2008 NFL Draft Top 10 RB's – 10/29/07

1. Darren McFadden*, Arkansas
  Height: 6-2 Weight: 205

This year Darren McFadden isn’t getting all the hype that he has last year. McFadden is still the number one running back for me because of his physical ability and frame. So far he has 11 touchdowns and 993 yards as well as 13 receptions for 95 yards. However, McFadden isn’t the only back in Arkansas he is splitting carries with a very good RB in Felix Jones. McFadden is definitely top 15 pick but look at his combine to determine if he will be a top 5 pick or not. McFadden will make an immediate impact wherever he goes in the NFL and if he is able to stay healthy he will be a star. To see where I have McFadden projected visit my Mock draft:

http://newnfldraft.com2. Jonathan Stewart, Oregon

Height: 5-11 Weight: 230

Jonathan Stewart is showing to be the real deal much like his QB counterpart Dennis Dixon. The positives about Stewart and the reason that he is so high is due to large size along with his agility. Stewart has the ability to both run over people or as we saw against USC he can run around them as well. Look for this guy to be one of the top RBs in the draft and to make a big impact right away as a power back and even a premiere back in the right system.

3. Ray Rice*, Rutgers

Height: 5-9 Weight: 205

Ray Rice is a very good RB and has shown this with a newly developing team in Rutgers. He started his career by forcing Brian Leonard out of his starting position as the premiere Running Back for Rutgers. Leonard is now the starting Fullback and the backup RB for the St. Louis Rams putting up pretty good numbers as a rookie. Look for Rice to come in and start playing right away as a rookie as mostly a speed back but also has the ability and size to run over guys and push the pile.

4. Steve Slaton*, West Virginia

Height: 5-10 Weight: 195

Slaton has been nothing less than spectacular this year. He has 13 touchdowns already this year but his yards aren’t over 1,000 because he is sharing carries with the multi talented Pat White. Look for Slaton to also be a mid to late first round pick and play more of a second RB in the NFL. Slaton is very very fast and when he gets to the NFL he is going to be a big play RB who can split out as a receiver and also will be very good with screens. Look for him to play a similar role to Reggie Bush and split carries with a RB that can run well between the tackles.

5. Mike Hart, Michigan

Height: 5-9 Weight: 202

Mike Hart has been carrying the load for the Wolverines this year and he has been the reason that Michigan has been winning games. Mike Hart is considered small for the NFL because of his 5-9 stature with not necessarily breakout speed. Mike Hart has good speed and is able to both run inside the tackles and outside breaking long runs. Another question is can Hart stay healthy because he has had injury problems in the past. Look for Hart to come in and at least share time right away because of his aggressive run style and ability to get the extra yard.

6. Tashard Choice, Tech
Height: 6-1 Weight: 205

This year Tashard Choice’s numbers have decreased statistically. The reason for the decrease however isn’t because he is not doing well running the ball but that his team isn’t giving him the ball as much. Choice is averaging more yards per carry this year and is also on track to score as many touchdowns as he did last year as well (12). Look for Choice to be a late 1^st round to late 2^nd round pick.

7. Jamaal Charles*, Texas

Height: 6-1 Weight: 200

Jamaal Charles completely exploded this last week against Nebraska. Charles showed that he was in charge of the game by rushing for over 200 yards in the 4^th quarter alone leading his team to a 28-25 win. Charles didn’t only run for 290 yards this game he also had 3 touchdowns as well. This guy may not leave this year but he is a good running back that is able to catch the ball out of the backfield.

8. Felix Jones*, Arkansas

Height: 6-0 Weight: 200

Felix Jones is a junior this year and he may want to go back to Arkansas as a senior to make his own name for himself and get out of Darren McFadden’s shadow. Even though McFadden is obviously the most sought over RB in Arkansas Jones is the real deal as well. This year Jones only has 98 carries but has 863 yards because he is averaging a mind boggling 8.8 yards a carry. Jones also shows he is capable of catching the ball out of the backfield by having 10 catches already and averaging 10 yards a catch. Jones is very fast and can also be a kick returner as well. Look for him to go in the 3^rd to 4^th round if he decides to enter the draft because of his yards per carry and his ability to return kicks.

9. Justin Forsett, California

Height: 5-8 Weight: 196

Forsett much like Mike Hart is too small to be a top back in the draft. Forsett has gained some mass from last year and has taken over the job held by Marshawn Lynch a year ago. Forsett has had both good and bad games. He has either run for around 150 yards a game or 60-100 yards a game. He is a speedy RB that can both catch and run the ball at the highest level. Look for him to come in right away and not only be a help at RB but also be an impact on special teams as a kick returner.

10. Chris Johnson, East Carolina

Height: 5-11 Weight: 200

Chris Johnson is the 2008 NFL Draft Chris Henry. Chris Henry performed very well in the combine and showed his speed and agility. Chris Johnson is rumored as to have run a 4.2 in the 40 and also has a good RB frame. If he can come in and perform very well in the combine like Chris Henry did look for Johnson to make a late surge into the late 2^nd round to early 3^rd round.