Spring Break
Georgia's Moreno draws comparisons to Barry Sanders
Sean Labar
Issue date: 4/9/09 Section: Sports
|
5. Shonn Greene - Iowa
Greene is the opposite of Pittsburgh's LeSean McCoy because he has the ability to run between tackles but lacks the speed of a top caliber NFL back. He will be most successful if he is placed in an I-form system where a lead blocker will carve holes for him to barge through. He is a little bit like the New York Giants' Brandon Jacobs -- but not as fast. Greene will go somewhere in the early second round and has a chance to become a major factor if used correctly.
4. LeSean McCoy - Pittsburgh
McCoy is similar to Reggie Bush in that he is a speedy guy that is tough to tackle, but when it comes to getting through the small gaps, he may struggle in the pros. I still think McCoy has the ability to become an explosive player for an NFL franchise, especially with a little bit of guidance. I think he will be put into a two-system back offense to begin with and will have to prove himself in order to work his way up to the No. 1 running back for an NFL team. I see him going somewhere in the early second round.
3. Chris "Beanie" Wells - Ohio State
This man is a bulldozer with the speed of a gazelle. Wells struggled with injuries during his time with Ohio State, but I feel like he will remain durable throughout his NFL career. He has been compared to greats like Jim Brown and John Riggins due to his ability to run defenders over and put points on the scoreboard. At 6-foot-1 and 237 pounds, Wells runs the 40-yard dash around a 4.4, making him an extremely unique player. I like him going late in the first round to a team like the Arizona Cardinals with the 31st overall pick. Could he be the key they needed to win the ring? We'll see.
2. Donald Brown - Connecticut
He was the nation's leading rusher in 2009 and will be the second running back selected in the draft. Brown dominated the Big East as a Husky, rushing for 2,018 yards and finding the end zone 18 times. He has great versatility and vision but lacks the body and toughness of a power back. Standing 5-foot-10 and weighing 210 pounds, Brown is quick and elusive. If the Eagles wait, I see Brown as a dominant force in the NFC East in 2009.
1. Knowshon Moreno - Georgia
This guy is special and though I think this year's tailback draft class is a little bit weak, Knowshon Moreno is a true exception. The former Bulldog possesses great speed and agility and isn't a stranger to the end zone. During his two-year starting tenure at Georgia, Moreno rushed for nearly 3,000 yards and 30 touchdowns. He has drawn comparisons to the great Barry Sanders because of his lateral quickness. I like Moreno to immediately become a game changer in the NFL. He has the ability to carry a team into a possible playoff run and I don't doubt that he will. Look for Moreno to go to a team like the Houston Texans with the 15th pick in the draft. I also wouldn't count out teams like the Philadelphia Eagles or New England Patriots, who are in need of a playmaker in the offensive backfield, to trade up for Moreno.
This writer can be contacted at sports@theeastcarolinian.com.
Be the first to comment on this story