Interesting Draft Rumors swirling - concerning Running Backs.

[Zeno]

Until we can put together an O-Line that can win the battle up front, drafting a RB early seems like a luxury.

Well according to the coach the OL is better than we the fans think.

 

[ARodg]

How hard is it to check your facts before you dig yourself deeper?

Michael Turner: 7th season.
MoJo Drew: 5 seasons.
Adrian Peterson: 4 seasons.
Steven Jackson: 7 seasons.

All these guys were among the top backs in the NFL last year. Jamaal Charles, Chris Johnson, and Rashard Mendenhall are all entering their fourth season. Do you expect all of them to suddenly self-destruct when the new league year opens?

Good grief, man. 7 of the Top 10 rushers in 2010 were drafted in the 1st 2 rounds. I mean, you can hope to plug and play late-round picks and hope to get the next Arian Foster, but you're going to go through a lot of Mike Goodsons, Jason Snellings, Keiland Williamses, and Jerome Harrisons along the way.

2003 NFL Draft:

Larry Johnson (08 last productive season)
Willis McGahee (hasn't had more than 200 carries since 07)

2004 NFL Draft:

Stephen Jackson (still going strong)
Chris Perry (Injuries ruined him before he even got started)
Kevin Jones (meh career, is playing for the Hartford Colonials)

2005 NFL Draft:

Ronnie Brown (good player but averages 12 games a year)
Cedric Benson (Has been a starter for 2 years with the Bengals, multiple arrests)
Cadillac Williams (Good player, has been a starter and played in all 16 games once in his career.)

2006 NFL Draft:

Reggie Bush (lulz)
Lawrence Maroney (Out of the league. Missed a year due to injury)
Deangelo Williams (Great Player. 5 years in, already missed 16 games)
Joseph Addai (Missed 14 games, never averaged more than 72 YPG)

2007 NFL Draft

Peterson (Dominant)
Lynch (One season over 4 YPC, Meh)

----------------------------------------------------

Peterson and Jackson are the only ones that been really healthy and really productive for more than 3 years.

 

[Chopper0080]

I like Dion Lewis in the 5th or 6th.

Also Johnny White might be a solid player in the 4th or 5th rounds. He has a good size, and is a decent mix between Wells and Hightower.

RB is a position that I think that Whis is very frustrated with. I know that he prefers the versatility that Hightower brings in all formations, but Hightower's fumbling issues do not look like they are going away. This almost assures him of a back up role or even being cut if we draft a back. Wells has the power that Whis like, but just hasn't stepped up and taken charge like the team wanted. He seems bitter and comes off as entitled with the way that he has failed to jump in and seize the top role.

If these are facts, then why wouldn't be address the running back position in this draft.

If Ingram falls, I would not be shocked if we traded up for him.

 

[azsportsfan01]

I was so happy to read that Ryan Williams is coming to town to visit. If we do decide to draft a back I really want it to be him. He will be a very good RB in this league.

 

[Duckjake]

I think you are right on the money, Joe. Whiz wants to add another option to the mix. These three candidates bring much different styles to the equation.

Thomas is the biggest of the three...and, imo, has the most upside. He has a knack for sifting through traffic...he makes a lot of people miss, and uses his off-hand well to fend off tackles and rip them aside. He lack elite speed, but his blend of strength and quicks, makes him very atrractive. Plus, he's got good hands and should be able to block at the next level.

Williams is a hit or miss back who has a nice burst when he gets a crease...not going to break a lot of tackles...and slips up too often because he runs a little out of control...not the kind of RB who is patient to let the blocks develop in front of him. Has good hands and the ability to break off good runs in the open field. Imo, he didn't get better with time at Va. Tech. Played better earlier and sort of hit a plateau.

Jones is electric---has exceptionally quick feet and great vision...but he's small---which works to his advantage quite often, but may not as much at the next level. Would seem like strictly a 3rd down RB in the NFL.

What I would prefer is the Cardinals making a big run at UFA Mike Tolbert (Chargers)...it's time to get serious about running the ball and this thumper gets it done...plus he can double as a FB.

That said, if the Cardinals draft Thomas...he might fit the bill...kind of a slightly quicker more elusive version of Eddie George.

Sounds like Wells, Hightower and LSH.

 

[BullheadCardFan]

Until we can put together an O-Line that can win the battle up front, drafting a RB early seems like a luxury.

Nobody can run behind this line. Getting hit in backfield doesn't allow the runner anywhere to go. OL needs to be better at run blocking for any back to run well.

But Beanie needs to quit tip toeing at the line of scrimmage.

Beanie and THT need to hang on to the ball.

 

[az jam]

I was looking at CBS Sports News Fantasy Football ratings of NFL RBs for this coming year. Wells is rated at #35 and Hightower at #41. That should tell you something.

 

[Duckjake]

I was looking at CBS Sports News Fantasy Football ratings of NFL RBs for this coming year. Wells is rated at #35 and Hightower at #41. That should tell you something.

