2010 NFL Draft Position Rankings - Top 5 Running Backs

1. C.J. Spiller, Clemson
5'11", 195 lbs, 4.35
Spiller fits the mold of the type of back NFL teams covet in today's pass-happy league. Spiller is fast, versatile, and can catch out of the backfield. Should be able to step right in and play a Felix Jones type role for a team by providing a solid complement to an established back and return kickoffs, and has a ceiling perhaps as high as a Chris Johnson type player.    

2. Jahvid Best, Cal 
5'10", 195 lbs, 4.39
Best is another great fit for what NFL offenses try to do on Sundays, but there is cause for concern due to some scary injuries he suffered this past season at Cal. Although he's almost the same exact size as Spiller, Best seems to have far more durability issues and probably won't be able to be featured as much on the next level. Having said that, he's the type of explosive player that a lot of teams are looking for. 

3. Ryan Mathews, Fresno State 
5'11", 220 lbs, 4.45
Mathews' production at Fresno State was incredible, and he has the tools to be a Ray Rice type back in the NFL. While he doesn't have the sheer speed of Spiller or Best, Mathews is explosive in and out of his cuts, has great acceleration, never fumbles (3 fumbles in 535 career carries) and breaks tackles better than anyone in this class. His lack of experience in the passing game means he's not the most versatile back in this class, but he may be the best pure runner available. Whoever team drafts him in the second round will be very happy.

4. Joe McKnight, USC
6'0", 200 lbs, 4.39
McKnight, like Best and Spiller, has two attributes that should translate to the pro game: speed and versatility. His extreme speed and agility should get him onto the field very early in his career and could make for a surprisingly productive NFL career if he's paired with the right coaching staff. He has several problem areas that need to be addressed (ball security, dancing in the backfield, vision), but his physical attributes mean he could make an impact if he really works hard at the next level. 

5. LaMarcus Coker, Hampton
5'11", 205 lbs, 4.30
Coker, if he truly has left his demons in his past, has the potential to be the steal of this draft. He has God-given speed and is a threat to take it to the house from anywhere on the field. Very versatile - great receiver out of the backfield. Shows very good blocking ability for a back his size. Coker hasn't played against D-I talent in two seasons, but has as much physical ability as anyone in this draft. Boom or bust prospect.

2010 NFL Draft Position Rankings - Top 5 Quarterbacks

1. Jimmy Clausen, Notre Dame
6'3", 223 lbs
Clausen displayed great decision-making skills during his Junior campaign (28 TD's, 4 INT's, 68.8% completion) in spite of not having the benefit of world-class protection behind ND's offensive line. His ability to play well under center elevates him to the top of this weak QB class.

2. Dan LeFevour, Central Michigan
6'3", 238 lbs
Even if you overlook his incredible production at Central Michigan (2009: 28 TD's, 7 INT's, 69.7% completion, 713 rushing yards, 15 rushing TD's), LeFevour has all of the tools to be a productive NFL quarterback. He showed great accuracy and pocket presence during Senior Bowl week, helping to ease concerns that he'll flounder against stiffer competition than what he faced while at CMU.


3. Sam Bradford, Oklahoma
6'4",  223 lbs
Bradford has too many question marks to put at the top of this list. His multiple shoulder injuries have to be of great concern to NFL clubs and he played almost exclusively out of the shotgun while at Oklahoma. He has great size and accuracy, but major questions about durability and playing out of a pro-style offense hurt his stock.

4. Jarrett Brown, West Virginia
6'3", 219 lbs
The fact that Brown is the fourth-rated QB in this class speaks more to the lack of legitimate QB talent in this draft than to Brown as a prospect. While he has NFL tools for someone to develop, Brown (like fellow listee Tim Tebow) needs to make gigantic leaps and bounds in several areas to be a bona-fide NFL quarterback. Brown needs to show better mechanics, consistency, and accuracy.  

5. Tim Tebow, Florida
6'3", 240 lbs
Everyone is quick to kill Tebow's chances in the NFL. They point out his slow release, inability to play under center, lack of ideal accuracy, and how low the low point of his release has been his entire career. All are legitimate concerns and we've seen no reason to think that Tebow will be able to overcome these serious questions going forward. However, if anyone is capable of proving everyone wrong, it's Tebow. That's enough to get him on this list. 

