Thread: Draft, RB's Ranked by Tier..................

Originally Posted by soulman

NFL Draft: Ranking the RB class by Tiers

Who are the prospects to look for in the first couple rounds? Wes Bunting

March 20, 2012







ICONMartin is a "hot" name in NFL draft circles.
Breaking down the tiers of running back prospects…

Tier 1
Trent Richardson: Alabama (5-11, 224)
The best running back prospect I've seen since Adrian Peterson. His running style might limit his shell life a bit in the NFL. However, he's the kind of back you can ride like a rented mule from day one and should become one of the NFL's top runners early on.

Tier 2

David Wilson: Virginia Tech (5-10, 205)
He's a compact kid who runs stronger/harder than you would expect from a guy his size. Has a dynamic quality to his game both inside and in the open field, and looks capable of maturing into a very good NFL running back early on in the NFL.

Lamar Miller: Miami (5-11, 212)
Possesses a good first step, a natural feel between the tackles and exhibits the cut back ability to slice his way up the field. However, looks more like an ideal fit for a zone-blocking scheme because he isn't a guy who is going to make a ton of NFL defenders miss or break many tackles inside.

Doug Martin: Boise State (5-9, 215)
Martin isn't a dynamic size/speed back, but there aren't many negatives to his game as a back. He plays fast, runs low, is natural through the line of scrimmage and has a skill set somewhat similar to former Alabama RB Mark Ingram last year. He might fall a bit because he doesn't run overly well, but he has the skill set to start in the league.

Tier 3
Robert Turbin: Utah State (5-10, 216)
Physically, he reminds me some of New York Jets RB Shonn Greene. But as a runner, he looks more natural as a zone guy who he can use his cut back ability to pick his way through traffic, square his shoulders and then attack daylight. Has the skill set to mature into a starter at the next level, but because of his lack of a great burst, he doesn't strike me as a guy who is ever going to have a real gaudy yards per carry average. Nevertheless, he should be able to keep you ahead of the chains.

Chris Polk: Washington (5-11, 222)
Is a big kid with a good feel inside, runs hard and will break some tackles. However, pad level, initial burst and lack of great change of direction skills make me think he's potential NFL starter only.


Tier 4

ICONPierce is a smooth back with a natrual feel.


Bernard Pierce: Temple (6-0, 218)
Possesses good size, natural feel inside and some good cut back ability. Isn't real powerful though and runs a bit upright. Doesn't look like a great fit for an angle scheme at the next level like they ran at Temple. Is more of a zone guy in the NFL because of his vision and cut back ability. Could fight for a starting job over time, but might be better suited to play the number two role.

Cyrus Gray: Texas A&M (5-10, 200)
An instinctive, well put together back with natural running skills inside. Isn't ever going to be a cowbell back at the next level and isn't overly dynamic in the open field. But can be productive in a two back system in the NFL.

Tier 5
LaMichael James: Oregon (5-9, 195)
A quick footed, fluid scat back who doesn't break many tackles, but has the ability to make NFL defender miss and accelerate quickly toward daylight. Will be limited inside, but as a 3rd down/special teams type option I think he can be a better NFL runner than Falcons 5th round pick Jacquizz Rodgers because of his ability to make defenders miss consistently.

Isaiah Pead: Cincinnati (5-11, 200)
An explosive running back with the initial burst to press space quickly, put his foot in the ground and side step a defender. However, isn't natural inside between the tackles and isn't going to create on his own if there isn't a big hole there. A space runner who will be looked at as more of a zone guy or third down back to most teams.

If they DO draft a RB I'd take Polk. Kid has impressed me every time I've watched him play. He's a no-nonsense hard ass who slams it in there and keeps the chains moving. I think he's gonna be a good pro - already has the mindset for it.

Originally Posted by BigBadPapaBear

Where is Chris Rainey? He's a stud.

He was listed with those WR's I posted yesterday. In the 4th tier with the other midgets, I mean smaller slot types. LOL

Edit: Wait a minute that's not where he was at after all. Maybe a thread on the later round value picks. I'll search for it because I rememeber seeing it somewhere.

Here he is brother. I the thread with the 10 top Slot Receivers.

6. Chris Rainey: Florida (5-9, 174)
He's a narrow framed athlete, but has natural running ability, keeps his pad level down and can consistently make defenders miss. Needs to add girth to give himself a chance. But if he can get up to around 190-pounds and add some strength, he certainly looks like a potential change of pace back/slot guy who can fill a number of roles at the next level.