2011 NFL Draft: Running Back Rankings

The top 2011 running back prospects available for the 2011 NFL Draft in the order in which I believe they will be drafted.

Combine 40 Times: As I explained on Twitter (@walterfootball), the official Combine 40 times are incorrect, and they’ve been proven false via the NFL Network’s simul-cam.

For the 40 times, I use the NFL Network’s unofficial times, which are more accurate. NFL teams use their own timed 40s anyway, so the official 40s are meaningless.

This page was last updated April 15, 2011.

1. Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama – Scouting Report
   Height: 5-9. Weight: 215.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.44.
   Combine 40 Time: 4.58.
   Pro Day 40 Time: 4.53.
   Benchx225: . Vertical: 31.5. Broad: 9-10.
   Projected Round (2011): 1-2.
   3/10/11: Mark Ingram improved upon his 40 time at his Pro Day, running a 4.53.
   
   2/28/11: Mark Ingram’s 40 time wasn’t impressive (4.58), but he had the best 10-yard split of all the running backs, which is far more important. It would be shocking if Ingram made it past the Dolphins at No. 15.
   
   2/20/11: Mel Kiper called Mark Ingram the “next Emmitt Smith.” Despite their offensive line issues, the Dolphins can’t afford to pass on the next grammar-debacler at No. 15.
   
   10/1/10: Ingram recovered from a knee injury missing his first two games, but he has dominated and returned to Heisman form. He is averaging 9.3 yards per carry on 308 yards total in his last two games against Duke and Arkansas. Ingram isn’t the fastest back in the 2011 NFL Draft, but he has amazing balance, power, vision and terrific instincts. He will be the first back off the board.
   
   3/29/10: The 2009 Heisman Trophy winner, Mark Ingram rushed for 1,658 yards and 17 touchdowns on a 6.1 YPC. He also caught 32 passes for 334 more yards. He’s a legit top-10 prospect.
   
   
2. Mikel Leshoure, RB, Illinois – Scouting Report
   Height: 6-0. Weight: 232.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.51.
   Combine 40 Time: 4.56.
   Pro Day 40 Time: DNP.
   Benchx225: . Vertical: 38. Broad: 10-2.
   Projected Round (2011): 1-2.
   3/17/11: Mikel Leshoure didn’t run or jump at his Pro Day. He weighed in at 232 (227 at the Combine). He looked good catching passes in the drills.
   
   2/20/11: Mikel Leshoure is a borderline first-round prospect. The comparisons to Rashard Mendenhall aren’t very fair, but Leshoure is talented nonetheless.
   
   10/1/10: (Note: name pronounced muh-KEL luh-SHORE) Ladies and gentlement, this is the breakout running back for the 2011 NFL Draft class. Leshoure is 6-1, 230 with amazing power and speed. He obliterated Missouri for 20 carries and 112 yards. He is averaging 6.9 yards per carry and has 398 rushing yards, three touchdowns total as well as ranking No. 6 in the nation in rushing yards per game. Leshoure has been praised this offseason for his improved work ethic, diet and maturity. The sky is the limit for this talented back from Champaign, Ill.
   
   
   
   
3. Ryan Williams, RB, Virginia Tech – Scouting Report
   Height: 5-9. Weight: 211.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.43.
   Combine 40 Time: 4.55.
   Pro Day 40 Time: 4.45.
   Benchx225: 19. Vertical: 40. Broad: 10-3.
   Projected Round (2011): 2.
   3/18/11: Ryan Williams put on some weight for the Combine and did not run as fast as he wanted to. That changed during his Pro Day, as he dropped a tenth off his 40 time.
   
   2/28/11: Ryan Williams had a 40-inch vertical, but that wasn’t his highlight at the Combine. Williams made a jaw-dropping cut during one of the drills that prompted Mike Mayock to exclaim, “That’s why he’s my No. 2 running back!”
   
   2/20/11: It’s a tight race between Mikel Leshoure and Ryan Williams to be the No. 2 running back. The Sun Tan Man is a huge fan of Williams.
   
