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Running Backs
Charted comments are mostly drawn from NFL Draft Scouts.com narratives (shown in black) with comments from additional sources shown in different colors. BRS = Red Sporting News War Room = Orange. USA Today = Green. Surefire Scouting = Purple
James still has a couple of years left in the tank, but if he were to go down, the Cards would have to rely on a two-headed tandem of Mr. Inside (Shipp) and Mr. Outside (Arrington). Baylark looks like more of a journeyman backup type, and we don't know much about Vincent other than he weighs 224 lb. We shouldn't be shocked if the Cards were to bet the store on a McFadden, Mendenhall or Stewart with their first (#16) pick or possibly opt to cherry-pick a RB in the second, third or fourth round (like a Matt Forte, Jamaal Charles, Kevin Smith, Matt Rice, Chris Johnson or Steve Slaton).
Rk Name/School Ht Wt 40 BP 10 20 VJ BJ 20S 60S 3C WU
1 Rashard Mendenhall, Illinois 5-10 225 4.45 27 1.58 2.61 33 9-10 4.18 -- -- --
Pro Day - Had a good position workout, but kept all his numbers from the combine (Note: he did not run the short shuttle or cone drill at the combine).

BRS (Gollin) - If he were to be there at #16, I think we'd draft him - has enough straight line speed to compliment his size and hard running. (Wiz is  looking for a backup to Edge but with more breakaway explosion)But I don't think he'll be there when we pick..

The Sporting News War Room - Has loads of talent and didn't receive a ton of carries at Illinois so he has a lot of mileage left. He lacks the speed to wow people but he's quick, smooth and athletic and will be a solid NFL starter.

Surefire Scouting - Mendenhall is ready to contribute immediately upon his arrival to his new team. He is a solid all around back with deceptive speed and elusiveness - projects as a feature back in the NFL with a bright future.

PFW - Has all the physical tools desired in a big running back but will have to figure out how badly he wants to be one.

Physical Has an athletic build with good muscular definition, big biceps, firm midsection and hips, thick thighs and calves
Speed Lacks breakaway speed...More quick than fast...Has excellent agility and balance through the rush lane...lacks that extra gear and speed to turn the corner consistently
Quicks Not a burner, but flashes decent "scoot" to get into the second level...Has good quickness with deceptive long speed...Has good quickness with deceptive long speed
Vision Makes good decisions and precise cuts into the hole, as he moves on the snap with no hesitation...Has good instincts, setting up and using his blocks well and has the vision to avoid and create on the move...Does not dance in the hole
Pad Level Good body lean moving forward
COD Instinctive runner with a good feel for the cutback lanes, doing a good job of setting up his moves in attempts to elude..,
Power Plays strong, but using him as just a short-yardage back would be wasting his ability to run over second-level defenders, as he has that power to get through the hole
Blitz Pickup No comments
Run Blocking Not asked to block much, but is a team-oriented type
Receiving Has a good feel for the passing game with crisp cuts, but is not the type to split wide...Natural hands catcher -- receiver-quality -- and it is rare to see him fight with the ball...Best when utilized on screens as a receiver
Durability No comments
Misc. unlike most running backs, he has a good blue-collar work ethic...Shows good courage challenging bigger defenders and runs with a pitter-patter style
Resembles Cedric Benson
Rk Name/School Ht Wt 40 BP 10 20 VJ BJ 20S 60S 3C WU
2 Darren McFadden, Arkansas 6-1 215 4.33 13 1.50 2.54 35 10-8 4.10 -- 6.86 --
Pro Day - Had a 35½-inch vertical jump, 4.10 short shuttle, 6.86 cone drills, 13 reps in the bench press and kept his numbers from the combine for everything else. He had a good workout and did a good job of answering questions for the teams in attendance

BRS (Gollin) -- I don't see the consistent eye-catching production from McFadden that I saw from Adrian Peterson last year - he may be overdrafted.

The Sporting News War Room - Has the tools to carry an NFL offense, but must improve his pass blocking and receiving skills to maximize his talent.

Surefire Scouting - I expect McFadden's impact to be comparable to Adrian Peterson's accomplishments as a rookie.

