RB class of 08: What are the chances it becomes the GOAT?

DMWSackMachine · 10-07-2008, 02:56 PM

This class is mind boggling right now. It has what appears to be two highly touted studs in McFadden and Stewart, both of whom look legit up to this point. Some phenomenal speed backs who are gradually earning more PT in Felix Jones, Slaton and Chris Johnson. Then you have an all around mule in Matt Forte who looks to be everything that Ced Benson was supposed to be. That right there is 6 guys who could all potentially be Pro Bowlers at some, all of whom it seems plausible could be included in discussions of best RB in the league sometime down the road (not saying its likely, but one doesn't have to stretch the imagination to get there).

Is this the RB class that can finally be compared to the QB class of 84 or the WR class of 96? I remember for awhile that some were talking about the RB class of 1990 in those terms, but then everyone but Emmitt fell off the map.

Obviously its too soon to declare them on that level right now, but the makings are there, right? And I didn't even include all the guys who could still surprise. Mendenhall looks good and will get a shot to be the guy with Pittsburgh at some point. Hightower has shown promise as a short yardage and change of pace back. Kevin Smith has been good in spurts for a horrendous team, and numerous other mid rounders have a chance to emerge down the road. I know that Tashard Choice looks like a keeper for the Cowboys, though I can't see how he could ever get on the field.

Wow, its just amazing.

So, what does everyone think its chances of being someday distinguished as the best RB class ever are?

ShutDwn · 10-07-2008, 02:59 PM

You can also add Tim Hightower to the list of guys who are impressing

D-Unit · 10-07-2008, 03:10 PM

Interesting thought.... There are still others like Jamaal Charles, Mike Hart, Jacob Hester, Kevin Smith, Ryan Torain, and Ray Rice who might end up being more than just a role players in time.

Gay Ork Wang · 10-07-2008, 03:11 PM

This class = the ****

illmatic74 · 10-07-2008, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by D-Unit

Interesting thought.... There are still others like Jamaal Charles, Mike Hart, Jacob Hester, Kevin Smith, Ryan Torain, and Ray Rice who might end up being more than just a role players in time.

Except maybe Charles those other guys will just be role players.

Gay Ork Wang · 10-07-2008, 03:16 PM

idk Ryan Torain and kevin Smith could turn out good. Kevin Smith is starting and Torain well has Denver ZBS

vidae · 10-07-2008, 03:19 PM

I am hoping we start Jamaal Charles here soon. LJ had a few great weeks and he is far from finished in the league but him giving up on plays is getting really tiresome to watch.

Anyone want to trade for LJ? I won't hold you over the coals, I'll give you a good deal.

Go_Eagles77 · 10-07-2008, 03:20 PM

And yet the eagles traded for Lorenzo Booker. ****!

SeanTaylorRIP · 10-07-2008, 03:23 PM

I don't think Tim Hightower will be limited to a short yardage/change of pace back. He is one of the top 5 most natural runners from this draft, he will be the eventual successor for Edge. Anyone who saw him at RU knows he is going to be a beast in the NFL.

ShutDwn · 10-07-2008, 03:32 PM

This class might be occupying more than a third of the leagues starting runningback positions in a few years, and there will be others who are going to be good second stringers. That would probably close the deal for me and make them the greatest class

Mr. Stiller · 10-07-2008, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DMWSackMachine

This class is mind boggling right now. It has what appears to be two highly touted studs in McFadden and Stewart, both of whom look legit up to this point. Some phenomenal speed backs who are gradually earning more PT in Felix Jones, Slaton and Chris Johnson. Then you have an all around mule in Matt Forte who looks to be everything that Ced Benson was supposed to be. That right there is 6 guys who could all potentially be Pro Bowlers at some, all of whom it seems plausible could be included in discussions of best RB in the league sometime down the road (not saying its likely, but one doesn't have to stretch the imagination to get there).

Is this the RB class that can finally be compared to the QB class of 84 or the WR class of 96? I remember for awhile that some were talking about the RB class of 1990 in those terms, but then everyone but Emmitt fell off the map.

Obviously its too soon to declare them on that level right now, but the makings are there, right? And I didn't even include all the guys who could still surprise. Mendenhall looks good and will get a shot to be the guy with Pittsburgh at some point. Hightower has shown promise as a short yardage and change of pace back. Kevin Smith has been good in spurts for a horrendous team, and numerous other mid rounders have a chance to emerge down the road. I know that Tashard Choice looks like a keeper for the Cowboys, though I can't see how he could ever get on the field.