   10/1/10: Williams got no help from his offensive line against Boise State, but he showed great power, burst, athleticism and competitiveness. He runs with authority and really attacks the line of scrimmage. Unfortunately, Williams suffered a hamstring injury against East Carolina and is questionable this weekend against N.C. State.
   
   3/29/10: Darren Evans’ injury opened the door for Ryan Williams, who rushed for 1,655 yards and 21 scores on a 5.7 YPC last year. He also grabbed 16 balls for 180 more yards. Williams was a redshirt sophomore, so he’ll be eligible for the 2011 NFL Draft.
   
   
4. Taiwan Jones, RB, Eastern Washington
   Height: 6-0. Weight: 194.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.48.
   Combine 40 Time: DNP.
   Pro Day 40 Time: 4.29.
   Benchx225: . Vertical: 39.5. Broad: 11-0.
   Projected Round (2011): 2-3.
   4/15/11: Taiwan Jones had a breath-taking Pro Day. He ran a 4.29 40, and notched a vertical of 39.5 and a broad jump of 11 feet. He also caught the ball well in the drills. Some giddy team will probably take him in the second round. It’ll be a major surprise if he falls to Day 3.
   
   
5. Daniel Thomas, RB, Kansas State
   Height: 6-0. Weight: 228.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.60.
   Combine 40 Time: DNP.
   Pro Day 40 Time: 4.60.
   Benchx225: . Vertical: . Broad: .
   Projected Round (2011): 2-3.
   4/6/11: Daniel Thomas disappointed onlookers at his personal Pro Day, as he strained his quad after running the 40 once. Thomas clocked in at 4.60.
   
   10/1/10: Thomas has really improved since last season and reportedly has shown better running instincts, power, and confidence. He has 628 rushing yards and six touchdowns thus far including a 234-yard performance against UCLA. Our concern here with Thomas is his highly upright running style, which will expose his legs to tacklers.
   
   3/29/10: Daniel Thomas rushed for 1,265 yards and 11 touchdowns on a 5.1 YPC. He also caught 25 balls for 257 more yards. If he can run a fast 40, he may break into the first round.
   
   
6. Kendall Hunter, RB, Oklahoma State
   Height: 5-7. Weight: 200.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.42.
   Combine 40 Time: 4.47.
   Pro Day 40 Time: 4.52.
   Benchx225: 24. Vertical: 35. Broad: 10-2.
   Projected Round (2011): 2-3.
   3/10/11: Kendall Hunter looked good at his Pro Day workout, but may have hurt himself with a 4.52 40.
   
   10/1/10: Hunter has been dominant statistically and looks like he is running with a lower centery of gravity and doing a better job of breaking tackles. He has averaged 7.9 yards per carry and has 473 rushing yards through three games.
   
   3/29/10: Kendall Hunter finished an unspectacular year with only 382 rushing yards (4.3 YPC) and 11 catches.
   
   
   
   
7. DeMarco Murray, RB, Oklahoma – Scouting Report
   Height: 6-0. Weight: 213.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.44.
   Combine 40 Time: 4.38.
   Pro Day 40 Time: .
   Benchx225: . Vertical: 34.5. Broad: 10-4.
   Projected Round (2011): 3-4.
   2/20/11: DeMarco Murray is a talented, but injury-prone running back who runs high. That’s not a good combination.
   
   10/1/10: Murray looks like a solid third-down back in the league, but he doesn’t profile as a No. 1 back because he lacks the interior running instincts and generally shies from contact. Murray has very good speed and can catch the football with ease. He is averaging 4.2 yards per carry and has 16 receptions for 111 yards through four games.
   
   3/29/10: Finished his junior campaign with 680 rushing yards, 41 receptions and 522 receiving yards.
   
   10/10/09: DeMarco Murray has played well coming off his injury, gaining 5.4 YPC in four games. He also has eight receptions.
   
   1/3/09: DeMarco Murray needs surgery on his hamstring, and will miss the final winter practice game of the year. That should pretty much mean that he’s coming back for his junior campaign.
   
