OKay... let's FINALLY talk Running Backs!

1) I hope they are ready to jettison Daniel Thomas
2) I like Christine Michael and the two Arkansas backs in terms of talent-to-value ratio where we could select them.

Hope we don't "plump" (as Boom says) for Lacy early.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

"Jaj wrote:

There's too much money at CB for a high pick. They've got four guys and could draft another solid one. They wanted Keller long term. They wanted Winston but he wants too much cash. They have interest in Ricky Wagner and I suspect he's the third rounder if not Winston after SD trades up for a tackle. They wanted a pass rusher in FA and they like Vernon. They didnt touch RB and let Bush go without question. The draft signs suggest a RB a powerful one that can catch somewhat well but destroys dime formations. Eddie Lacy against a dime in a ZBS is a six yard per carry monster.

Where did you hear that?

"Disgustipate wrote:

Not really a draft guy as much as others are. I pretty much watch a couple of videos of guys I think that the Dolphins might be interested in the first round and then a couple other guys I think are interesting and that's about it. Can't say I'm well educated on the running-backs in this draft. I'd like a power back, though.

I'm still holding out hope for Ahmad Bradshaw, personally.

Was going to point out PFF has Bradshaw as surrendering only 3 sacks since 08 in pass pro.

"phinsational wrote:

I think that depends how comfortable the decision makers feel about Daniel Thomas's ability to play injury free (including concussions). I think it's possible Bernard is there in the 3rd round, which would make selecting him more feasible IMO, and if he's gone then Ellington probably becomes option 2.

Oh wow, Ive been operating under the assumption he's a late 1st.

3rd round for him and I'm doing cartwheels.

Johnathan Franklin-UCLA

warrick dunn clone just a little bigger. good hands/good speed(not top speed)/change of pace back

I like Eddie Lacey, Giovanni Bernard, Johnathan Franklin, Christine Michael, Mike Gilislee, Dennis Johnson, Zac Stacy, Kerwynn Williams, Ray Graham, Cierre Wood, Knile Davis and Cameron Marshall. I also like Marcus Lattimore a ton but can't speak to his injury or the chances of his coming back from it.

"ckparrothead wrote:

I like Eddie Lacey, Giovanni Bernard, Johnathan Franklin, Christine Michael, Mike Gilislee, Dennis Johnson, Zac Stacy, Kerwynn Williams, Ray Graham, Cierre Wood, Knile Davis and Cameron Marshall. I also like Marcus Lattimore a ton but can't speak to his injury or the chances of his coming back from it.

A list that extensive, yet you leave off a Bell, a Ball, a Ellington and a Randle?>>? :confused2:

:up:

"ckparrothead wrote:

I like Eddie Lacey, Giovanni Bernard, Johnathan Franklin, Christine Michael, Mike Gilislee, Dennis Johnson, Zac Stacy, Kerwynn Williams, Ray Graham, Cierre Wood, Knile Davis and Cameron Marshall. I also like Marcus Lattimore a ton but can't speak to his injury or the chances of his coming back from it.

Care to put rounds to where you see their value?

I'd say..

Late 1st
Eddie Lacey

2nd
Giovanni Bernard

Late 3rd
Christine Michael

4th
Christine Michael, if he slips

5th
Marcus Lattimore
Knile Davis
Zac Stacy

Late-Late
Dennis Johnson

Yes, and I think we take Gio!

"azfinfanmang wrote:

A list that extensive, yet you leave off a Bell, a Ball, a Ellington and a Randle?>>? :confused2:

:up:

On purpose.

"Bpk wrote:

Care to put rounds to where you see their value?

I'd say..

Late 1st
Eddie Lacey

2nd
Giovanni Bernard

Late 3rd
Christine Michael

4th
Christine Michael, if he slips

5th
Marcus Lattimore
Knile Davis
Zac Stacy

Late-Late
Dennis Johnson

I imagine that Eddie Lacey carries NFL value in the late 1st, early 2nd. I imagine Giovanni Bernard and Johnathan Franklin carry NFL value just below that. I can't say on Christine Michael because the NFL will be privy to more information than I about his character. If he didn't have character problems I'm not sure I'd put him above the 3rd round anyway so let's say 3rd to 5th round for him. He did actually oversleep team interviews at the Combine, and he fell into the coaching staff at TAMU's doghouse very clearly for a reason. The problems are significant. Marcus Lattimore is another whose NFL value is going to be tied to things I'm not privy to, his medical test results. I felt like DJ brought up some interesting points about how his knee is looking from an atrophy, structural standpoint. Mike Gilislee's NFL value and grade could stretch all the way into the 3rd round but it could also be the 4th round. Dennis Johnson could go in the 4th round. Kerwynn Williams will likely go in the 5th round. Zach Stacey and Cierre Wood are looking at 6th or 7th round status. Knile Davis, Ray Graham and Cameron Marshall will be lucky if they're drafted. Knile might, in the 7th round.

