ESPN Insiders' UFA RB Ratings

[Mitch]

Here are the RBs that fit the hard runner, good blocker in pass pro mold:

1. Steven Jackson, 6-2, 240, 9, Rams.

Speed: 3
Change of Direction: 4
Vision: 5
Pass Catching: 4
Blocking: 5
Durability: 5

Grade: 81

If Stump Mitchell is looking for a RB in the Sean Alexander mold, Jackson comes close.

2. Reggie Bush, Dolphins.

Blocking: 2

Grade 77.

3. Rashard Mendenhall, 5-10, 225, 5, Steelers.

Speed: 5
Change of Direction: 4
Vision: 4
Pass Catching: 3
Blocking: 4
Durability: 3

Grade: 77

Fits the mold, if healthy. Still reasonably young. Knows the system.

4. Shonn Greene, 5-11, 226, 4, Jets.

Speed: 4
Change of Direction: 4
Vision: 5
Pass Catching: 3
Blocking: 4
Durability: 5

Grade: 76

This was a guy I had in many of my mocks 5 years ago. And now he's an even better fit for us than he was then. Fits the mold to a tee.

5. Michael Turner, 5-10, 247, 9, Falcons.

Speed: 2
C-O-D: 3
Vision: 4
Pass Catching: 3
Blocking: 4
Durability: 4

Grade: 75

Looks like he's fading out quickly. But, he shouldn't command big money and might be worth a look-see if others go elsewhere.

6. Peyton Hillis, 6-2, 250, 5, Chiefs.

Speed: 3
C-O-D: 4
Vision: 5
Pass Catching: 4
Blocking: 5
Durability: 3

Grade: 75

Fits the mold, if he can stay healthy. Still reasonably young and could be heading into his prime.

7. Felix Jones, Cowboys.

Blocking: 3

Grade: 75

8. Cedric Benson, 5-11, 225, 8, Packers.

Speed: 3
C-O-D: 4
Vision: 4
Pass Catching: 3
Blocking: 5
Durability: 3

Grade: 72

Seems like he's been around forever and is now well past him prime. As with Michael Turner, he might not be a bad option if options dwindle.

9. Rashad Jennings, 6-1, 224, 4, Jaguars.

Speed: 4
C-O-D: 4
Vision: 3
Pass Catching: 4
Blocking: 4
Durability: 2

Grade: 72

Knee and shoulder injuries have kept him from realizing his talent and potential. Could be signed at the veteran minimum and could be a pleasant surprise, if he finally can stay healthy.

10. Ryan Grant, Packers.

Blocking: 3

Grade: 70

11. Andre Brown, Giants.

Blocking: 3

Grade: 68

12. LeGarrette Blount, RFA, Bucs

Blocking: 5

Grade: 67

13. James Casey, FB/HB/TE, Texans.

Blocking: 4

Grade: 67

14. Kevin Smith, Lions.

Blocking: 3

Grade: 66

15. LaRod Stephens-Howling, 5-7, 185, 4, Cardinals.

Speed: 5
C-O-D: 5
Vision: 4
Pass Catching: 3
Blocking: 2
Durability: 4

Grade: 66

Very good ST player. In this system he would have to convert to slot WR in order to get significant action. Great character. Plays tough, despite his diminutive size. Seems always dinged up, but will play through injuries.

27. Chris Ivory, 6-0, 222, 4, RFA, Saints.

Speed: 3
C-O-D: 2
Vision: 3
Pass Catching: 2
Blocking: 4
Durability: 3

Grade: 59

Was 4th fiddle for the Saints, but averaged over 5 yards per run. The Cardinals are very interested in him, according to MJ. Hard runner, good blocker and that's what matters. This rating, imo, is low because Ivory hasn't seen much playing time. He had over 200 yards last year on 40 carries. Because he was undrafted, if Ivory gets the $1.3M tender as expected, the Saints get right of first refusal on a contract offer, but, if the don't match, they will not get any compensation in the form of draft picks.

Best Fit, imo: Shonn Greene.

Wild Card: Chris Ivory.

 

[Solar7]

I'd rather give myself a heroin addiction and try to kick it than have Shonn Greene come anywhere near this team. He is terrible, and I have no clue why the Jets didn't bench the guy ever.

If we get a new back this offseason, I'd rather look toward the draft than anything else.

 

[TJ]

Stephen Jackson will likely sign with a legit contender like Green Bay, Atlanta, or New England.

Mendenhall is a decent selection. Of course, health plays a key role in the equation.

I'm still very high on Chris Ivory, and he is criminally undervalued in this rank list. In a vacuum, I'd take him easily over 12 of the top 15 on that list. He won't get tendered by the Saints as they cant afford to pay that much for a #4 runningback who'd likely be a healthy scratch half of the season.

BTW - I'd sign Casey as a reserve tight end.

 

[Solar7]

Interestingly enough, Adam Schefter just mentioned the Cardinals having some interest in Reggie Bush.

 

[Mitch]

I'd rather give myself a heroin addiction and try to kick it than have Shonn Greene come anywhere near this team. He is terrible, and I have no clue why the Jets didn't bench the guy ever.