   
8. Shane Vereen, RB, California
   Height: 5-10. Weight: 210.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.47.
   Combine 40 Time: 4.47.
   Pro Day 40 Time: .
   Benchx225: 31. Vertical: 34. Broad: .
   Projected Round (2011): 3-4.
   10/1/10: Vereen was our No. 3 back entering the 2010 season and has lived up to the hype. Through four games he has 426 yards and six touchdowns including a 198-yard performance against Nevada. Vereen has athleticism and vision, and is elusive in the open field. He’s simply too talented to fall past the second round at this point.
   
   7/22/10: Shane Vereen did a great job replacing an injured Jahvid Best; he rushed for 952 yards and 12 touchdowns on a 5.2 YPC. He also caught 25 passes for 244 receiving yards.
   
   
9. Jordan Todman, RB, Connecticut
   Height: 5-9. Weight: 203.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.45.
   Combine 40 Time: 4.44.
   Pro Day 40 Time: DNP.
   Benchx225: 25. Vertical: 38. Broad: 10-6.
   Projected Round (2011): 3-4.
   3/24/11: Jordan Todman didn’t run the 40 at his Pro Day; he just worked out in the drills. He displayed his receiving abilities in front of 25 teams.
   
   7/26/10: Jordan Todman impressively replaced Donald Brown last year, rushing for 1,188 yards and 14 touchdowns on a 5.1 YPC. He also had 21 receptions for 185 more yards, meaning he’s a potential third-down back in the pros.
   
   
10. Jacquizz Rodgers, RB, Oregon State
    Height: 5-7. Weight: 196.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.45.
    Combine 40 Time: 4.64.
    Pro Day 40 Time: 4.47.
    Benchx225: . Vertical: 33. Broad: .
    Projected Round (2011): 3-4.
    3/12/11: Jacquizz Rodgers really needed a good 40 after struggling with a 4.64 at the Combine. Rodgers had a 4.47. He also mysteriously measured in an inch taller. There’s a big disparity between the two 40s, but the 4.47 seems more accurate.
    
    10/1/10: Rodgers has speed, but he can’t carry the load at the next level.
    
    3/29/10: Can Quizz Rodgers handle the load at just 191 pounds? Look at these numbers, and you tell me: 273 carries, 1,440 yards. 78 catches, 522 rec. yards, 22 touchdowns. Insanity sauce.
    
    
11. Delone Carter, RB, Syracuse
    Height: 5-9. Weight: 222.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.50.
    Combine 40 Time: 4.53.
    Pro Day 40 Time: 4.50.
    Benchx225: 27. Vertical: 37. Broad: 10-0.
    Projected Round (2011): 3-5.
    3/30/11: Delone Carter had a slight improvement in his 40 at Syracuse’s Pro Day, but stood on everything else. The consensus is that Carter is a fourth-round prospect.
    
    2/28/11: Delone Carter ran a 4.53 40 and notched a 37-inch vertical at the Combine. Not bad for a 5-9, 222-pound back. Carter, who has the same build as Maurice Jones-Drew, has a shot of being a Day 2 pick.
    
    3/29/10: Gained 1,021 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns in addition to 11 receptions in 2009.
    
    
12. Dion Lewis, RB, Pittsburgh
    Height: 5-7. Weight: 192.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.48.
    Combine 40 Time: 4.57.
    Pro Day 40 Time: 4.49.
    Benchx225: . Vertical: 34.5. Broad: .
    Projected Round (2011): 3-5.
    3/17/11: Dion Lewis did not have a good Combine, but redeemed himself with a great Pro Day. He ran a 4.49 and looked really good in the drills. His change of direction and footwork really impressed.
    
    7/26/10: Think Dion Lewis did an OK job replacing LeSean McCoy? Lewis tallied 1,799 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns on a 5.5 average, and also grabbed 25 balls for 189 receiving yards. He may seem light at 195, but remember that he’s only 5-8, so that would translate to someone who’s 5-11, 205 or so.
    
