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2010 NFL Draft: Running Back Rankings

Published by Walter Football on February 4, 2010

C.J. Spiller, Clemson
Height: 5-11. Weight: 195.
Projected 40 Time: 4.34.
Projected Round (2010): Top 20 Pick.
1/16/10: C.J. Spiller rushed for 1,212 yards on a 5.6 average, and caught 36 passes for 503 more yards as a senior. He can also return punts. As long as performs well at the Combine, some team will take him in the top 20. His play-making ability is way too enticing.

1/3/09: If C.J. Spiller runs a mid-4.3 at the combine, he could be chosen in the first round to be utilized in a Felix Jones-type role. Spiller had 1,042 total yards and 10 touchdowns in 2008. He also scored on a kickoff return.

10/18/08: Despite Cullen Harper’s struggles, C.J. Spiller has been able to gain 6.5 yards per carry and score six total touchdowns.
Jahvid Best, California
Height: 5-10. Weight: 195.
Projected 40 Time: 4.39.
Projected Round (2010): 1-2.
1/3/10: Jahvid Best has declared for the 2010 NFL Draft. Best is a talented player, but his small frame and durability issues could push him into Round 2. Still, he can’t risk another injury-ridden season.

10/10/09: Drawing comparisons to Chris Johnson, Jahvid Best has 514 rushing yards, 11 receptions and nine touchdowns through five games. His YPC is an outstanding 6.2.

2/6/09: Jahvid Best could be targeted late in the first round if he runs a 4.3 at the Combine. Best had 1,580 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns on an amazing 8.1 YPC. He also caught 27 balls for 246 yards and another score.
Jonathan Dwyer, Georgia Tech
Height: 6-0. Weight: 235.
Projected 40 Time: 4.44.
Projected Round (2010): 2.
1/12/10: Jonathan Dwyer has declared for the 2010 NFL Draft. Dwyer is a second-round prospect, but his stock isn’t going to improve anymore. There was no use in risking injury.

10/10/09: Jonathan Dwyer has great measurables, but he’s not a very good runner. He also plays in a goofy offense, which doesn’t really help.

2/6/09: Jonathan Dwyer had an amazing year for Georgia Tech, rushing for 1,395 yards and 12 touchdowns on a yards-per-carry average of seven. If Dwyer manages to run that mid 4.4 at 228 pounds, he’ll be close to a first-round lock.

7/25/08: Tashard Choice is gone, but Georgia Tech fans aren’t concerned. As a true freshman, Jonathan Dwyer totaled 436 yards and nine touchdowns on just 82 carries. That’s a 5.3 YPC, matching Choice’s figure. Dwyer has an excellent 40 for his size.
Anthony Dixon, Mississippi State
Height: 6-1. Weight: 245.
Projected 40 Time: 4.55.
Projected Round (2010): 2-4.
1/16/10: Finished with 1,391 yards and 12 touchdowns on a 5.4 average. Also had 18 catches for 123 more yards.

11/7/09: A powerful runner having a great year, Anthony Dixon has rushed for 1,001 yards and nine touchdowns in eight games. He can also catch the ball out of the backfield.

2/6/09: Anthony Dixon compiled 869 yards and seven touchdowns as a junior. He also registered 20 catches for 117 yards and two more scores.

7/25/08: Anthony Dixon is a huge power back who moves pretty well at his impressive size. He rushed for 1,066 yards and 14 touchdowns (3.7 YPC) and also caught 14 passes out of the backfield. As long as he’s not super slow at the combine, he’ll be a mid-round pick.
Joe McKnight, USC
Height: 6-0. Weight: 200.
Projected 40 Time: 4.39.
Projected Round (2010): 2-4.
1/9/10: Joe McKnight has declared for the 2010 NFL Draft. The writing was on the wall here, as the Communist NCAA was going to come down hard on him. McKnight is very versatile and has a great chance of being drafted on Day 2 if he lives up to his expectations at the Combine.

10/10/09: When Matt Barkley needed to put together a game-winning drive against Ohio State, he went to Joe McKnight early and often. McKnight even had some tough carries in between the tackles. His weakness is picking up blitzes, but that is something that can be taught.

2/6/09: Joe McKnight did a good job putting on some bulk. However, he carried the ball just 89 times in 2008. He was impressive when he did get the rock, rushing for 659 yards (7.4 YPC) and two touchdowns. He also caught 21 balls for 193 yards.

