One man's ranking of the top five RB's in the NFL draft

[PackerPro42]

If AP isn't there, you don't pick one of the other ones. The draft class is weak at RB with the acception of AP.

I disagree with you on this one. The RB class is not extremely weak and there's a good chance that the Packers will get one of the top 3 RB's. Obviously if AP is gone I would prefer Lynch, but Irons would be acceptable if he was there in the second or third round. The thing I don't like is when you people read one scouting report on a guy and come to a conclusion that he's a piece of shit. Most scouting reports on Lynch are incredibly unresearched and show that what the person is saying is completly unreliable. For instance this scouting report says that Lynch is weak catching the ball and needs to work better on his route running skills. When in fact receiving is one of Lynch's strenghts. My guess is that this guy's scouting reports came after watching the player's bowl games and maybe one other game they played. I'll be the first to admit that Lynch did not look at his best in his bowl game, but he still racked up over a 100 yards and I can't remember exactly but I believe he ran for two TD's. And although he ran a 4.46, Lynch is a hell of a lot more explosive and shifty than Irons is. And he is a lot stronger in the passing game than Irons.

I'm not completley apposed to Irons, but I would much rather have Lynch. And I would prefer that you don't jump to conclusions after reading a couple scouting reports on a player.

That's all I have to say for now.

[Joemailman]

If TT trades for Moss, he will likely be looking to trade down in 1st round, especially if he has to give up a draft pick for Moss. In that scenario, Irons would be a great second round pick. His vision and instincts are the most important traits to have in this system.

[bigcoz75]

I stand with my pick of Tony Hunt although not he's not listed in this top 5. The guy is productive and reliable. Not only a good runner but a solid receiver as well.

http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/scoutingreports/rb/tonyhunt.html

Official Bio

Strengths:
Has great size with a solid frame...Displays outstanding balance...A strong and powerful runner who will deliver a blow and fall forward...Has good hands and can help out in the passing game...A reliable blocker...Durable and the type who gets stronger as the game goes on...Was very productive throughout his career.

Weaknesses:
Lacks elite timed speed and quickness...Won't break off many long runs...Not very shifty and won't make people miss...Vision is somewhat questionable and he will misread some blocks...Will struggle to get outside and turn the corner in the NFL.

Notes:
A classic North / South guy who does everything well but nothing great...Saved the best for last and had his best season as a senior...Is not very flashy but he gets the job done and could develop into an adequate starter at the next level.
Career Statistics
Year GP Att Yds Avg TD Rec Yds TD
2003 10 34 110 3.2 1 2 0 0
2004 11 169 777 4.6 7 39 334 0
2005 12 174 1,047 6.0 6 20 206 0
2006 13 277 1,386 5.0 11 27 259 3
Totals 46 654 3,320 5.1 25 88 799 3

Video:
Powerful runner see at the one minute mark vs. Wisconsin.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=jFt_N9MLJu8

[Patler]

Have the Packers ever had brothers playing on the team in any season?

Almost...

Bob Jeter (DB 1963-1970) had a brother (I think), Tony, who was in camp as a WR/TE a couple seasons. He played some, I believe for Pittsburgh later on. I am virtually positive they were brothers, or at least half-brothers or something.

[Bretsky]

Does anyone see an answer for OUR needs at RB among these five, given that A. Peterson will be drafted early?

I'm thinking that TT will draft on 'D' at 16 or trade down.

IMO AP is a step above Lynch and Lynch is a step above the next three.

Lynch could be a pretty good #1 with Morency spelling him. The next three may be better than Morency as well.

Don't know if anybody saw this, but Correll Buckholter, a guy who intrigued me when healthy, did resign with the Philadelphia Eagles yesterday so there goes another RB off the free agency board.


