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NFL Closeup: Le’Veon Bell’s Progress Report
Just before the 2013 NFL Draft, I wrote a post about Le’Veon Bell. The gist of the analysis addressed why Bell was a polarizing prospect among fans and analysts and why I believed Bell has the athleticism and patience to prove his naysayers incorrect. Time to check on Bell’s progress. The major criticisms of Bell’s game are…
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Bryce Brown and the NFL Parable of the Backup RB
This parable begins with Ricky Watters. The former 49er, Eagles, and Seahawk sports a mediocre career yards per carry average of 4.1 and bad rap for saying to the media “For who, for what?”. Granted, Watters earned his reputation as running back with a diva wide receiver mentality for celebrating runs under 20 yards with animated…
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Futures at Football Outsiders: Baylor RB Lache Seastrunk
Futures: Baylor RB Lache Seastrunk by Matt Waldman There’s no position I enjoy watching more than running back. One of the reasons I love studying the position is that relative to other roles on the field, there’s a tremendous amount of diversity among players that can excel at the job. No other position in football…
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Remember The Name: C.J. Anderson
In a season where quality running back production has been as scarce as ever, it’s vital to consider talent that has lurked behind the scenes. Broncos rookie C.J. Anderson is that kind of player. The former backup at Cal is getting a shot with Denver’s active roster this weekend ahead of Ronnie Hillman, who won’t…
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Boiler Room: Florida State RB James Wilder
I remember James Wilder, Sr. A 6’3″, 225-pound wrecking ball where he had two seasons in Tampa Bay with a combined 772 carries for 2844 yards and 23 touchdowns, Wilder is the best running back in Buccaneers history if you ask me. One of those years, Wilder had 407 carries, 1544 yards rushing, 13 rushing…
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Boiler Room: RB Todd Gurley
Todd Gurley’s style reminds me of Penn State star Larry Johnson. For those of you who remember Johnson for his exploits with the Chiefs than the headlines he made off the field, it’s weighty praise. What they have in common is the agility of a 210-pound runner in the powerful frame of 225-230 lb. back.…
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Futures at Football Outsiders: Venric Mark, Offensive Weapon?
Venric Mark: Offensive Weapon? by Matt Waldman A couple of months ago, an employee from an NFL player-personnel department asked for preliminary input on a project he’s undertaking. He asked me to relay things I watch when I study offensive skill players that he could quantify. One of the things I shared pertains to running backs. What…
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Who Is Jaguars RB Jordan Todman?
The most impressive running back earning extended time in Jacksonville’s training camp has been journeyman Jordan Todman. A sixth-round pick of the San Diego Chargers in 2011, Todman entered the league as 5’8″, 203-lb. prospect from Connecticut. The Chargers cut him in October of that year and he signed with the Vikings in late December.…
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2013 RSP Excerpt and Sample: Seattle RB Christine Michael
I heard a TV commentator compare Michael to Ahman Green and attribute that comparison to former A&M coach Mike Sherman. The comparison is dead-on. Michael has a strong burst, good finishing strength, nice pad level, and quick feet to make sharp cuts. I think he flashes some skill at the cutback while still having the…
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RSP Film Room Podcast: Rajion Neal – Minimizing Losses
Even when Justin Hunter and Cordarrelle Patterson were turning SEC fields into track meets, Tennessee runner Rajion Neal was known as the fastest player on the team. The 211-pound running back displays elements of skill and maturity that make him a player worth watching as the 2014 NFL Draft season gets underway. Neal is the…