NFL.COM: First look: Running backs

[bubba9497]

First look: Running backs

By Gil Brandt

Special to NFL.com

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/6954988

In 2003, the NFL had more 100-yard rushing games than ever before. We also saw the first player ever, Jamal Lewis, to compile 500 rushing yards against one team in two games in the same year. The first running back to ever gain 1,000 yards was Beattie Feathers of the Bears in 1934. No one did it again until 1947 when the Eagles' Steve Van Buren did it. Last year, 17 players gained 1,000 yards or more on the season.

So the running business has come on like nothing else in the NFL. If you're playing without a suitable running back, you're already behind no matter what the score is. Even the passing offenses like St. Louis and Kansas City have a tremendous running threat on their side.

The first key in being an NFL running back is to be an outstanding runner and pass receiver. Speed is important but quickness is the most important characteristic for success at the position. The running back is expected to be able to block blitzers on passing situations and occasionally block a defensive end or linebacker on plays involving the fullback. Durability is also very important.

On many teams, the halfback will be called upon to catch a lot of passes, like Priest Holmes with the Chiefs or LaDainian Tomlinson with the Chargers, just to name a few. A smaller back with speed and quickness can be utilized as a third down players in special situations. Along those same lines, some teams will use backup halfbacks to return punts or kickoffs. That's how Brian Westbrook made his mark in Philadelphia this year, and last year Chad Morton did such a good job returning kicks for the Jets that the Redskins snagged him as a restricted free agent, and now he returns kicks and plays running back sometimes as well. So keep in mind there is more to being a running back than just running.

Fullbacks are being replaced more and more each year because teams are playing three and four wide receivers at a time. Usually you'll see fullbacks only on short yardage and goal-line situations. Some teams (New England, Tampa Bay) will play a defensive lineman at fullback instead of a true fullback.

A lot of very good running backs are selected in the lower rounds of the draft. Holmes, Terrell Davis, Ahman Green and Curtis Martin all were either late-round selections or undrafted!

Quick hits

In the 2003 NFL Draft, two running backs were selected in Round 1 -- Willis McGahee and Larry Johnson. The next running back wasn't taken until the 77th pick (Round 3) when Musa Smith was drafted by the Ravens.

Since 1994, 30 running backs have been selected in Round 1. Seven have been picked among the first five overall, including a No. 1 overall choice (Ki-Jana Carter). In that same span, only one fullback has been selected in Round 1 (William Floyd, No. 28 overall by the 49ers).

Over the past 10 years, many very good running backs have been selected in the second day (Rounds 4 through 7). In 2003, Domanick Davis was a fourth-round pick, as was Onterrio Smith and Quentin Griffin.

Here are you assignments:

Tatum Bell, No. 7, Oklahoma State, 5-11, 204

Played as a true freshman at Oklahoma State and has started three years. Had 11 touchdowns and an average of 6.3 yards per rush in 2002. Somewhat of a straight-line runner with speed and quickness.

Ran Carthon, No. 33, Florida, 5-11 ½, 214

Goes by the name of "Ran," but his name is Arandric Kornell. Father is former NFL player and current Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator Maurice Carthon. An inside runner with good speed and is also a good lead blocker. Plays with good effort.

Cedric Cobbs, No. 4, Arkansas, 6-0 ½, 221

Played as a true freshman in 1999, was injured in 2000 and was given medical redshirt year. Won the state championship in the 400 meter in high school. Has had some off-the-field problems. Has good hands and will block. Somewhat of a straight-line runner. Has a history of missing games because of injuries. Ran for 1,179 yards and nine scores this season.

Clarence Farmer, No. 32, Arizona, 5-11, 220

Hails from Houston, Texas. Played four sports in high school -- football, basketball, baseball and track. Made first team Pac-10 in 2001. Played four games in 2002 before he hurt the ACL in his right knee. He does have ability, but has not been a good person in this program. Played only a few games this fall. An inside runner.

Steven Jackson, No. 34, Oregon State, 6-1, 228

Jackson is leaving school early for the NFL. This guy has a tremendous family background. Originally from Arkansas, his father worked in the service, then moved to Las Vegas where he's been working in a casino for 19 years. Jackson reminds me of Ricky Williams when he's running, and that doesn't include the dreadlocks and jersey number. He played as a true freshman in 2001 and last year he had almost 1,700 yards. I like that he's got deceptive speed and a low center of gravity. Can bounce the ball outside a lot like Williams too. A really good character guy who was recruited heavily from schools all over the country but chose Oregon State.