Where I would look at them is a function of where their NFL grade is but also who else I have on my board. I do have SOME vertical tiering on my 100-man draft board (basic: elite, best of the rest, second tier, middle tier, the swarm). So whether I look at a guy in the 4th round or 3rd round could well depend on who is stil there in the different tiers.

From a pure talent standpoint, Christine Michael (Who would name their son Christine?) may be the most athletically gifted running back in this draft. Too bad he's a knucklehead. I'd be interested in what insight Mike Sherman has about Christine's character.

"KB21 wrote:

From a pure talent standpoint, Christine Michael (Who would name their son Christine?) may be the most athletically gifted running back in this draft. Too bad he's a knucklehead. I'd be interested in what insight Mike Sherman has about Christine's character.

Less then pristine I'm sure.

You could make a case that Knile Davis is just as if not more physically gifted and that guy will be lucky to get drafted at all.

"KB21 wrote:

From a pure talent standpoint, Christine Michael (Who would name their son Christine?) may be the most athletically gifted running back in this draft. Too bad he's a knucklehead. I'd be interested in what insight Mike Sherman has about Christine's character.

I agree it is an oddly spelled name, but it is pronounced Chris-tin, which makes it more like a man's name.

"Den54 wrote:

Less then pristine I'm sure.

I've been reading about it, and I haven't seen any reports of Michael having any issues when Sherman was around other than with injuries. It seems that his issues may have started when he didn't handle the coaching change well from Sherman to Sumlin.

I just saw PFW's RB rankings and they are as unique as their QB rankings. Though I cannot totally disagree when you look at the context of what each runner did in their given situations.
1. Montee Ball
2. Andre Ellington
3. Eddie Lacy
4. Giovani Bernard
5. Johnathan Franklin
6. Le'Veon Bell
7. Kenjon Barner
8. Kerwynn Williams
9. Joseph Randle
10. Stepfan Taylor.

I think you run to the podium if Eddie Lacy is sitting there at 42. Unless of coarse a Jarvis Jones, Tyler Eifert, Carradine, Trufant, Cyprien, Hopkins fall as well. Then you have a really tough choice.

"ckparrothead wrote:

You could make a case that Knile Davis is just as if not more physically gifted and that guy will be lucky to get drafted at all.

There are major injury issues there... my sense of it is that Knile's were more worrisome despite seeming as 'often' as Christine's injuries.

"KB21 wrote:

I've been reading about it, and I haven't seen any reports of Michael having any issues when Sherman was around other than with injuries. It seems that his issues may have started when he didn't handle the coaching change well from Sherman to Sumlin.

For all we know that speaks to a deep loyalty Christine had for Sherman, like when Irvin was inconsolable when JJ was fired.

"MrClean wrote:

I just saw PFW's RB rankings and they are as unique as their QB rankings. Though I cannot totally disagree when you look at the context of what each runner did in their given situations.
1. Montee Ball
2. Andre Ellington
3. Eddie Lacy
4. Giovani Bernard
5. Johnathan Franklin
6. Le'Veon Bell
7. Kenjon Barner
8. Kerwynn Williams
9. Joseph Randle
10. Stepfan Taylor.

Clearly I need to go watch some "Let's Make A Deal" Montee Ball film.

"Bpk wrote:

Clearly I need to go watch some "Let's Make A Deal" Montee Ball film.

I actually like his game quite a bit and feel he would be a very good fit as our Alpha back, but a couple in here, with good insight, feel differently.

Don't think it matters. We won't be taking a RB that early. Another,guy I really like is Barner.

"azfinfanmang wrote:

I actually like his game quite a bit and feel he would be a very good fit as our Alpha back, but a couple in here, with good insight, feel differently.

Don't think it matters. We won't be taking a RB that early. Another,guy I really like is Barner.

The only reason I can think of why anyone would not want Ball too high is the perception of too much tread wear, based on his high number of carries. Not saying it is a logical concern, but it's really the only thing I can think of. He is a really solid runner.
Ball, Franklin and Taylor are my 3 favorites.

Of course he's a fit. He's an excellent DB.

The guy I would love to bring in as a complement to Miller is Stepfan Taylor. He's a back who is getting overlooked because he isn't flashy, but hell if he isn't a physical player who will get you those nasty yards. Miller is faster, but honestly Taylor is more of a physically imposing player.