    
13. Derrick Locke, RB, Kentucky
    Height: 5-8. Weight: 188.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.40.
    Combine 40 Time: 4.46.
    Pro Day 40 Time: DNP.
    Benchx225: . Vertical: 37.5. Broad: 9-10.
    Projected Round (2011): 4-6.
    3/21/11: Derrick Locke stood on his Combine numbers at his Pro Day. He worked out privately with the Bengals and Jets.
    
    1/30/11: We all knew Derrick Locke was fast, but he showed off his lateral quickness and great vision in the Senior Bowl. If teams aren’t concerned about his durability, Locke could sneak into Round 3. There’s some Darren Sproles potential.
    
    10/1/10: Locke lacks size, but he runs with authority and has tremendous speed. He has strung togther four straight 100-yard rushing games. Locke is No. 8 in the nation in total rushing yards. A big Senior Bowl could propel this back into the third round for a team looking for a speedy backup.
    
    3/29/10: Despite being hampered by sore knees toward the end of the season, Derrick Locke rushed for 908 yards (4.6 YPC) and caught 31 balls in 2009. He’ll be a third-down back/kick returner (he averaged 27 yards on kickoff returns.)
    
    
14. Johnny White, RB, North Carolina
    Height: 5-10. Weight: 210.
    Projected 40 Time: N/A.
    Combine 40 Time: 4.53.
    Pro Day 40 Time: 4.53.
    Benchx225: . Vertical: 32.5. Broad: 9-8.
    Projected Round (2011): 4-6.
    
    
    
15. Roy Helu, RB, Nebraska
    Height: 6-0. Weight: 220.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.54.
    Combine 40 Time: 4.42.
    Pro Day 40 Time: DNP.
    Benchx225: . Vertical: 36.5. Broad: 9-11.
    Projected Round (2011): 4-6.
    3/11/11: Roy Helu had an outstanding Combine, so he didn’t run the 40 or anything at his Pro Day. He weighed in a pound heavier.
    
    3/29/10: Roy “You Say” Helu had a great junior campaign, running for 1,147 yards and 10 touchdowns on a 5.2 YPC. He caught 19 passes for 149 more yards.
    
    
16. Jamie Harper, RB, Clemson
    Height: 5-11. Weight: 233.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.53.
    Combine 40 Time: 4.58.
    Pro Day 40 Time: .
    Benchx225: 24. Vertical: 36.5. Broad: 10-0.
    Projected Round (2011): 4-6.
    7/26/10: Jamie Harper had just 80 carries last year behind C.J. Spiller, running for 418 yards and four touchdowns on a 5.2 YPC. However, he also caught 11 balls for 49 receiving yards, showing that he could be a three-down back in the NFL.
    
    
    
    
17. Bilal Powell, RB, Louisville
    Height: 5-10. Weight: 207.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.50.
    Combine 40 Time: DNP.
    Pro Day 40 Time: 4.54.
    Benchx225: . Vertical: . Broad: .
    Projected Round (2011): 5-7.
    3/13/11: Bilal Powell suffered a hamstring injury at his Pro Day, which is exactly what occurred at the Combine. There might be some concern here now.
    
    1/30/11: Bilal Powell rushed for 50 yards on just 10 carries in the Senior Bowl, running with great power and decent speed.
    
    7/26/10: Jamie Harper had just 80 carries last year behind C.J. Spiller, running for 418 yards and four touchdowns on a 5.2 YPC. However, he also caught 11 balls for 49 receiving yards, showing that he could be a three-down back in the NFL.
    
    
18. Alex Green, RB, Hawaii
    Height: 6-0. Weight: 225.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.60.
    Combine 40 Time: 4.52.
    Pro Day 40 Time: DNP.
    Benchx225: . Vertical: 34. Broad: .
    Projected Round (2011): 5-7.
    4/3/11: Alex Green stood on his Combine numbers at his Pro Day. He looked terrific in the drills, however. He has private workouts with the Eagles, Rams and Titans coming up.
    
    2/20/11: Alex Green is a big back, but he can contribute as a third-down specialist; he caught 27 balls for 363 yards for Hawaii in 2010.
    