Greg Jones, No. 6, Florida State, 6-1 5/8, 251

Is a cousin of Joe Frazier. Named all state in high school as a running back and linebacker. Sprinter on track team. Played as a true freshman in 2000. Had knee injury in 2002. Not much of a receiver and he needs to work more in the offseason. Inside-type runner like Stephen Davis.

Julius Jones, No. 22, Notre Dame, 5-9 7/8, 215

Did not play in 2002 (academic problems) and could have entered draft but worked to get back in school. His older brother, Thomas, is a running back for the Bucs. An outstanding high school athlete in Big Stone Gap, Va., Jones has good quickness and can return punts and kickoffs.

Kevin Jones, No. 25, Virginia Tech, 5-11 ¼, 226

Jones is leaving school early after three years. Played as a true freshman in 2001. Was a sprinter in high school in Philadelphia. Has everything you want in a running back, but has fumbles some in passing game. Has LaDainian Tomlinson-type ability.

Mewelde Moore, No. 26, Tulane, 5-10 ½, 205

Gained 1,200-plus yards and caught 54 passes in 2002. Was drafted in baseball by the San Diego Padres and has spent three summers playing baseball. First player in NCAA history to catch 60 passes and rush for over 1,250 yards in the same season. A very good athlete, Moore displays very good elusiveness and and excellent hands. If anything, he needs to get stronger.

Chris Perry, No. 23, Michigan, 6-0 ½, 225

Perry was a great high school player (over 4,600 yards and 71 total touchdowns in four years) from a small town in North Carolina. He even won a state championship. Also played basketball and track. Went to prep school (Fork Union) for one year before Michigan and played as a true freshman, which is very rare at UM. His production and durability really outweigh his running skills. He doesn't have the running ability or elusiveness like some NFL backs have. He's a lot like Bears running back Anthony Thomas, also a former Wolverine, except I think Perry has a little more speed. He once carried the ball 51 times in a game, which is mind boggling.

[jbooma]

"Kevin Jones, No. 25, Virginia Tech, 5-11 ¼, 226

Jones is leaving school early after three years. Played as a true freshman in 2001. Was a sprinter in high school in Philadelphia. Has everything you want in a running back, but has fumbles some in passing game. Has LaDainian Tomlinson-type ability."

Draft this kid

[OURYEAR#56]

Kevin Jones runs upright, he needs to learn how to use his shoulders. I don't like drafting RB high at all. Blaire Thomas came out of the combine looking like the next coming of Jim Brown. Even Ricky Williams hasn't been the runner he was prodicted to be. I think we draft Smith first, then see what's avaliable in the second round. What about Taylor, or Barlow?

[The Sir]

"Steven Jackson, No. 34, Oregon State, 6-1, 228

Jackson is leaving school early for the NFL. This guy has a tremendous family background. Originally from Arkansas, his father worked in the service, then moved to Las Vegas where he's been working in a casino for 19 years. Jackson reminds me of Ricky Williams when he's running, and that doesn't include the dreadlocks and jersey number. He played as a true freshman in 2001 and last year he had almost 1,700 yards. I like that he's got deceptive speed and a low center of gravity. Can bounce the ball outside a lot like Williams too. A really good character guy who was recruited heavily from schools all over the country but chose Oregon State. "

Draft this kid, he's BY FAR the best running back in the draft. :hump:

[The Sir]

A couple differences between Tomlinson and Kevin Jones, Tomlinson has a much easier time breaking arm tackles, Tomlinson is much better between the tackles, Tomlinson is a much better receiver out of the backfield, Tomlinson appears quicker on the field. And this is the Tomlinson coming out of college, Tomlinson was a great RB prospect, and top 5 pick calibur prospect(just as Steven Jackson is), Kevin Jones is mid-late first round and thats likely only if he can run a great 40 time, like he supposedly can.

[bccdc]

I agree with OURYEAR - RB's are a huge gamble early, especially this year where there does not appear to be any locks. Let's wait until we see how well they do at the combine and individual workouts. I personally don't think RB is our most glaring weakness.

[DeathByLinebacker]

If we don't go get one of the top guys (Stephen Jackson please), Mewelde Moore is a guy I would be very interested in. He's definitely a double-threat and has already caught almost 100 passes from Pat Ramsey in games.

[ktball74]

Greg Jones = 251 lbs. Wow! He could be a later round pick, maybe 2nd or 3rd round.