The Rookie Scouting Portfolio (RSP)

Category: Running Back

  • No-Huddle Series: RB Chris Polk, Washington

    I lied to you. The RSP No-Huddle Series was something I initially created to write about prospects likely to get drafted in the late rounds, if at all. I’m still going to do more of those players, but sometimes there are plays you remember that you want to share with people. One of these plays…

  • New York Times Fifth Down Blog: No.1 RB Trent Richardson

    1.    Trent Richardson, Alabama (5-9, 228) There are several impressive components to Trent Richardson’s game. His balance and agility combined with his strength make him a rare commodity among backs of his range of 220-230 pounds. He has the footwork and balance of a back 15-20 pounds lighter. And that balance is what makes him…

  • New York Times Fifth Down Series: No. 2 RB Doug Martin

    2.    Doug Martin, Boise State (5-9, 223) Martin reminds me of Ray Rice in the respect that he’s not abundantly fast once he reaches the second or third level, but his initial burst is top notch. He consistently defeats the angles of defenders as he enters and exits a hole because they misjudge his quickness,…

  • New York Times Fifth Down Series: No.3 RB Lamar Miller

    3.     Lamar Miller, running back, Miami (5-10, 212) Lamar Miller is a potential Pro Bowl back. He’s at the sweet spot in terms of height, weight, speed and acceleration. He runs with patience and balance, and he protects the ball. He understands how to stay close to his blocks until an opening develops, and like…

  • No. 4 RB David Wilson

    4. David Wilson, running back, Virginia Tech (5-9, 206) Physically, Wilson might have as much upside as any back in this draft, and from this perspective, he might be the best back to come out of Virginia Tech. Ryan Williams was a conceptually smarter runner with great effort and a strong array of skills, but…

  • Tight Quarters: LaMichael James

    Tight Quarters: LaMichael James

    LaMichael James is a short, quicksilver running back in an offense that plays at a break-neck tempo. There’s little doubt that he can have an impact as a kick return specialist and a third-down back in the NFL. And if the Broncos don’t land Peyton Manning and continue with some form of spread option offense,…

  • Looking for Mr. Dunn: LaMichael James

    Looking for Mr. Dunn: LaMichael James

    If there’s an alternate universe, I’m a running back in it. There isn’t a week that goes by that I walk along the field that held the first football game at the University of Georgia and daydream of ripping off a run like Garrison Hearst’s 96-yard touchdown versus the Jets. I just don’t act it…

  • Chad Spann: Post Rookie Debriefing

    Chad Spann is a reserve running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers after stops with the Colts and Buccaneers. I have interviewed Spann multiple times since this time last year. The former NIU walk-on who began his career ninth on the depth chart and ended it as the 2010 NCAA touchdown leader is a confident but…

  • Chad Spann: Lessons Learned and Work Ahead

    Chad Spann is a reserve running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers after stops with the Colts and Buccaneers. I have interviewed Spann multiple times since this time last year. The former NIU walk-on who began his career ninth on the depth chart and ended it as the 2010 NCAA touchdown leader is a confident but…

  • Lloydesque Sleeper: ECU WR Lance Lewis

    (Warning, soundtrack not safe for work): Brandon Lloyd was the subject of the second football-related article I ever wrote. This was two years before I launched the Rookie Scouting Portfolio. Lloyd was a fourth-round pick in his second year with the 49ers and he was beginning to make plays like the ones above. I have…