If we get a new back this offseason, I'd rather look toward the draft than anything else.

ESPN Insider:

Greene has put together back-to-back solid seasons as the Jets' feature RB. He is a powerfully built RB with excellent vision and deceptive quickness. He is best between the tackles and has effective in-line running skills. He has good hands as a receiver out of the backfield and flashes effective ability to run after the catch. Greene isn't an explosive ball carrier, but has stabilized NY's backfield with consistent performances.

2012 Stats: 276/1,063/3.9/8-tds
Career Stats: 822/3,423/4.2/18-tds

vs. Cardinals in 2012: 24/104/4.3

Don't forget too that the Jets' o-line wasn't all that great.

This kid is super tough and for the prescribed RB role (runner and blocker) I think he'd be very good.

 

[Solar7]

ESPN Insider:

Greene has put together back-to-back solid seasons as the Jets' feature RB. He is a powerfully built RB with excellent vision and deceptive quickness. He is best between the tackles and has effective in-line running skills. He has good hands as a receiver out of the backfield and flashes effective ability to run after the catch. Greene isn't an explosive ball carrier, but has stabilized NY's backfield with consistent performances.

2012 Stats: 276/1,063/3.9/8-tds
Career Stats: 822/3,423/4.2/18-tds

vs. Cardinals in 2012: 24/104/4.3

Don't forget too that the Jets' o-line wasn't all that great.

This kid is super tough and for the prescribed RB role (runner and blocker) I think he'd be very good.

I feel like whoever wrote that wasn't actually watching the Jets play all season. This is a guy who eclipsed 100 yards only two times all season, and has just barely eclipsed 1,000 yards twice in his career, despite being handed a ton of opportunities. He's slow and plodding, with poor vision. He had one breakout game all season... he was just plain bad.

Greene only outgained Beanie by 7 yards in 2011, despite having 8 more carries. If we didn't already have Wells and Williams on the roster and were looking for a backup, I'd be fine with it - but he's nowhere near an upgrade.

 

[Mitch]

I feel like whoever wrote that wasn't actually watching the Jets play all season. This is a guy who eclipsed 100 yards only two times all season, and has just barely eclipsed 1,000 yards twice in his career, despite being handed a ton of opportunities. He's slow and plodding, with poor vision. He had one breakout game all season... he was just plain bad.

Greene only outgained Beanie by 7 yards in 2011, despite having 8 more carries. If we didn't already have Wells and Williams on the roster and were looking for a backup, I'd be fine with it - but he's nowhere near an upgrade.

I have watched Greene myself, both when he was at Iowa and for the last four years with the Jets. What I see is a tough RB who does not go down on first contact and fights for every yard he can get.

You downplay 2 1,000 yard seasons, both of which came running behind a very suspect offensive line at a little over 4 yards a carry---he's only been in the league for 4 years...so 2 1,000 yard seasons and 3,400+ yards in 4 years is pretty danged good.

He's durable and reliable, yet not a home run RB, I get that. But, to say he's "terrible"???---I'll take 4.2 ypc, tough and durable, especially in light of having to deal with all the RB injuries and inconsistencies we've had.

 

[perivolaki]

I have watched Greene myself, both when he was at Iowa and for the last four years with the Jets. What I see is a tough RB who does not go down on first contact and fights for every yard he can get.

You downplay 2 1,000 yard seasons, both of which came running behind a very suspect offensive line at a little over 4 yards a carry---he's only been in the league for 4 years...so 2 1,000 yard seasons and 3,400+ yards in 4 years is pretty danged good.

He's durable and reliable, yet not a home run RB, I get that. But, to say he's "terrible"???---I'll take 4.2 ypc, tough and durable, especially in light of having to deal with all the RB injuries and inconsistencies we've had.

I kind of agree with you Mitch.

He reminds me of Edgerrin James when he was with the Cardinals, not going to break a long run but always moving forward instead of sideways.

Not great but a chain mover.

Better than what we've had.

 

[juza76]

Shone greene has better speed then ivory?

 

[Solar7]

I kind of agree with you Mitch.

He reminds me of Edgerrin James when he was with the Cardinals, not going to break a long run but always moving forward instead of sideways.

Not great but a chain mover.

Better than what we've had.

I still really fail to see how that's better than what we've had with Beanie when healthy... and how we can't improve upon that with a draft pick. We really want a guy whose absolute best is 4 yards and done?

 

[JeffGollin]

Interestingly enough, Adam Schefter just mentioned the Cardinals having some interest in Reggie Bush.

Could be a leak to create LSH negotiating leverage.

 

[Vermont Maverick]

Thanks Mitch.

Buyers market here. I think we definitely pick up a FA back this year, cheap.

Prediction: LSH follows Whiz to San Diego, where he is then compared by the ever-reaching media, to Darren Sproles...and Lionel "Little Train" James.

 

[slanidrac16]

Garrison Hearst walked away and had a pretty darn good career.

