Roaming the Sidelines: 2010 NFL Draft spotlight
Posted by The Skyliner on April 14th, 2010Cory Guinn
Sports Editor
Before I let you all in on my final mock draft, which will be in next week’s issue, I have decided to take an in-depth look at a position in the 2010 NFL Draft that has been overlooked by many fans and experts. I am talking about the position of running back. Aside from Clemson’s C. J. Spiller, who is a lock to be chosen in the first round, not many more backs are expected to be impact players in their first year out of college. Based on how much immediate impact a player may make, here are the five most intriguing running backs from the 2010 draft class.
C. J. Spiller, Clemson
Spiller is a human highlight film waiting to happen. Every time the ball is placed in his hands, he is a threat to break out a big play. Spiller runs the 40-yard dash in under 4.4 seconds and has the ability to make any defender miss a tackle. One aspect of Spiller’s game that is overlooked is his strength. Known more for his speed and agility, Spiller can run between the tackles on occasion and gain positive yardage. At the next level, Spiller will begin his career mainly as a special teams player returning kickoffs and punts while getting some action on third down passing situations. As his career progresses, Spiller will develop as an every down back and is sure to make a name for himself at the professional level.
Ryan Matthews, Fresno State
The NCAA’s second leading rusher in 2010, Matthews is a between-the-tackles type of runner who lacks elusive speed but more than makes up for that with his ability to break tackles. Matthews hits the hole with great quickness and does not waste time dancing in the backfield. He is a prototypical finisher who teams will use in short yardage situations on third downs and near the goal line. As the two-back system grows more and more popular among teams in the NFL, Matthews’ punishing running style may be coveted by some eager enough to take him in the first round.
Jahvid Best, California
Best is an elite athlete who has blazing speed and great vision. He is certainly not a physical running back, but he does have quick feet and above-average acceleration that allows him to get out of the backfield untouched on most occasions. Best will not be an every down running back but does provide the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield and make an impact in the return game. If he recovers from a neck injury that sidelined him for the second half of the 2009-10 season, Best may prove to be the steal of the draft on day two.
Toby Gerhart, Stanford
Like Matthews, Gerhart is a downhill runner with average speed but great strength. He led the nation in rushing yards with 1, 871 and touchdowns with 27 as a senior. Although he may be used as a third down back who is on the field to block on pass plays and get yards on third-and-short situations, Gerhart has the ability to be a running back who can provide a power compliment to a speedy running back. At the next level, Gerhart may see more time as a fullback simply because coaches want a hard-working guy like him on the field any way they can.
Dexter McCluster, Ole Miss
McCluster is a hybrid back who many project to be made in the Percy Harvin mold of a do-everything type of athlete. At only 5’ 8”, he is a little on the short side to be a featured back, but his quickness and versatility will warrant that coaches get him on the field at any cost. McCluster will be drafted as a running back but may be converted into a wide receiver who takes handoffs on occasion and uses his explosiveness to change a game at any given time. He is a projected second round draft pick.
Tags: Spring 2010, Vol. 110 - Issue 11