    
19. Noel Devine, RB, West Virginia
    Height: 5-8. Weight: 179.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.36.
    Combine 40 Time: DNP.
    Pro Day 40 Time: 4.26.
    Benchx225: 24. Vertical: 35.5. Broad: .
    Projected Round (2011): 5-7.
    3/28/11: Noel Devine didn’t run or work out at the Combine, but he was able to blaze a 4.26 40 at West Virginia’s Pro Day.
    
    1/25/11: When they show those Christian Children’s Fund commercials with the weird old creeper, is Noel Devine one of the kids? Why is he only 160 pounds? Can someone please drive him to a McDonald’s? His 8-and-a-half inch hands aren’t helping him either.
    
    10/1/10: Devine suffered a bruised toe against LSU and was limited later in that game. In his first three games, Devine accumulated 73 carries for 354 rushing yards and 80 receiving yards. He is an electric player in the open field and it is inevitable he will draw comparisons to Dexter McCluster.
    
    11/7/09: Someone will draft Noel Devine in Rounds 2-3 if he runs a fast 40. He’s averaging 6.2 YPC and 8.2 yards per reception this year. He’ll be seen as a Darren Sproles-type player.
    
    
20. Stevan Ridley, RB, LSU
    Height: 5-11. Weight: 230.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.60.
    Combine 40 Time: 4.67.
    Pro Day 40 Time: 4.66.
    Benchx225: 21. Vertical: 36. Broad: 9-10.
    Projected Round (2011): 5-7.
    3/15/11: Steven Ridley put on five pounds since the Combine. The draft advisory committee told him he’d be drafted in Rounds 2-3, but that doesn’t look like it’s going to happen.
    
    1/24/11: Stevan Ridley is a power back who doesn’t offer much in the passing game.
    
    
21. Mario Fannin, RB, Auburn
    Height: 5-10. Weight: 231.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.55.
    Combine 40 Time: 4.37.
    Pro Day 40 Time: .
    Benchx225: . Vertical: 37.5. Broad: .
    Projected Round (2011): 5-7.
    2/28/11: Mario Fannin was the third-string running back at Auburn, but opened up some eyes at the Combine. He ran a 4.37 40 and notched a 37.5-inch vertical at 5-10, 231 pounds. Fannin is not a good runner, but he has proven that he can excel at catching the ball out of the backfield. He could become a solid third-down back in the NFL.
    
    3/29/10: Mario Fannin rushed the ball only 34 times in 2009. The intrigue is his ability in the passing game; he caught 42 balls for 413 yards.
    
    
22. Evan Royster, RB, Penn State
    Height: 6-0. Weight: 213.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.49.
    Combine 40 Time: 4.61.
    Pro Day 40 Time: 4.54.
    Benchx225: . Vertical: 34. Broad: .
    Projected Round (2011): 5-7.
    3/17/11: After a sluggish Combine in which he pulled his hamstring, Evan Royster had a solid Pro Day. He ran a 4.54 and looked good overall.
    
    10/1/10: Going into the season, Royster was definitely one of the more overrated backs. He isn’t particularly fast, he runs with a high pad level, and his legs seem to go dead on contact. Royster bounced back with a 187-rushing yard performance against Temple, but he needs to be more consistent and competitive.
    
    3/29/10: Evan Royster rushed for 1,169 yards and six scores on a 5.7 YPC. He also caught 16 passes for 187 more yards.
    
    
23. Darren Evans, RB, Virginia Tech
    Height: 6-0. Weight: 227.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.52.
    Combine 40 Time: 4.56.
    Pro Day 40 Time: .
    Benchx225: 26. Vertical: 35. Broad: .
    Projected Round (2011): 6-FA.
    3/29/10: Tore his ACL in September.
    
    8/6/09: Took over as Virginia Tech’s starting running back as a true freshman a few games into the 2008 campaign. Darren Evans finished with 1,265 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns. He also caught 17 passes.
    
    
24. Da’Rel Scott, RB, Maryland
    Height: 5-11. Weight: 211.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.39.
    Combine 40 Time: 4.35.
    Pro Day 40 Time: DNP.
    Benchx225: . Vertical: 34. Broad: 9-9.
    Projected Round (2011): 6-FA.
    3/17/11: After an awesome Combine 40 time of 4.35, Da’Rel Scott opted to stand on his numbers at his Pro Day.
    