PFW - Is not as powerful or as competitive as Adrian Peterson but has better hands and straight line speed and will force defenses to stack the box the same way to stop him.

Physical Has a solid, thick build with tapered thighs and calves, athletic physique with a tight waist and hips, low body fat and defined upper body
Speed He has that rare speed and explosive second gear to be very elusive getting through traffic, thanks to sharp lateral cuts
Quicks Has the has the extra burst, quick feet and balance to pick his way through trash
Vision Main asset is his vision and ability to pick and slide laterally along the line of scrimmage until he finds the hole...Has the field vision and awareness to find the open crease and excels at anticipating cutback lanes...Has natural running instincts, showing a very nice feel for the rush lanes, as he anticipates openings and has made marked improvement in using his vision to set up his blocks
Pad Level Lowers his head and squares his shoulders to compete for extra yards after contact
COD Has the pick-and-slide agility to make defenders miss, showing outstanding acceleration and flexibility when changing direction...With his superb balance, he is very smooth when changing direction, showing a sudden burst out of his cuts
Power Nice job of staying upright to power through the initial tackle...Plays with good toughness, lowering his head and driving hard with his legs after contact...Can bounce off tackles and gives good second effort when his initial move fails...Might not be able to always push the pile, but has the functional lower-body strength to stay up, bounce off and execute his lateral range with good quickness
Blitz Pickup Willing blocker who shows the ability to pick up blitzes and will chip defenders with good intent and purpose...Will take on the blitz and has developed good cut-blocking skills..
Run Blocking .Will not hesitate to face up and stone the opponent blocking in-line.
Receiving Has the speed to get downfield in a hurry on pass routes and is fluid and quick getting into his patterns...Understands coverage and where he fits catching underneath throws...Does a good job of reaching and plucking the ball, especially on screens...Natural hands catcher who can snatch the ball outside his frame wor
Durability No comments
Misc. Highly respected by the staff and teammates, demonstrating a solid work ethic...Fumble issues posed a big problem in 2007...Was hurt in an off-field fight in July, 2006
Resembles Marshall Faulk
Rk Name/School Ht Wt 40 BP 10 20 VJ BJ 20S 60S 3C WU
3 Jonathan Stewart*, Oregon 5-10 234 4.48 29 1.55 2.57 36 10-8 -- -- -- --
Pro Day - Stewart had toe surgery on March 10 and did not attend the workouts. He did run at the combine.

BRS (Gollin) - - Similar in talent and potential to Mendenhall, but injured his toe. Could miss 4 mo. I'm not sure the Cards are in the mood to wait for a top pick to heal.  If it weren't for the injury, we'd rate him higher. One of several visitors to Cardinal Hq. He's one of those guys a well-stocked team like the Colts or New England can afford to draft with a relatively late pick and then not have to play right away.

The Sporting News War Room - After struggling with injuries in his first two seasons at Oregon, he had a huge junior year.

Surefire Scouting - Stewart is a physical back similar to Buffalo's Marshawn Lynch in his running style and body build. He will push for a starting role as a rookie and will make an immediate impact on his team. He has the tools to be a future pro bowler.

PFW - Could turn out to be the most complete back in the draft - a top 15 talent.

Physical Has a thick, muscular and solid build with good thigh and calf thickness, good chest development, defined muscles in his arms and shoulders and large, natural hands to secure the pigskin...Has outstanding strength, balance and quickness
Speed xcellent timed speed...Has the speed to turn the corner, but is sometimes caught...shows no hesitation attacking inside holes...
Quicks Outstanding acceleration clearing trash...Has good quickness on the move and knows when to show his extra burst...very good acceleration when taking the pitch.
Vision Has natural feel, good vision and exceptional intelligence to complement his natural talent...rare ability to see the cutback lane and holes naturally
Pad Level No comments
COD  but is not a darting runner with great shake-and-bake moves...adequate change-of-direction agility and an outstanding open-field burst...Does not show great swivel in his hips, but can weave and veer through traffic...Has that extra gear and quick feet to make crisp open-field cuts... possessing a knack to avoid tacklers in the open field
Power Hard to bring down once he clears the line and is not the type to run out of bounds, as he will not hesitate to fight for extra yardage...Won't shy away from contact...no problems finding creases, shifting and running over defenders...Demonstrates power to break tackles and when he gets a full head of steam, even defensive linemen bounce off of him...Good downhill runner, especially when he slips through and steps over the pile...Physically stout runner who runs with powerful strides, showing great balance squeezing through tight spaces...His strong build allows him to consistently run through arm tackles and he is even stronger when he gets into the secondary...Rarely brought down by the initial tackler, getting lots of yardage after contact
Blitz Pickup very good toughness as a blocker, whether gaining position to mirror or putting his hat into the opponent...Does a nice job of setting up in pass protection to give the quarterback room to operate...won't stone defenders with a crunching hand punch
 