7/25/08: Joe McKnight has a lot of carries where he loses yardage, but he has the speed to break long gains – at the college level. I don’t know how that’ll work in the NFL. However, he does have blazing speed, so he should make for a good return specialist and third-down back.
Toby Gerhart, Stanford
Height: 6-1. Weight: 232.
Projected 40 Time: 4.60.
Projected Round (2010): 2-4.
1/16/10: I love the way Toby Gerhart runs the ball, but I’m worried that some teams will sour on him after the Combine. Gerhart ran for 1,871 yards and 28 touchdowns on a 5.5 average. He also caught 11 balls out of the backfield.

10/10/09: Think Jim Harbaugh is relying on Toby Gerhart a bit? Gerhart already has 120 carries in five games. He has 650 yards and eight touchdowns on a 5.4 YPC.

2/6/09: Tony Gerhart rushed for 1,136 yards and 15 touchdowns for Stanford as a junior. He also chipped in with 13 receptions.
Montario Hardesty, Tennessee
Height: 6-0. Weight: 215.
Projected 40 Time: 4.51.
Projected Round (2010): 3-4.
1/16/10: Montario Hardesty finished with 1,345 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns on a 4.8 average. He also caught 25 balls out of the backfield. A lot of the top backs in this class aren’t solid pass-catchers, so this will help Hardesty on Draft Day.

10/10/09: A huge bright spot for Tennessee’s offense this year, Montario Hardesty has 575 rushing yards and five touchdowns on a 5.5 YPC through five games.
Ryan Mathews, Fresno State
Height: 5-11. Weight: 220.
Projected 40 Time: 4.45.
Projected Round (2010): 3-4.
1/3/10: Ryan Mathews has declared for the 2010 NFL Draft. Mathews’ stock will never be higher than it is now, so he made the right decision.

11/7/09: Ryan Mathews is having an incredible year at Fresno State (1,316 yards, 7.4 YPC, 11 TDs in eight games). You may shrug off the fact that he plays in the WAC, but in three games against Wisconsin, Cincinnati and Boise State, Mathews has rushed for 486 yards and four touchdowns on 76 carries.
LeGarrette Blount, Oregon
Height: 6-1. Weight: 245.
Projected 40 Time: 4.59.
Projected Round (2010): 4-5.
1/31/10: The character concerns are still there, but LeGarrette Blount was the most impressive running back at the Senior Bowl. He just bulldozed over helpless defenders like the 2008 version of Brandon Jacobs.

1/16/10: After that disgusting display at the end of the Boise State game, we assumed LeGarrette Blount’s collegiate career was over. Well, Blount played the last two games of the season, finishing with 82 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries. The Bengals and Eagles might give him a second chance.

9/12/09: I guess you can say that LeGarrette Blount knocked himself out of draft consideration. Following a dismal performance where Blount actually lost five yards on eight carries, the Oregon running back punched a Boise State player and then had to be restrained from attacking the fans. The overweight Blount was already a Round 4-5 prospect to begin with, so he’s now a long shot to be drafted.

5/11/09: Suspended for missing workout sessions.

2/6/09: Was very effective with Jeremiah Johnson in the backfield. The monstrous LeGarrette Blount punished opposing defenses for 1,003 yards and 17 touchdowns, gaining 7.3 YPC in the process. Blount was not a factor in the passing game (two receptions).

7/25/08: A load at 230 pounds, LeGarrette Blount, a JUCO transfer, will receive most of the carries while Jeremiah Johnson recovers from a torn ACL.
Ben Tate, Auburn
Height: 5-11. Weight: 214.
Projected 40 Time: 4.54.
Projected Round (2010): 4-5.
1/16/10: Ben Tate rebounded with an amazing senior campaign, rushing for 1,362 yards and 10 scores on a 5.2 YPC. He also notched 20 receptions.

2/6/09: Ben Tate struggled along with the rest of Auburn’s offense, rushing for 664 yards and three touchdowns on a 4.2 YPC. Tate also caught 15 passes for 90 yards.

