NFL Draft Preview – Running Backs

Discussion in 'Chicago Bears' started by UncleRico, Feb 18, 2011.

  1. UncleRico

    UncleRico Suspended

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    The online sports betting experts are commenting on how shallow the 2011 draft is at running back. With NCAA basketball betting going on and the 2011 NHL trade deadline approaching, the 5dimes sports experts do not have many running backs ranked high in this draft. But for teams such as the Seattle Seahawks and Chicago Bears who are unsure about their running back situations, there are choices available that could make any team better.

    Mark Ingram – Alabama
    Mark Ingram is a solid running back at 5’11” and 215 pounds, but he is also fast. He has all of the tools a great running back needs. He can catch out of the backfield, he has great speed around the corner and he can block against the blitz. He is a smart player that understands and studies the game. Mark Ingram will be a top 10 to 15 pick and has the potential to be a starting featured running back wherever he winds up.

    Kendall Hunter – Oklahoma State
    If you have not heard of Kendall Hunter yet, then you will by draft day. Hunter’s combine and pro day workouts will make sports news everywhere. He is definitely not the biggest back at 5’8” and 197 pounds, but he is one of the smarter ones. His best attributes are his explosive speed off the line of scrimmage, his ability to follow his blockers and his patience in allowing his blockers to set up. He could be a liability in blitzing situations because of his inability to maintain a block, but he is improving on his receiving out of the backfield and moving up in the draft rankings.

    Mikel Leshoure – Illinois
    Mikel Leshoure is a Brandon Jacobs-type runner. He is big but he lacks sustained speed. But, like Jacobs, Leshoure is extremely hard to tackle. Leshoure will probably not be drafted by a team in need of a feature back. He will fit in nicely with a team that already has a quick feature back and they need a change of pace runner. For example, Leshoure would be a good compliment to Jahvid Best in Detroit. Leshoure has been hovering at the late first/early second round area of the draft, and he is likely to stay there come draft day.

    Daniel Thomas – Kansas State
    Daniel Thomas was a great player on a bad Kansas State team. His team’s record has cost him draft status, but when he is allowed to stand on his own at the combine or in a pro day workout, he will shine. He is a big back at 6’2” and 227 pounds, but don’t let that fool you. Thomas is fast and he can catch the ball out of the backfield. He is also effective when lined up as a wide receiver. He can also block on the blitz, or be the lead block on running plays.

    Shane Vereen – California
    Shane Vereen has that compact build like Maurice Jones-Drew. He is 5’10” and 204 pounds. He has extremely strong legs and could be the best pick up by a team that needs a running back to compliment an established feature back.
     

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