Underclassmen Watch: Running Backs

Declared

Donald Brown, RB, Connecticut - Through the regular season, Brown was the nation’s leading rusher, using patience and vision to excel. In his final game for UCONN, he rushed for a career best 261 yards leading his team to victory over Buffalo. He apologized for saying that he would be returning three weeks ago and said he did it so it wouldn’t cause a distraction for the team. Brown lacks the tools of a first round prospect, but as witnessed all year long, he certainly has the production and instincts. Projected Round: 2nd-3rd.

Glen Coffee, RB, Alabama - After seeing left tackle Andre Smith leave, I’m sure Coffee’s decision was much easier. Though he’s undersized at 6’0, 200 and doesn’t have the greatest speed, his vision and instincts make him a mid-round prospect. He knows how to run the football and can attack the defense anywhere on the field. Projected Round: 3rd.

Shonn Greene, RB, Iowa – Greene’s success this season is well known and has been well-documented by his Doak Walker Award. After shredding South Carolina for 121 yards and 3 touchdowns, Greene announced that he will forgo his senior season and enter the draft. His physical running style should translate well to the NFL, where he can continue to be a workhorse. Look for Greene to be selected in the second round with an outside shot at going in the late first. Projected Round: 2nd.

P.J. Hill, RB, Wisconsin - After finishing third in Wisconsin school history in career rushing yards and one of only two backs to rush for 1000 yards in three seasons (Ron Dayne), Hill will take his game to the next level. Hill is a bruising back with good vision, but lacks the tools to make him a legitimate option in the NFL. He’ll likely be selected with a late round selection because of his value as a power back, but Hill doesn’t have the long speed or explosiveness to succeed in the NFL on a regular basis. Projected Round: 5th-7th

LeSean McCoy, RB, Pitt - After a long struggle to make his decision, McCoy has decided to turn pro after all. Nicknamed Shady on campus, he had a tough time leaving a place he loves and where he is loved. He’s a shifty back with good vision and talent. He may be a little raw, but as a running back, it’s always better to get out sooner rather than later once the carries have accumulated. Expect him to be among the first backs selected after Wells and Moreno in the first round. Projected Round: 1st.

Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia – Moreno has received word that he would be among the first two or three tailbacks taken in April and a lock for the first round. While he doesn’t have the tools of Beanie Wells, Moreno possesses the best natural instincts and vision of any back. He runs with conviction and rarely goes down on first contact. Look for Moreno to go shortly after Georgia teammate Matthew Stafford who turned pro today at the same press conference. Projected Round: 1st.

Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State - There’s no denying that Beanie Wells has the skill set to be the top back selected. He has the speed, size, and that signature stiff arm that has knocked plenty of defenders on their backs. Despite missing three games to injury, Wells rushed for over 1100 yards, his second 1000 yard season. The only concern with Beanie is his durability. He’s been banged up for most of his career as a Buckeye and could be a cause for concern. However, don’t expect teams to forget what happened to Adrian Peterson two drafts ago, when he had similar durability concerns due to his upright running style. Though Wells lacks the overall athleticism and talent of Peterson, it’s not that far a stretch to think that Wells could have a similar impact as a rookie. Projected Round: Top 10 Selection.

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