Rookie Running Backs

[umphrey]

Who do you like best out of the group of runners taken in the draft this year?

Edit: I meant to leave McFadden out of the poll, but looks like I forgot, so whatever

[4] Darren McFadden
rushing: 30/210, 7.0avg, 1 TD
receiving: 2/20

[13] Jonathan Stewart
rushing: 24/130, 5.4avg, 2TD
receiving:

[22] Felix Jones
rushing: 12/72, 6.0, 1 TD
receiving:
1 KR TD

[23] Rashard Mendenhall
rushing: 10/28, 2.8avg, 0TD
receiving:

[24] Chris Johnson
rushing: 34/202, 5.9avg, 0TD
receiving: 5/46

[44] Matt Forte
rushing: 24/215, 4.7avg, 1 TD
receiving: 6/39

[64] Kevin Smith
rushing: 26/88, 3.4avg, 1TD
receiving: 8/53


I gotta go with Jonathan Stewart. I like his quickness when he hits the hole but he also has good power. He can be a good starting RB in this league. I wasn't sure he had good enough instincts to be a star, but I think I was wrong. He runs with determination.

For a coach that rotates running backs, Jones and Johnson are a dream but neither are likely starters, though Jones has more potential there. Johnson looks really small on the field and probably couldn't take more than 10-15 touches a game. Plus he has the inherent problem of being a 3rd down back that's going to struggle in pass pro. Felix Jones looks really talented. I think he will stick around awhile. Chris Johnson is more a flash in the pan IMO. Easier to stop, won't be consistent.

Johnson and Jones have looked good but they have some of the best OLs in football. I'm really impressed with what McFadden has done so far in Oakland where he isn't so lucky. While he's no Adrian Peterson, he has surpassed my expectations. I'd probably take him over anyone in this class, but I don't think he's a tough enough runner nor is he worth his contract. He will probably need to be rotated all his career like Jones and Johnson. Michael Bush is good, and makes a fitting complement back.

Forte and Smith have been pretty impressive for rookies, but I don't see either as stars. They are solid every down starters that will show up on Sunday for a good 5 years, then maybe wear down and bounce around the league.

Haven't seen much of Mendenhall, but I see him as a potential every down back as well. He has Parker in front of him. I think he can be pretty good, but not overly impressive similar to Forte and Smith.

Overall, great group of running backs from top to bottom. Some other guys could still come out such as Jamaal Charles, Ray Rice, Steve Slaton, Kregg Lumpkin, Tim Hightower and Tashard Choice, but right now they are all buried on depth charts.


also: Watch out for Kregg Lumpkin. The Packers are high on him and he's shown loads of talent. // homer comment

[Addict]

I said Mendenhall pre-draft, post-draft and I'll say Mendenhall after week 2. He won't win ROY or whatever, but career-wise he's still my favorite.

[cdub11]

very strong rb class, im gonna go with chris johnson

[Shane P. Hallam]

Chris Johnson just looks so versatile. I think he may have the best career, but any of them could really succeed.

[CJSchneider]

And please don't think of me as one-dimensional, but I went with Stewart because up to this point, he's put more points on the board. You could make a case for any of them I believe, but TD's was the tie-breaker, for me.

[d34ng3l021]

Before the draft I liked Mendenhall and McFadden a lot, but I think I might be switching over to Jonathan Stewart's bandwagon. He runs with a ridiculous amount of power along with damn good acceleration and top end speed for a guy his size.

[LonghornsLegend]

I haven't gotten off of the CJ bandwagon yet sadly, and I still love him just as much...Stewart who I didn't want on the Cowboys but felt like he would be the best Rb in the draft because he looks like the prototype workhorse back with break away speed, he is going to be a stud but CJ is electric I think he turns into westbrook vol 2.

[umphrey]

Everyone's had a vote so far...strong class indeed

[Go_Eagles77]

I haven't gotten off of the CJ bandwagon yet sadly, and I still love him just as much...Stewart who I didn't want on the Cowboys but felt like he would be the best Rb in the draft because he looks like the prototype workhorse back with break away speed, he is going to be a stud but CJ is electric I think he turns into westbrook vol 2.

