Could the 2008 NFL Draft be the best RB draft of all time?

[Devin]

Darrent McFadden, RB Arkansas

Ray Rice, RB Rutgers

Mike Hart, RB Michigan

Steve Slaton, RB West VA

James Davis, RB Clemson

Brandon Ore, RB Va. Tech

Jamaal Charles, RB Texas

Arian Foster, RB Tenn.

Ian Johnson, RB Boise State

Ahmad Bradshaw, RB Marshall

:eek:

[Devin]

Least 4 of those guys are 1st round graders.

[gr8slayer]

Man I would love to have McFadden. That guy is going to be a beast.

[Devin]

McFadden is unreal.

[gr8slayer]

Jamaal Charles is nothing special though.

[Bulldog]

Ray Rice is going to be very good for a very long time!

[gr8slayer]

Mike Hart really doesn't "do it" for me.

[Devin]

In his true freshman (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/True_freshman) season, Charles rushed 119 times for 878 yards and 11 touchdowns, averaging 7.4 yards per carry.

Jamaal has run a 4.2 40 yard dash, benched 300 pounds and squatted 400 pounds.

Charles has also had success in the classroom after being added to the Athletic Honor Roll this year by achieving at least a 3.0 GPA.


He fell off a little last year but he has quit track so he can focus 100% on football. At 6'1 190lbs with a solid year hes easily back in contention to be a 1st rounder.

[Devin]

Mike Hart really doesn't "do it" for me.



In 2004, Hart set a Michigan record for most rushing yards in a season by a freshman with 1,455. He rushed for nine touchdowns and had 26 receptions for 237 yards and a touchdown catch.

During the 2006 season, Hart rushed for 1,562 yards, the fifth-best season total in Michigan history, and 14 touchdowns. For his efforts, Hart was recognized as his team's co-MVP with linebacker David Harris (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Harris_%28football_player%29).

Hart has lost a fumble only one time, against Iowa (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iowa_Hawkeyes_football) on September 25, 2004, in 750 collegiate carries.


uh ill take it.

[gr8slayer]

He fell off a little last year but he has quit track so he can focus 100% on football. At 6'1 190lbs with a solid year hes easily back in contention to be a 1st rounder.
This is one of those times where I would say don't always believe the stats. Last year he was less than impressive and goes down too easily IMO. Too many one man tackles.

[eyedog]

I doubt Hart is a 1st rder. Doesn't have elite speed and is small. I would guess 2nd or 3rd rd.

[Devin]

lol

[eyedog]

Something funny ?

[Devin]

5'9, 200lbs and has run sub 4.5 40's consistently.

1 fumble in over 300 touches..... :eek:

[TheGhostofJimKelly]

Can I say that I don't think Steve Slaton is all that. I watched him and I won't question he is a good college running back, but I just don't think he will make a good pro. One thing I seen in him is he fumbled. Another thing is I think Pat White had a lot to do with his success last year. I guess he can prove me wrong this year.

some other runners that might sneak up:

Albert Young, Iowa
Allen Patrick, Oklahoma
Danny Ware, Georgia
Chauncey Washington, USC
Alley Brossard, LSU
Yvenson Bernard, Oregon State
LV Whitworth, Boston College
Rafael Little, Kentucky

[eyedog]

sub 4.5's huh. Who gave you that info the michigan sid ?

[eyedog]

also 5'9" and 200 lbs, which he probably isn't even that, isn't big and would probably alone keep him out of the first.
Do you really think eight rb's are going in the first ? Get real.

[Devin]

Rivals.com

[Devin]

also 5'9" and 200 lbs, which he probably isn't even that, isn't big and would probably alone keep him out of the first.
Do you really think eight rb's are going in the first ? Get real.

perhaps you should better read the post.

Where did I say that.

And we can go through and name RB's with that size/speed who have made it at the NFL level if youd like. :rolleyes:

Dont tell me you are a Lynch fanboy?

[Devin]

Can I say that I don't think Steve Slaton is all that. I watched him and I won't question he is a good college running back, but I just don't think he will make a good pro. One thing I seen in him is he fumbled. I guess he can prove me wrong this year.

some other runners that might sneak up:

Albert Young, Iowa
Allen Patrick, Oklahoma
Danny Ware, Georgia
Chauncey Washington, USC
Alley Brossard, LSU
Yvenson Bernard, Oregon State
LV Whitworth, Boston College
Rafael Little, Kentucky

Indeed, no question a deep year at RB.

