Clemson Senior CJ Spiller is the top RB prospect for the 2010 draft AP Photo/Mary Ann Chastain
The 2010 draft will feature a class full of big running backs, but we have already seen two of these backs fall by the wayside. Oregon Running Back, LaGarrett Blount made a very bad mistake and went from being a late second to early third round pick to probably going undrafted in 2010. If the school reinstates him he may be able to rebuild some of his draft stock.
Before the incident at Boise St. most draft boards had Blount as the sixth best back in this draft. While his exodus doesn’t change up the rankings all that much, it does have a certain effect.
The news isn’t as great for USC RB Stafon Jackson. After suffering a freak accident while lifting weights, football just isn’t the primary concern for this young man anymore. While he recovers from dropping a weight lifting bar on his throat football fans around the world should wish him well in his recovery. Jackson entered the 2009 College Season as the 10th rated back, and was being projected as a fifth round pick.
With that being said here is a look at the top RB prospects for the 2010 draft:
1. CJ Spiller, Senior Clemson- Spiller almost came out for the 2009 draft, and has the uncommon mix of strength and speed. He is very quick, and can burst through holes and one he is in the secondary is very hard to get him stopped. In his career at Clemson he has rushed for 2,695 yards and 21 TD’s. He is also an elite return man.
2. Charles Scott, Senior LSU- This guy is the embodiment of the prototypical power runner. He is aggressive, physical and will punish NFL defenses. He has consistently knocked defenders back gaining extra yardage after contact. He would be the perfect complimentary back to a team that already has a speed guy, or for a team who wants to play smash mouth football.
3. Toby Gerhart, Senior Stanford- This guy is big at 6 feet and 230 pounds he certainly has the size that NFL teams covet in a big powerful back. He runs with passion, and is known to keep his legs moving to gain additional yardage. He has a lot of agility that allows him to absorb big hits and keep going. He has had a few injury problems but if he can stay healthy he is a solid RB pick
4. Anthony Dixon, Senior Mississippi State- His draft stock is hurt a bit by being another large punishing back, who can drag defenders for extra yardage in a year that seems to be full of these kinds of backs. He is able to punish defenses, and is also a great receiver. The bigger minus on him is being arrested for DUI last summer.
5. Keiland Williams, Senior LSU- As the backup to one of the top rated RB prospects Williams will have limited opportunities to impress NFL scouts. He is agile and can run through tacklers, and also has exceptional hands.
6. Montario Hardesty, Senior Tennessee- This is a guy that seems to have everything you want in a back. Decent size, quickness, quick feet, and the ability to run downhill with downhill with power and purpose. He is still getting the job done despite the absence of Tennessee passing attack.
7. Ben Tate, Senior Auburn- Tate is elusive but seems to struggle at times along with the rest of the Auburn offense. NFL teams will be weary of clunky performances, but he is still a great prospect. So far in 2009 he has a 5.6 yards per carry average.
8. Jahvid Best, Junior Cal- Many say he reminds them of one Reggie Bush. He would be a lock in top five if he were a little bigger and didn’t have a history of injuries. He is an electrifying runner with elusiveness that often makes tacklers miss. However his is probably not an every down NFL back, and that may hurt his draft stock.
9. James Stark, Senior Buffalo- He is a solidly built back who can put up big number not only running the ball but catching it out of the back filed. He has the vision and the instincts to find holes quickly. However he has not faced elite competition, so the post season all star games will be very important for him.
10. Jonathan Dwyer, Junior Georgia Tech- If he has another big year in his Junior season he will consider entering the 2010 draft. He will be a highly debated prospect because he lines up as a fullback in Tech’s option style defense. However he does have the size and speed of your typical NFL running back.
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