Felix Jones is going to be a great role player for you guys, I was holding my breath every time he touched the ball, especially on KR.

[Menardo75]

I really like Darren. If J-stew is in a two back system like he is now where he does'nt take a brunt of the load he could be a great one too. I just think that Darren is the best pure football player in this class, so with that I had to give him the nod.

[bored of education]

I voted Johnson becuase Dmac is on the Raiders.

[scottyboy]

did you really leave THE BEST RB off that list?

wait, he's too good, you obviously mean best of this group and 2nd to Raymell <3

[619]

Such an impressive class of backs. Right now it's McFadden vs Stewart vs Forte. I could go either way really. Not easy.

[MetSox17]

The only reason Felix Jones hasn't been able to put up comparable numbers to the others is because he came into a situation where there was already a very good to elite running back there. I wish we could give him more touches, cause he does have the elusiveness and burst you look for.

So for now, i have to go with McFadden. His production should blow up, now that Fargas won't take anymore carries for a while. I don't even know for how long, but he showed Sunday, what he can do if you give him the rock. Jonathan Stewart is a BMF as well, and you can't go wrong with him.

[Bearsfan123]

Career wise- Its a toss up, J-Stew and Mendenhall for me. I voted J-Stew because he is playing more right now.

[SeanTaylorRIP]

I have been and will always be a McFadden guy.

[djp]

It will be close between McFadden and Jones, IMO.

[RaiderNation]

McFadden. Most complete back out of them all IMO

[steelersfan43]

mcfadden got run down by brenard polard. hes slow, and it wasnt even a pursuit angle, he was directly behind him, wide open field ahead and he caught him.

[Bruce]

I still think J-Stew is the best back from the draft.

[giantsfan]

DMC
I thought he had the potential to be better than AD and I still do, he's going to fill out a little more as he gets used to running between the tackles in the NFL.

Mendenhall
Yeah he's got some issues, but he's a very tough guy and has that type of break away speed to be a constant threat.

Stewart
I really like stewart and think he'll be a probowler, but after they're all done I just don't think Stewart will be as effective for as long as the guys ahead of him.

Slaton
He won't be a regular probowler but he'll really have a good career in Kubiak's ZBS once that line gels and the defense lets the team play more ball control offense.

Johnson
Is going to be a big time play maker and could end up surpassing everyone except DMC on this list, but right now I just don't see him being consistent for long in this league.

Forte
Forte's the opposite of CJ in that he'll be consistently effective but never really explosive or dominant.

Jones
He'll be an explosive player in a 2 back scheme but unlike the guys ahead of him I think he won't get as many chances to really show his skills with marion the barbarian ahead of him.

Rice
Will be Baltimore's starter in 2 years at most, Rice is very tiki-esque on the field, although he's more physical than the giants' diva.

Hightower
Hightower will be a very effective running back although he'll need a good line and never be extraordinary.

[TheBuffaloBills]

I went with Forte. He will be one of the most consistant and reliable back in the league for awhile.

[ChezPower4]

McFadden. Most complete back out of them all IMO

I disagree i think that Forte and Johnson are much better receivers that McFadden. I think that the most complete back as far as running, catching and blocking is Matt Forte.

But as far as who's going to have a better career? This rookie class is loaded and i think you could make a strong case for most of these RB's with that said, I went with Run DMC. He's super explosive and i feel that he's going to get much better as his career progresses.

[bearfan]

Probably McFadden or Stewart, but I do like Chris Johnson. Cant I pick all 3? On Forte though, if the Bears get a solid OL, and a QB that is somewhat threatening, I can see him posting consistant 1200yard seasons. I think Rudi Johnson consistancy in Cinci.

