RB options

[vinnymac]

We have discussed QB and OL as being the weakest position for the Cardinals. I would like to discuss the RB position. I have read that Steven Jackson could become a free agent this offseason. Also Michael Turner could be released as well. I feel that they could kick start the running game that the Cardinals so desparetly need. I really don't know who is avalible in FA, but I am not hearing of any good RB coming out of college. What are your thoughts.

 

[WildBB]

We have discussed QB and OL as being the weakest position for the Cardinals. I would like to discuss the RB position. I have read that Steven Jackson could become a free agent this offseason. Also Michael Turner could be released as well. I feel that they could kick start the running game that the Cardinals so desparetly need. I really don't know who is avalible in FA, but I am not hearing of any good RB coming out of college. What are your thoughts.

There could be some really good backs coming out. This was in the Az Republic today.

http://www.azcentral.com/sports/col...gan-state-leveon-bell-faces-big-decision.html

Stanford's back Taylor could be an option too.

http://www.azcentral.com/sports/col...gan-state-leveon-bell-faces-big-decision.html

Then there's the sleeper backs like Philly got in the 7th round last yr. Bryce Brown. There's always RB's to be had in drafts.

It's getting them to the 2nd levels is our challenge.

 

[thephoenixson28]

A pick for Chris johnson

 

[JeffGollin]

I want a big guy who can move the pile.

I also want a 215+ lb feature RB with breakaway speed.

Doesn't matter how or where we get them. I want 'em.

 

[vinnymac]

There could be some really good backs coming out. This was in the Az Republic today.

http://www.azcentral.com/sports/col...gan-state-leveon-bell-faces-big-decision.html

Stanford's back Taylor could be an option too.

http://www.azcentral.com/sports/col...gan-state-leveon-bell-faces-big-decision.html

Then there's the sleeper backs like Philly got in the 7th round last yr. Bryce Brown. There's always RB's to be had in drafts.

It's getting them to the 2nd levels is our challenge.

Thanks for the link. Bell does sound good. 3 year starter and has produce at a high level.

Arizonason28 I forgot that the Titans have a big decision to make after the Super-bowl. Do you think they will keep Johnson? He would be worth a look IMO if the Titans don't retain him.

 

[WildBB]

Another guy I like is Jonathan Franklin from UCLA. Check him out on ESPN3 tonight. Top Pac 12 rusher this past season.

http://espn.go.com/blog/pac12/post/_/id/50987/video-ucla-rb-johnathan-franklin-3

 

[Solar7]

We have discussed QB and OL as being the weakest position for the Cardinals. I would like to discuss the RB position. I have read that Steven Jackson could become a free agent this offseason. Also Michael Turner could be released as well. I feel that they could kick start the running game that the Cardinals so desparetly need. I really don't know who is avalible in FA, but I am not hearing of any good RB coming out of college. What are your thoughts.

Turner's spent, and Steven Jackson isn't that far behind him. (Jackson's my favorite non-Cardinal player, but he's old.)

FA's a tricky game. I'd much rather draft a guy or two.

 

[gmabel830]

Another guy I like is Jonathan Franklin from UCLA. Check him out on ESPN3 tonight. Top Pac 12 rusher this past season.

http://espn.go.com/blog/pac12/post/_/id/50987/video-ucla-rb-johnathan-franklin-3

Ever hear of a guy named Ka'Deem Carey? He not only led the Pac-12 in rushing, he led the whole freakin' nation!

 

[binkar]

Ever hear of a guy named Ka'Deem Carey? He not only led the Pac-12 in rushing, he led the whole freakin' nation!

Haha I knew this correction wouldn't take long.

Franklin's 1,700 yards is still extremely impressive though.

 

[Russ Smith]

Haha I knew this correction wouldn't take long.

Franklin's 1,700 yards is still extremely impressive though.

Franklin's a little small IMO, not breakaway speed either but incredibly productive.

He certainly outplayed Carey when UCLA played UA this year but I agree Carey is a better pro prospect.

 

[binkar]

Franklin also ran for his 1,700 yards on just 268 carries, whereas Taylor took 302 carries to get 1,442.

Man I'm sounding like a Franklin homer, which I'm not, but he did have a great season.

 

[Mainstreet]

Ever hear of a guy named Ka'Deem Carey? He not only led the Pac-12 in rushing, he led the whole freakin' nation!

