| April 13, 2007 | « Previous Story | HOME | Next Story » | Posted at 06:55 AM |
Damien Shelton had provided steady blocking and a receiving threat for the past 2 seasons. The Buffalo Bills need to find a new starting FB. However, with only Anthony Thomas as the Bill's premiere running threat- it is not completely unfathomable that Buffalo might try to bolster their running attack with a Mike Alstott –like clone in Rutger's Brian Leonard. But with the holes on defense, it is not likely that Leonard will slip far enough in the draft (like day 2) for the Bills to consider him. The Bills may look late in the draft or in free agency
for their next starting FB.
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Some have suggested that Leonard play tailback full-time at the next level, but he lacks breakaway speed. He can't always beat linebackers to the corner at the college level, so the notion of using Leonard as an NFL feature back is dubious. Leonard doesn't have that 2nd gear, and many times is able to get to that second level, only to be run down by faster players. Has that tweener sort of feel to him, as more of an Alstott type, than a Jerome Bettis type. Not a shifty back, and won't make people miss in the open field. More of a hard worker, than elite athlete, and will be lacking some in those dreaded measureables. Leonard projects to be a consistent contributor as a hybrid fullback/running back type for the right team -- somewhat in the mold of Greg Jones (Jaguars). Teams creative enough to maximize his versatility should deem Leonard worthy of second or early third round consideration.
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Le'Ron McClain is a versatile fullback with a good combination of size and strength for the position. McClain is a built like a tank. He isn't really short, but he has a massive frame, topping 260 pounds. He is an excellent lead blocker who will take out linebackers and pave the way for his running back. He wasn't used much as a runner at Alabama (36 attempts in 4 years), but he is a pretty good between the tackles runner who can be effective in short yardage and goal line situations. Has good size and a very solid and sturdy frame. His hands are great and he is an excellent receiver out of the backfield.
There's nothing extraordinary about McClain when he has the ball in his hands. He has quick feet and decent top-end speed, but won't make tacklers miss in the open field. He isn't a very elusive runner and he isn't likely to break long runs. McClain is the premier blocking back of the 2007 draft class. He's a leader and a competitor who plays with a mean streak, and his physical skills are more than adequate. Critics say McClain is one-dimensional and would be a poor fit as a runner and receiver in a West Coast offense, so he could fly below the radar and slip in the draft. McLain ranks as one of the top-three fullback prospects in the 2007 class, which will get him drafted no earlier than the fifth round.
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One of the more unheralded athletes in the collegiate ranks, Battle made opponents notice his brute strength and explosive quickness as a senior . If he is considered as a FB, he is the fastest in this draft. His timed speed is terrific. Strong and powerful runner that is tough to bring down and will break tackles. Nice-sized short-yardage runner best between tackles. Finds the running lanes, works runs on the inside and falls forward when tackled. Keeps his feet moving on contact and strong ball carrier who picks up the tough yardage. Displays vision as a ball carrier or blocker. Not an effective pass catcher, tending to let the ball absorb into his body rather than extend. Best when operating as a straight-ahead power runner, as he lacks the vision you need when running in space and into the second level. Battle gets most of his yardage by breaking tackles, and after being stopped just six times for losses on 441 carries it is evident that he is a load to bring down, especially in isolated coverage. He lacks hip snap to be effective bouncing outside and lacks the natural hands to even be marginal as a receiver, but with his athletic ability and work ethic he'll make a nice change-of-pace back while adding value to the short yardage and goal-line units. An intriguing day two prospect.
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Snelling is a vastly underrated talent who is not only an excellent receiver coming out of the backfield and a punishing lead blocker as a fullback, but is developing into a physical north-south runner after shifting to tailback as a senior. He can do it all: run, block, and catch. As a fullback, he has the power and speed to be a threat running the ball. His best asset may be his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. Snelling will be a multi purpose threat out of the backfield. Lacks ideal size. Likely will need to add some bulk in order to transition to fullback in the NFL. Doesn't explode into blocks, doesn't show a powerful initial punch and isn't going to knock many defenders back. Doesn't play with a mean streak and fails to sustain blocks at times. Snelling isn't fast enough to develop into an every-down running back and he isn't a dominant lead blocker. However, he has value in the late rounds because of his versatility. Snelling is a proven short-yardage runner with power, he is an adequate blocker in space and he is a reliable receiver. ...
Anderson has good size and bulk with a cut physique. runs with adequate leverage and is a powerful short-yardage runner that rarely goes down with the first hit. Is physical and looks to run over defenders. Plays with a mean streak, possesses good upper body strength and is physical at the point of attack. Doesn't show great balance as a blocker, fails to lock onto defenders at times and has some problems sustaining blocks. He has run afoul of the law on a couple of occasions, including disorderly conduct, and those issues led to him missing the entire 2005 season. On the positive side, he displays the toughness, size and versatility to develop into an every-down fullback for teams in search of his kind. Anderson might be too much of a risk to waste a draft pick on but he is worth bringing into training camp as a priority free agent....