Best or SpillerApril 2, 2010
Per Colin Cowherd, name the third best running back in the league? …..it shouldn’t take you more than 10 seconds. Yeah, the first two are easy Chris Johnson and Adrian Peterson. The third, not so much. The NFL has changed. I mean when the Pittsburgh Steelers are throwing the ball to setup the run you know something is “wrong”. Is wrong the right word? Depends on who you ask. I’d rather say evolved. Either way, the days of the bruising back has come and gone and the league now employs the two back system. Running backs that were once considered only 3rd down back quality are now starters because of the running back by committee system.
This year’s draft has plenty of running backs waiting to proclaim their place and play the game like it used to be played. This year’s class will undoubtedly start the re-emergence of the running back. The top two backs this year are Clemson’s C.J. Spiller and Cal’s Jahvid Best. Who would you pick?
C.J. Spiller
Vitals: 5′11″ 196 lbs.
Speed: Uber (4.37)
Quickness: Very
Change of Direction: Off the charts
Ball Security: Adequate
Elusiveness: A-1
Vision: Good
Pass Catching: Good
Blocking: Willing, but not great
Balance: Unbelievable
Toughness: Not good at getting tough yards
Pros: Versatile! He can run, catch, and return punts and kicks. He’s a threat to score from anywhere on the field. He’s Chris Johnson with a governor.
Cons: He’s small at 5’11″ 196 lbs. so he won’t ever be an every down back in case they do come back in style. He doesn’t get the tough yards in short yardage situations. It’ll also be hard to keep him on the field on third downs as he is not a great blocker.
Overall: Look at Chris Johnson’s first two years in the league, scale it back just a tad and that is what you will get C.J. Spiller, he’s a can’t miss prospect.
Jahvid Best
Vitals: 5′10″ 199 lbs.
Speed: Now you see em, now you don’t (4.35)
Quickness: DNA of a cat
Change of Direction: Barry Sanders-esque
Ball Security: Adequate
Elusiveness: Barry Sanders Jr.
Vision: Amazing
Pass Catching: Good
Blocking: Okay
Balance: Unbelievable
Toughness: Questionable
Pros: The most exciting runner in this year’s draft class. Great vision and moves. Speed to burn once in the open field.
Cons: Injury prone because of small size and tough running style. Easy to bring down if people get their hands on him. Pass blocking must improve.
Overall: The sickest runner I’ve seen in a long time. Best and Spiller are both fast, but this kids has moves on moves. Adequate pass catcher out of the backfield, but must improve on blocking during passing situations. Durability is a concern.
Who am I picking???
I’m riding with Best. He’s faster, bigger, and quicker. I think his vision is better as well. But let’s be honest picking between theses two is like picking between a Lamborghini and Ferrari.
That’s all I got,
Ricky Writer
