Last year’s running back class didn’t have as many impact players compared to recent draft’s but there were plenty of contributors. Knowshon Moreno and Chris Wells both showed flashes in their rookie year and both should see more of an impact on offense in their second year. LeSean McCoy and Shonn Greene didn’t see as much regular season duty but will play huge roles for their team’s this upcoming season. McCoy is now the starter for the Eagles after the release of Brian Westbrook and has a very similar skill set. Greene will look to build off a fantastic postseason while receiving the bulk of the carries with the Jets.
This year’s draft class has many different kinds of backs so it will be interesting to see how big of an impact the group makes on the league.
1. CJ Spiller Clemson: Spiller would have been a first round pick if he declared as a junior and his decision to stay for his senior year paid off. He may not be the kind of back who has 300 carries a year but with elite speed is a threat to score every time he touches the ball. He is a very good receiver out of the backfield and was an excellent return man during his time at Clemson. Spiller is the most explosive running back in this year’s class and based on the impact Chris Johnson has had a team could be willing to take him in the top ten.
2. Ryan Mathews Fresno State: Mathews doesn’t have much of a “wow” factor, but he has good size and is able to make people miss and pick up yards after contact. Mathews also played very well against the better competition Fresno State played last year and has the makings to be a very solid contributor at the next level.
3. Jahvid Best California: Best is another big play waiting to happen. He is even faster than Spiller and also has great vision and elusiveness to go with soft hands. However, durability is a huge concern. Best had a very serious concussion last year and with the NFL now being stricter regarding head injuries; Best’s career could be impacted. With that being said, Best is the type of player who needs to get the ball at least ten times a game and could have a role similar to what Felix Jones has done with the Cowboys.
4. Jonathan Dwyer Georgia Tech: Dwyer is a tough player to evaluate after playing in a triple option offense at Georgia Tech where he constantly had large holes to run through. Regardless, he has good size to go along with deceptive speed. Dwyer could start off his career as a goal line back but eventually have a career similar to Falcons running back Michael Turner.
5. Dexter McCluster Mississippi: McCluster doesn’t have the time speed you would expect but he is very quick and runs hard for his size. He is also a very solid receiver and will make a team very happy with his versatility as a change of pace back that could lineup in the slot and help out on returns.
6. Montario Hardesty Tennessee: Hardesty burst onto the scene during his senior year and has continued to shoot up boards during the draft process. He has a solid build and always keeps his legs moving forward. He doesn’t have great speed and durability could be a concern, but Hardesty has the skills to develop into a very solid pro.
7. Anthony Dixon Mississippi State: Dixon has NFL size and is a very hard runner that is light on his feet but will also lower his shoulder or carry defenders for extra yards. There isn’t much hype surrounding Dixon but he had a very productive college career with a limited supporting cast and is an excellent value in the middle rounds.
8. Ben Tate Auburn: Tate had an excellent performance at the combine and has been moving up draft boards ever since. He has very good speed for his size and can make an impact in the receiving game as well. Tate could end up being a very good value for a team in the 2nd or 3rd round.
9. Joe McKnight RB USC: McKnight had large expectations coming into USC with Trojan fans thinking he would be the second coming of Reggie Bush. While he didn’t have the same success in college, McKnight could be a similar player in the NFL. He doesn’t have elite speed but like Bush he has very good vision, can accelerate into second gear and is also a solid receiver. McKnight would be a very good value in the middle rounds as a change of pace back.
10. LeGarrette Blount RB Oregon: Blount has great size and is a good inside runner who also has nimble feet. Going into the year he was regarded as one of the better backs in this draft class until missing the majority of his senior season after punching a Boise State player after a loss on national TV. With that being said character is a major factor for NFL teams but Blount paid his dues by cleaning up his act and eventually played in the final two games of the season. There isn’t much game tape on Blount to go by on but for a team in need of a big back he is definitely worth a chance in the later rounds of the draft.
2010 class grade: C+
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