Slaton had almost 2100 yards of offense last season ill be interested to see what he does this year.

[eyedog]

Yeah Barry Sanders, Emmitt Smith, scratch Thurman.

[eyedog]

I'd take Lynch before trading for Turner.

[eyedog]

Were talking 1st rounder's ,yes ?

[gr8slayer]

Were talking 1st rounder's ,yes ?
I think he means overall.

[Ickybaluky]

Last year's draft class was a good one for RB with Bush, LawMaroney, DeAngelo Hall, Joseph Addai, Lendale White, Maurice Drew, Jerious Norwood, Leon Washington and Mike Bell.

The best RB class in recent memory is 1983, with Eric Dickerson, Curt Warner, Gary Anderson, Roger Craig, Johnny Hector, Craig James and Stanley Wilson.

[gr8slayer]

Last year's draft class was a good one for RB with Bush, LawMaroney, DeAngelo Hall, Joseph Addai, Lendale White, Maurice Drew, Jerious Norwood, Leon Washington and Mike Bell.

The best RB class in recent memory is 1983, with Eric Dickerson, Curt Warner, Gary Anderson, Roger Craig, Johnny Hector, Craig James and Stanley Wilson.
Jones-Drew all the way.

[Devin]

DeAngelo Hall

You have your Deangelo's mixed up.

[Ickybaluky]

You have your Deangelo's mixed up.

Whoops!

[gr8slayer]

One good sleeper is Brian Calhoun.

Wali Lundy looked pretty good last year too when he got to play.

[Devin]

If the Lions would give him a shot.

[gr8slayer]

If the Lions would give him a shot.
Yeah, he is a threat every time he touches the ball, I'd take him in a heart beat.

[SpillerThrills]

Mike Hart really doesn't "do it" for me.


"local" boy too.... he went to Onondaga Central in Syracuse..... I definately don't want him in the first round, but maybe in a later round...

[eyedog]

Yeah and he weighs probably 30 lbs more. but I guess that doesn't matter does it ?

[gr8slayer]

How about the worst in recent memory? I say 2002, the only two RB's worth mentioning are Westbrook and Portis.

[Mr. Pink]

How about the worst in recent memory? I say 2002, the only two RB's worth mentioning are Westbrook and Portis.


If 87 is recent enough for you...read these memorable names....

Alonzo Highsmith, Brent Fullwood, DJ Dozier, Paul Palmer, Rod Bernstein, Terrence Flagler. All guys listed were first rounders.

Christian Okoye is the only decent RB to come out of that draft that I remember.

[gr8slayer]

If 87 is recent enough for you...read these memorable names....

Alonzo Highsmith, Brent Fullwood, DJ Dozier, Paul Palmer, Rod Bernstein, Terrence Flagler. All guys listed were first rounders.

Christian Okoye is the only decent RB to come out of that draft that I remember.
I am too young to recognize any of those names. But point taken.

[Devin]

Christian Okoye is the only decent RB to come out of that draft that I remember.

The Nigerian Nightmare!

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:rofl:

[gr8slayer]

The Nigerian Nightmare!

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:rofl:
Damn dude, that's what I call clock control.

[superbills]

The Nigerian Nightmare!

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:rofl:

:LMAO: That's just too freakin classic!

Anyway, how do you think all of this plays in to the plans of the Bills going forward. With only two top-flight RBs on the board going into this year's draft, and with next year's draft being so strong, does it really seem likely that the Bills will spend big on a guy like Turner? Or that we will pick Lynch (assuming Peterson is gone) if Willis or some other top-flight player is on the board at 12?

I know you have to plan to win this year, but these things have to be taken into consideration. Case in point, all the talk about Tennessee and Turner. If they simply sign the offer sheet and give the Chargers a 1 and 3 this year, that's insane, IMO. Sure, if you like the guy go get him, but don't mortgage your future.

