Draft Insiders' Digest Premier NFL Draft and Free Agency Publication
www.draftinsiders.com

Top Running Backs - Over 400 Online Scouting Reports Free for Full Subscribers

1. * Adrian Peterson
The good: Electrifying junior has the talent to become a top-flight NFL feature back. After suffering a broken collarbone midway in the 2006 season, he returned with a strong performance in the Sooners’ Fiesta Bowl loss to Boise State. An imposing back that has size, speed, quickness, power and change-of-direction skills. He has improved enough as a receiver to warrant a high complete grade. One of this draft’s elite prospects, if he proves to be durable as a pro. At the Combine, he ran super 4.41 and 4.4 times with no lifting, but had a 36.5-inch vertical leap.
The bad: His first two seasons, though outstanding, were also marred by injuries. His running style is too upright at times, which leaves him exposed to hits. He needs work as a blocker, especially his technique in sustaining blocks.
Outlook: Explosive playmaker with the rare speed and ability to be a game-to-game NFL feature back and an immediate difference-maker. Has produced in big-game situations since his freshman season. With a short college career and limited carries, his best football is ahead of him. One of the best natural runners over the past few decades and destined to be an annual Pro Bowl performer. Should be a top-three pick.

2 * Marshawn Lynch
The good: Completed another outstanding season in 2006 to cap a brilliant three-year career. He earned first-team All-Pac-10 honors and displayed the skills of an NFL feature back. Has the combination of size, speed, quickness and big-play ability that teams seek in a feature runner. As a receiver, he has shown good hands with nice overall development despite limited opportunities. During the 2006 season, he had 223 carries for 1,356 yards and 11 TDs. He added 34 receptions for 328 yards and four TDs. At the Combine, he ran a 4.46 with 20 reps in the lifting and a 35.5-inch vertical leap.
The bad: Must show durability as a pro and needs work on running routes, picking up blitzes and reading coverage.
Outlook: Has the talent to be a good feature back with minor development as a receiver and blocker. A back with the natural skills to warrant immediate playing time and perhaps start as a rookie. Fine cutback runner. On the short list of the Texans, Bills, Packers and Giants in the first round.

3. Lorenzo Booker
The good: A shifty scatback who was one of the better playmakers in the ACC. Has a quick burst through the hole with the speed to get to the second level and outrun defenders. He is a quality return specialist who may get opportunities in that role. Capable of being an immediate playmaker as a third-down back. As a senior, he rushed for 616 yards and four TDs on 143 carries. He also caught 33 passes for 420 yards. At the Combine, he ran a 4.46 and 4.5 with 26 reps and a 35.5-inch vertical leap.
The bad: Has only marginal strength to break tackles, and it’s uncertain if he has the power to pound inside as a pro feature back. As a blocker, he must show the toughness to contain linebackers.
Outlook: Explosive, versatile playmaker who never realized his full potential at FSU because of splitting playing time and nagging injuries. Has the skills to be a fine playmaker in a pro offense and a full-time starter if he answers the durability issues. Marginal top-50 prospect with the ability to be a major surprise early in his career. Should be picked in the second or early third round. Type that can be a 1A type like Reggie Bush was in New Orleans where he is not asked to carry 20+ times weekly. He can be a difference maker in that role.

4. * Antonio Pittman
The good: Has flashed big-time talent since his freshman season when he shared the starting job. He rushed for more than 1,300 yards as a sophomore. One of the more developed receivers at the position. Explosive through the line and gets to the second level with the ability to break and elude tackles. Over his short career, he totaled 22 rushing TDs and caught 37 passes. As a junior in ‘06, he rushed for 1,233 yards on 242 carries with 14 TDs and caught 14 passes for 127 yards. At the combine he ran 4.4 and 4.43 and had a 35.5-inch vertical with 16 reps in the lifting.
The bad: As a receiver he has shown sure hands, though he is not fully developed in that role. As a member of a talented offense, it is difficult to determine how effective he can be when he is the main focus of the defense.
Outlook: Pittman is a fine goal-line runner. His quickness and surprising power should warrant a key role in a pro offense. Has the talent to find a niche in the NFL as a top backup or marginal starter. Should be a second- or third-round pick. Packers and Bills like him in the middle of the first day.

5. * Chris Henry
The good: Athletic fourth-year junior surprisingly declared for the draft after a limited college career. In 2006 he carried 165 times for 581 yards with seven TDs while starting the final four games. He also caught 21 passes for 197 yards. Has superior speed for his size with the athletic talent coaches would like to work into an offense. At the combine, he ran impressive 4.4 and 4.41 times with 26 reps in the lifting and a 36-inch vertical. His fine overall workout will have NFL scouts scurrying to Tucson to view tape of his games.
The bad: Though he has top speed, it is mostly straight-line speed with little wiggle to make defenders miss. Despite his combine performance, he lacks production and experience.
Outlook: His Combine performance will warrant a second-day draft selection, but he is only a marginal top 150 prospect. He figures to win a backup role early in his career. Will need to show more development in all aspects of play and prove he can handle a full-time role.

6. DeShawn Wynn
The good: Has been a vital contributor to the Gators’ pro-style offense. The powerfully built runner has a strong lower body that allows him to break tackles. He is quick enough to bounce runs outside. Wynn has the talent to be a fine NFL performer and possibly more than a situational runner. Needs some development as a receiver, but he was productive when asked to perform in that role. As a senior, he carried 124 times for 630 yards and five TDs. Had only six receptions for 58 yards.
The bad: Has struggled with minor injuries that have limited his production. Though he has flashed big-time ability, NFL scouts wanted to see more fire and competitiveness over his career.
Outlook: Big, athletic back with definite upside. His best football may be ahead of him. A few clubs will project him as a marginal starter with key improvement. Has the running skills to surprise, though he lacks the breakaway speed to be a big-play threat. Probable surprise top-100 selection based on a strong performance at the Combine.

Over 400 Online Scouting Reports Free for Full Subscribers