1. Reggie Bush - USC Trojans - 6’0” 205 lbs.

Positives

Reggie Bush is one of the most electrifying players to ever play the game of football. He is a very explosive runner that is a threat to take it the distance every time he touches the ball. He runs with good forward lean and maintains a good pad level. His speed is elite and he is near untouchable in the open field. He is a very creative runner that is setting up defenders in the 2nd level even before crossing the line of scrimmage. He has great vision and can cutback on a dime. He changes direction with ease and doesn't lose any speed when he cuts. He is a great receiver out of the backfield and has good hip wiggle. His hands are natural and he consistently catches the ball with arms extended away from his body. Reggie is a very patient runner and knows how to time his burst to take full advantage of the defense.

Negatives

His weight has some concerned that he won’t be durable enough for a NFL RB. He’s not physically stout enough to move the pile.

Numbers Game

6,551 - Bush ranks 10th in NCAA history for career all-purpose yardage.

NFL Comparison

Marshall Faulk

Summary

Unless you've been under a rock for the past 12 months or so, you know who Reggie Bush is. He is a very aggressive runner, a capable receiver, and a dangerous return man. In short, he’s simply the best college prospect to come out in 10 years. Reggie has a good chance of being the #1 overall pick in the upcoming draft and will be a dangerous weapon at the next level. He runs like a dream and gives the opposition nightmares. Everyone sits on the edge of their seat whenever he touches the ball, and it will be exciting to see him perform on Sundays.

2. DeAngelo Williams - Memphis Tigers - 5’9” 209 lbs.

Positives

DeAngelo Williams is a premier back that knows how to pick apart a defense. He has great initial burst and can bounce any run outside to the edges of the defense. He has a strong upper body and runs with a good center of gravity. He is very shifty in the open field and it is hard to get a clean shot on him because of his elusiveness. He is a patient runner that waits for his blocks to develop and his tremendous field vision allows him to pick the best running lane. He can hide behind his linemen well and then burst out before the defense knows what hit. He has great change of direction skill and doesn't lose much speed when he cuts. When in the open field Williams has a good 2nd gear and is rarely caught from behind. He is a natural receiver out of the backfield and a big threat on a screen pass to take it to the house. He has great feet and takes quick, decisive steps when cutting.

Negatives

He’s shorter than ideal and has been banged up throughout his college career with major and minor injuries. In pass protection he is a liability because of his unwillingness to set and fire into a block. It seems as though he shies away from contact and can be arm tackled too easily. Ball security is an issue.

Numbers Game

34 in 44 - Williams has more 100 yard games than any other back in history.

NFL Comparison

Thomas Jones

Summary

DeAngelo would have been a top draft choice last year (in a great draft class with Benson, Williams, and Brown), but a broken leg in the GMAC bowl forced him to stay in college. He came back his senior year and showed no ill effects from that major injury. There have been rumblings questioning William’s heart, but there’s no questioning his productivity. He should learn rather quickly that one can’t bounce every run outside in the NFL. DeAngelo has big time talent and with more dedication in the film room and the weight room he should develop into a big time running back.

3. LenDale White - USC Trojans - 6’2” 235 lbs.

Positives

LenDale White is pure power and attitude. He is a very determined runner that can run over, through, and around a defense. He runs with a good pad level and keeps his knees up and his feet moving when going through traffic. Once he gets a head of steam he is nearly impossible to bring down. He has tremendous burst at the point of attack and is deceptively fast. Once in the 2nd level there aren't very many DB’s that want to take him on. He is a one-cut, downhill runner that can make his own hole if there isn't one there. He has great body control and punishes a defense with his relentless style, often wearing down a team and then taking advantage of them in the 4th quarter. Defenders had better watch out for his wicked stiff-arm as well. He protects the ball well with only 4 fumbles on 541 carries.

Negatives

A little stiff in the hips and needs to gather himself when cutting at the perimeter. Wasn't really used as a receiver out of the backfield, but needs to show better hands and run better routes underneath. Claimed he was hurt at his Pro-day and failed to run. Weight has fluctuated at times. Scouts would like to see him play around 230 lbs

Numbers Game

963 - Nearly 75% of his rushing yards in 2005 came after initial contact.

