Big backs do just fine in their workouts

It does not project to be a great year for running backs in the draft, but some will tell you that doesn’t matter after the great success some undrafted backs had this past season.

Still, Alabama’s Mark Ingram, the top-ranked running back by the NFP’s Wes Bunting, had a decent workout Sunday at the combine when he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.62 seconds.

No one expected Ingram to burn it up and he didn’t. He’s not that type of runner. Remember, LeGarrette Blount was knocked for running in the 4.7’s a year ago. Those who held that against him probably wish they had taken the chance the Tampa Bay Buccaneers did.

There are some other intriguing big backs in the draft like Ingram. Illinois’ Mikel Leshoure ran a sub-4.6 40. He doesn’t have the college production that Ingram did, but he’s a potential first-round selection. A back that helped himself was Nebraska’s Roy Helu Jr. He timed at 4.42. He is 5-11, 219 pounds and while he entered the combine with most expecting him to be a mid-round selection, he helped himself greatly.

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Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune

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