Path to the draft, 3/5/2009: RB breakdowns

T.O. had just been cut, so they WASTED a bunch of time going on about that.

Straight to the Giants’ draft needs: WR, S, LB, o-line. Their beat writer wants to go after a big WR like Hakeem Nicks, or an ILB like James Laurinaitis (6’2” 244) if no attractive WRs are available.

RB breakdowns:

Knowshown Moreno: energetic player, has good balance and is good receiver out of the backfield. Ran 40 in mid-4.5s. His lateral quickness, toughness and ability to finish runs trump his lack of sub-4.5 speed. Mike Mayock considers him one of the top ten players on the board.

Donald Brown: very productive RB for UConn. Has good instincts and an excellent change of direction. Can help a team as a receiver; has good hands and runs well after the catch.

Chris Wells: 6’1” 235, wasn’t 100% this season and questions have arisen about his durability.

Andre Brown: ran a 4.49 at 229 lbs, had a good Senior Bowl, improved throughout his senior season.

Rashad Jennings: Mayock’s sleeper RB prospect. Transferred to Liberty from Pitt. Performed well in combine drills, showed good hands. He’s only a little smaller than Wells.

Shon Greene is also one of Mayock’s top RB prospects. He ran poorly at the combine but is a big, tough inside runner.

In case Brian Orakpo hasn’t suitably impressed everyone yet, he ran a 4.70 40 and has the Nagurski and Lombardi Awards on his proverbial mantle. I say this is a guy who’s a candidate for best player available.

In old news, Jeremy Maclin missed Mizzou’s pro day due to the knee injury he suffered at the combine. He is expected to work out for scouts March 19^th.

Wisconsin pro day: TE Travis Beckum ran in the mid-4.6s and caught the ball well despite being only 60-70% back from an unnamed injury.

All till next time.