2009-2010 NFL Draft Prospect Preseason Rankings: Running Backs

1. Jahvid Best, California (5-10, 195)

What to Like
Best is blazing fast, but not a sprinter who just happens to play football. He doesn't shy away from hits and is electrifying in the open field. His athleticism and pure natural talent is second to none.

What to Worry About
Sometimes, Best tends to rely solely upon his obvious physical talents rather than follow his blockers to open field. If he's going to succeed in the NFL, he'll have to learn a little more patience and use his vision and teammates as well as he does his natural athletic gifts.

Bottom Line
Possibly the most exciting player in college football, Jahvid Best should be a surefire 1st round pick next April. Assuming he can stay healthy and refine his game's rough edges a little, I can't see any other running back hearing their name called before he does in the 2010 NFL Draft.

Best Positional/Schematic Fit
Similar to C.J. Spiller, he would serve extremely well as a tailback in a two back system. However, I like his prospects of running between the tackles better than those of Spiller's. I think Best could play on most downs and spelled only on short yardage and/or goal line situations.


2. C.J. Spiller, Clemson (5-11, 193)

What to Like
Spiller has a great burst, superior shiftiness and follows his blockers well with excellent vision. He's usually physical runner when he needs to be, even though he occasionally avoids contact and uses the sideline as a sanctuary. He also possesses soft hands and displays good pass catching ability coming out of the backfield.

What to Worry About
As previously mentioned, Spiller sometimes shies away from contact, heading out of bounds instead of lowering his helmet and shoulder for extra yardage. This also raises a few questions about his physical toughness and, by extension, his prospects of running between the tackles.

Bottom Line
Spiller must be considered as a top running back heading into next year's draft. His superior athleticism and experience in the return game make him an exciting prospect - probably one slated for the 1st round.

Best Positional/Schematic Fit
I love what C.J. could bring to a West Coast offense as he has seen a lot of success receiving out of the backfield. He could also benefit any team as the shifty, complementary tailback to a between-the-tackles-workhorse back in a two back tandem/system. Spiller could also serve as a kick or punt returner, a role with which he has a lot of experience and natural ability.


3. Jonathon Dwyer, Georgia Tech (5-11, 228)

What to Like
Dwyer may not have Best's or Spiller's speed or quickness, but he's a better every-down back. He's a physical wrecking ball and very good running between the tackles. He also has good speed for his size, good vision and his skills translate well to the next level.

What to Worry About
Dwyer isn't going to beat a lot of NFL corners to the outside. As far as homerun ability, he'll be limited against faster competition. Breakaway speed and the ability to instantly change directions will likely be his only shortcomings as a runner in the NFL.

Bottom Line
Jonathan Dwyer should go early in the NFL Draft when he declares. He's extremely physical and should be a good runner behind the offensive line. He's a well rounded back and, in all likelihood, should go sometime in the first two rounds.

Best Positional/Schematic Fit
On a running back-poor team, he'd be an every-down back. On a running back-rich team, he'd be a short yardage or redzone back. His talents will fit in almost any system as short yardage backs are always a commodity - especially in redzone packages.


4. LeGarrette Blount, Oregon (6-2, 238)

What to Like
Blount is surprisingly versatile for his size. He's good in the open field, never gives up on a play and displays good vision and better speed than you would think.

What to Worry About
The primary concern regarding Blount should be how his unique mix of size and athleticism translates to the NFL. It remains to be seen whether these qualities will be effective against bigger, faster competition. He may have two physical advantages on most defenders and he may have none. Time will tell.

Bottom Line
Some NFL team will most likely take LeGarrette Blount in the first two rounds of the draft next April, hoping his abilities prove effective at the professional level. He reminds me a little of Johnathan Stewart, also from Oregon, and looks to have the same success as his predecessor at his alma mater.

Best Positional/Schematic Fit
It's difficult to tell how offenses will use Blount and what they'll ask him to do at this point. Most likely, he'll either be a dynamic every-down runner or he'll be a short yardage/goal line back who possesses the added threat of cutting outside and beating opposing linebackers to the outside with a little surprising speed and quickness.


5. Joe McKnight, USC (6-0, 200)

What to Like
McKnight is very well rounded and has excellent vision. While he is not superlative in any specific area, he has no glaring weaknesses or rough edges.

What to Worry About
In the NFL, McKnight might not get away with making some of the decisions he made running the ball in college. Neither his speed, nor his cutting ability will over match NFL defenders and he may have to adopt a little more of a north/south running style than the one he used to great success in college. This is a byproduct of the fact that he is not athletically superior in any category.

Bottom Line
A possible 2nd or 3rd rounder in the 2010 NFL Draft, Joe McKnight will likely be a solid backup somewhere in the NFL. It's doubtful that he has the physical make-up to be the explosive playmaker NFL teams are always looking for.

Best Positional/Schematic Fit
McKnight will be a solid change of pace back in most NFL systems. He'll likely see some time as a backup running back or the second back in two-back formations.