NFL Comparison

Rudi Johnson

Summary

In the 2005 draft there is hardly any backs with decent size. LenDale is at the head of the pack of the big backs. He was overshadowed by Reggie Bush during his time at USC, but left as the school’s all-time touchdown machine (57). He has an aggressive style and like to mix it up between the tackles.

4. Laurence Maroney - Minnesota Gophers - 5’11” 205 lbs.

Positives

Laurence Maroney is a back that plays bigger than his size indicates. Despite weighing only 205 lbs. Maroney plays like a 230 lbs beast. He has great acceleration and once he gets a hole he is gone. His speed is elite and he has great balance and body control. He attacks the defense and has good suddenness in his moves to the outside. He sets up defenders well and is very elusive in the backfield. He has great field vision and can pick and choose his lanes very well. He is an instinctive runner that has all world ability. Runs well behind his pads and is a load to bring down.

Negatives

Is not very polished as a receiver and doesn't adjust well to poorly thrown passes. He doesn't have enough leg strength to move the pile although he is a willing inside runner. He is a liability in pass blocking situations.

Numbers Game

16 - Holds a school record for 16 consecutive games with a run of 20+ yards.

NFL Comparison

Shaun Alexander

Summary

Laurence Maroney is among the top running backs in this year’s draft. He has a knack for making big plays and is a dangerous runner. He is very adept at taking a hand-off inside, bouncing it outside after he gets past the line, and going the distance. He has stayed relatively injury free for most of his career, although he did battle through a high ankle sprain in 2005. He is a back that coaches can count on to be a leader on and off the field.

5. Brian Calhoun - Wisconsin Badgers - 5’9” 195 lbs.

Positives

Brian Calhoun is an undersized back with tremendous acceleration and agility. He is a willing inside runner and has enough lower body strength to be fairly effective between the tackles. He has good balance, forward lean, and body control. His vision is outstanding and he uses that to set up defenders and use his blocks accordingly. His initial burst is outstanding and his change of direction skills are elite. When sitting out in 2004 he joined the Wisconsin track team helping the 40x100 meter relay team win the Big Ten Conference Championship. His hands are wide receiver quality and lined up at wideout sometimes during his college career. He has good hip snap and is a capable blocker in pass protection.

Negatives

Defenses can engulf him when he’s trying to run up the gut. He can run through arm tackles but is best served to elude rather than run over.

Numbers Game

22 - His rushing touchdown total from 2005 was a Wisconsin record.

NFL Comparison

Warrick Dunn

Summary

Calhoun was considered by many to be a future change of pace back in the NFL early in his college career at Colorado. During the 2004 season Brian worked extensively in the weight room and added muscle and bulk without losing any of his world class speed. Don’t let his size fool you, Brian is a legit NFL caliber RB. He is a great receiver and a capable inside runner with game-breaking ability. He is clearly a special runner and is ready, willing and able to prove himself in the NFL.

6. Joseph Addai - LSU Tigers - 5’9” 201 lbs.

Positives

Versatility is the name of the game of Joseph Addai. He has proven over his college career that he’s not just a change of pace back, but an all-purpose back that can do many things well. He has a compact frame and carries the ball with power and determination. He has good upper body strength and runs with a good pad level. His leg drive is incredible for a back his size. He runs through initial contact consistently and can be difficult to bring down. He is a good downhill runner that knows how to “get skinny” and squeeze through the smallest of holes. His hands are great and he has lined up at wide receiver from time to time. He is a good route runner coming out of the backfield and catches the ball consistently, with arms extended away from his body. Blocking is one of his many forte’s and he can neutralize a pass rusher with a good cut block.

Negatives

Addai has great speed, but is sometimes moving faster than his feet want to when changing direction. Thus, he must gather himself before making a cut, costing him precious time and allowing the defense to close in on him. He’s more of a one cut runner that needs room to operate and can be swallowed up by a defense when running between the tackles.

Numbers Game

22.1 - Addai excelled as a sprinter and had this time in the 200 meter dash.

NFL Comparison

Tiki Barber

Summary

Joseph Addai has the skill set to be a very successful NFL running back. His willingness to do whatever is asked of him will serve him well on the next level. He does many things well, and is a multipurpose player. His impact could be felt at RB, WR, or KR in the NFL. There are injury concerns with Addai, including a right knee that has sustained injury in multiple seasons. If he can add a little bulk and stay healthy Joseph Addai should have a long and prosperous NFL career.

