Pros: He is a strong, powerful runner with great speed. He has good vision and has a lot of different moves to get away from a defender. He was the 2007 Big Ten MVP. He has good character and work ethic.
Cons: He only has had one year in the spotlight being behind Pierre Thomas and E.B. Halsley at Illinois. He has had a tendency to fumble, but has cut down his fumbles lately.
Overall: In my opinion hed is the best RB in the draft. He is above McFadden because McFadden has had off the field issues and Rashard hasn't. He is a Eddie George type with more speed.
Pros: Complete back, that can give you match up problems out of the backfield. Can become a starter given good coaching and improvement of running lanes and yards after contact.
Cons: 1 year wonder, one of the top running backs coming out of highschool...waited untill his jr to show production. menddenhall has some off the field issues that need to addressed and sloppy footwork needs improvement
Overall: Overall a 1st-2nd rounder, lack of production leaves you wanting more, but Mendenhall has a big upside given his ability to run inside and out.
Pros: Good speed and cutback vision to go along with great size. Has a second gear. Great yard per carry average each of his three seasons. Developed a tougher running style in his junior season. Overcame an early career fumble problem. Good kid.
Cons: Is not a burner. Not a vocal leader.
Overall: He is a top 15 talent. May have the most All-Pro potential of any running back in the draft.
Rashard Mendenhall
Scouting Report by Greg Johnson
Pros: Has such a great burst once he hit the line of scrimmage. Run with pretty good vision. Makes good cuts. Keeps his feet moving and finishes the run. Plus moves extremely well for his size, and has great power.
Cons: Not really any noticeable weaknesses. The only thing would be the fact that it seems like he kinda came out of nowhere and had a very productive season.
Overall: After much review I believe that he's the best running back in the draft. If you look at film of both he, and McFadden it will show. He should be the first back taken. But; probably won't.
