Mid-Round RB: Who Ya Want?

[Keith]

Considering, (1) that the Texans are likely to be shopping for at least one running back in the draft, and (2) that they are not likely to get one of the first round or probably early second round prospects at the position, which player would be your pick? Vote and tell us why, heck even feel free to comment with a ranking, too.

I've removed Beanie Wells, Knowshon Moreno, and Donald Brown from consideration. I'm also taking LeSean McCoy off the board since he is currently thought to be off the board by the Texans' second round pick (though I think he is completely overrated that high and really a poor, poor pick for what the Texans offense needs).

The next group, in alpha order (ht/wt, 40/10, bench, vert, broad, 20, cone - combine #s unless noted with asterisk):
Andre Brown, NC State - 6001/224, 4.47/1.47, 24, 37.0", 9'7", 4.28*, 7.08*
Shonn Greene, Iowa - 5104/227, 4.55/1.57*, 23*, 39.0"*, 10'6"*, 4.25*, 7.10
Rashad Jennings, Liberty - 6010/231, 4.52/1.53*, 29, 34.0", 10'0", 4.20, 6.79*
Cedric Peerman, Virginia - 5094/216, 4.39/1.47, 27, 40.0", 9'9", 4.29, 6.99
Javon Ringer, Michigan St. - 5091/205, 4.56/1.58, 23, 34.0", 9'7", 4.11, 6.87
Javarris Williams, Tenn St. - 5094/223, 4.51/1.50, 25, 33.5", 9'8", 4.73*, 7.26*
And of course, "other", if you want someone else.

[painekiller]

I picked Brown, but would be happy with Jennings, Peerman or Williams also.

[TexanJedi]

I picked Peerman because, while I like Brown I think he might be moving up the board and will be gone by the time we want to take a back in round 3 or more likely 4. Peerman has great measureables and looked even better than Brown at the Senior Bowl I thought. He seemed to be a more decisive runner. Since he's from Virginia I guess he's like a bigger, faster, Walli Lundy.

I still like Glen Coffee though. He's just a little bigger than Slaton but runs tough inside the tackles. I wish he would there in round 5 so the Texans can address other needs in the first 4 rounds.

[idymoe]

I don't think Shonn Greene is there at our 3rd pick. I voted for Jennings & like Brown and Peerman next.

[edo783]

A. Brown. However, I suspect we will need to take him in the 2nd if we want him. A back with that size and speed is a want by most teams.

[jppaul]

Shonn Greene but I don't think he will be there, but since he was a choice I picked him anyway.

[Roy P]

If we are to believe John McClain, we won't be drafting a RB until the 3rd round. While I'd be fine with Shonn Greene or Andre Brown, I imagine that they both will be off the board before our pick #77.

Let me be clear, I'm looking for a guy to move the sticks on third and short by running between the tackles. Rashad Jennings appears that he'd be able to do that, but I have too many questions about his character or work ethic. He is a guy who may eat himself out of job and become a 265lbs wasted pick. Apparently, his older brothers have had to mentor him into becoming more mature and serious about football. I'm concerned that he might not be a "self-starter" and may need constant supervision.

While Peeman has really great measurables, I'll admit that I was very impressed by his Combine, there was not much production from him. There is the question of his small hands and other negatives that I won't go into.

Therefore, I'm left with Javarris Williams. He may be the best north-south runner after Andre Brown. He has a low center of gravity and can push a pile and break tackles. I won't go on record saying he is an every down back, because I'm not sure how well he can run on the edges, he doesn't have break-away speed, and won't make you think of Barry Sanders with his elusiveness. However, for a late round pick who can complement Steve Slaton, this guy can carry a load.

Want some production as proof?
He leaves the university ranking second in school history with 849 carries, 4,329 rushing yards and 5,117 all-purpose yards. He ranks third in school annals in scoring with 264 points and 44 total touchdowns, as his 42 touchdowns rushing set a TSU all-time mark.

Only two other players ever rushed for more than 1,000 yards in a season for the Tigers, and Williams accomplished that feat three times. He is also the only player to lead the team in rushing four times in his career, as he owns four of the top seven spots on Tennessee State's single-season record list for rushing yardage.

[jppaul]

BTW as far as Ringer goes, I am not very high on him but he dropped a 3.98 in the short shuttle on his proday. That is amazing.

[Roy P]

Andre Brown is currently ranked #54 - #70, depending upon where you look. Would anybody here who voted for Brown be willing to trade our #77 and #112 to move up to #64 in order to draft him?

I'm assuming that we drafted a LB like Matthews and a DB like William Moore with our 1st 2 picks, so those needs have been filled.

Remember, there appears to be a lot of players who could fill roster spots in the 3rd and 4th rounds this year. We would be giving up on one of them, assuming one of those picks would be going to a RB (maybe of lesser stature).

[jppaul]

Actually sorry thats a 3.89 on his short shuttle.

[Roy P]

Originally Posted by Roy P

Andre Brown is currently ranked #54 - #70, depending upon where you look. Would anybody here who voted for Brown be willing to trade our #77 and #112 to move up to #64 in order to draft him?

I still haven't heard an answer to this question. Today I heard a guy talking about the Texans drafting Brown at #46, which I think is a reach. Then he talked about how Andre Brown is this year's Mike Forte of the draft. We may have to use our 3rd round (#77), 4th round (#112), and 5th (#152) round pick to move up to #59 in order to get him.

There are quite a few successful teams with a RB by committee, in which the RBs could be "featured" backs. Brown could be that if he's another Forte and we know what we have in Slaton. My question boils down to, is getting another RB worth giving up the 4th and 5th rounders (assuming the 3rd would be going to a RB anyway). Rashad Jennings might not last to #77, for those who thought he might. Who may we be missing out on at those slots?

4th - David Bruton, Cedric Peeman, Gerald McGrath, CJ Spillman, Roy Miller

5th - AQ Shipley, Johnny Knox, Gregory Toler, Scott McKillop, James Davis

[painekiller]

I say no way give up both rounds, but a future pick? Would I give a 4th this year and a 4th next year? I might.

What about picking higher, maybe trying to get to a late 1st or early 2nd round pick ? What would the cost be? Remember future picks could be in play?