    3/29/10: Missed time with a wrist injury. Playing in only seven games, Da’Rel Scott rushed for 425 yards on a 5.0 YPC. He also had 12 catches for 101 more yards.
    
    8/6/09: Another Maryland player with blazing speed, Da’Rel Scott rushed for 1,133 yards and eight touchdowns in 2008. He also chipped in with 21 receptions. Scott handled kickoff return duties as a freshman, but didn’t score any touchdowns. Dropping his stock a bit, Scott was suspended for a game last year.
    
    
25. Nic Grigsby, RB, Arizona
    Height: 5-11. Weight: 199.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.50.
    Combine 40 Time: DNP.
    Pro Day 40 Time: 4.38.
    Benchx225: 21. Vertical: 43.5. Broad: 11-0.
    Projected Round (2011): 6-FA.
    3/13/11: Nic Grigsby had a breath-taking Pro Day. He ran a 4.38, and notched a vertical of 43.5 inches and a broad jump of 11 feet. Grigsby caught 25 passes last year, so he projects as an intriguing third-down back.
    
    3/29/10: Saw a drop in production last season; had just 79 carries for 567 yards (7.2 YPC) and 13 receptions.
    
    8/6/09: Nic Grigsby rushed for 1,153 yards and 13 touchdowns on a 5.4 YPC in 2008. He also caught 12 passes. Unfortunately, his 40 time will hurt his draft stock considering how small his frame is.
    
    
26. Anthony Allen, RB, Georgia Tech
    Height: 6-1. Weight: 222.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.63.
    Combine 40 Time: 4.54.
    Pro Day 40 Time: 4.59.
    Benchx225: 24. Vertical: 41.5. Broad: 10-0.
    Projected Round (2011): 6-FA.
    3/13/11: Anthony Allen worked out with the Rams at his Pro Day, but failed to improve upon his Combine 40 time.
    
    3/29/10: Backing up Jonathan Dwyer, Anthony Allen rushed for 618 yards on a sterling 9.7 YPC. The problem is that Georgia Tech’s goofy offense doesn’t even come close to translating to an NFL-style attack.
    
    
27. John Clay, RB, Wisconsin
    Height: 6-1. Weight: 230.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.64.
    Combine 40 Time: 4.77.
    Pro Day 40 Time: 4.72.
    Benchx225: . Vertical: 29. Broad: .
    Projected Round (2012): 6-FA.
    2/28/11: John Clay slimmed down to 230 pounds, but didn’t look any faster. Clay ran a 4.77 40 and didn’t cut very quickly in the drills. He could be an undrafted free agent.
    
    7/26/10: Yet another powerful Wisconsin back, John Clay rushed for 1,517 yards and 18 touchdowns on a 5.3 YPC. Teams might be concerned about his 40 time. At the very worst, he’ll be a great goal-line back.
    
    
28. Allen Bradford, RB, USC
    Height: 5-11. Weight: 242.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.60.
    Combine 40 Time: 4.56.
    Pro Day 40 Time: 4.54.
    Benchx225: 28. Vertical: 29. Broad: .
    Projected Round (2011): 6-FA.
    3/29/10: Allen Bradford turned 115 carries into 668 yards (5.8 YPC). He has only 11 career receptions.
    
    
29. Andre Harris, RB, Northern Colorado
    Height: 6-0. Weight: 223.
    Projected 40 Time: N/A.
    Combine 40 Time: DNP.
    Pro Day 40 Time: 4.50.
    Benchx225: 23. Vertical: 36. Broad: 9-11.
    Projected Round (2011): 7-FA.
    3/29/11: Andre Harris is an intriguing prospect out of Northern Colorado. He rushed for 711 yards and 10 touchdowns in 10 games last year, including 14-63 at Michigan State. He caught 13 balls on the season. At Northern Colorado’s Pro Day, Harris had a 4.50 40, including a solid 1.55 10-yard split.
    