[LonghornsLegend]

Ironically the guy the Cowboys were called idiots for passing on(I'm guilty as such with my knee jerk reaction at the time of the pick) has had the least impact so far and has looked the worse...Jury is still out and its not to say his career isn't bright, but everyone else has contributed alot more to their teams and its surprising Pitt hasn't tried to get him in the offense more.

[ShutDwn]

I think Mendenhall will have a similar journey in the NFL as Larry Johnson, he will get his time eventually. Saying that though, I do think he will contribute a lot this year.

[Brent]

I'll admit, I thought taking Chris Johnson was dumb on the Titans part. So far, he looks pretty freaking good... Such a good class.

[SeanTaylorRIP]

I'll admit, I thought taking Chris Johnson was dumb on the Titans part. So far, he looks pretty freaking good.

Yeah everyone killed them for not taking Devin Thomas or even Desean Jackson but I think that he is a far better pick than either of the two even if Jackson is looking great so far. He is a real gamebreaker, so versatile, a perfect compliment for Lendale White. He will be more valuable to them his entire career than any wideout in the draft could have been. I think Ray Rice deserves some mention too.

[doingthisinsteadofwork]

mcfadden got run down by brenard polard. hes slow, and it wasnt even a pursuit angle, he was directly behind him, wide open field ahead and he caught him.
McFadden had turftoe.

[OzTitan]

Yeah everyone killed them for not taking Devin Thomas or even Desean Jackson but I think that he is a far better pick than either of the two even if Jackson is looking great so far. He is a real gamebreaker, so versatile, a perfect compliment for Lendale White. He will be more valuable to them his entire career than any wideout in the draft could have been. I think Ray Rice deserves some mention too.

You know what the scary thing is? The Titans have so far not used Johnson *any* differently than they use LenDale White, and he's already doubled his production. Wait until he splits out wide, and they start using him with more screens and designed plays.

I have no doubts about Chris Johnson's ability. Ability wise I think he can be an elite RB. The "3rd down back who can't block" stuff is stereotype, he's actually a good/satisfactory pass blocker and a reason why he has been able to step in early. He can also run between the OT's fine. My concern is size. The guy isn't big, but he plays big. He runs hard and won't hesitate to throw a shoulder into a LB. Love the mentality, but at 200lb soaking wet, it may wear him down.

[yourfavestoner]

I've watched a lot of Chris Johnson the past two weeks, and that kid is a beast.

[Scotty D]

Don't forget about Tim Hightower!

[islandboy843]

Chris johnson ************.

[ShutDwn]

For so many of these guys, I would love to have them regardless if they are the best in the class. They all have more to prove, but all have given people reason for great optimism.

[giantsfan]

Don't forget about Tim Hightower!

I like hightower and think he'll be a good NFL RB as he's got very good vision and balance, but he's just not physically gifted enough to be a stand out like DMC and the guys at the top of this draft.

[Paranoidmoonduck]

I thought McFadden was the best guy before the draft and after watching him carve through Kansas City I have to stick with him. Oakland isn't exactly the place to be to have a top notch career however, although it's looking better for runners than any other position.

Jonathan Stewart looks great, Chris Johnson looks deadly, and Matt Forte looks pretty damn good as well. This could wind up being one of the best influxes of young runners in NFL history.

[eaglesalltheway]

This was tough for me, ti was between McFadden, Johnson, and Stewart, but I went with McFadden. all of these guys have so much talent, but I think DMac has just a bit more. I wasn't a big fan of his out of college, but he surprised me this weekend and I think he will have the best career, but with the way Oakland is right now, it may all be for nt because they will be cellar dwellers for a while, and DMac may have a career like Barry Sanders (just not as goo) because neither has/had a team that would help them improve on their success.

[Caddy]

I'm really diggin Chris Johnson so far. He is a threat whenever he touches the ball.

[SeanTaylorRIP]

I'd just like to point out that I was raving about Tim Hightower the past two years but no one really cared because they didn't know who he was, but it is no surprise to me that the Cards love him, because watching him at Richmond I knew the kid had NFL ability. In college Tim Hightower always reminded me of Marion Barber, but that could have been just the hair, but regardless he does have a similar style. Not breakaway speed, but good speed, and a powerful runner.

