Best RB Class Ever? :: Rivals.com looks at the Draft’s best at every position.
Rivals.com posted their position rankings this week and we encourage you to go check them out because they have some pretty good in-sight on every position and they break down every class, I was taking a look myself and I would have to say RB and CB are the strongest class of 2008 and particularly the Running Back position. Jonathan Stewart looks to be my favorite followed up by Mendenhall I think these 2 will be franchise backs in the league in the next year or so, personally when its all said and done this might be the deepest RB class ever, so many late round sleepers too. Heres a clip from the RB breakdown on Rivals.com below.
POSITION
GRADEA
This class should produce as many as 10-12 quality feature backs, with a few at the top of the class capable of becoming special pro runners. There will be at least three No. 1 picks in April with McFadden, Mendenhall and Stewart probably going in the top 20 selections. Others runners with top-50 grades are Felix Jones, Steve Slaton and Kevin Smith. Junior running backs Jamaal Charles and Ray Rice will warrant top-100 selections. Seniors Chris Johnson, Mike Hart and Allen Patrick could figure into that group if they impress at the NFL Combine in February.
2008 Rivals.com NFL Draft Running Back Rankings1. Darren McFadden, 6-1, 217, Arkansas
This fast junior running back has the all-around skills to be an impact player early is his professional career.2. Rashard Mendenhall, 5-11, 225, Illinois
Mendenhall is a rugged back who completed an outstanding 2007 season. He will be a workhorse in the NFL.3. Jonathan Stewart, 5-10, 230, Oregon
This underclassman has the size to be a powerful inside runner and the speed to break the big play.4. Felix Jones, 5-11, 200, Arkansas
This fast all-purpose performer looks to wow scouts in workouts. A good 40-yard dash time could guarantee him a first-round grade.5. Steve Slaton, 5-9, 195, West Virginia
This fast all-purpose back is an explosive performer who needs to prove durable as a pro.6. Kevin Smith, 6-0, 210, Central Florida
Smith is a natural runner who has received a ton of carries at the college level. He has good skills and ranks among the top backs.7. Chris Johnson, 5-11, 195, East Carolina
Johnson is a very fast back who has displayed big-play ability as a runner, receiver and return specialist.8. Jamaal Charles, 6-0, 200, Texas
Charles is a tough, slashing-type runner with the ability to run inside and make the big play. He had a big finish to the 2007 season.9. Ray Rice, 5-9, 200, Rutgers
Rice is a quick, compact runner with good natural skills. He is another fine addition to this very strong running back class.10. Mike Hart, 5-9, 205, Michigan
This compact tailback has been a consistently productive runner at a high level, but he must dispel some injury concerns.Rivals.com | The Rest Of The 2008 Running Back Class
MORE POSITION RANKINGS FROM RIVALS.COM: QB | RB | WR | TE | FB | OT | OG | C