    
30. Vai Taua, RB, Nevada
    Height: 5-10. Weight: 213.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.62.
    Combine 40 Time: 4.62.
    Pro Day 40 Time: 4.69.
    Benchx225: 24. Vertical: 34.5. Broad: .
    Projected Round (2011): 7-FA.
    3/23/11: Vai Taua posted 24 bench press reps at his Pro Day. I wasn’t able to get his 40 time.
    
    3/29/10: Rushed for an impressive 1,345 yards on a 7.8 YPC. Also caught 12 passes.
    
    
31. Graig Cooper, RB, Miami
    Height: 5-10. Weight: 205.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.42.
    Combine 40 Time: 4.63.
    Pro Day 40 Time: 4.66.
    Benchx225: . Vertical: 32.5. Broad: .
    Projected Round (2011): 7-FA.
    3/29/10: Bad news: Graig Cooper partially tore his ACL in Miami’s postseason practice game. There’s a chance he could be ready for the 2010 season opener. During the year, Cooper had 695 rushing yards on a 5.2 YPC and 18 receptions for 132 more yards.
    
    8/6/09: As a sophomore, Graig Cooper rushed for 841 yards and four scores on a 4.9 YPC. He also registered 29 catches for 113 receiving yards. Additionally, Cooper took a punt return to the house in 2008.
    
    
32. Armando Allen Jr., RB, Notre Dame
    Height: 5-8. Weight: 201.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.50.
    Combine 40 Time: DNP.
    Pro Day 40 Time: 4.60.
    Benchx225: 23. Vertical: 10-0. Broad: .
    Projected Round (2011): 7-FA.
    10/1/10: Allen is averaging 5.0 yards per carry this year and seems to have improved his burst through the hole and power.
    
    3/29/10: Bothered by an ankle injury all year, Armando Allen rushed for 697 yards on a 4.9 YPC. He also caught 28 passes. He didn’t do any work on special teams.
    
    
33. Brandon Saine, RB, Ohio State
    Height: 5-11. Weight: 220.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.40.
    Combine 40 Time: 4.44.
    Pro Day 40 Time: 4.40.
    Benchx225: . Vertical: 34.5. Broad: .
    Projected Round (2011): 7-FA.
    3/17/11: Brandon Saine once again ran a great 40, notching a 4.40 at his Pro Day. His 10-yard split of 1.53 was very good.
    
    3/29/10: Brandon Saine rushed for 739 yards (5.1 YPC) and caught 17 passes for 224 more yards in his first year without Chris Wells on the roster.
    
    
34. Damien Berry, RB, Miami
    Height: 5-10. Weight: 206.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.40.
    Combine 40 Time: 4.59.
    Pro Day 40 Time: 4.45.
    Benchx225: 23. Vertical: 33.5. Broad: 10-0.
    Projected Round (2011): 7-FA.
    3/27/11: Damien Berry shed five pounds since the Combine. That helped improve his 40 time, as he dropped down to a 4.45. For a running back who was benched late in the year, every little bit helps.
    
    2/28/11: Fumbling issues resulted in a late-season benching.
    
    
35. Baron Batch, RB, Texas Tech
    Height: 5-10. Weight: 207.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.45.
    Combine 40 Time: DNP.
    Pro Day 40 Time: 4.50.
    Benchx225: 24. Vertical: 39. Broad: 10-6.
    Projected Round (2011): 7-FA.
    3/29/10: Baron Batch rushed for 884 yards on a 5.3 YPC. What’s more impressive is that he caught 57 passes for 395 more yards in 2009.
    
    
36. Matthew Asiata, RB, Utah
    Height: 5-11. Weight: 229.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.75.
    Combine 40 Time: 4.77.
    Pro Day 40 Time: DNP.
    Benchx225: 22. Vertical: 30. Broad: 10-6.
    Projected Round (2011): 7-FA.
    
    
    
37. Shaun Draughn, RB, North Carolina
    Height: 5-11. Weight: 213.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.55.
    Combine 40 Time: 4.75.
    Pro Day 40 Time: .
    Benchx225: . Vertical: 34. Broad: 9-10.
    Projected Round (2011): 7-FA.
    3/29/10: Before missing the final month of the season with a shoulder injury, Shaun Draughn rushed for 567 yards (4.6 YPC) and caught 21 balls for 125 yards.
    