7/25/08: Ben Tate boasts an impressive 40 and a higher yards-per-carry average than Brad Lester in 2007 (4.5), but what’s up with his frequent clunkers? I can understand 17 yards on 10 carries against LSU, but I don’t get 35 yards on 14 rushes versus Tennessee Tech.
Andre Anderson, Tulane
Height: 6-0. Weight: 212.
Projected 40 Time: 4.50.
Projected Round (2010): 4-5.
1/16/10: Andre Anderson finished the year with 1,016 yards and eight touchdowns on a 4.3 average. He also caught 30 balls out of the backfield.

10/10/09: Andre Anderson has bounced back well from his shoulder injury. Through four games, Anderson has 354 yards and five touchdowns on a 4.7 YPC. He also has seven receptions for 63 more yards.

2/6/09: Taking over for Matt Forte, Andre Anderson rushed for 864 yards and caught 25 passes for 202 yards in just seven games. Unfortunately, he suffered a separated shoulder in October and was lost for the year.
Keith Toston, Oklahoma State
Height: 6-0. Weight: 214.
Projected 40 Time: 4.54.
Projected Round (2010): 4-5.
1/16/10: Keith Toston finished with 1,218 yards and 12 touchdowns on a 5.4 average. He also had 25 receptions. Oklahoma State’s offense seemed to perform better when he was in the game (as opposed to Kendall Hunter).

11/7/09: A few weeks later, and Keith Toston already has 21 receptions on the year.

10/10/09: Keith Toston has been the superior running back for the Cowboys this year, rushing for 280 yards and four touchdowns on a 6.1 YPC through four games. He also has six receptions.
Brandon James, Florida
Height: 5-7. Weight: 185.
Projected 40 Time: 4.33.
Projected Round (2010): 4-5.
1/16/10: Listed as a return specialist only. Didn’t fare well as a kick returner in 2009, but ran 29 kickoffs on a 26.1 average, scoring once. Recently had foot surgery.

10/10/09: Brandon James, whose 40 will get some attention, returned two punts for touchdowns in 2008. He already has a kick return for a score this season.
Joique Bell, Wayne State
Height: 5-11. Weight: 223.
Projected 40 Time: 4.57.
Projected Round (2010): 5-6.
1/16/10: Joique Bell compiled a whopping 2,084 rushing yards as a senior. We’ll get a good look at him at the Combine.

2/6/09: Joique Bell rushed for 1,152 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2008.

7/25/08: This guy does everything for Wayne State – he carries the ball, catches passes out of the backfield, returns kicks, even sells beer and hot dogs in the stands during games.
Charles Scott, LSU
Height: 6-0. Weight: 234.
Projected 40 Time: 4.64.
Projected Round (2010): 5-6.
1/26/10: Missed the Senior Bowl because he didn’t pass his physical.

1/16/10: Played in only nine games because of a broken collarbone.

11/7/09: Struggling this year with a 4.4 YPC and only four touchdowns.

2/6/09: A team leader who had an incredible junior campaign. Charles Scott rushed for 1,174 yards and a whopping 18 touchdowns. He gained 5.4 YPC.

7/25/08: Should take over for Jacob Hester as LSU’s power back. Charles Scott totaled 324 yards and five touchdowns in relief duty last season. He also caught 12 passes out of the backfield, which is solid for a back of his size.
Chris Brown, Oklahoma
Height: 5-10. Weight: 202.
Projected 40 Time: 4.47.
Projected Round (2010): 6-7.
1/16/10: Chris brown rushed for just 774 yards and seven touchdowns on a 4.1 YPC as a senior. He also caught 19 balls.

2/6/09: Chris Brown had an amazing junior year, rushing for 1,220 yards and 20 touchdowns in Oklahoma’s prolific offense. Brown, who had a 5.6 YPC, also caught 15 balls for 109 yards.
James Starks, Buffalo
Height: 6-2. Weight: 211.
Projected 40 Time: 4.55.
Projected Round (2010): 6-7.
1/16/10: Missed his entire season with a shoulder injury, but received a Combine invite. He’ll need to test well after not playing for a year.

10/10/09: A shoulder injury has knocked James Starks out for the 2009 season.

2/6/09: Along with his quarterback D.Willy, James “Proto Man” Starks put up pretty good numbers, rushing for 1333 yards and 16 touchdowns. Perhaps more impressive are Starks’ 52 receptions and 361 receiving yards.
Andre Dixon, Connecticut
Height: 6-1. Weight: 202.
Projected 40 Time: 4.45.
Projected Round (2010): 6-7.
1/16/10: Andre Dixon has been clean since his DUI and even dominated as a senior. He rushed for 1,093 yards and 14 touchdowns on a 4.6 clip. There are still some character worries here, so the Bengals and Eagles will be interested.

