Post by Cardinals (GoldHBK10) on Nov 8, 2010 18:35:38 GMT -5
-- Running backs tend to come in bunches but with the previous draft yielding no stars at the positions there are plenty of teams who would like to get an explosive running game. The Raiders & Broncos proved that you can win with just a great HB as they both made the playoffs despite below average QB play. Teams with a possible need of a Halfback include:
Kansas City (Jones is 34 and slowing down), New England (Brown just hit 30), Washington (Portis has been slowing down), Seattle (Leon is 30 and Jones sucks), Pittsburgh (With Grant & Sproles at 29 age is a concern), Houston (Slaton has 61 Carry
), Cincinnati (Gerhart is all Power) & Buffalo (should have never traded Spiller)
1) UCF HB Calvin Copeland is legit and in my opinion the safest choice at HB. 96 Speed still makes him elite but his 88 Carry eliminates any worries about fumbles. Copeland is a small guy but as his 93 Trucking proves he will lay a hit on a defender and gain the extra yards. He's still A potential and since he's already good coming out, there's not much more an owner needs from him meaning any progression is an added bonus. Copeland will be a devastating force for whichever team drafts him.
2) N.C. State HB Jamal Lewis has been called the next Adrian Peterson, meant both as a compliment and an insult. Lewis possesses elite level Speed (96), Agility (98) & Acceleration (94). The physical skills are certainly there but much like his comparison there are serious hands issues. A 71 carry rating makes him a big time fumble risk and his 56 Catch & 25 Awareness make him a liability in the passing game. Lewis will still go very high in the draft because of his talent but he's certainly got some issues.
3) Pittsburgh HB Brandon Jones is a BEAST. Check that, Jones makes beasts quiver in fear when he's coming though the line. At 6'7 271 lbs this guy is as big as some lineman and he's got 93 speed. 95 Trucking means that anyone fast enough to catch him probably can't bring him down and 91 carry means trying to strip him is probably an exercise in futility. Jones sees the hole well and has surprising elusiveness for a guy of his size. As a runner he's one of the best but his downside is that he can't catch to save his life. 54 means he'll probably not be in on 3rd & Long and then when you factor in that he's probably already peaked with his B potential it's hard to place him above 3. Regardless who ever gets this guy will not be disappointed with their running game.
4) Minnesota HB Matt Bertz is the best of the next group of HB's. While not a game changing franchise back like the top 3, Bertz will be a welcome addition to any team looking to add another quality runner. Bertz has good physical stats (90, 93 & 95) & elusiveness (90) along with solid carry (82). He's not much of a pass catcher nor will be break many tackles so he's not the type you'll expect to be a home run hitter. Still a solid option for a team with an aging HB as his A potential means he'll only get better.
5) Fresno State HB Tymichael Fender rounds out the top 5 as his stock has slipped during his final year in college. He's been unable to recover from a knee injury that has robbed him of his agility and acceleration (87). He still possess the ability to blow the down the field with 94 speed and make people miss (95). Fender could be an interesting option for teams looking for a KR as he'll be able to run mostly straight line. One thing to watch is that he has A potential so for a team who is patient and willing to wait for his agility and acceleration to return the payout could end up being big.
Kansas City (Jones is 34 and slowing down), New England (Brown just hit 30), Washington (Portis has been slowing down), Seattle (Leon is 30 and Jones sucks), Pittsburgh (With Grant & Sproles at 29 age is a concern), Houston (Slaton has 61 Carry
), Cincinnati (Gerhart is all Power) & Buffalo (should have never traded Spiller)1) UCF HB Calvin Copeland is legit and in my opinion the safest choice at HB. 96 Speed still makes him elite but his 88 Carry eliminates any worries about fumbles. Copeland is a small guy but as his 93 Trucking proves he will lay a hit on a defender and gain the extra yards. He's still A potential and since he's already good coming out, there's not much more an owner needs from him meaning any progression is an added bonus. Copeland will be a devastating force for whichever team drafts him.
2) N.C. State HB Jamal Lewis has been called the next Adrian Peterson, meant both as a compliment and an insult. Lewis possesses elite level Speed (96), Agility (98) & Acceleration (94). The physical skills are certainly there but much like his comparison there are serious hands issues. A 71 carry rating makes him a big time fumble risk and his 56 Catch & 25 Awareness make him a liability in the passing game. Lewis will still go very high in the draft because of his talent but he's certainly got some issues.
3) Pittsburgh HB Brandon Jones is a BEAST. Check that, Jones makes beasts quiver in fear when he's coming though the line. At 6'7 271 lbs this guy is as big as some lineman and he's got 93 speed. 95 Trucking means that anyone fast enough to catch him probably can't bring him down and 91 carry means trying to strip him is probably an exercise in futility. Jones sees the hole well and has surprising elusiveness for a guy of his size. As a runner he's one of the best but his downside is that he can't catch to save his life. 54 means he'll probably not be in on 3rd & Long and then when you factor in that he's probably already peaked with his B potential it's hard to place him above 3. Regardless who ever gets this guy will not be disappointed with their running game.
4) Minnesota HB Matt Bertz is the best of the next group of HB's. While not a game changing franchise back like the top 3, Bertz will be a welcome addition to any team looking to add another quality runner. Bertz has good physical stats (90, 93 & 95) & elusiveness (90) along with solid carry (82). He's not much of a pass catcher nor will be break many tackles so he's not the type you'll expect to be a home run hitter. Still a solid option for a team with an aging HB as his A potential means he'll only get better.
5) Fresno State HB Tymichael Fender rounds out the top 5 as his stock has slipped during his final year in college. He's been unable to recover from a knee injury that has robbed him of his agility and acceleration (87). He still possess the ability to blow the down the field with 94 speed and make people miss (95). Fender could be an interesting option for teams looking for a KR as he'll be able to run mostly straight line. One thing to watch is that he has A potential so for a team who is patient and willing to wait for his agility and acceleration to return the payout could end up being big.