2009 NFL Power Rankings (as of May 29)

1. New England Patriots
Tom Brady is back and healthy. Sucks for the rest of the league.
2. Pittsburgh Steelers
Tough to argue with the past few years.
3. Baltimore Ravens
Most people are predicting greater things for the other rookie QB sensation, Matt Ryan, but we like Joe Flacco's situation (and defense) much more.
4. Dallas Cowboys
This is a make or break year in Big D; changes are already occurring, but look out for shockwaves if this team underachieves in Jer-uh's shiny new palace. If Jason Garrett will take advantage of the league's best playaction roster, Dallas will finally live up to the talent level on their team.
5. Philadelphia Eagles
Donovan looked rejuvenated after his half-time benching last year. We're not as in love with the Maclin pick as most seem to be, and the loss of Brian Dawkins combined with Jim Johnson's ongoing health issues raises serious red flags in our minds about their defense, but Philly always seems to get better as the season goes along.
6. Indianapolis Colts
As long as Peyton is there, Indianapolis will have a chance to go deep into the playoffs. Look for Donald Brown to take Joseph Addai's job. Literally. If Indy isn't your favorite team, Addai may be on your roster after this season.
7. San Diego Chargers
There are lingering concerns about most of their marquee players, but, if they all prove healthy, this is a team that could end up at the top of this list.
8. Minnesota Vikings
If Sage Rosencopter can keep from gift-wrapping the ball for the opposing team, the Vikings should take advantage of their built-for-the-playoffs roster. If Favre ends his hibernation, we'll drop the Vikings down a few spots. That's right, they'll be worse if he plays for them.
9. New York Giants
Next year will be a step back for Eli and the G-Men because of Plaxico Burress' absence. New York looked like an above-average team down the stretch without him last year. Nicks will eventually grow into a top-tier receiver in the league, but even a good rookie season won't be enough.
10. New Orleans Saints
The Saints, like the Chargers, have the potential to end up much higher on this list at the end of the season. If they can get anything out of Darren Sharper, Tracy Porter, and Malcolm Jenkins, look for New Orleans to add 3 - 5 wins to their 2008 total. Vegas has the Saints' over/under win total at 8.5. Bet the over.
11. Tennessee Titans
A step back for a team that lost some players and has some uncertainty at quarterback.
12. Green Bay Packers
The Packers should be a competitive team, but the transition to the 3-4 is not made in one year.
13. Houston Texans
Houston will continue their streak of being on the cusp of a becoming a consistently tough opponent.
14. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jags will miss Fred Taylor more than they anticipate. If Greg Jones continues his streak of not being healthy for an entire season, the lack of a power runner in Jacksonville will put far too much pressure on David Garrard.
15. Carolina Panthers
If Jake Delhomme stays healthy and consistent (two very big "ifs"), the Panthers will ride DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart up this list.
16. Chicago Bears
Cutler doesn't do as much for us as he seems to for everyone else. The same goes for the Bears' defense. Translation? Disappointment.
17. Atlanta Falcons
Matt Ryan certainly looks like the real deal, but with little to no defense in Atlanta, he'll have to wait for a few more years to be on a powerhouse team.
18. Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins have the unfortunate task of playing in a very difficult division and having a very difficult overall schedule. Plus, no one will overlook Miami on the schedule this year.
19. San Francisco 49ers
Mike Singletary helped transform this underachieving unit into one that at least plays hard, but it hasn't been long enough for him to make them consistent winners.
20. Seattle Seahawks
It's somewhat of a travesty that the Seahawks will probably make the playoffs. This division makes my ass hurt.
21. Arizona Cardinals
Fluke.
22. Denver Broncos
Josh McDaniels may surprise a few people. And Bill Bellichick might write poetry.
23. Buffalo Bills
T.O. will certainly bring a lot to the football field in Buffalo, but it just seems like if Owens ripped apart Philadelphia and came close to tearing apart Dallas, he'll take one giant dump on Buffalo.
24. New York Jets
Dirty Sanchez may hook up with models during the week, but one year of college football probably won't prepare him for hooking up with Ray-Ray on Sundays.
25. Washington Redskins
Hugely overpaying for DeAngelo Hall and Albert Haynesworth? Check. Figuring out how to build a winning football franchise? Erm....
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Anytime a franchise cleans house because the coach isn't a "player's coach" and then replaces him with a young guy that all of the players feel like is 'one of the guys', that franchise usually sucks balls.
27. Detroit Lions
Surprised that the Lions aren't at the bottom of this list? So are they.
28. Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals, in a season of make or break consequences for just about everyone on the team and coaching staff, whack off.
29. Cleveland Browns
Eric "Give Me Another Panini" Mangini has proven that anything outside of the X's and O's of being an NFL head coach eludes him. Too bad that encompasses a lot of shit.
30. Kansas City Chiefs
While they're headed in the right direction, the Chiefs have a few more years of being bad and at least one more year of being punched-in-the-nuts-by-Kimbo-Slice bad.
31. St. Louis Rams
I literally finished this ranking exercise and noticed I only had 31 teams. This is that missing team.
32. Oakland Raiders
Until Al Davis finally admits that he died in 1991, the Raiders will be mired in mediocrity at best, and seasons like the next one at worst.