2/6/09: Charged with DUI. Perhaps Andre Dixon should blame it on Cedric Benson for being a poor role model.

7/25/08: Despite missing the first two games of the year, Andre Dixon earned a spot on the All-Big East second team, as he gained 828 yards and three touchdowns. He also caught 24 passes.
LaMarcus Coker, Hampton
Height: 5-11. Weight: 205.
Projected 40 Time: 4.32.
Projected Round (2010): 6-FA.
1/16/10: Led the MEAC in rushing with 1,027 yards and six scores. LaMarcus Coker hasn’t been in trouble in a long time, and appears to have turned his life around. Still, most teams could be wary. It’ll take an Andy Reid or a Mike Brown for Coker to be drafted.

5/21/08: The aptly named LaMarcus Coker was dismissed from Tennessee after failing his fourth drug test. You’d think he’d learn after failing three!

2007: LaMarcus Coker runs a 4.3 and led the Vols in rushing as a freshman with 696 yards. So, why is he all the way down here? Coker was suspended indefinitely in early August for violating Tennessee’s substance-abuse policy. Who knows when he’ll be back? However, one thing is clear – NFL coaches and general managers won’t forget this come April 2009 or 2010.
Javarris James, Miami
Height: 6-0. Weight: 215.
Projected 40 Time: 4.54.
Projected Round (2010): 7-FA.
1/16/10: Javarris James carried the ball only 103 times as a senior, rushing for 492 yards and six touchdowns. He also garnered 13 receptions.

10/10/09: Javarris James actually looks like a real running back again. Through four games, James has 293 rushing yards and six receptions for 51 yards. He has a 5.4 YPC and three touchdowns.

2/6/09: Jarvarris James missed some time with an ankle injury in 2008. He rushed for just 286 yards and four scores.

5/21/08: After a decent 2006 campaign, Javarris James struggled last year, gaining just 3.7 yards per carry. He was hindered by inconsistency; for every 18-carry, 103-yard performance against N.C. State, there was a 10-carry, 7-yard blunder versus Virginia Tech.

2007: The cousin of Edgerrin James, Javarris led the Hurricanes in rushing as a freshman, totaling 802 on the ground and 200 through the air.
Michael Smith, Arkansas
Height: 5-9. Weight: 180.
Projected 40 Time: 4.37.
Projected Round (2010): 7-FA.
1/16/10: Not the senior year Michael Smith was hoping for; he played in only eight games because of a nagging hamstring, rushing for 396 yards on 71 carries. He also caught 16 passes.

2/6/09: The blazing-fast Michael Smith rushed for 1,072 yards and eight touchdowns despite his small frame. He also caught 32 balls for 298 yards and two more scores.
Roy Upchurch, Alabama
Height: 6-0. Weight: 210.
Projected 40 Time: 4.57.
Projected Round (2010): 7-FA.
Brandon Minor, Michigan
Height: 6-1. Weight: 218.
Projected 40 Time: 4.58.
Projected Round (2010): 7-FA.
1/16/10: Missed the end of the year with a shoulder sprain. He may not be ready for the Combine.

10/10/09: Brandon Minor has no receptions this year, but through four games, he has 179 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 35 carries.

2/6/09: Brandon Minor gained 533 yards and 11 touchdowns on 103 carries as a junior.

7/25/08: Gained 4.3 yards per carry in relief of Mike Hart.
Stafon Johnson, USC
Height: 5-11. Weight: 214.
Projected 40 Time: 4.43.
Projected Round (2010): 7-FA.
1/16/10: Played only four games because of a horrific weightlifting accident. Fortunately, he has recovered and will play in the Senior Bowl.

2/6/09: Stafon Johnson rushed for 705 yards and nine touchdowns as a junior. He only received 138 carries because of the crowded backfield. Maybe some of these running backs should go to, I don’t know, other schools?