Run Blocking Understands the offense and blocking schemes well
Receiving gets into position on screens...Has dependable hands and does not struggle extending for off-target throws (can pluck out-side his frame and adjust)...
Durability Injured his toe. Could miss 4 mo....Long history of ankle problems
Misc.  
Resembles LaDanian Thomlinson
Rk Name/School Ht Wt 40 BP 10 20 VJ BJ 20S 60S 3C WU
4 Kevin Smith, Central Fla. 6-1 216 4.47 15 1.57 2.67 33 11-0 4.48 -- 6.74 --

Pro Day - Ran the 40 in 4.47 and 4.49, had a 33 ½-inch vertical jump, 15 reps in the bench press, ran position drills and kept his combine numbers for everything else. Notably, he caught the ball well.

BRS (Gollin) - Timed speed turned out to be quicker than originally expected. Not quite as big as Mendenhall or Stewart, but almost so -  and he's more likely to be around when we pick. A surprise possibility (either  here or as part of a minor trade down?)

The Sporting News War Room - More athletic than most big backs. He also has good hands and is solid in pass protection.

Surefire Scouting - Smith is a physical runner who really wears down the defense late in games. He has a similar build and running style to the Titans' Chris Brown.

PFW - Lacks the run strength desired in a bell cow back, but he possesses the vision, speed and competitiveness to earn an NFL starting job and be a productive pro. However he is not built to last in the pro game and his career could be short lived.

Physical Lanky frame that appears better suited to the wide receiver position than running back...thin, long limbs
Speed Questions about his 40-yard dash time will be key, but Smith consistently demonstrates the sneaky football speed to out-run his opponents to the flanks
Quicks Good initial quickness to and through the hole...Flashes the explosiveness to attack the line of scrimmage. Rare acceleration for a back of his size.
Vision Main asset is his vision and ability to pick and slide laterally along the line of scrimmage until he finds the hole
Pad Level Runs a bit upright and takes unnecessary shots to his body.
COD No Comments
Power No Comments
Blitz Pickup No Comments
Run Blocking No Comments
Receiving No Comments
Durability No Comments
Misc. Legitimate questions about level of competition...Parlayed one monster season into leaving early...
Rk Name/School Ht Wt 40 BP 10 20 VJ BJ 20S 60S 3C WU
5 Matt Forte, Tulane 6-1 221 4.46 25 1.50 2.56 33   4.23 11.49 6.84 --

Pro Day - Ran position drills and kept his numbers from the combine for everything else. Note: He will have a private workout with the Falcons on March 17 and with the Bears later this month.

BRS (Gollin)  - Just a hunch rating based on his production at Tulane and what the Cards are looking for in a RB. We're not sure we can buy into Surefire Scouting's "lack of speed comment" (assuming of course his 4.46 number remains valid).

The Sporting News War Room - In time, he'll become a solid NFL starter who handles 20 touches per game.

Surefire Scouting - Forte is neither flashy nor dynamic, but he gets the job done in all facets of the game, bringing versatility, toughness and intelligence to his play - all traits which will make him successful at the next level despite his lack of speed.

PFW - Showed surprising strength and speed in his first season back from serious injury. Shows the toughness, run instincts, vision and strength to be groomed as a featured runner.