[irishbucsfan]

What's the difference between the way Chris Johnson plays, and the way Reggie Bush has played for the first two years of his career? Because before the draft he was actually being described as a *poor* man's Bush, but it seems he's actually putting up the numbers and doing what people expected Bush to do when he came into the league - i.e. a high YPC, a very competent receiver out of the backfield, and actually intimidating everyone with his ridiculous speed.

[LonghornsLegend]

What's the difference between the way Chris Johnson plays, and the way Reggie Bush has played for the first two years of his career? Because before the draft he was actually being described as a *poor* man's Bush, but it seems he's actually putting up the numbers and doing what people expected Bush to do when he came into the league - i.e. a high YPC, a very competent receiver out of the backfield, and actually intimidating everyone with his ridiculous speed.


That's why I've been saying for some time he will be what people thought Bush would be...This guy can actually run between the tackles and will contend for one of the highest YPC's this year.

[TitanHope]

I think the cool thing about all these backs are that they've lived up to the expectations of what fans wanted, and all fit what the teams wanted. Run DMC looks to be like the AFC Adrian Peterson. JStew is showing that he can be the guy in Carolina. Felix Jones's big-play threat and returning ability could put Dallas over the top. Chris Johnson has proven to be the playmaker that the Titans need. Forte won the starting job in Chicago and has produced. And that's even without talking about Mendenhall and the 2nd day backs.

I vote for Chris Johnson cause he's on the Titans. Don't nobody question my fanhood cuz VY's my homeboy!

[bigbluedefense]

As good as Felix Jones has looked in kickoff/punt returns, I thank the football Gods they took him over Chris Johnson.

That Dallas offense would be unstoppable with Chris Johnson.

We all knew this RB class was great coming in, but its surprising how good it really is. A lot of impact early on from a lot of rookies.

[ATLDirtyBirds]

DMac for sure. I loved him before the draft, and I still do.

[smittyjs]

1. mr 4.24
2. Stewart
3.Dmac

predraft
1. Stewart
2.Dmac
3. mr. 4.24
4. Mendenhall
5. Jones

[The Great Jonathan Vilma]

Although McFadden has looked solid, and Johnson looks like a killer with the ball in his hands, i'm going to stick with Stewart. I love his build, he's got solid vision, and enough speed to make the long run. Not going to go away from my pre-draft thoughts. Forte has looked very impressive also, especially with an atrocious pass offense.

[Menardo75]

Yeah I knocked them for taking Johnson too. I really thought they would go WR since they still need one. I knew he would be successful though 4.24....

[BlindSite]

I like Stewart's ceiling and I really like the dual backfield in a couple of weeks when the offensive line really comes together.

[LonghornsLegend]

I like Stewart's ceiling and I really like the dual backfield in a couple of weeks when the offensive line really comes together.

You haven't forgot your lofty prediction for Deangelo's carries/yards/attempts have you? I haven't, if you forgot I can pull them up for you.

[MetSox17]

^^ oo ooo bring them up, bring them up!

[BlindSite]

You haven't forgot your lofty prediction for Deangelo's carries/yards/attempts have you? I haven't, if you forgot I can pull them up for you.

I stand by them. If you recall I said I wouldn't be surprised if both backs ended up with 1000 yards. Right now Stewart is on pace and Williams is right around 950 yards if his production doesn't change. So thus far, I'm not doing to badly in my predictions.

Considering I predicted Dante Rosario would be heard from without smith and that we'd beat chicago and got called an idiot and a homer amongst other things.

[CC.SD]

I went with Stewart because he is pure beast. And yet, also a Duck, nature's fluffy little pal.

[iworshipbender]

I went with Jonathan Stewart because he's insane, plus I'm a homer.

[Flyboy]

Gotta go with D-Mac.