[kernowboy]

I could see us - something I have advocated - picking up Brian Leonard who is a multi purpose weapon and who would still allow us to draft a RB from the 2008 class

[TheGhostofJimKelly]

Okoye will always be remembered by getting lit up by Steve Atwater.

[TheGhostofJimKelly]

DeAngelo Hall


Holy cow, DeAngelo Williams changed the spelling of his name. When did this happen?

BTW, DeAngelo Williams, I like this spelling of your name much better. More character. I think you should consider changing to this spelling.

[Devin]

Okoye will always be remembered by getting lit up by Steve Atwater.

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DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMMMMN!!!!!!!!

[TheGhostofJimKelly]

Oh man, that was a hit.

[Italian Stallion]

slaton is the best running back in college football hands down.

the guy is one of the fastest runningbacks i have ever seen in my life...graunted he is not that big but he is constantly drawing comparisons to Eric Dickerson and Marshall Faulk...and those guys were pretty good in the NFL.

Not only is he a 1st round talent...he is an elite prospect...wait and see

[TheGhostofJimKelly]

slaton is the best running back in college football hands down.

the guy is one of the fastest runningbacks i have ever seen in my life...graunted he is not that big but he is constantly drawing comparisons to Eric Dickerson and Marshall Faulk...and those guys were pretty good in the NFL.

Not only is he a 1st round talent...he is an elite prospect...wait and see

That is fair enough, I think Pat White has a lot to do with their success. I will keep an eye on him.

[Devin]

slaton is the best running back in college football hands down.

the guy is one of the fastest runningbacks i have ever seen in my life...graunted he is not that big but he is constantly drawing comparisons to Eric Dickerson and Marshall Faulk...and those guys were pretty good in the NFL.

Not only is he a 1st round talent...he is an elite prospect...wait and see

I wouldnt say the best but I think highly of him as well. I am very anxious to see how he does this coming season. He, mcfadden, and rice are probably all 1st rounders next year.

[JoeMama]

I was watching some footage on Ray Rice - and caught a few clips of Brian Leonard by accident.

Has anyone seen Leonard's patented "hurdle?"

This guy is sick.

The first highlight in this video is of Leonard. Most of the rest is Rice.

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Here's another good clip. Another hurdle.

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I'd be happy as hell with Leonard as our second round choice.

This guy is a big time athlete. And fast as hell too.

[Devin]

Agreed, he dropped a ton of weight and is very athletic/fast. I think he had the most bench reps for RB's as well.

The "Leonard Leap" is pretty cool to watch, he doesnt do it that often but when he gets a good angle its effective.

[BILLSROCK1212]

Bradshaw is in this years draft

[JoeMama]

Agreed, he dropped a ton of weight and is very athletic/fast. I think he had the most bench reps for RB's as well.

The "Leonard Leap" is pretty cool to watch, he doesnt do it that often but when he gets a good angle its effective.

It's badass.

What impressed me more was how he kicked it into second gear and outran that defensive back.

Dude is a lot faster than I thought.

[Devin]

It's badass.

What impressed me more was how he kicked it into second gear and outran that defensive back.

Dude is a lot faster than I thought.

He had a great combine, very strong and busted off impressive 40 times. He had at that point dropped 10 pounds in his efforts to fit more the RB role then FB role.

[Bulldog]

When all is said and done, I think Ray Rice will be the cream of that crop. Here are his numbers from his first two years at Rutgers :

Stat Overview Rushing Receiving Fumbles
YEAR ATT YDS AVG LNG TD REC YDS AVG LNG TD FUM LST
2005 195 1120 5.7 58 5 8 65 8.1 26 0 0 0
2006 335 1794 5.4 63 20 4 30 7.5 13 0 0 0

His lack of receptions was due to the fact that Leonard was the 3rd down back at Rutgers. I would expect him to be more involved this year in the passing game as Leonard will be in the NFL. Being a Syracuse fan, it makes me sick that this guy ended up at Rutgers. He verbally committed to Syracuse, and when they fired Coach P, he committed to Rutgers. Ouch!

[Mr. Pink]

Speculation on this is useless.

I still remember when the QB draft class of 99 was talked up like it was gonna outdo the 83 class. Anything can happen.

[kernowboy]

a Leonard/Rice backfield brought about by the 2007 and 2008 drafts means we will be busy come January 2009!!!