7/25/08: Of all the 500 running backs USC has, Stafon Johnson looks to be the most promising. Backing up Chauncey Washington, Johnson totaled 673 yards and five touchdowns on a 6.9 rushing clip. He caught only four passes, but his excellent 40 may make some teams (cough, Titans) forget about that.
Keiland Williams, LSU
Height: 6-0. Weight: 221.
Projected 40 Time: 4.52.
Projected Round (2010): 7-FA.
1/16/10: Despite the early workload, Keiland Williams finished with just 70 carries for 368 yards. He missed the end of the year with an ankle injury.

10/10/09: Keiland Williams is getting more of a workload this year. In five games, he has 38 carries for 187 yards (4.9 YPC).

10/18/08: Keiland Williams was supposed to take over the workload with Jacob Hester going to the NFL. Instead, Charles Scott is getting all the rushes.

5/21/08: The “Round 1-2″ tag is based solely on potential, as Keiland Williams greatest carry total was 10 last year. With Jacob Hester gone, however, Williams is going to have to carry the load now. He certainly has the size, speed and skill to be successful doing so; the 224-pounder maintains a 4.4 40 and a career yards-per-carry average of 6.2.
MiQuale Lewis, Ball State
Height: 5-6. Weight: 189.
Projected 40 Time: 4.44.
Projected Round (2010): 7-FA.
1/16/10: MiQuale Lewis rushed for 871 yards and five scores on a 4.8 YPC, and also caught 28 balls out of the backfield.

2/6/09: MiQuale Lewis had an amazing season in terms of production, rushing for 1,736 yards and 22 touchdowns, and also garnering 35 receptions for 325 receiving yards. Unfortunately, his game just doesn’t translate to the NFL, and he doesn’t run a 4.3 to warrant draft consideration.
Lonyae Miller, Fresno State
Height: 5-11. Weight: 220.
Projected 40 Time: 4.57.
Projected Round (2010): FA.
1/16/10: Had just 68 carries for 354 yards as a senior, but received an invite to the Combine.
Mikell Simpson, Virginia
Height: 6-1. Weight: 200.
Projected 40 Time: 4.47.
Projected Round (2010): FA.
1/16/10: Carried the ball just 85 times as a senior for 386 yards and five touchdowns. He did catch 27 passes, so there’s some intrigue there.

2/6/09: Had a nightmare junior season. Not only did he gain just 262 yards and average a meager 3.01 YPC, Mikell Simpson was lost for the year with a shoulder injury.

7/25/08: A hard-worker who will definitely have a role in the NFL. Mikell Simpson gained five yards per carry and caught 43 passes in 2007. He can even play some corner.
Shawnbrey McNeal, SMU
Height: 5-10. Weight: 190.
Projected 40 Time: 4.50.
Projected Round (2010): FA.
1/16/10: Shawnbrey McNeal has declared for the 2010 NFL Draft. The Snozzberry ran for 1,188 yards and 12 touchdowns in June Jones’ offense, but he’ll have trouble getting drafted. McNeal just turned 21 recently, so I really don’t understand this decision.
Darius Marshall, Marshall
Height: 5-10. Weight: 189.
Projected 40 Time: 4.43.
Projected Round (2011): FA.
1/12/10: Darius Marshall has declared for the 2010 NFL Draft. Marshall was arrested recently and probably won’t be drafted.

8/6/09: Darius Marshall debacled his draft stock when he was arrested in May and charged with felony possession. The charge has since been refiled as a misdemeanor, but the arrest is still a stain on Marshall’s draft stock. Marshall rushed for 1,095 yards in 2008 and was a very effective kick-returner.
Damion Fletcher, Southern Miss
Height: 5-10. Weight: 182.
Projected 40 Time: 4.49.
Projected Round (2010): FA.
1/16/10: Damion Fletcher rushed for 1,015 yards and eight touchdowns as a senior, but those weapons charges loom large. I don’t see how he gets drafted.

5/11/09: Adios, draft stock. Damion Fletcher was sentenced to six months probation on weapons charges.

2/6/09: If you like stats, check these out: 1,313 rushing yards, 33 receptions, 246 receiving yards, 11 total touchdowns. It’s a shame Damion Fletcher is small and doesn’t have the 40 to compensate for it.

7/25/08: A small, quick back who is great at catching the ball out of the backfield. Entering his junior season, Damion Fletcher already has 2,974 yards and 26 touchdowns. He must have a good 40 (4.49 or quicker) to warrant draft consideration.

WalterFootball.com: 2010 NFL Draft: Running Back Rankings.

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