RB rankings: Adrian Peterson’s power provides edge over Chris Johnson
Article By viyer.tsn on 18th July, 2010
This is the first in a series of reports ranking each position in the NFL.
When an NFL scout evaluates a running back, the player's size, power, speed, durability and versatility all play a role in the overall assessment. Sporting News enlisted an NFL team's director of pro personnel to rank and analyze the top 20 backs based on those criteria:
Adrian Peterson's combination of speed and power gives him the top spot. 1. Adrian Peterson, Vikings. He has a slight edge on Chris Johnson because he's a more physical pure power runner—and also has breakaway speed. He's working to solve issues with ball security.
2. Chris Johnson, Titans. In addition to tremendous speed, he has great body control. Although he is slightly lighter and shorter than ideal, he runs like he's bigger.
3. Steven Jackson, Rams. A big man (6-2, 231) who has amazing versatility and deceptive speed to go with sudden bursts of power.
4. Ronnie Brown, Dolphins. If it weren't for durability issues, he might be the complete NFL back. Like Jackson, he has a big body (6-0, 230) and is a good receiver. Brown has shown he can throw the ball, too.
5. Michael Turner, Falcons. He's a combination of track star and powerful zone runner.
6. DeAngelo Williams, Panthers. He runs with good power and speed thanks to strong legs. He's a home run threat on every down.
7. Frank Gore, 49ers. With his compact frame, he's in the same category as Williams. He has outstanding vision to go with speed and ability to break tackles.
8. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars. Another smaller back who has powerful legs that make him tough to bring down. He excels on screens and draws.
9. Brandon Jacobs, Giants. A big, bruising back coming off a struggle in 2009. He takes a lot of hits with his upright style but delivers them, too.
10. Felix Jones, Cowboys. He fits well in Dallas' scheme and his great speed...
Read Complete Article at Latest Sporting News Articles for NFL
When an NFL scout evaluates a running back, the player's size, power, speed, durability and versatility all play a role in the overall assessment. Sporting News enlisted an NFL team's director of pro personnel to rank and analyze the top 20 backs based on those criteria:
Adrian Peterson's combination of speed and power gives him the top spot. 1. Adrian Peterson, Vikings. He has a slight edge on Chris Johnson because he's a more physical pure power runner—and also has breakaway speed. He's working to solve issues with ball security.
2. Chris Johnson, Titans. In addition to tremendous speed, he has great body control. Although he is slightly lighter and shorter than ideal, he runs like he's bigger.
3. Steven Jackson, Rams. A big man (6-2, 231) who has amazing versatility and deceptive speed to go with sudden bursts of power.
4. Ronnie Brown, Dolphins. If it weren't for durability issues, he might be the complete NFL back. Like Jackson, he has a big body (6-0, 230) and is a good receiver. Brown has shown he can throw the ball, too.
5. Michael Turner, Falcons. He's a combination of track star and powerful zone runner.
6. DeAngelo Williams, Panthers. He runs with good power and speed thanks to strong legs. He's a home run threat on every down.
7. Frank Gore, 49ers. With his compact frame, he's in the same category as Williams. He has outstanding vision to go with speed and ability to break tackles.
8. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars. Another smaller back who has powerful legs that make him tough to bring down. He excels on screens and draws.
9. Brandon Jacobs, Giants. A big, bruising back coming off a struggle in 2009. He takes a lot of hits with his upright style but delivers them, too.
10. Felix Jones, Cowboys. He fits well in Dallas' scheme and his great speed...
Read Complete Article at Latest Sporting News Articles for NFL
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