2008 Woodie Awards
NFL Draft Preview: Zack's Top Five Running Backs
Zack Gugenheim
Issue date: 2/22/07 Section: Sports
With the NFL Draft fast approaching, here are my top five running backs for this year's draft class.
1. Adrian Peterson, Oklahoma
If not for injuries, I would put him as the number one overall prospect of this draft. His measurables (6'2", 220lbs., projected 4.4 40-yard dash time) are incredible. He has run for over 1,000 yards in the past three seasons, including 1925 yards his freshman season when he also was the runner-up to the Heisman Trophy Winner Matt Leinart. He has an incredible blend of speed and power and could become a superstar back in the future like Ladainian Tomlinson and Shaun Alexander. He has great moves and can use his power to break tackles. He doesn't fumble. His production dropped because of injuries, and might be a concern at the next level. However, he has no major knee injuries or anything else that could possibly linger. Ultimately, he could make the biggest impact of any rookie.
Projection: Top five picks.
2. Marshawn Lynch, California
Standing at 5'11" and 217 lbs., this fine running back could be a huge threat at the next level. He has run for over 1,200 yards the past two seasons and has done it by averaging over six yards per carry each season. He is quick and shifty, and definitely has some power in his legs. However, he is a clear number two compared to Peterson. He has also had some issues with lingering injuries, and his amount of carries per season has been light, which could mean durability issues for at least his rookie season. It could also mean he is fresher in the league. He is a tremendous weapon out of the backfield whether he is running or catching out in the flat.
Projection: Mid-1st round.
3. Antonio Pittman, Ohio State
The most under-rated player on the vaunted Ohio State offense this year, Pittman (5'11", 195 lbs.), has rushed his way into an elite group of backs at Ohio State. He was the first running back since 1995 Heisman Winner Eddie George to rush for back to back 1,000 yard seasons. He has very good speed and surprising power as well. He will fight for the extra yard, but can also bounce to the outside. He was one of the few bright spots for Ohio State in the BCS national title game (10 carries for 62 yards and a TD). He will have to gain some weight for the NFL and is probably not a guy that will just be plugged in and have instant success. He hasn't had the type of workload that other backs have had, but has never really been down with injuries either. He doesn't have breakaway speed and isn't "special" like Peterson or even Lynch, but Pittman definitely good enough to be a 1,000 yard rusher, maybe even 1,500 yard rusher in the pros. He wasn't used much in the passing game, but when he was, he was effective. The offensive talent around him may have helped pad his stats.
1. Adrian Peterson, Oklahoma
If not for injuries, I would put him as the number one overall prospect of this draft. His measurables (6'2", 220lbs., projected 4.4 40-yard dash time) are incredible. He has run for over 1,000 yards in the past three seasons, including 1925 yards his freshman season when he also was the runner-up to the Heisman Trophy Winner Matt Leinart. He has an incredible blend of speed and power and could become a superstar back in the future like Ladainian Tomlinson and Shaun Alexander. He has great moves and can use his power to break tackles. He doesn't fumble. His production dropped because of injuries, and might be a concern at the next level. However, he has no major knee injuries or anything else that could possibly linger. Ultimately, he could make the biggest impact of any rookie.
Projection: Top five picks.
2. Marshawn Lynch, California
Standing at 5'11" and 217 lbs., this fine running back could be a huge threat at the next level. He has run for over 1,200 yards the past two seasons and has done it by averaging over six yards per carry each season. He is quick and shifty, and definitely has some power in his legs. However, he is a clear number two compared to Peterson. He has also had some issues with lingering injuries, and his amount of carries per season has been light, which could mean durability issues for at least his rookie season. It could also mean he is fresher in the league. He is a tremendous weapon out of the backfield whether he is running or catching out in the flat.
Projection: Mid-1st round.
3. Antonio Pittman, Ohio State
The most under-rated player on the vaunted Ohio State offense this year, Pittman (5'11", 195 lbs.), has rushed his way into an elite group of backs at Ohio State. He was the first running back since 1995 Heisman Winner Eddie George to rush for back to back 1,000 yard seasons. He has very good speed and surprising power as well. He will fight for the extra yard, but can also bounce to the outside. He was one of the few bright spots for Ohio State in the BCS national title game (10 carries for 62 yards and a TD). He will have to gain some weight for the NFL and is probably not a guy that will just be plugged in and have instant success. He hasn't had the type of workload that other backs have had, but has never really been down with injuries either. He doesn't have breakaway speed and isn't "special" like Peterson or even Lynch, but Pittman definitely good enough to be a 1,000 yard rusher, maybe even 1,500 yard rusher in the pros. He wasn't used much in the passing game, but when he was, he was effective. The offensive talent around him may have helped pad his stats.