vision. He has a thick lower body and can break tackles. He shows good balance andbody control. He catches the ball well for a bigger back and is quick to make adjustments to the ball and turn upfield after the catch.
Kryptonite -- He lacks elusiveness and has not been very durable as a starter. He is missing speed to the outside and overall burst to avoidin space. A back injury last season and the fact that he soon will be 30 create longevity concerns.
50. Kevin Faulk, New England Patriots
Superpower -- He is a very instinctive player who gives the Patriots a lot of versatility and production as a backup. He is an undersizedplayer who has very good quickness and body control in space. He has excellent hands as a receiver out of the backfield and continues to make defenders miss byusing foot quickness, spin moves and his lateral cutting ability.
Kryptonite -- He is 32 years old and better as a rotation or change-of-pace player. While you love his versatility, you don't want him tohave to carry the load. He lacks strength as an inside runner and does not break many tackles in traffic.
51. Kenny Watson, Cincinnati Bengals
Superpower -- He is a productive backup who also can return kicks. He's a good third-down player who has better quickness than strength.He is effective on toss plays and draws, using his quickness to slip or avoid tackles. He has very good vision to hit a crease while showing good burst andacceleration with the ball. He also changes direction well on cutbacks, showing good balance and pad level against the grain.
Kryptonite -- At times, he can be stood up quickly by linebackers who gain a good wrap on tackles. He doesn't break a lot of tacklesunless he is at full speed, and his long speed is average in the open field.
52. Ladell Betts, Washington ********
Superpower -- Betts has been a career backup for the ******** but has provided valuable minutes when given the opportunity to toe thefootball. He is a hard-nosed runner with power to move the pile. He is an instinctive player with good vision and inline run skills. Betts is reliable in thepassing game as a receiver out of the backfield as well as in protecting the quarterback.
Kryptonite -- He is a good football player who lacks great speed and burst to be effective as a perimeter threat. He doesn't have greatelusive qualities to make defenders miss in the open field, which limits his versatility as an NFL running back.
53. Chris Brown, Houston Texans
Superpower -- Brown has found a new home with the Texans as a backup. He has good size and straight-line speed. Brown can be effective as aninside power runner and has enough burst to press the edge on the perimeter. He has good inline vision and run instincts to take advantage of zone-blockingschemes.
Kryptonite -- He has all the tools to be a productive back but has had durability problems throughout his career. Brown's upright runningstyle enables defenders to make some big hits on him. He doesn't have great elusiveness in traffic, which only adds to his durability concerns.
54. Tatum Bell, Detroit Lions
Superpower -- Bell is listed as the backup to rookie RB Kevin Smithbut likely will see the field often in 2008. He has excellent speed and burst to hit a crease and pick up chunks of yards. He has good foot agility and balanceto make effective cuts in traffic. Bell can stretch a defense by getting to the edge quickly as well as being elusive in space. He can be dangerous on thesecond level in the Lions' ground attack as well as a receiver out of the backfield.
Kryptonite -- He lacks great inside presence on power plays. He doesn't run with conviction between the tackles, tends to lose patienceand bounces the ball to the outside too often. His physicality and durability have been a concern over his career, and he has missed time every season.
55. Maurice Morris, Seattle Seahawks
Superpower -- Morris had his best season of his six-year career marking up solid numbers while replacing the injured Shaun Alexander in 2007.He is a versatile runner who has enough speed to turn the corner and the toughness to be an effective inside ball carrier. He is a patient, instinctive runnerwho shows good inline vision and run skills. He has excellent hands and creates matchup problems as a receiver out of the backfield.
Kryptonite -- He lacks great bulk and natural power to be an effective goal-line and short-yardage runner. He has learned to carry his padsbetter but still tends to run high and will take some big hits. He has average lower-body strength, which makes it tough for him to move the pile oncontact.
56. Adrian Peterson, Chicago Bears
Superpower -- He is a tough, hard-nosed back who gave some consistency to Chicago's ground attack in 2007. He is a good combination ofstrength and athleticism. Peterson has great inline vision and run instincts to be effective in traffic. He runs with good lateral quickness and agility toavoid contact and hit a crease. He has good hands and has expanded his ability as a receiver out of the backfield. Peterson also has been an excellent specialteams contributor throughout his career.
Kryptonite -- He has been a career backup who appears to have hit his ceiling as an NFL runner. He is good in many aspects as a runner but notspecial in any particular area. He doesn't have great explosiveness or speed to be a dangerous runner and lacks bulk to be a consistent power back.
57. Leon Washington, New York Jets
Superpower -- He has excellent quickness and deceptive power for his size. He runs with conviction between the tackles and shows strength tomove the pile on contact. He is tough for defenders to find behind his large offensive line, which makes his cutting ability even more effective. Washingtonhas great inline vision, foot agility and elusiveness both as an inside and outside runner. He has good hands and is an effective receiver out of thebackfield. He also is an outstanding kick returner -- he ran back three for touchdowns last season.
