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Frank Coyle's analysis of the class: This year's running back class is an exceptionally deep group. The addition of several juniors raised this position to one of the strongest in this draft.
Other runners with top-50 grades are Felix Jones, Ray Rice and Kevin Smith. Juniors like Jamaal Charles and Steve Slaton will warrant top-100 selections, as will seniors Chris Johnson and Allen Patrick. Johnson was very impressive at the NFL Combine, and ranks as the top senior running back. As many as 25+ prospects will be chosen over the seven-round draft.
2008 NFL Draft Running Back Rankings
1. Darren McFadden, 6-1, 217, Arkansas
This fast junior has the skill set to make an impact early as a professional starter. McFadden had a monster workout in Indianapolis to solidify his No. 1 status.
2. Rashard Mendenhall, 5-11, 225, Illinois
This rugged junior completed an outstanding 2007 season and is ready to be a workhorse in the NFL. He had a fine overall workout at the Combine.
3. Jonathan Stewart, 5-10, 230, Oregon
This underclassman is a powerful inside runner who also has the breakaway speed to make the big play. Stewart was impressive at the NFL Combine and his workout guaranteed a first-round grade.
4. Felix Jones, 5-11, 200, Arkansas
Jones is a fast all-purpose performer who impressed with his workouts. He may have done enough to earn a first-round selection.
5. Chris Johnson, 5-11, 195, East Carolina
This fast senior displays big-play ability as a runner, receiver and return specialist. He was the star of the NFL Combine when he ran a blazing sub-4.3 time in the sprint.
6. Jamaal Charles, 6-0, 200, Texas
Charles is a tough, slashing type runner with the ability to run inside and also make the big play.
7. Ray Rice, 5-9, 200, Rutgers
Rice is a quick, compact runner who has natural skills. He is another fine addition to this very strong running back class.
8. Kevin Smith, 6-0, 210, Central Florida
This big junior is a natural runner with a high skill level. He has progressed enough to rank among the top backs in this class.
9. Steve Slaton, 5-9, 195, West Virginia
Slaton is a fast all-purpose player. The junior is an explosive performer who needs to prove durable as a pro.
10. Matt Forte, 6-1, 220, Tulane
Forte is a workhorse who had a dominant 2,000-yard rushing season and strong Senior Bowl week. He followed it up with a good workout at the Combine.
11. Allen Patrick, 5-11, 195, Oklahoma
Patrick is an athletic prospect who has a quick burst of speed. He is able to get to the second level and use his natural running skills to make big plays.
12. Tashard Choice, 5-11, 210, Georgia Tech
Choice is a prospect that had a strong finish to his 2007 season. His momentum continued with a big Senior Bowl week.
13. Justin Forsett, 5-8, 190, California
Forsett is a quick, darting tailback who will be a fine all-purpose player. He has good cutting skills and surprising power, which allows him to break tackles.
14. Mike Hart, 5-9, 205, Michigan
Hart is a compact player who has been a consistently productive runner at a high level. However, he must dispel some injury concerns. He had a horrible workout at the NFL Combine and needs a big pro day to even stay in the middle rounds.
15. Thomas Brown, 5-9, 200, Georgia
Brown is a strong, compact runner but lacks ideal size. His fine receiving skills mean he could be a third-down back as a rookie, but he probably won't be able to take the pounding between the tackles with any type of regularity.
16. Dantrell Savage, 5-8, 190, Oklahoma State
17. Chauncey Washington, 6-0, 215, Southern Cal
18. Rafael Little, 5-9, 195, Kentucky
19. Timothy Hightower, 5-11, 225, Richmond
20. Anthony Alridge, 5-8, 175, Houston
21. Cory Boyd, 6-0, 220, South Carolina
22. Jalen Parmele, 5-11, 225, Toledo
23. Xavier Omon, 5-11, 225, Northwest Missouri State
24. Benjarvus Green-Ellis, 5-11, 220, Ole Miss
25. Chad Simpson, 5-9, 215, Morgan State
26. Yvenson Bernard, 5-9, 205, Oregon State
27. Keon Lattimore, 5-11, 220, Maryland
28. Tony Temple, 5-9, 200, Missouri
29. Ryan Torain, 6-0, 215, Arizona St
30. Albert Young, 5-10, 210, Iowa
Frank Coyle is a nationally known NFL scout who publishes Draft Insiders' Digest and www.draftinsiders.com. In it's 16th season, Draft Insiders' Digest is dedicated to year-round coverage of NFL and NCAA Football. He covers the NFL Draft and free agency extensively with a veteran scouting staff that provides insightful and unique information on players and team potential in the coming seasons. Draft Insiders' Digest is an extensive publication that produces 15 issues throughout the year and a Draft Yearbook with over 450 in-depth scouting reports.
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FRANK COYLE'S NFL DRAFT POSITION RANKINGS:
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