Physical Has a well-built frame with thick thighs and calves, V-shaped upper torso with muscular arms, tight abdomen and broad shoulders
Speed Lacks the sudden burst to hit the corner...isn't the type of player who can suddenly explode past the smaller defenders (better moving the pile than trying to elude.
Quicks Shows good initial quickness and adequate elusiveness for a rare sized halfback...Has vision and quickness to make first person miss...Builds his acceleration nicely, reaching full speed when turning the corner
Vision Shows good vision and field awareness...has the vision to easily locate the cutback lanes
Pad Level Is very decisive through the holes, picking his feet well while displaying the body lean to fall forward and gain additional yardage after the initial hit
COD Can make hard cuts and get defenders off balance...Has an adequate burst of speed, but is precise in his cuts and hits the holes aggressively, squaring his shoulders to execute through trash
Power Has good strength and power and has become more of a bruiser when running the ball during his senior year... Consistently finishes his runs going forward and shows the ability to consistently break tackles, even when he has to power through the pile...Has the ability to take a hit and keep his feet to break arm tackles...Runs hard and ends most of his carries going forward...had to be brought down by multiple defenders on 99-of-314 non-touchdown runs in 2007 and on 53-of-155 carries in 2006).
Blitz Pickup Is very alert to stunts and blitzes, doing a nice job of facing up to the defender in pass protection
Run Blocking Has also become an efficient in-line blocker, keeping his hands within his framework to latch on and sustain...Drives hard with his legs in limited attempts as a lead blocker, squaring his shoulders well to widen the rush lanes.
...Developing into an efficient cut blocker......Is an adequate in-line blocker, but shows good effort to sustain and control, keeping his hands active and with proper placement
Receiving His catching ability is above average, as he is sudden out of his breaks and shows good hand extension to catch outside his frame...Does a good job of seeing the field and locating coverages to settle underneath in passing situations...Used mostly on controlled routes and screens, but has the moves and route running ability to go up the seam for the long throws
Durability No comments
Misc. Hard worker on and off the field and is the type who plays until the whistle...Not a real vocal guy, but is very good leader by example...Can be relied upon to get his workouts done without being watched and usually does extra work in the training and film rooms
Resembles Edgerrin James
Rk Name/School Ht Wt 40 BP 10 20 VJ BJ 20S 60S 3C WU
6 Felix Jones, Arkansas 5-10 210 4.47 13 1.56 2.60 34 10-2 4.19 -- 6.90 --
Pro Day - Had a 34½-inch vertical jump, 13 reps in the bench press, ran position drills and kept his numbers from the combine for everything else. He caught the ball well.

BRS (Gollin)  - It's probably just me, but I just don't have total faith in a guy who was a backup for most of his career. Has shiftiness and the home run explosiveness  Wiz is looking for, but is a tad on the light side.

The Sporting News War Room - With Jones' all around ability, he'll become a top NFL feature back and elite kickoff return man.

Surefire Scouting - Jones is not an every down back, but his game breaking ability and added value as a kick returner far outweigh his lack of size and issues with durability. He will be a star in a rotational backfield situation.

PFW - A dynamic change of pace back with game breaking ability. Has not contributed enough in all phases to be seriously considered for the first round but could be overdrafted.