7. Jerome Harrison - Washington State Cougars - 5’9” 196 lbs.

Positives

Jerome Harrison may be smaller than ideal, but he packs a lot of punch for a little guy. He has a low center of gravity and is very elusive in the open field. Because of his small stature he can hide behind the line of scrimmage and then burst through quickly into the 2nd level before the defense can react. He has become a more patient runner and now lets his blocks develop fully before committing. His initial quickness and burst are top notch, and often Harrison can run through arm tackles from unsuspecting defenders. He has decent power and can find small creases in the defense when running between the tackles. Once in the open field Jerome can pull away from the pack with his great speed.

Negatives

Even though he has had no major injuries, Harrison must prove that he can take a NFL beating. Ball security is an issue and he sometimes loses the ball before he secures the hand-off Because of his size his is virtually a non-factor in short yardage situations. His pass protection and blitz recognition needs improvement.

Numbers Game

192.09 - In 2005 Harrison ranked 3rd in the nation in all-purpose yardage.

NFL Comparison

Dominic Rhodes

Summary

Jerome Harrison is a competitor. Despite his size he still lines up every play and gives his all. He is a back that can be used on any down, provided that it’s not a short yardage situation. He is very good at converting first downs off of screen passes, and could start his NFL career in a 3rd down role. Jerome Harrison may not have the measurables of an elite NFL back, but he does have an enormous amount of heart which could take him a long way in his pro career.

8. Jerious Norwood - Mississippi State Bulldogs - 5’10” 205 lbs.

Positives

Jerious Norwood is a RB that excels at downhill running. Norwood has a hard-charging style and runs with determination. He has a good initial burst and quickly comes out of his stance. He is a patient runner that will wait for the exact moment to burst through the line. His vision is very good and he has knack for finding the cutback lanes. He has the ability to “get skinny” and fit through the smallest of holes. He has good straight line speed when breaking into the 2nd level of the defense. His work ethic is good and he doesn't back down in a dog fight.

Negatives

Norwood has very little elusiveness in the open field. He tries to dance too much behind the line of scrimmage. He needs to keep his knees up when running through trash at the line. His lower body isn't strong enough to push the pile and he sometimes has problems running through arm tackles.

Numbers Game

0 - Did not fumble once in 2005.

NFL Comparison

Reuben Droughns

Summary

Jerious Norwood has seen his draft stock rise with a good performance at the Senior Bowl and at the Combine. He is a system back that must go to the right team to be truly effective. His work ethic should serve him well at the next level, but don’t expect him to be an every down player. He doesn't play up to his 40 time and is a virtual non-factor in the passing game. He is very slippery as a runner and has good vision and instincts. Jerious will need to go to a team with a good run blocking scheme. Norwood certainly has a place in the NFL, and in the right situation he could prove to be a productive back.

9. Maurice Drew - UCLA Bruins - 5’6” 207 lbs.

Positives

Maurice Drew is an undersized back, but he has great strength, balance, and agility. He has a good initial burst and can get to top speed in a hurry. He can cut on a dime and doesn't lose much speed when changing directions. He has good vision and uses his downfield blocks well. He is a versatile runner that can be used as a kick returner as well. He is not a tentative runner and uses a good pad level when running through traffic. His feet are very quick and he can become very elusive when in the open field.

Negatives

Drew is an undersized back that cannot run between the tackles. He doesn't have the size to run over defenders and is arm tackled too easily. Ball security is an issue and he sometimes gets careless when trying to find a lane. He is a liability in pass protection because he can’t sustain blocks.

Numbers Game

138 - De La Salle HS extended it’s winning streak to 138 when Drew was there.

NFL Comparison

Shaud Williams

Summary

Maurice Drew has a great mindset and a good work ethic, which will help him immensely at the next level. He provides immediate value in the form of a topnotch kick returner. He is a patient runner, with good burst, and he is a very confident player. He has shown improvement catching the ball and could be a nice change of pace back, or 3rd down back in the NFL. Drew should be a good role player for a team and could put together some nice all-purpose yardage.

10. Cedric Humes - Virginia Tech Hokies - 6’0” 227 lbs.

Positives

Cedric Humes is the definition of power back. He hits the hole hard and runs with a charging style. He is hard to bring down when he gets a full head of steam, and he runs with a good pad level. He has great leg drive and picks up a lot of yards after initial contact. He can lower his head and push the pile in a short yardage situation if need be. He shows good vision when finding cutback lanes and has good initial quickness, which allows him to get past the line in a hurry.