[abaddon41_80]

If the Lions ever give Kevin Smith any kind of offensive line he will be a perennial All Pro

[CC.SD]

If the Lions ever give Kevin Smith any kind of offensive line he will be a perennial All Pro

The best part about this statement is it can never be proven wrong.

[abaddon41_80]

LOL true. Poor Lions' fans. They did take a step with drafting Cherilus though

[P-L]

LOL true. Poor Lions' fans. They did take a step with drafting Cherilus though
Maybe it will be a step when he actually starts a game over George Foster.

[CC.SD]

LOL true. Poor Lions' fans. They did take a step with drafting Cherilus though

This is still the franchise that didn't think Barry freaking Sanders could have used a few high quality O-lineman. And took away his fullback after he rushed for 2000. Bad Barry!

[abaddon41_80]

Maybe it will be a step when he actually starts a game over George Foster.

Okay so half a step

[Vox Populi]

I went with Jonathan Stewart because he just seems like the kind of guy who is so multi-dimensional that his game will work the longest and he will be effective the longest. He has a perfect frame and can literally do anything you ask him to as long as he is healthy and that is the only thing that can hold him back IMO.

McFadden will also be a great back I think, he just needs to add more aspects to his game and bulk up his legs a bit before I can put him over Stewart in a debate about CAREER success.

Forte seems like Corey Dillon to me, and thats good, but he'll turn into a 3.5 yard back later in his career and just be a guy who runs hard but loses all of his speed.

Chris Johnson and Felix Jones will never be THE back on a team and while they are dynamic, exciting players who bring a lot to the table with their athleticism and abilities to play several positions, they won't ever be THE back.

Kevin Smith, not explosive enough, just an average back. Could be an excellent back up for any team, I just don't think he is starting material.

Rashard Mendenhall... meh, he seems like he'll be a Thomas Jones like back who is a placeholder for a better back to come, or in a very pass oriented offense where he doesn't do a lot.

[LonghornsLegend]

I stand by them. If you recall I said I wouldn't be surprised if both backs ended up with 1000 yards. Right now Stewart is on pace and Williams is right around 950 yards if his production doesn't change. So thus far, I'm not doing to badly in my predictions.

Considering I predicted Dante Rosario would be heard from without smith and that we'd beat chicago and got called an idiot and a homer amongst other things.


Actually you said Deangelo was going to get 290 carries and 1250 rushing yards, thats why I asked if you remembered because I laughed at how or why you thought he would get anywhere even close to 300 carries...And you also had Stewart around 120 carries, I knew that Stewart would start to take over the carries sooner then later and its only a matter of time, but I don't remember you saying both would get 1k yards, I remember you saying you weren't sure if Stewart's game translated to the NFL though.

[BBIB]

McFadden now and forever.

[BlindSite]

Actually you said Deangelo was going to get 290 carries and 1250 rushing yards, thats why I asked if you remembered because I laughed at how or why you thought he would get anywhere even close to 300 carries...And you also had Stewart around 120 carries, I knew that Stewart would start to take over the carries sooner then later and its only a matter of time, but I don't remember you saying both would get 1k yards, I remember you saying you weren't sure if Stewart's game translated to the NFL though.

You sure you've got the right guy?

I was sold on stewart long before the draft, I never expected him to come to carolina though. I still expect DeAngelo to get around 1200 yards, the schedule gets a lot easier against the run from here on out.

[SeanTaylorRIP]

If I were to guess the players careers right now I'd rank them like this:

1) Darren McFadden- Too much of a game breaker not to be #1. Unreal speed, good pass catcher, decent in between the tackles. He just screams all pro to me. I personally don't take that much of an issue to his lack of thickness in his lower body. I think he will have a wildly successful career. He should have a 4.2 ypc average his entire career. It is important however to have a complementing bruising back to take some carries off of him.
2) Jonathan Stewart- The most steady and versatile player of them all. Has all of the tools, combination of size and speed, should be a top 10 back for much of his career.
3) Tim Hightower- Most probably don't even have him in their top 10, and no I'm not being a homer having pimped him since his junior year at Richmond U, but for those who have watched Cardinals games, the kid is legit. It's just a matter of time until he and Edge are splitting 50/50 although they already are having a pretty big split. I've said it before but Hightower reminds me of Marion Barber. A big physical back, who hits the holes hard. Doesn't have the greatest open field speed but like Barber it is adequate enough. An absolute steal in the 5th round, this guy is going to be an all pro performer, mark my words. I just completely love this guys style of running. Stay patient, locate the hole, make one cut, and hit it hard. None of this dancing around in the backfield crap. I really like how he has changed his game once entering the NFL. In college especially his earlier years he was more of a Laurence Maroney than Marion Barber. He would dance around and do spin moves and jukes all day, but now he has learned to use his strength to his advantage. He is a good pass blocker and was a heavily utilized receiver in college.
4) Chris Johnson- The most explosive runner in this draft class. An absolute X factor. Can line him up out wide. He can break any run at any time, surprisingly decent runner inside the tackles. My problem is that I do think he's better suited in a two back split system as the one he is in now is ideal. He'll never get 20+ carries a game on a consistent basis but he will most certainly get around 15-20 touches a game no matter how they do it.
5) Rashard Mendenhall- He will be a solid pro. Another guy who has a great combination of size and speed. His forty time though is a bit deceiving as his breakaway speed is more like a 4.55-4.6 runner rather than a 4.4 runner, but I can see him being a Jamal Lewis type back. Explode for 2 or 3 seasons but be completely average for the rest of his career.
6) Matt Forte- I love what Forte is doing so far but long term I think he can be an elite backup but I can't see a team sticking with him as their long term starter. However there is no doubting that he is a solid all around back and one of the most complete backs in this draft class, I just don't see much upside with him.
7) Ray Rice- His role in the NFL will be like a poor mans Maurice Jones Drew. Rice is small but thick, and will always be a great 3rd down option. Good pass catcher, and runs hard. He has a lot of mileage on his tires, but I don't think that will be a factor as I don't ever see him as a primary 20 carry a game back.
8) Felix Jones- I think Jones will have more success as a top NFL Kick returner , as I think his career at HB is slated as a change of pace and 3rd down back. He certainly will bring great value to any team who has a power back, but I don't see him as an NFL runner long term.
9) Tashard Choice- Extremely underrated the entire draft process. I actually like his potential as a HB on the NFL level greater than Felix Jones. He is a very tough down hill runner and I can see him starting in the league for a half dozen years when all is said and done. He could be a Lamont Jordan type of back.
10) Kevin Smith- I know he's such a prolific collegiate running back but I could see him fade away within a couple of years. I just think that he is an average runner. His vision and deceptive slipperyness made him unstoppable in college but at this level I don't like the way his game translates. His lower body is not very strong. He runs too high, doesn't hit the whole hard enough, and won't be able to glide in the NFL like he did in college. I think he will struggle trying to change and adapt his style to the speed and physicality of the NFL game.
11) Chauncey Washington- I think he could stick a while in the NFL as a 3rd or 4th back. Looked pretty good in the preseason for Jacksonville. He is a really tough runner.
12) Steve Slaton- I honestly am not sure about Slaton. I need to see more from him at this level but last weeks performance shows that he does have promise as a back in this league, although I still don't think as a featured back.

[M.O.T.H.]

I do think Felix will be the starting RB for the Cowboys one day...don't ask me how that will come to be but, he'll start eventually. He has the body and is very effective between the tackles...I def think he could be a Westbrook type starter after the MBIII era. Felix is one hell of a player, he's not going to be a career 3rd down/change of pace guy. The guy has too much talent to be in that type of role for his entire career.

[Hurricane Ditka]

Matt Forte is 4th in the league in rushing after week 3.

[ShutDwn]

I do think Felix will be the starting RB for the Cowboys one day...don't ask me how that will come to be but, he'll start eventually. He has the body and is very effective between the tackles...I def think he could be a Westbrook type starter after the MBIII era. Felix is one hell of a player.