I'm kind of wondering if Mendenhall could be that type of guy. Ivory is the guy I would like to see but I hate giving up any picks for him.

 

[JeffGollin]

My biggest concern with nearly everyone of these guys is the Durability factor.

 

[Mitch]

Here are the RBs that fit the hard runner, good blocker in pass pro mold:

1. Steven Jackson, 6-2, 240, 9, Rams.

Speed: 3
Change of Direction: 4
Vision: 5
Pass Catching: 4
Blocking: 5
Durability: 5

Grade: 81

If Stump Mitchell is looking for a RB in the Sean Alexander mold, Jackson comes close.

2. Reggie Bush, Dolphins.

Blocking: 2

Grade 77.

3. Rashard Mendenhall, 5-10, 225, 5, Steelers.

Speed: 5
Change of Direction: 4
Vision: 4
Pass Catching: 3
Blocking: 4
Durability: 3

Grade: 77

Fits the mold, if healthy. Still reasonably young. Knows the system.

4. Shonn Greene, 5-11, 226, 4, Jets.

Speed: 4
Change of Direction: 4
Vision: 5
Pass Catching: 3
Blocking: 4
Durability: 5

Grade: 76

This was a guy I had in many of my mocks 5 years ago. And now he's an even better fit for us than he was then. Fits the mold to a tee.

5. Michael Turner, 5-10, 247, 9, Falcons.

Speed: 2
C-O-D: 3
Vision: 4
Pass Catching: 3
Blocking: 4
Durability: 4

Grade: 75

Looks like he's fading out quickly. But, he shouldn't command big money and might be worth a look-see if others go elsewhere.

6. Peyton Hillis, 6-2, 250, 5, Chiefs.

Speed: 3
C-O-D: 4
Vision: 5
Pass Catching: 4
Blocking: 5
Durability: 3

Grade: 75

Fits the mold, if he can stay healthy. Still reasonably young and could be heading into his prime.

7. Felix Jones, Cowboys.

Blocking: 3

Grade: 75

8. Cedric Benson, 5-11, 225, 8, Packers.

Speed: 3
C-O-D: 4
Vision: 4
Pass Catching: 3
Blocking: 5
Durability: 3

Grade: 72

Seems like he's been around forever and is now well past him prime. As with Michael Turner, he might not be a bad option if options dwindle.

9. Rashad Jennings, 6-1, 224, 4, Jaguars.

Speed: 4
C-O-D: 4
Vision: 3
Pass Catching: 4
Blocking: 4
Durability: 2

Grade: 72

Knee and shoulder injuries have kept him from realizing his talent and potential. Could be signed at the veteran minimum and could be a pleasant surprise, if he finally can stay healthy.

10. Ryan Grant, Packers.

Blocking: 3

Grade: 70

11. Andre Brown, Giants.

Blocking: 3

Grade: 68

12. LeGarrette Blount, RFA, Bucs

Blocking: 5

Grade: 67

13. James Casey, FB/HB/TE, Texans.

Blocking: 4

Grade: 67

14. Kevin Smith, Lions.

Blocking: 3

Grade: 66

15. LaRod Stephens-Howling, 5-7, 185, 4, Cardinals.

Speed: 5
C-O-D: 5
Vision: 4
Pass Catching: 3
Blocking: 2
Durability: 4

Grade: 66

Very good ST player. In this system he would have to convert to slot WR in order to get significant action. Great character. Plays tough, despite his diminutive size. Seems always dinged up, but will play through injuries.

27. Chris Ivory, 6-0, 222, 4, RFA, Saints.

Speed: 3
C-O-D: 2
Vision: 3
Pass Catching: 2
Blocking: 4
Durability: 3

Grade: 59

Was 4th fiddle for the Saints, but averaged over 5 yards per run. The Cardinals are very interested in him, according to MJ. Hard runner, good blocker and that's what matters. This rating, imo, is low because Ivory hasn't seen much playing time. He had over 200 yards last year on 40 carries. Because he was undrafted, if Ivory gets the $1.3M tender as expected, the Saints get right of first refusal on a contract offer, but, if the don't match, they will not get any compensation in the form of draft picks.

Best Fit, imo: Shonn Greene.

Wild Card: Chris Ivory.

When I wrote this I didn't include the other ratings for Reggie Bush because he is a below average blocker.

Rashard Mendenhall is the better fit because he is a 3 down RB and he is tougher between the tackles.

There are a number of very positive aspects that go with Mendenhall's signing:

1. The contract---1 year at $2.5M + incentives. Mendenhall should be highly motivated to perform at the highest possible level and to put to rest the questions about his character.

2. Choosing the Cardinals over the Broncos. We shouldn't take that lightly or for granted at all. What this speaks very well to is how comfortable and confident Mendenhall is in BA's offense.

3. The one year contract makes sense too in that if RM works out, you re-sign him to a long-term deal, if not, now a year later the RB that BA likes a lot, Chris Ivory, will be a UFA.

4. It's a coup to sign one of the top 3 UFA RBs to a modest $2.5M deal, especially on the second day of free agency.

Way to go BA!