The 2010 running back class certainly has some talent toward the top end and also features a solid group of prospects who possess the ability to develop into starters if given an opportunity in the right scheme. Plus, there look to be plenty of mid-round-type backs who could fill roles and be productive in a rotation at the next level.
In order to break down each prospect, the National Football Post will once again be using our own numerical grading scale, focusing on evaluating prospects’ potential in terms of “starter caliber,” “dirty starter caliber,” “possible starter caliber,” “backup/depth caliber” and “free agent caliber.” The full grading scale is listed below with explanations of each grade.
Here’s our initial look at the 2010 running back class:
NFP Numerical College Grading Scale
Starter Caliber
8.0 Starts first game as a pro…a prospect who possesses rare physical attributes that have an obvious impact on the game…will instantly become one of the best players at his position in the NFL.
7.5 Becomes a starter in his rookie season…a prospect who possesses physical attributes that will create mismatches and have an obvious impact on the game…will become a premier player in the league.
7.0 Starts in first game as a pro…a prospect who possesses physical attributes that will create mismatches vs. most opponents…a featured player on a team.
6.9 Becomes a starter during his rookie year…a prospect who possesses physical attributes that will create mismatches vs. most opponents…a featured player on team.
6.8 Becomes a starter in his rookie year…becomes a solid NFL player who has no real weakness…can’t be exploited or consistently taken out of games.
Dirty Starter Caliber
6.7 Contributes first year and starts second year…must be able to get on the field and make a contribution as a rookie…expected to start his second year in the league.
6.6 Contributes first year but may need time to become a starter…has the ability to become a starter and will be expected to assume a starting role.
6.5 Clean player who is inconsistent in his play due to character, alertness or competitiveness…has all the physical tools needed to become a starter…if he overcomes his deficiencies, he will be a star in the league…if he doesn’t, he’ll be a complete failure…NO middle ground.
Possible Starter Caliber
6.4 Has one deficient area of his playing skills or physical attributes but should be able to overcome it and contribute to a team…has the potential to become a starter based on his abilities.
6.3 Has one deficient area of his playing skills or his physical attributes that will be difficult to overcome but will contribute in spite of it…has the potential to become a starter based on his abilities.
6.2 Has one deficient area of his physical attributes that he can never overcome but has been productive and has the potential to be a starter in the NFL in spite of his shortcomings.
6.1 A clean prospect who will need time and development in order to contribute…physically, this player has all the tools to be a starter in the NFL but has not yet developed the necessary skills due to level of competition, offensive or defensive schemes, injury, grades or lack of playing time…true developmental player who has the potential to become a starter.
6.0 An underachiever who has exhibited a deficiency in some area of his play...has the abilities to become a starter but hasn’t played up to them…has a problem with football instincts, character and/or competitiveness…boom-or-bust prospect.
Backup/Depth Caliber
5.9 Has a deficient area of his playing or physical skills that he should overcome and contribute as a backup and spot player only.
5.8 Has a deficient area of his playing of physical skills that will be difficult to overcome but will contribute as a backup and spot player only.
5.7 Has a deficient area of his physical skills that cannot be overcome but has been productive and can contribute as a backup and spot player only.
Free Agent Category
5.6 Free agent with speed, character and competitiveness.
5.5 Free agent with athletic ability, character and competitiveness.
5.4 Free agent with size, character and competitiveness.
5.3 Free agent at a high level of competition with size, speed or athletic ability.
5.2 Free agent with size or speed.
5.1 Free agent with character and competitiveness.
5.0 Camp body.
4.0 Reject…no qualities for professional football.
Follow me on Twitter: WesBunting
Ole Miss: I put him as a WR, I see him as a slot guy who can help out in the pass game, special teams and as a 3rd down/change of pace type of back, but he's in the WR group.
I really hope you are going to be doing this for all the positions, I love the NFL type evaluations in terms of a guy being a starter or not. So many people just list guys with no reason, here I can actually see what your thinking weather I agree or not. Really interesting stuff.
Wes, I appreciate the draft coverage you provide on this site. Wonder if you have the weigh-ins (arms/hands) from Tx v Nation, or at least a link. There's some linemen I'm curious about, particularly Jared Veldheer, Derek Hardman, Tyler Eastman, J'Marcus Webb and on the other side Jay Ross.
Also curious, any relation to John Bunting?
Gerhart as a WCO type of fullback, provided he pass catches. Yes he may be slow, but he has a nose for the red zone, could he possibly be considered a dirty starter as a specialist or changing position?
Blounte as a 6.0, OUCH! He's better outside of an instance he let emotion overcome poise. Physically he's in that top class, what of execution and technique? His being in a shotgun offense should have him protecting to better levels than you may anticipate a potential feature back.
Love you having Dixon ready to play, the protection item for him should be solid and he's powerful inside. Really finishes runs well, runs with heart. Was glad that he showed enough outside speed to elevate his prospective chances.
Hey, Wes, what's your take on Deji Karim? I didn't see him listed, but he seems to have great vision, burst, and power, despite playing against a lower level of competition. I'd love to see your comments on his chances at the next level. Thanks.