I agree Carey is top notch. As an ASU fan this must carry even more weight.

I've never seen a player change directions as quickly as he can. Is he entering or eligible for the NFL draft?

 

[binkar]

I want a big guy who can move the pile.

I also want a 215+ lb feature RB with breakaway speed.

Doesn't matter how or where we get them. I want 'em.

Probably the two best 215+ backs in the draft (that I know of) are Eddie Lacy and Montee Ball. Lacy seems to have better physical tools.

I worry a bit about Lacy because he was running behind such a talented line that consistently created a lot of room to run.

Likewise, I worry about Ball because it seems every Wisconsin RB for the last several years has seen great college success.

 

[Mainstreet]

Franklin also ran for his 1,700 yards on just 268 carries, whereas Taylor took 302 carries to get 1,442.

Man I'm sounding like a Franklin homer, which I'm not, but he did have a great season.

Franklin is a good back as well. I think Carey is better.

 

[GatorAZ]

Eddie Lacy will be a Card!

 

[gmabel830]

I agree Carey is top notch. As an ASU fan this must carry even more weight.

I've never seen a player change directions as quickly as he can. Is he entering or eligible for the NFL draft?

I'm pretty sure Carey is a true Sophomore, so not draft eligible yet.

 

[splitsecond]

Carey is not eligible and will most likely be a top 15 pick next year so if we actually manage to improve we won't ever see him in Cardinal red, although I would LOVE it. He is gonna be a player in the NFL, and he is all character as well.

 

[football karma]

I have been seeing Montee Ball with a third round grade, which I find stunning. Really good football player and a safe pick. He has had a lot of carries and there is concern that the tread is getting thin. If he is there at the top of the third, I run to the podium.

Leveon Bell is the big back with nice feet. Not a breakaway threat, but a guy you could pound with. He also is a good receiver in the passing game. Again, I have been seeing third or forth round grades on him.

 

[football karma]

One more 3rd round or later back I find intriguing is Kenjon Barner of Oregon. A little small- 5-10, 185lbs but blazing fast.

 

[WildBB]

One more 3rd round or later back I find intriguing is Kenjon Barner of Oregon. A little small- 5-10, 185lbs but blazing fast.

How does he do catching out of the backfield? I know we have LSH but we need a back who can do it all on 1st and 2nd downs. Who are the most productive backs that can catch well also?

 

[Cbus cardsfan]

Mike Gillislee put of Florida is the back to draft. He has good size, excellent speed, and hasn't been burned out in college. He played against the good defenses of the SEC and was still very productive.

From Walter Football:

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Mike Gillislee, RB, Florida
Height: 5-11. Weight: 209.
Projected 40 Time: 4.42.
Projected Round (2013): 2-3.
12/8/12: Gillislee has been having a superb senior season for the Gators. He's averaged 4.7 yards per carry while amassing 1,104 yards and 10 touchdowns. Gillislee played hurt, yet helped push Florida to a tough road win against Teas A&M. He had impressive games against Tennessee, Bowling Green and LSU, too. He closed out the regular season by destroying Florida State to the tune of 140 yards and two touchdowns on 24 carries.

The senior has speed and deceptive power. Gillislee has been very impressive as a blocker in blitz protection. He has really helped his draft stock this year.

 

[sundevil04]

I'd stay away from FA backs outside of Chris ivory. I like Ivorys potential he's still very young and has shown flahshes, runs with authority too. I really do like this years crop of backs though, monte ball in rd 3 would be a great fit in my mind

 

[Cheesebeef]

I'd stay away from FA backs outside of Chris ivory. I like Ivorys potential he's still very young and has shown flahshes, runs with authority too. I really do like this years crop of backs though, monte ball in rd 3 would be a great fit in my mind

i'm with ya here on Ivory and monte ball. that would be a solid RB tandem moving forward.

 

[Jetstream Green]

Jackson might have a season or two in him but Turner is done, he makes our backs look like world class sprinters hitting the hole. Ivory would be a solid pickup and I look for him to end up a Falcon

 

[Jetstream Green]

One more 3rd round or later back I find intriguing is Kenjon Barner of Oregon. A little small- 5-10, 185lbs but blazing fast.

No, we have LSH...we do not have the luxury to improve the third down back position when we have no primary backs