GIANTS 101

A decade ago, NFL teams were very specific in what they wanted in an NFL back – a physical, grind it out workhorse. Guys like Eddie George, Corey Dillon, and Stephen Davis fit the bill as the ideal running back. The league has taken a turn in a different direction however, with the success of the running back by committee approach and game-breaking ability provided by dynamic, versatile athletes in the backfield like Chris Johnson, Maurice Jones-Drew and Reggie Bush. This year’s running back draft class features both big, bruising pure runners as well as outstanding athletes that can be difference makers in the passing game as well as the return game.

The Giants running game was one of the team’s big disappointments in the 2009 season, as New York didn’t have a 1000 yard rusher, and Brandon Jacobs yards per carry average dipped from 5.0 to 3.7 .  The team could also use a playmaker in the return game, and will very likely look to upgrade the running back position on draft day.

ELITE

1. C.J. Spiller — Clemson — 5’11, 196 lbs.

An amazing athlete, C.J. Spiller has the rare blend of physical tools and instincts to be one of the NFL’s most dynamic playmakers. He shows great vision, balance, and patience to make any play a big play. A threat to score from anywhere on the field – whether it be as a runner, receiver, or return man, Spiller has a combination of speed, explosiveness, and elusiveness to make defenders look foolish in the open field. Spiller isn’t just a speed back however, as he runs with impressive power and toughness for a back with his size and skill set. Not to mention his pro-bowl caliber return skills. One of the most impressive prospects in this draft.

VALUE – Top 10 pick

FIRST ROUND PROSPECTS

2. Jahvid Best — California — 5’10, 199 lbs.

Jahvid Best is not only a weapon out of the backfield with his elite speed, quickness, and instincts – but also one of the most dangerous return men in this draft class. Best shows top-notch vision and cut-back ability, and is a true homerun threat with the football in his hands. He shows the speed to turn the corner and beat NFL linebackers outside, as well as the agility and quick feet to make defenders miss in tight areas. There are some injury concerns here, but Best is one of the top offensive threats in the draft.

VALUE – Late 1st Round

SECOND-TIER

3. Ryan Mathews — Fresno St. — 6’0, 218 lbs.

A powerful back with a good combination of balance, vision, and patience, Mathews is a strong interior runner who has the skill set to be a workhorse in the NFL. He lacks great change of direction of ability and agility, but Mathews is an aggressive and decisive runner who has enough speed to break off the big run. His physical running and ability to run through tackles will be very attractive to teams looking for toughness on offense. Mathews biggest question mark is durability, as he’s dealt with several injuries throughout his college career.

VALUE – Early 2nd Round

4. Joe McKnight — USC — 5’11, 200 lbs.

Joe McKnight is a breathtaking athlete with the explosiveness and agility to provide big plays on a regular basis. McKnight is very dangerous in the open field, and his vision and patience allowed him to make some of the top athletes in college football look foolish when trying to contain him. McKnight is also a valuable pass-catching threat out of the backfield, with an impressive combination of hands, ball skills, and route-running ability. A lot of upside and game-changing ability here.

VALUE – Late 2nd Round

THIRD-TIER

5. Jonathan Dwyer — Georgia Tech — 5’11, 230 lbs.

A very powerful runner with the ability to rip through would-be tacklers and bruise defenders between the tackles, Jonathan Dwyer certainly has the ability to be a starter in the NFL. He shows decent speed for his size, and is a decisive runner who runs hard and finishes off his runs. Dwyer is raw in his pass-catching skills and blocking ability, and will need to work at becoming a more complete back at the next level.

VALUE – Early 3rd Round

6. Montario Hardesty — Tennessee — 6’0, 225 lbs.

Montario Hardesty is a very impressive all-around back with an excellent combination of athleticism, toughness, power, agility, and size. He shows good hands and body control and can contribute as a receiver out of the backfield. An extremely hard-worker and competitive, passionate football player – Hardesty is the type of young player NFL coaches love. The big question is his health – Hardesty missed the 2005 season due to an ACL injury, and dealt with lower leg and ankle injuries in his career.

VALUE – Early-Mid 3rd Round

BEST OF THE REST

7. Toby Gerhart — Stanford — 6’0, 231 lbs.

8. Ben Tate — Auburn — 5’11, 220 lbs.

9. James Starks — Buffalo — 6’2, 218 lbs.

10. Lonyae Miller — Fresno St. — 5’11, 221 lbs.

11. Anthony Dixon — Mississippi St. — 6’1, 233 lbs.

12. LeGarrette Blount — Oregon — 6’1, 241 lbs.

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