Kryptonite -- He lacks height, which hinders his ability to be an effective pass-protector. He can be overpowered or out-leveraged easily attimes. Even though he is well-built and has deceptive power, he isn't consistent as a short-yardage or goal-line runner.
58. Derrick Ward, New York Giants
Superpower -- Ward had an outstanding 2007 season, giving depth to a banged up New York backfield. He is a good combination of size, strengthand athleticism. He has power to move the pile as well as deceptive speed and quickness to get to the second level. Ward is a hard-nosed runner who hits thehole with effective vision and strength between the tackles. He is an instinctive player who showed he can make effective lateral cuts to find a crease. Wardalso developed his receiving skills and was a pleasant surprise in the Giants' passing game.
Kryptonite -- He has had durability questions during his short career in the league. He has had a hard time staying healthy and tends to besomewhat reckless in his running style. Ward needs to carry his pad level better because he tends to run a bit upright at times. He isn't an explosiveplayer and has been only an average special teams contributor thus far.
59. Dominic Rhodes, Indianapolis Colts
Superpower -- He returns to the Colts in a backup role after spending one season in the same capacity in Oakland. He is a hard-nosed back whoruns with conviction between the tackles. He is quick to hit the hole and has great straight-line speed to pick up big chunks of yards. He is an instinctiveplayer who is patient to let blocking schemes unfold. Rhodes also has effective vision and receiving skills as a target out of the backfield.
Kryptonite -- He is undersized and limited as an every-down back. He has questionable durability, isn't very elusive in the open field andtends to take too many direct hits for an athlete his size.
60. Selvin Young, Denver Broncos
Superpower -- He is coming off an impressive rookie season in which he provided excellent depth in the Broncos' backfield. Young was apleasant surprise for the Denver staff after being acquired as a college free agent in 2007. He showed deceptive power for his size, as he runs with convictionand great body lean. He has excellent vision and instincts with the lateral quickness and agility to find a crease.
Kryptonite -- Young has had durability concerns in the past, and it remains to be seen how well he can handle the pounding with more playingtime. He lacks great elusiveness in space and is more of a straight-line runner. He will need to develop in the passing game, especially in blitz-pickupsituations.
61. Sammy Morris, New England Patriots
Superpower -- Morris is coming off his most productive season in his eight-year career. He is a good combination of size, strength andathleticism. He runs with excellent body lean and power to break tackles inline. He has good vision and instincts in traffic. Morris is a solid pass-protectorduring blitz pickups and shows a good feel for the passing game. He wasn't involved as much in the Patriots' special teams units in 2007, but he wasexcellent in that phase of the game in previous seasons.
Kryptonite -- He has durability problems because he has had a hard time staying on the field for an entire season. He doesn't have greatburst through the hole or the speed to turn the corner on perimeter plays. Morris doesn't have great elusive qualities to make defenders miss in space.
62. T.J. Duckett, Seattle Seahawks
Superpower -- He has excellent size and strength as an NFL back. He has deceptive foot agility, balance and quickness to make effective cutsfor a 254-pound ball carrier. Duckett is a punishing runner who shows the power to break tackles on contact. He has good vision and inline running skills,which enable him to get through trash effectively. He also has solid hands as a receiver out of the backfield and deceptive run skills after the catch.
Kryptonite -- He is with his fourth club in the past four seasons and primarily has been a backup his entire career. Duckett doesn't havegreat burst or speed to threaten the perimeter and rarely picks up huge chunks of yards. He has prompted weight concerns as well as work ethic questions sinceentering the league.
63. Ron Dayne, Houston Texans
Superpower -- He is a short, thick-built player with good power to break tackles. He has good foot agility, inline quickness, vision and runinstincts. He is very effective in short-yardage and goal-line situations and has a nose for the end zone.
Kryptonite -- He has had a tough time staying healthy the past four seasons. He also has had weight concerns throughout most of his career. Hedoesn't have great burst or top-end speed to press the edge, which makes him a one-dimensional runner. He is limited as a receiver out of the backfield andas a special teams contributor.
64. Jamaal Charles, Kansas City Chiefs
Superpower -- He will be coming into the league to complement the Chiefs' featured running back. He is a good combination of athleticismand instincts. He has excellent speed and burst both as a runner and receiver out of the backfield. He is football player who has outstanding track speed. Heshould give the Chiefs an explosive threat on the perimeter as well as after the catch.
Kryptonite -- He doesn't have great power as an inside runner. He needs to gain weight and strength to become a complete back. Charlesisn't always a patient runner and needs to mature as a between-the-tackles ball carrier. Charles also needs to improve his blitz-pickup and develop hisroute running. He is somewhat of a one-dimensional player, lacking inside, short-yardage and goal-line effectiveness.
