Where my runningbacks at?

I am an annual NFL draft nerd and this year is no exception. I have been enjoying the discussions and criticism of this years top prospects and I usually do a mock a few days before the draft itself. I did one last year (you can see it as an earlier entry) along with my comments as the picks happened. It is a unusual event for the world to watch; 32 young men become incredibly wealthy within a three hour timeframe.

But as time goes on I noticed that running backs consistently are underrated and under valued, with more and more scouts focus on combine results and metrics rather than statistics and awards. Case in point, Heisman trophy winner Mark Ingram is one of six running backs to be honored with the award since 1990. Other winners were: Rashaan Salaam, Eddie George, Ricky Williams, Ron Dayne, and Reggie Bush. Despite his productivity at Alabama, his awards, his pedigree and his talent the draft experts have him going “maybe” in the top 15 and possibly as low as the second round. Why? I am not sure, but there sure seems like enough suitors for him. Lets take a look.

Last years top 10 rushers were: Arian Foster, Maurice Jones Drew, Jamaal Charles, Darren McFadden, Adrian Peterson, Michael Turner, Chris Johnson, Rashard Mendenhall, Steven Jackson, and Frank Gore. (10/32)

Let’s assume that these teams are in great shape at the running back position, although Jackson, Gore, Charles and Turner are anything but a slam dunk as far as I am concerned.

Teams that arguably have the running back position handled or recently spent a high pick on a running back: Bills, Ravens, Chargers, Eagles, Bears, Cardinals, Panthers, Cowboys (8/32)

Teams that have a starting running back/committee situation right now: Patriots, Jets, Browns, Broncos, Giants, Packers, Saints, Tampa Bay (8/32)

Teams with serious need: Dolphins (15th) , Redskins (10th), Bengals (4th), Colts (22nd), Lions (13th), and Seahawks. (6/32)

Other than the Bengals at 4th overall and potentially the Lions, who seem to overrate Javid Best’s toughness, there are four legit teams who Ingram should appeal to at their preset draft spots. Additionally, the eight teams with “starters/a committee attack” each would love to Ingram on their roster; each is one injury, arrest, or contract dispute from starting a no name back.

Also, I expect, as I did last year, to see at least two backs go in the first round. Besides Mark Ingram, I expect Illinois’ Mikel Leshoure, Virgina Tech’s Ryan Williams, or Oklahoma’s Demarco Murray to go in the first round. All have shown first round talent and despite the NFL’s seeming evolution into a passing league, controlling the clock is still done with the run game. My favorite is Murray; he has the talent level to be a real asset in a committee attack.