B

[bigcoz75]

Ok more on Hunt

http://www.newerascouting.com/index.php?c=18&a=17

Comments
Athletic Ability

Hunt does not have elite speed or quickness for the position, but he is an effective runner because of his outstanding strength and power.
Character

Has no known character concerns.
Competitive Nature/Leadership Ability

He never takes a play off, fights for every yard, and always runs hard. Seems to get stronger as games progress. Not a big vocal leader.
Football Intelligence

Is a very experienced player who does everything well as a running back, including catching the football and pass blocking.
Size

Hunt possesses excellent height and bulk for a back of his style.
Toughness/Durability

Displays great toughness and has had few injury problems despite his running style. Only significant problem was an ankle injury that sidelined him for almost all of the 2006 Orange Bowl.
Work Ethic

Has continued to improve since his freshman season and always gives maximum effort on the field.


Position Specific Traits
Trait

Comments
Ball Protection

Has improved in this area but still has too many lapses and is prone to fumbling at times.
Elusiveness/Feet

Will not make many people miss when he gets into the open field, but he has deceptive elusiveness and good balance when running between the tackles.
Pass Catching

Is an excellent receiver who led Penn State in receptions in 2004 and is very reliable as an outlet out of the backfield. Has had a lot of success on screens and shovel passes.
Pass Blocking

Is a tough and willing blocker who displayed good technique early on his career, helping him land the starting job over star recruit Austin Scott.
Power

Runs hard with excellent strength and power. Rarely goes down after first contact, always keeps his legs driving, and frequently punishes tacklers who can't bring him down.
Speed

Lacks breakaway speed and is not able to turn the corner consistently. Has good burst through holes to allow him to have success up the middle.
Vision

Has very good vision between the tackles. Displays patience and has good burst through the hole.



General Comments:
Hunt is a patient and powerful back who runs with a hard-nosed style. He rarely goes down after first contact and will always fight for extra yards. He is an asset in the passing game as both a receiver and blocker, and although he won't make many big plays, he is a reliable runner who consistently picks up positive yardage and gets better as games go on.


Injury Concerns:
Missed most of the 2006 Orange Bowl due to a sprained ankle that took longer than normal to heal.


Reminds You Of:
Steven Jackson, St. Louis Rams


Projected Round:
2nd

[BallHawk]

If we couldn't get Irons, Hunt would be my second choice.

I also like Antonio Pittman out of OSU.

[The Leaper]

I wouldn't mind trading down and winding up with Pittman. I think Pittman would be an excellent back for our system...and one who is under the radar because of the tremendous passing game OSU had this year.

IMO, Pittman is as good as Lynch...and can be had for cheaper.

[Bretsky]

I wouldn't mind trading down and winding up with Pittman. I think Pittman would be an excellent back for our system...and one who is under the radar because of the tremendous passing game OSU had this year.

IMO, Pittman is as good as Lynch...and can be had for cheaper.

gosh you guys are a bunch of Lynch bashers.

HW is a OSU fanatic and has not raved much about Pittman so I adhere to his judgment on that one

[The Leaper]

I was at the Holiday Bowl this year. Lynch was not all that impressive to me. He worked behind a very good OL...his backup looked just as productive in that game. I think any reasonably talented RB would've put up big numbers in the Cal offense.

I'm in Columbus...so I've also seen plenty of Pittman. I will admit he wasn't overly impressive in his career as a Buckeye...but I think his intangibles better fit in the scheme and system Green Bay is crafting. He was too small for the power running game favored at Ohio State.

[Bretsky]

Are Kenny Irons or Pittman in the NFL anymore ?

[JohnMexico]

Was pittman EVER in the NFL? And I am a goddamn Buckeye fan.

[Joemailman]

Are Kenny Irons or Pittman in the NFL anymore ?

Irons tore his ACL in his first preseason game. He was waived the following summer. I don't think he ever played again.

[Bretsky]

Was pittman EVER in the NFL? And I am a goddamn Buckeye fan.

I think the Rams picked up Pittman and he was Jackson's backup for a year. I think he floated onto the Saints for a bit; he just wasn't good enough I guess

[smuggler]

Shame we didn't end up with Peterson. With his fumbling habbit, he would have been an apt replacement for ol' Ahman.