Physical Has a lean frame, but shows good muscle development and bubble, well-defined thighs and calves, large hands, wide back and room to carry at least another 10 pounds of bulk with no loss of quickness
Speed Outstanding lateral range to gain yards in chunks on outside runs
Quicks Has excellent quickness and explosion coming out of his stance into the rush lanes...the feet and balance to pick his way through trash and stay upright after initial contact...Has pick-and-slide agility to make tacklers miss, especially when he turns the corner...Has the sudden moves out of his stance to gain advantage and the quickness to avoid and accelerate past defender
Vision Good field intelligence and vision
Pad Level Has a low center of gravity, which allows him to keep his base moving through tight areas and does not need to gear down when cutting...Can find the inside hole but will run a little upright doing this
COD Excellent change-of-direction agility to can freeze defenders with fakes and body leannatural feel for the crease and displays excellent vision and hip swerve as he weaves through traffic, picking his feet nicely over trash...When he keeps his pad level low going through the rush lane, he has the short-area explosion and juke moves to elude defenders turning the corner, as he excels at cutting sharply with good acceleration
Power Not really a punishing runner, but easily bounces off tackles and gives second effort when the rush lane is clogged...He had just 22 runs on which the opposition needed more than one defender to take him down on 133 attempts
Blitz Pickup No comments
Run Blocking Despite showing aggression as a blocker, his size prevents him from gaining leverage vs. bigger defenders
Receiving Adequate pass catcher who shows good concentration and flexibility in his pass routes, extending his hands properly away from the framework, but will use his body as a crutch when working in a crowd.
Durability No comments
Misc. No comments
Resembles Cadillac Williams
Rk Name/School Ht Wt 40 BP 10 20 VJ BJ 20S 60S 3C WU
7 Jamaal Charles, Texas 5-11 199 4.38 -- 1.54 2.57 31 10-2 4.22 -- 6.80 --
Pro Day - Stuck with his numbers from the combine. Ran position workouts and looked good catching the football.

BRS (Gollin)  - Saw him throughout his career at Texas. Whenever he'd enter the game, he'd immediately start ripping off huge chunks of yardage. But he never seemed to be the main man for the Longhorns. He certainly has blazing speed, but he's a bit light to be a feature back, and we already have Arrington. Still - if he's sitting there midway through the 2nd or 3rd round and Wiz & Rod are excited about his 4.38 speed, hey! You never know.

The Sporting News War Room - He's a tough player, but durability may keep him from being an NFL feature back.

Surefire Scouting - Charles shows more power than his frame would indicate. He could become a star in the right system and would be ideal for a zone blocking system which would enable him to take full advantage of his game breaking speed.

PFW - A stretch zone runner in the mold of Tatum Bell. Charles is a finesse back with home run speed who could be best in a two back offense where he was not asked to carry the workload. Lack of run strength could prevent him from being an every down runner.

Physical Has a lean, athletic build that is not really thick, but he shows good overall definition with tapered thighs and calves (despite adding 15 pounds in the 2007 offseason, he still has a sprinter's frame)...his frame could withstand additional weight and he needs to improve his overall strength,
Speed Has the speed to challenge any defender in a footrace
Quicks Has the sudden initial step out of his stance to gain advantage...Very quick and sudden out of his stance...explosive burst through the hole, along with the vision and feet to find seams inside
Vision  Has the vision to instantly see the rush lane
Pad Level Runs a bit high at times
COD Changes direction easily and has the ability to put his foot in the ground, cut and get to top speed in a hurry...Very effective at cutting at full speed, showing the shiftiness to avoid in the open
Power Runs with good toughness but not a bruising inside runner...Not strong enough to break tackles...Lacks the leg drive to push the pile
Blitz Pickup Lacks the strength and bulk to face up and sustain in the backfield...
Run Blocking Will get run over when trying to block in the backfield, but will give a solid effort (better when taking angles and cut blocking than facing up)...Is more of a collision blocker who is best when cutting defenders
Receiving adequate hands coming out of the backfield, but they can't be considered natural and he will lose focus and drop a few when he hears a defender's footsteps...Has adequate route running ability, but can make proper adjustments coming back for the ball (used mostly on screens and when slipping out from the slot).
Durability Has had ankle issues in each of his three seasons at Texas
Misc. Good leader-by-example type who has a much better work ethic than recent Texas runners (Ricky Williams and Cedric Benson), as football is very important to him...Never complained while sharing the running load in the past and would be receptive to a "committee" approach in the NFL...Holds the ball a little too carelessly in a crowd, but has worked with a new grip...needs to do a better job of protecting the ball, as he is prone to fumbling issues when making initial contact with a defender
Resembles Julian Jones
Rk Name/School Ht Wt 40 BP 10 20 VJ BJ 20S 60S 3C WU
8 Chris Johnson, E. Carolina 5-11 199 4.24 -- 1.41 2.42 35 10-10 -- -- -- --

Pro Day - Chris Johnson -- was not there. He will have a private workout on either March 17 or April 2…

BRS (Gollin) - - He fits Wiz's stated need for a back with home run speed, but (as previously stated) don't we already have one of those in Arrington?.

