Runningback

1) C.J. Spiller (Clemson)- 9.1
Electrifying in the open field with game-breaking speed and good elusiveness. He will be an excellent kick returner and can immediately step into the role of third down back on most NFL teams. Needs to improve on picking up blitzes. Spiller lacks the drive, size and physicality to receive short yardage carries and so it is unlikely he will be a successful feature back in the NFL. He would be better off getting fifteen touches a game in a platoon with a more physical back. Spiller may never be an elite NFL running back but he will make an immediate, and perhaps significant, impact (especially when taking into account his receiving skills and return ability) and should be taken in the middle of the first round.

2) Jahvid Best (California)- 8.7
Similar to C.J. Spiller in some ways, Best is a dynamic runner who lacks the size and strength to be effective running inside in the NFL. Will be a nice change of pace back because of his speed and vision. Needs to improve his pass blocking. Best’s scary fall and subsequent concussion may be an area of concern. Teams are (finally) cracking down on concussions and if Best finds himself prone to repeated head injuries that could put his career in jeopardy.

3) Jonathan Dwyer (Georgia Tech)- 8.7
Powerful runner who hits his holes hard. Doesn’t have much agility but his straight-line speed is good if not elite. Good stiff arm. Has the potential to be a feature back in the NFL and so could wind up having the most value of any RB in this class but Spiller is certainly more of a sure thing. Has been receiving carries in an unorthodox offense and that creates difficulty in evaluation and might make for transitional issues at the next level. Not much of a receiver. Looked better during his sophomore year than his junior and work ethic might not be a concern.

4) Ryan Mathews (Fresno State)- 8.2
Played in the WAC but still produced big numbers in his games against Cincinnati, Wisconsin and Boise State. Good size/speed combination and shows decent agility and improving vision. Missed significant time during both his freshman and sophomore years due to injury and sat out one game this season, as well. Led the nation in rushing and shows the ability to push the pile. Is a non-factor in the passing game. If he can stay healthy and gets his chance Mathews will be a productive player in the NFL and could be a sleeper in this year’s draft. His final draft position will depend a lot on his 40 time but he seems to play fast enough regardless of his official time.

5) Joe McKnight (USC)- 8.0
Heralded as the second coming of Reggie Bush, McKnight’s career at USC was disappointing considering the hype that surrounded his arrival. Good receiver and returner with very good top speed. Fairly elusive and has the size to run between the tackles but can’t seem to put everything together. Never earned a majority of the carries at USC until Stefan Johnson’s injury and has had fumbling problems. He takes this spot in part due to my belief that he will flourish once out of Bush’s shadow. McKnight has mentioned more than once the pressure he has felt to emulate the career of Bush and live up to the lofty expectations. The talent has always been evident but he no longer appears destined for stardom in the NFL.