Comments on the Cowboys' Draft

Jerry Jones' draft has been universally criticized by everyone who isn't paid by him. However, considering the depth on their current roster, we here at FFP like the moves they made during the draft. Here's a pick-by-pick breakdown of how we see each player fitting in with the teams' needs.

Round 3 Pick 5: Jason Williams (OLB, Western Illinois)

Besides the incredible athleticism, Williams comes to Dallas with a reputation as a great locker-room presence and leader. Most of the Cowboy’s picks this year were high-character guys, but Williams stands out among all 12. Should be a special-teams demon from day one. Will play in the nickel and dime packages on defense and may be subbed as a safety on goal-line or obvious running downs. His lack of size will prevent him from being an every-down player. Random tidbit? Williams tied the college football record for forced-fumbles in a career with 14.

Rd3, P11: Robert Brewster (OL, Ball State)

Dallas has said that they plan to use Brewster as their swing guard in addition to his college role of tackle. His versatility would have been a huge addition last year when injuries took their toll on several linemen. Brewster has great feet and an incredible mean streak on film, and those are two characteristics you want in a young lineman. His game should benefit from being in an NFL weight-lifting program.

Rd4, P1: Stephen McGee (QB, Texas A&M)

McGee is a great fit for this roster. Every team should have a developmental quarterback on the roster, and Dallas didn’t have one before the draft. McGee won’t be asked to do anything except learn for a long time. He was the quarterback that best fit the Cowboys roster in this draft. He has great physical tools and will have time to learn the pro game. An additional note worth mentioning would be that Romo has always been the future at the QB position, and now the Cowboys have a young, developmental QB. Romo will notice and should be better for it.

Rd4, P10: Victor Butler (DE, Oregon State)

Will play LB in Dallas ’ 3-4. Should team with Jason Williams to lead and improve the Cowboys’ special-teams unit. Very powerful, violent tackler. Described by teammates and coaches as a great leader. Tied for second in sacks in the Pac-10 last year with 12, and then had 4 sacks versus Pittsburgh in the 2008 Sun Bowl. Ran poorly at the Combine in comparison to his 4.58 effort at the OSU Pro-Day. Should struggle early on in coverage, as he has little-to-no experience there.

Rd4, P20 Brandon Williams (DE, Texas Tech)

Dallas’ scouts rant and rave about explosive Williams’ first step, and it’s easy to see why when you put on the tape. Williams was consistently double-teamed as Texas Tech’s only pass rusher and still led the Big XII in sacks. His 10 yard split is good (1.69), but certainly not great, so this was a “swing-for-the-fences” type pick. Of all the Cowboys’ picks, Brandon Williams’ career will be the most extreme. In four years he’ll either be known as a huge draft-day steal or out of the league.

Rd5, P7 DeAngelo Smith (CB/FS, Cincinnati)

Smith will rotate between cornerback and safety and provide some depth returning kicks and punts (more on that in a little while). Due to lack of ideal speed, adequate size, great ball skills, and physical style of play, Smith might end up making a permanent move to safety at some point in his career. Was outshone his entire college career by Bearcats teammate (and fellow Dallas draftee) Mike Mickens, but ended up being drafted two rounds higher due to Mickens’ injury.

Rd5, P30 Michael Hamlin (FS, Clemson)

Hamlin is not an elite athlete, but makes up for it by being a very intelligent, playmaking free safety. Fits Dallas ’ defensive needs perfectly. Is able to line up his fellow defenders and can read the field very well. Considered the team leader and was elected team captain by his teammates at Clemson. Aggressive defender who is sound fundamentally and rarely misses tackles. His lack of ideal athleticism may lower the ceiling of his pro-potential, but considering how well he fit Dallas ’ needs and the point where he was picked (end of the fifth round), this was a great pickup for the Cowboys.