Yes it tells me that the Cardinals were dead last in rushing attempts 3 years in a row. That's not going to get your running backs much fantasy football value where yardage gained per week is key. 40-45 yards a game doesn't generate a lot of points for the FF owner. Even if the RB does average 4.8 ypc.

It doesn't say anything really about our guys talent.

 

[Duckjake]

Nobody can run behind this line. Getting hit in backfield doesn't allow the runner anywhere to go. OL needs to be better at run blocking for any back to run well.

But Beanie needs to quit tip toeing at the line of scrimmage.

Beanie and THT need to hang on to the ball.

What's ironic is that 2009-2010 is like the first time in 20-30 years the Cards have averaged over 4ypc rushing two years in a row.

Of course we all know how that's happened. One run for 25 yards and then four for -1.

 

[az jam]

Yes it tells me that the Cardinals were dead last in rushing attempts 3 years in a row. That's not going to get your running backs much fantasy football value where yardage gained per week is key. 40-45 yards a game doesn't generate a lot of points for the FF owner. Even if the RB does average 4.8 ypc.

It doesn't say anything really about our guys talent.

No it really doesn't. I had Beanie on my on my team last year and rarely started him. I know its just fantasy football but our rbs along with many other players didn't produce last year. We can blame it on the Coach, the OL, the lack of a qb but the bottom line still is non-production.

 

[WildBB]

Shane Vereen in the 4th or 5th round will make everyone forget JJ.

Friggin LSH has allready done that and then some. JJ who?!

 

[Duckjake]

No it really doesn't. I had Beanie on my on my team last year and rarely started him. I know its just fantasy football but our rbs along with many other players didn't produce last year. We can blame it on the Coach, the OL, the lack of a qb but the bottom line still is non-production.

I don't blame you. Why would any Fantasy owner want a RB from a team that is not only last in the NFL every year in rushing attempts but splits those few carries between 3-5 different backs? Their leading rushers the last 3 seasons have averaged 8.3, 11, and 9.6 carries per game.

Of course I stopped playing FF because I couldn't keep myself from drafting all the Cardinal players good and bad.

As for production last season I still see the turning point as the back to back losses to Tampa and Minn. The Cards had rushed for over 100 yards in 5 of the first 7 games but only 3 times in the last 9. The whole team went in the tank after the Vikings disaster. Losing 36-18, 31-13, 27-6 and 19-6.

 

[kerouac9]

2003 NFL Draft:

Larry Johnson (08 last productive season)
Willis McGahee (hasn't had more than 200 carries since 07)

2004 NFL Draft:

Stephen Jackson (still going strong)
Chris Perry (Injuries ruined him before he even got started)
Kevin Jones (meh career, is playing for the Hartford Colonials)

2005 NFL Draft:

Ronnie Brown (good player but averages 12 games a year)
Cedric Benson (Has been a starter for 2 years with the Bengals, multiple arrests)
Cadillac Williams (Good player, has been a starter and played in all 16 games once in his career.)

2006 NFL Draft:

Reggie Bush (lulz)
Lawrence Maroney (Out of the league. Missed a year due to injury)
Deangelo Williams (Great Player. 5 years in, already missed 16 games)
Joseph Addai (Missed 14 games, never averaged more than 72 YPG)

2007 NFL Draft

Peterson (Dominant)
Lynch (One season over 4 YPC, Meh)

----------------------------------------------------

Peterson and Jackson are the only ones that been really healthy and really productive for more than 3 years.

What is this supposed to prove, exactly? That there are draft busts from running backs in the first round? Why don't you do that with second-round choices, too? None of this changes that fact that most of the top rushers in the game have (1) been productive for more than three seasons and (2) were drafted in the first two rounds; it only changes the subject:

Watch, I can do the same thing with the WR position:

2003:
Charles Rodgers - Bust
Andre Johnson - Best WR in the game
Bryant Johnson - Scrub

2004:
Larry Fitzgerald - 2nd best WR in the game (arguably)
Roy Williams - Decent
Reggie Williams - Who?
Lee Evans - Elite talent stuck on a terrible team
Michael Clayon - One-year wonder
Michael Jenkins - Fringe #2 WR
Rashaun Woods - Bust

2005:
Braylon Edwards - Inconsistent hands attached to Pro Bowl body
Troy Williamson - Bust
Mike Williams - Fat bust
Matt Jones - Coke-head underachiever (We really should draft Ryan Mallett)
Mark Clayton - Bryant Johnson v. 2.0
Roddy White - Stud

2006:
Santonio Holmes - Enigmatic above-average player

2007:
Calvin Johnson - Stud
Ted Ginn, Jr. - Scrub
Dewayne Bowe - Stud
Robert Meachem - Average player
Craig "Buster" Davis - Scrub
Anthony Gonzales - Mr. Glass

Clearly no one should ever draft a WR in the first round, based on this analysis. But please don't look at the NFL receiving leaders, of which 7 of the top 10 are first-round picks and 10 of the top 20 are, as well.