Wow, its just amazing.

So, what does everyone think its chances of being someday distinguished as the best RB class ever are?

Mendenhall was looking pretty good up until the injury..

I can't wait for him to come back next year.

SeanTaylorRIP · 10-07-2008, 03:41 PM

2005 could have been a nasty draft class if it hadn't been for Benson busting and Ronnie Brown and Caddy always being hurt. With that said the class till produced Ronnie Brown, Caddy, Frank Gore, Marion Barber, Brandon Jacobs, and Darren Sproles. Guys like JJ Arrington, Ryan Moats, Eric Shelton, Vernand Morency, and Alvin Pearman were all guys who we thought during their rookie years were going to be starters in the NFL. Personally I thought JJ Arrington was the Cardinals solution at HB until he played. I also though Morency was going to be good. So it's too early to make judgments at this point. Guys like Matt Forte, Ray Rice, Steve Slaton etc., could end up having anemic careers despite early success. Too early to say right now.

BlindSite · 10-07-2008, 05:06 PM

Without injury I can see this happening. Stewart is playing well from my mind and if Williams went down tomorrow with a season ending injury as a fan I wouldn't really feel any kind of nervousness or uncertainty about the position.

Chris Johnson has helped to give the Titans a much needed running game which I believe is the sole reason their defense is winning games.

In a couple of years Ray Rice and Flacco will give the Ravens something to build around.

I can type all day about the brilliance of Forte Hightower slaton and the list goes on, but what I can't do is sit here and type out the reason why they'll bust out in a year or two and that IMO speaks more than the praise of them could.

The Great Jonathan Vilma · 10-07-2008, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Stiller

Mendenhall was looking pretty good up until the injury..

I can't wait for him to come back next year.

Ya, he looked like a monster......for all of like 5 carries. Believe it or not, he didn't fumble in the game either! Sad, but i'd say that was an actual accomplishment.

Mendenhall isn't even worth mentioning at this point.

BlindSite · 10-07-2008, 05:52 PM

I kind of agree, I'm happy we didn't take Otah early and trade back up for Mendenhall.

LonghornsLegend · 10-07-2008, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlindSite

Chris Johnson has helped to give the Titans a much needed running game which I believe is the sole reason their defense is winning games.

I like CJ, a WHOLE lot, but he's certainly not the sole reason their defense is winning games, not even close actually...Their defense has been winning games for a long time, well before they drafted him.

ChezPower4 · 10-07-2008, 06:29 PM

Kevin Jones is a back who i think given some time to develop will be good. As of right now he's a young player on a god aweful team.

Gay Ork Wang · 10-07-2008, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChezPower4

Kevin Jones is a back who i think given some time to develop will be good. As of right now he's a young player on a god aweful team.

Kevin jones on the bears?

I think u mean Kevin Smith

yourfavestoner · 10-07-2008, 07:00 PM

I just hope the Bears draft a back to handcuff to Forte. I'd hate to see him get LJ'd.

Breaker · 10-07-2008, 07:04 PM

The '08 RB class is going to be everything that the 06 class was suppose to be.

Mr. Stiller · 10-08-2008, 04:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Great Jonathan Vilma

Ya, he looked like a monster......for all of like 5 carries. Believe it or not, he didn't fumble in the game either! Sad, but i'd say that was an actual accomplishment.

Mendenhall isn't even worth mentioning at this point.

He's not relevant to discuss?

He was a top prospect coming out, and he was doing VERY nicely against the #1 Defense in the NFL before the injury. His vision, Hands, Speed, Agility are amazing. Given a year in this system I expect great things out of him.

I can't comprehend when you're talking about the long term look of a draft class why he's not "Worth Mentioning".

awfullyquiet · 10-08-2008, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yourfavestoner

I just hope the Bears draft a back to handcuff to Forte. I'd hate to see him get LJ'd.

This is where kevin jones comes into play.

Sniper · 10-08-2008, 10:41 AM

Once Indianapolis realizes that Mike Hart is on their roster, this class will be epic. Hart for MVP!

Geo · 10-08-2008, 10:49 AM

Sniper · 10-08-2008, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geo

Joseph Addai: 3.6 ypc
Mike Hart: 7.0 ypc

Why isn't Hart playing????????????