Negatives

Ball security was an issue for Humes early in his college career, although he has shown improvement the last 2 seasons. Cedric needs to work on his pass protection and blitz recognition. He cannot challenge the edges of a defense consistently, and is best served to start up the middle and then break the run outside after he passes the line of scrimmage.

Numbers Game

2 - Won the Super Iron Hokie Award twice for excellence in the weight room.

NFL Comparison

Mike Anderson

Summary

Cedric Humes is a back with good size, instincts, and overall ability. He is also benefiting from the fact that there aren't many backs with good size in this year’s draft class. Cedric is a very strong back, with great upper and lower body strength. He’s more than a weight room warrior however, and takes his physical style to the field as well. Humes shows great determination when running, and he has an aggressive nature that is great for a short yardage/goal line runner.

11. Leon Washington - Florida State Seminoles - 5’8” 210 lbs.

Positives

Leon Washington is a very versatile runner that can contribute as a feature back, a wide receiver, or a kick returner. He has good lower body strength, which gives him great leg drive when running through trash up the gut. He runs with a good pad level and has good lateral quickness. He picks and chooses his holes well, and can set up defenders on the 2nd level before even crossing the line of scrimmage. He not only has a quick burst, but he has a 2nd gear that can get him past defenders in the open field. He catches the ball naturally and is a precise route runner. He consistently gives his QB a nice target, and knows how to open his body on the flat.

Negatives

Durability is a major concern with Washington, as he’s missed time in the last 3 seasons due to injury. There are questions about his capability to carry 20-25 times a game in the NFL. He needs to be more patient behind the line. He can be overpowered in blitz pickup and pass protection.

Numbers Game

1 - Is the only player in FSU history to score on a rush, reception, punt return, kickoff return, and fumble recovery in a career.

NFL Comparison

Aaron Stecker

Summary

Leon Washington is an excellent all-around athlete, and his versatility will help him earn a roster spot in the NFL. There are doubts as to whether he can carry a full load, and chances are he won’t see full time duty. But he is a great receiver that will have a place as a 3rd down back and return specialist. He does have the lower body strength to break arm tackles, and he can run inside the tackles effectively. His injury history, plus his lackluster performance during his senior year will hurt his draft status. He will have to be patient and see if he ever gets a chance to be a feature back in the NFL.

12. Taurean Henderson - Texas Tech Red Raiders - 5’9” 205 lbs.

Positives

Taurean Henderson has great vision and instincts running the football. He has good change of direction skills and can stop and start on a dime. He doesn't lose much speed when making cuts in the open field. He has excellent footwork and it’s hard for a defender to “line him up” for a square hit. He is very elusive in the open field and has a 2nd gear which enables him to consistently outrun defenders. Of course, one can’t talk about Henderson without bringing up his receiving ability. He is a natural receiver that catches the ball with his arms extended away from his body. He is a decent route runner, but is most effective on screen passes. He has the speed to create matchup problems when trying to cover him with a linebacker.

Negatives

First and foremost Henderson has a propensity to dance too much in the backfield. He often is seen trying multiple moves before even crossing the line of scrimmage. He needs to become more adept at attacking a defense and sometimes just taking what they give. He also tries to bounce too many runs outside, which won’t work consistently in the NFL. Henderson doesn't have the leg strength to move the pile and is a non-factor when running between the tackles. Because of his size limitations Taurean can be overpowered by blitzers.

Numbers Game

303 - Taurean holds the NCAA record for most receptions by a RB in a career.

NFL Comparison

Mewelde Moore

Summary

Henderson is an extraordinary receiver out of the backfield and put up decent numbers rushing the ball despite playing on a pass happy team. He certainly has a nose for the endzone and finished 3rd in the NCAA all time in career touchdowns with 69. He is undersized for a feature back, but his has great quickness, good upper body strength, and speed to burn. His receiving ability alone will give him a spot on a roster. It remains to be seen if Henderson will be anything more than a change of pace runner or 3rd down back.