The Sporting News War Room - An explosive player who has not reached his potential. He's a threat to score on every touch, with world class speed. However his lack of bulk will probably cause him to slide into the second or third round.

PFW - A crease runner who lacks the strength and durability to handle the pounding  that comes from toting the rock between the tackles. Best chance will come at receiver.

Physical Has a compact frame with good overall muscle tone, thick chest, broad shoulders, tapered thighs and legs and room on his frame to carry at least another 10 pounds of bulk without having it affect his explosive quickness....The thing you notice on film is his impressive athleticism and courage, as he will not hesitate to leap over the tackler
Speed More than enough speed and quickness to reach the corner
Quicks Sudden running through the holes
Vision Good peripheral vision to locate even the smallest of creases
Pad Level Runs behind his pads with good instincts, doing a nice job of driving and spinning to get extra yards after initial contact...ran at a lower pad level and with crisper cuts during his senior year...when he gets too tall in his pads, he loses some of his leg drive and can be contained running between the tackles
COD Has a superb vertical burst, staying low in his pads while showing crisp hip snap with his lateral change of direction
Power Tough inside runner with the leg drive and power to get physical with defenders in attempts to break tackles, despite a lack of ideal size
Blitz Pickup Smart football player with good football intelligence and is effective at picking up the blitz and stunt...to his senior year, Johnson was considered a marginal space blocker, as he sometimes over-extended or lunged at the defender with his head down, resulting in missed blocks. But as a senior, he showed much better hand placement and punch, doing a nice job of locating the blitz and using his hands to lock on and sustain
Run Blocking Has also become a proficient cut blocker, taking good angles to locate and neutralize second level defenders.
Receiving Efficient route runner whose speed makes him a valid deep threat when lining up wide...Has natural hands and good extension to catch the ball outside his framework...Used mostly on shallow crossing routes, sideline take-offs and out routes, but could possibly shift to receiver at the next level due to his explosive acceleration and ability to separate after the catch
Durability Durability might be a concern with his lack of ideal size
Misc. Knows the offense well and is capable of playing either as a receiver or halfback...Has excellent work habits and is the type that approaches practices much like a game (all business on the field)...Is more of a leader by example type than a rah-rah one, but he is good at mentoring the younger players...Takes well to hard coaching...some academic struggles
Resembles Dave Meggett
Rk Name/School Ht Wt 40 BP 10 20 VJ BJ 20S 60S 3C WU
9 Ray Rice, Rutgers 5-8 199 4.48 24 1.50 2.51 39 10-1 4.17 -- 6.66 --
Pro Day - Had a 39 ½-inch vertical jump, 10-foot, 1-inch long jump, 4.17 short shuttle, did position drills (run by the Patriots) and kept everything else from the combine. He had a very good workout.

BRS (Gollin)  - - The guys on SIRIUS radio liken him to (former Giant) Joe Morris who was short in stature but had the leg power of a 225 pounder. Being based in NJ, we  got to see a lot of him.  He plays faster than he seems. He runs tougher than he seems. He catches out of the backfield better than you'd think. He's just a lot more football player than you'd think. Will probably be underdrafted but will help the team who drafts him win a bunch of football plays.

The Sporting News War Room - Consistently plays bigger and stronger than his measured size would suggest.

Surefire Scouting - Rice is comparable to Michigan's Mike Hart. He made the right decision to forego his senior season, as his stock is at his peak and he carried the ball nearly 1,000 times in just three years. To  this point, he has remained healthy but his future durability is of some concern because of his volume of carries, his stature and running style.

PFW - The decisive downhill running Rice would be best suited for a zone blocking scheme. But he possesses the run strength, power and toughness to be effective in a man blocking scheme.

Physical Has a compact, defined frame with good chest development and room for upper-body mass
Speed Average speed...Lacks long finishing speed...can be caught from behind due to his lack of a sudden burst
Quicks Will set up a defender with head fakes and loose hips before accelerating for extra yardage...Has a sharp, short burst and uses his leg drive properly to cut upfield before getting to the corner