Rd5, P36 David Beuhler (K, USC)

A head-scratcher at first glance until you look over the emphasis Dallas put on special teams throughout this draft. Beuhler’s leg strength on kickoffs should keep opposing offenses from starting their drives at the thirty-five, as they did far too often last year. Dallas has said that they plan to carry two kickers into every game next year, but they have to be considering the chance that someone will want to trade for Beuhler in the event of an injury or slump.

Rd 6, P24 Stephen Hodge (SS, TCU)

Another special-teams ace is added into the mix. Hodge, Butler , and Jason Williams will all make for some serious collision-potential on kickoff coverage, as Hodge fits the mold of super-athletic set by the other two. Built like a brick shithouse, the 5-11, 236 pound former safety ran a 4.58 forty and should contribute immediately on special teams. Dallas plans to move him to ILB.

Rd 6, P35 John Phillips (TE, UVA)

Phillips will take the third TE spot that was vacated by Tony Curtis’ departure. Phillips is more the Jason Witten than Martellus Bennett type, and, while he won’t hurt you down the middle of the field, Phillips is a good blocker and has sure hands.

Rd 7, P18 Mike Mickens (CB, Cincinnati)

Mickens was considered to be a much better prospect than his draft position would lead you to believe. However, after tearing cartilage in his knee during his senior season, Mickens’ draft stock took a hit. If he can fully recover from his injury, the Cowboys got one of college football’s elite cover guys for the past four years in the seventh round. Has good elusiveness in the open field and can make quarterbacks pay for their mistakes with the football.

Rd 7, P20 Manuel Johnson (WR, Oklahoma )

A good route-running, sure-handed receiver who isn’t afraid to go over the middle. Willing blocker with a good work ethic. Characterized as a leader by his teammates and coaches. His lack of size and elite athleticism may hinder his ability to make it in the NFL, but his willingness to work suggests that he should latch on somewhere.


Other thoughts

Dallas’ decision not to address the WR position until the seventh round means that two players will play more snaps at WR next year: Martellus Bennett and Felix Jones.

Bennett has incredible physical tools, a year studying the offense under his belt, and no T.O. around to be negatively influenced by. Bennett should again be Dallas ’ go-to-guy in the red zone, a role that he played for several games last year. He’ll get more opportunities in their base offense, as well, to split out. This would provide a little more explanation as far as the John Phillips pick goes, as well.

Felix will probably take as many snaps in the slot as in the backfield next year. His world-class long speed has to be accounted for every time he steps on the field, and if Jason Garrett uses the personnel on the roster effectively (meaning you run the hell out of the ball and play action), Felix would provide a dynamic element in the passing game. These increased responsibilities, however, could potentially take away from his effectiveness as a return man (think Devin Hester last year), and that’s another reason that DeAngelo Smith makes sense in the fifth round.

Dallas obviously recognized the impact that Roy Williams' (the safety) injury had on kickoff coverage. They went out and got three athletes that will run down on kickoffs in an attempt to shore up this weakness on their roster.

Of all the undrafted free agents, I think Ogletree is the only one with a shot to make the roster. His size/speed ratio is intriguing for someone who wasn't drafted. His production wasn't terrible and he comes from a respectable program (Virginia), so it wouldn't be a huge surprise to see him latch on somewhere, if not in Dallas.

Exclusive image from Detroit Lions draft room:

The NFL Draft is Nearly Here

Many NFL fans pull out their hair at this point of the calendar because of a collective lull in NFL news. The Jay Cutler trade/TO release helped create a much more diverse slate of conversation topics this year, but both have been sufficiently skewered at this point.

So now we have the draft to look forward to. In under two weeks we'll have enough fodder to keep us all occupied until the season starts, and we definitely have our popcorn ready.

Marshawn Lynch Suspended?

Buffalo Bills RB Marshawn Lynch is expected to be suspended for the first four games of the NFL season due to continued run-ins with the long arm of the law. Under the league's new, stricter-than-in-the-past player discipline structure, repeat offenders will be punished simply for being repeat offenders.

In regards to Lynch, the rumor is that the long-awaited suspension will be made official tomorrow.