    8/6/09: In his first year as a running back on the Tar Heels, Shaun Draughn rushed for 866 yards on a 4.4 YPC. He also caught 16 balls.
    
    
38. Josh Nesbitt, RB/CatQB, Georgia Tech
    Height: 6-1. Weight: 212.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.54.
    Combine 40 Time: DNP.
    Pro Day 40 Time: 4.59.
    Benchx225: 19. Vertical: 34.5. Broad: 10-0.
    Projected Round (2011): 7-FA.
    3/29/10: Georgia Tech quarterback Josh Nesbitt will be a running back in the NFL. He rushed for 1,037 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2009.
    
    
39. Jay Finley, RB, Baylor
    Height: 5-11. Weight: 203.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.55.
    Combine 40 Time: DNP.
    Pro Day 40 Time: 4.53.
    Benchx225: 14. Vertical: 39.5. Broad: 11.
    Projected Round (2011): 7-FA.
    3/5/11: Jay Finley isn’t a threat as a pass-catcher, but he had 1,218 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns on an impressive 6.3 YPC in 2010.
    
    
40. Donald Buckram, RB, UTEP
    Height: 5-10. Weight: 195.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.51.
    Combine 40 Time: .
    Pro Day 40 Time: .
    Benchx225: . Vertical: . Broad: .
    Projected Round (2011): 7-FA.
    3/29/10: Gotta love these numbers: 1,594 rushing yards (6.2 YPC), 21 touchdowns, 30 catches. Unfortunately, it’s hard to take anything in UTEP’s offense seriously.
    
    
41. Emmanuel Moody, RB, Florida
    Height: 5-11. Weight: 206.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.44.
    Combine 40 Time: .
    Pro Day 40 Time: .
    Benchx225: . Vertical: . Broad: .
    Projected Round (2011): 7-FA.
    3/29/10: For the second consecutive year, Emmanuel Moody carried the ball only 58 times, this time compiling 378 yards (6.5 YPC).
    
    2/6/09: Emmanuel Moody carried the ball just 58 times, but managed 417 yards (7.2 YPC) and a touchdown in 2008.
    
    7/25/08: Emmanuel Moody had to transfer out of USC because of the crazy number of running backs on that roster. Moody showed a lot of promise as a freshman in 2006, rushing for 459 yards on a 5.8 clip.
    
    
42. C.J. Gable, RB, USC
    Height: 6-1. Weight: 202.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.52.
    Combine 40 Time: DNP.
    Pro Day 40 Time: 4.59.
    Benchx225: 22. Vertical: . Broad: .
    Projected Round (2011): 7-FA.
    2/6/09: C.J. Gable rushed for 617 yards and eight touchdowns as a junior. Like the rest of the USC backfield, Gable didn’t get many opportunities. He did, however, return a kickoff for a touchdown.
    
    5/21/08: C.J. Gable missed most of the 2007 season with a groin injury.
    
    2007: C.J. Gable finished third on the Trojans in rushing, but he picked it up at the end of his freshman year, garnering 91 yards against California, 107 versus Notre Dame and 52 at UCLA.
    
    
43. Gino Gordon, RB, Harvard
    Height: 5-9. Weight: 193.
    Projected 40 Time: N/A.
    Combine 40 Time: DNP.
    Pro Day 40 Time: 4.56.
    Benchx225: 15. Vertical: 30. Broad: 9-3.
    Projected Round (2011): FA.
    4/9/11: Gino Gordon’s 40 won’t impress anyone, but he had a solid 1.53 split.
    
    
44. John Griffin, RB, UMass
    Height: 5-11. Weight: 205.
    Projected 40 Time: N/A.
    Combine 40 Time: DNP.
    Pro Day 40 Time: 4.57.
    Benchx225: 19. Vertical: 36. Broad: 9-9.
    Projected Round (2011): 7-FA.
    
    
    

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