13. Andre Hall - South Florida Bulls - 5’9” 200 lbs.

Positives

Andre Hall is a compact and powerful runner with a low center of gravity. He has a quick initial burst and has shown good vision on cutback runs. He has good lateral quickness and can pick the right hole and get to it before the defense closes it. He is a patient runner, and allows his blocks to set up fully before him. He knows how to set up defenders well in the 2nd level and this ability makes him very dangerous on a screen pass. He runs with a good pad level and is not frequently tackled on the initial hit. He is a determined runner with decent leg drive for a smaller back. He has natural hands and catches the ball consistently with his arms extended.

Negatives

His ability as a route runner is limited and thus he is only used on screens and flares. He is fast but doesn't seem to have that 2nd gear necessary for him to run away from DB’s. He is a liability in pass protection and can be overpowered by defensive linemen. He gives good effort when trying to move the pile, but due to size limitations he will never be mistaken for a pile pusher.

Numbers Game

3 - He played at 3 different colleges, yet adjusted and produced at every one.

NFL Comparison

Derrick Blaylock

Summary

Andre isn't a big RB, but he can gain a lot of yardage in a hurry. One can’t deny his productivity at the collegiate level. And even though he doesn't have long speed, he can bang out 30 yard runs consistently. He virtually has no injury history, only missing 1 ½ games in high school! That is incredibly durable for a back with less than ideal size. He is a very determined player and could provide good value for a team on the 2nd day of the draft.

14. Gerald Riggs Jr. – Tennessee Volunteers - 6’0” 232 lbs.

Positives

Gerald Riggs Jr. is the type of back that makes his living between the tackles. He is a classic downhill runner that excels in cutback running. He has shown improvement in pushing the pile and seems to play with more aggression than he did early in his career at Tennessee. He has good vision and can locate the creases in a defense quickly. He is decisive when he runs and is fairly tough to bring down when he gets a full head of steam.

Negatives

First and foremost, there is Riggs’ injury history. He has constantly been plagued by minor ankle injuries. Last year it came to a head and he had to have surgery on his ankle after a major injury, which included torn ligaments and a fractured fibula. He is very slow out of his stance and it takes him a while to build up speed. Ball security is an issue with Riggs. He is a one speed runner that doesn't have enough hip wiggle to elude defenders. He runs too upright and can be tackled rather easily for a bigger back.

Numbers Game

8 of 37 - Riggs started 8 times in 37 games played and finished 13th on the Volunteer All-Time Rushing List.

NFL Comparison

Lamar Gordon

Summary

Gerald Riggs Jr. has had several injury problems and is definitely a medical risk. Some players (like Chester Taylor) can bounce back from nagging ankle injuries so we’ll have to wait and see if Riggs can do the same. His work ethic was in the tank early in his college career because he was despondent over a lack of playing time. In the last 2 years he has shown improvement in several areas, but he just doesn't have the same type of skill set that his old man did. Even though he is one of the bigger backs in this draft he is not a power runner. He will be on a NFL roster, but it remains to be seen if he can consistently contribute at the highest level.

15. P.J. Daniels - Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets - 5’10” 214 lbs.

Positives

P.J. Daniels is a classic power back, even though he only weighs 214 lbs. He is also a very smart player and was named All Academic ACC two years in a row. He has great lower body strength and with his leg drive he can really move the pile. He runs with a good pad level and keeps his knees up, allowing him to gain tough yards up the middle. He is a pure north-south runner but he does have good field vision and can find holes when rush lanes are seemingly clogged up. He is a very instinctive runner and has just enough quickness and lateral change of direction skills. Ball security is not an issue with Daniels and he makes a decent receiver out of the backfield on screen and flare passes.

Negatives

He is not a patient runner and does not allow his blocks to develop fully when running outside. He isn't fast enough to separate from defenders in the second level. His hip wiggle is nonexistent and he is not a very elusive or creative runner. He doesn't have enough explosion coming in and out of breaks, slowing him down and allowing defenders to catch him from behind.

Numbers Game

1 - Daniels only fumbled once in 219 touches during the 2005 season.

NFL Comparison

Ladell Betts

Summary

P.J. Daniels is a no nonsense runner that can pound the rock effectively between the tackles. The last 2 seasons he has been hampered by nagging injuries and hasn't seen the same type of success that he saw in 2003. He is one of the more powerful small backs entering the 2005 draft, and that should help his draft status. He can run between the tackles with the best of them, but is far from a home run threat. It’s his lack of speed that will hamper him from getting any major playing time in the NFL. Daniels could end up being a very good short yardage or goal line back at the next level.