 

[Russ Smith]

Friggin LSH has allready done that and then some. JJ who?!

Yep I love the hyphen too.

Personally I don't want a RB in the first 4-5 rounds this year I'd prefer to improve the defense, the OL, solve the QB one way or another. I think Wells and THT can get it done if they have better blocking and a real QB.

 

[anks106]

Someone often would mention in years past when we brought people in for visits that a lot of that is getting to know the player and the players motivations so that they have a file on the guy when he hits free agency in a few years.. that could also be the motivation. Not to mention with the lockout, same way the big brass have been seen at every pro day, why not bring more guys in? Maybe they are refining their own scouting processes, maybe they are just bored and taking the opportunity to get to know a few more players.. I wouldn't jump to conclusions here.

 

[JeffGollin]

Because of the CBA stalemate, teams have to accurately assess who've they've got on their roster right now, break with standard past policy and draft to fill needs.

For example, I'm not sure the Cards expect Wright to be back and may want to cover their backsides at RB depth-wise.

We also don't know the degree of frustration (if any) on the part of Beanie and THT (since neither is shouldering the full load of a #1 RB). Although I doubt it, the Cards may conceivably feel it might be desirable to end the logjam.

What I found intriguing is that the three RB prospects mentioned all fit different profiles:

One (Jones) is a scatback/receiver type.

Another (Thomas) is a bruiser.

The third (R Williams is more of a #1 RB who has some explosion & breakaway speed.

BTW - Does anyone have a complete list of Cardinal visitors/interviewees at all the positions?

 

[Dayman]

http://www.csnbayarea.com/04/14/11/...ng_maiocco_v3.html?blockID=504153&feedID=5936

The 49ers and Raiders sent their running backs coaches to the campus of Los Medanos College on Thursday to watch the show. And 25 other NFL teams were also represented at Eastern Washington running back Taiwan Jones' one and only pre-draft workout.

He did not disappoint.


Jones (6-foot, 196 pounds) is still rehabilitating a broken left foot, but that did not prevent him from turning in a couple blazing times in the 40-yard dash. He was clocked anywhere from 4.28 seconds to the mid 4.3s, while being cheered on by family and friends in the stands. He also demonstrated unique explosiveness with a 39 1/2 vertical leap and an 11-foot effort in the broad jump.

 

[ARodg]

http://www.csnbayarea.com/04/14/11/...ng_maiocco_v3.html?blockID=504153&feedID=5936

He's an absolute stud, but he's fragile.

 

[Duckjake]

That there are draft busts from running backs in the first round? Why don't you do that with second-round choices, too?

How about these?

JJ Arrington
Leeland McElroy
Chuck Levy
Anthony Thompson
Tony Jeffrey

OK...OK... I'll quit.

 

[juza76]

is a bit weird but we had ryan williams (virginia tech) for a visit..is a early second round prospect...how can we spend a high draft pick for a running back???

 

[Cardiac]

I'm glad that our FO is taking the time to get to know as many players as possible. You never know when a player might fall to rd where no one expected him to and so if you didn't do your due diligence then you could be making a big mistake on said slipping player.

So in juza76 example of ryan williams what if he slides to the 3rd rd would we want to consider him then? How about the 4th rd? What if the reason he is sliding is due to rumors of a bad attitude. What if said rumors are true and we didn't meet with the kid and then draft him; or visa versa?

What if the plan is to trade down if Von and PP7 and Dareus are off the board when we are on the clock at #5 and we pick up an extra 2nd and or 3rd rounder(s)? Do we like ryan williams enough to take him then?

Cassely talked about this on a Path to the Draft show this week. You never know when a player no one expected to fall to you will and you better be prepared.

It is interesting that we have brought a good amount of RB's in for visits. As Jeff G asks does anyone have the complete list of those who have visited the Cards?

My initial reaction is that we don't need to spend a draft pick on a RB this year and especially in an early round (before the 5th).

 

[MadCardDisease]

It may or may not happen but I would not be surprised one bit to see us taking a RB in this years draft. Not in just any round but a high round.

3 of the argueably top 10 RB's in this years draft have been brought in for a pre-draft visit. 2 of the top 5 according to huddlereport.

I know coach is not enamored with Wells desire for football or Hightowers leading the league in fumbles per touch over the last two years.

Kansas State RB Daniel Thomas
Virginia Tech RB Ryan Williams
Eastern Washington RB Taiwan Jones

Just something to think about.....

Very impressive! You are dialed in my friend!

 

[Arizona's Finest]

Yeah I thought about this thread too after the pick. Great stuff Joe

 

[Goldfield]

Nailed it... Nice.

 

[Mainstreet]

This thread from joeshmo kept me from flipping out in the second round. The more I thought about the choice the more I liked it. Why not, when the Cardinals do not have a running game. This should add some spice to the competition. For once and for all, we should be able to find out if it's the offensive line or the RBs fault the Cardinals cannot successfully run the ball.