Oops! My bad. I didn't see him on the list. Nice work. :)
Hi
Hi
Hi Wes,
Why so low on Mathews?
LeGarrette Blount will be dead by Dec. 31, 2014. Blount's another Chris Henry. Pure criminal thug who will die or be murdered.
NO QUESTION.
LeGarrette Blount will be dead by Dec. 31, 2014. Blount's another Chris Henry. Pure criminal thug who will die or be murdered.
NO QUESTION.
Wesley,
Tells the boys in the backroom at NFP to put down their joysticks for Grand Theft New Orleans, suck down a couple of Red Bulls, zip up their pants, and fix your system.
Mouse click once on SUBMIT and the item appears TWICE.
That's a programming issue. Get your lazy IP staff to work on it.
I wonder if Mark is always such a jackass, or the anonymity of the internet provides him the opportunity to release the frustration he lacks the balls to release in his real life.
Sharp should be a 5.6 according to you rankings, yes he has character and competitivness, but he also has speed to burn.
I have to go with Mr. Murder. Blunt sucker-punched a guy after a game. Ugly but does it really amount ot the sort of "character issue" that FO types get so worked up about? I recall a guy who was clearly the best DT in the draft but failed a drug test for smoking some bud. Dropped way down the first round but Warren Sapp worked out ok.
So many productive backs come late in the draft or as undraftd FAs, you have to wonder about burning a high pick on one.
Nice job Wes. Interested in your thoughts on Mathews and why he is so low?
Nice job Wes. Interested in your thoughts on Mark and why he's such a highly touted jackass. I only grade him out at a 5.6, as jackasses go. Considered taking him in the final round of my fantasy jackass league. But after scoring big in the early rounds with Drew Rosenhaus, Ochocinco, and Jim Rome, all highly productive jackasses, I decided to pass over Mark in the final frame and took a flyer on Vinny Cerrato. This could be my year.
Awww, Uncle Chico and the boys at the Bodega don't like me. I'm crushed.
Have to tell some friends about it.
At the INS.
Green Card Time, Uncle Chico.
Mathews only a 5.9???? I'm not sure I understand...
I saw the Texas vs. the Nation, Uncle Rico, and Veldheer seems to be an all hyped player. J'Marcus Webb on the otherhand was pure talent. He didn't seem to be threatened or have any difficulty with anything at all. Veldheer allowed 3 SACKS!!!!! Wow! He was slow and has a fat can too! Webb was the better Left tackle for both sides. Any thoughts>?
Do they play the endless Bodega song? That horn player must be wealthy, he is in every song.
Wes, do you have historical data for previous NFL prospects published anywhere on the site?
I'd like to see how Jonathan Dwyer's 7.5 matches up to, for example, Jonathan Stewart and Adrian Peterson from years past.
Thanks!
Your right about Dwyer! : 6ft tall 230 lbs. runs 4.41, likes to run over people, leaving as Junior thus giving one year more as a Pro before he loses a step as he gets older. Just don't tell the whole world! Why because we need him in San Diego! With L.T. leaving we need a back like Dwyer. So quit telling everbody how good he is, everyone says he too slow. Thats alright just want him around for the Chargers turn to pick. GO GHARGERS!!
No way is Mathews a 5.9. He can be a feature back easily. He has the vision, the patience, the toughness, the stiff arm, and the break away to be a great RB. He is a threat to take it to the house every time he touches the ball. All 3 of his scores against Boise State last year were over 60 yards (60, 68, 69). He scored on the first play from scrimmage against Idaho, a 77 yard scamper. In ever game he played, except four, he had a long of at least 42 yards. Only one game did he fail to reach 100 yards and that was cuz he left in the 2nd after gaining 32 yards due to a mild concussion.
Gerhart too slow but Blount is fast enough? I think the former has posted far better 40 times than the latter. But I'm sure Gerhart has a motor that doesn't stop, brings his lunch pail and whatever other stereotypes you care to add...
If Holmgren were still in Seattle, I'd say don't be surprised if Dwyer goes #14. With Carol, it's anyones guess, but probably will look for later round one cut speedy guy for zone blocking scheme, like, surprise, McKnight.
If Holmgren were still in Seattle, I'd say don't be surprised if Dwyer goes #14. With Carol, it's anyones guess, but probably will look for later round one cut speedy guy for zone blocking scheme, like, surprise, McKnight.
SD should have kept UTEP's Marcus Thomas last season. He was a versatile back with power. Now SD ca make up for that by going after UTEP's Donald Buckram. Check the numbers, he's a good fit.
Mike Williams will be lucky to get drafted after quitting on his team. Tate may wind up going the Mario Manningham route and wind up a sixth round pick. Mitchell, Easley and Jeremy Williams are also grossly overrated.
Report says Patriots receiver...
Cornerback was released by Raiders...
Will he help Shoop get coordinator...
Backup tackle gets two-year deal;...
No one is 'protected' with new...
Feb 05, 2010
01:40 PM
What are you classifying Dexter McCluster as?