The way Barber runs, I wouldn't doubt it. If he keeps it up, I would give him 5 years tops to stay as effective as he is. Jones could then come in.

[SeanTaylorRIP]

Matt Forte is 4th in the league in rushing after week 3.

He reminds me of Chester Taylor.

[LonghornsLegend]

You sure you've got the right guy?

I was sold on stewart long before the draft.




I don't necessarily agree. Stewart still hasn't played a down in the NFL and even though I think he'll be a good player there's still a lot of ? marks in how his game will translate to the NFL.




As for DeAngelo Williams I expect totals in the vicinity of

280-290 (18 - 20 a game) carries
1250 yards (78 yards a game)




You remember now? Those are your own words.

[skinzzfan25]

Ghetto I was wondering who the hell that Hightower guy was from the Cards game. He played great.

The name's familiar now though, I remember you blabbering about him :P

[scottyboy]

ghetto, do you have Rice so low because you think he'll never get the chance to be a 20 carry back, or don't think he'd succeed as a 20 carry back?
just curious

all homerism aside, my top 4 backs from this class are:

1: Rice
2: Stewart
3: Forte
4: Hightower

that's with smith and run DMC right behind them. damn, and Chris Johnson. This is an absolutely studly RB draft class.

I'm not a fan of Mendenhall at all, just don't see him being a very good back in this league.

and I hate Slaton. he sucks. boo steve slaton(sorry commie)

[FlyingElvis]

Completely agree w/Umphrey's initial post.

I have to admit that Forte (and the Bears O-line) have been much better than I expected. He has a solid start towards the OROY title, but if Stewart keeps getting more carries he'll outproduce Forte by the end of the season.

At 409 total yards for Forte and a mere 145 for Stewart it looks like there would be no chance for Stewart, but the schedules show another story. Forte has to face Philly and the Titans plus 2 games vs. GBay & Minnesota to go, while the Panthers have Tampa twice and GBay once to break up an otherwise cream-puff schedule of rush defenses. NOLA twice, Atl twice, the Broncos???

[fenikz]

where is tim hightower?

your list sucks

[BlindSite]

You remember now? Those are your own words.

I guess I said it, but at the time I believe that was before the 2nd preseason game and Stewart was yet to have any carries, so I hadn't been able to see him play.

Either questioning a player from the spread offense coming into the pro's isn't outlandish and it doesn't mean I didn't think he would translate well, or that he wasn't a good fit for the team, all I meant was he hadn't proven anything, while williams had.

I still don't really understand the issue with my statement?

[datchapin]

Out of this group I chose Jones. He's playing behind a successful line with opportunities in both the running and return game.

Call me a homer, but Slaton should also be considered, before he got hurt he was considered a heisman candidate. He's also playing behind an Alex Gibbs coached o-line. Not that I'm saying he's gonna have the best career, but he should at least be considered in this argument.

[LonghornsLegend]

I guess I said it, but at the time I believe that was before the 2nd preseason game and Stewart was yet to have any carries, so I hadn't been able to see him play.

Either questioning a player from the spread offense coming into the pro's isn't outlandish and it doesn't mean I didn't think he would translate well, or that he wasn't a good fit for the team, all I meant was he hadn't proven anything, while williams had.

I still don't really understand the issue with my statement?


Oh its nothing wrong with it, I mean their just predictions, I just wanted to see if you were sticking to yours or not...I remember we went back and forth in the breakout player thread when you mentioned Stewart and I asked how that was possible when they used a top 15 pick on a workhorse type back, and you were predicting some very high expectations for carries alone.


Deangelo's carries have went down each game, you were saying he was going to garner nearly 300 carries and I just didn't see any way that was possible...Stewart looks like the guy who needs close to 20 carries and mixing in Deangelo, and alot of people are speculating thats how it will happen this year.


Stewart was always one of my favorite backs, I just didn't like his fit on the Cowboys, he went to the right team I believe.