2012 Pre-Combine Rookie RB and LB Rankings

Posted by Andy Miley on 02/11/2012 | 0 Comments

Tags: 2012 rookies, running backs, linebackers, trent richardson, lamar miller, doug martin, david wilson, chris polk, lamichael james, robert turbin, bernard pierce, luke kuechly, zach brown, dont'a hightower, courtney upshaw, bobby wagner, audie cole, vontaze burfict

Here is a snapshot of my pre-combine rookie RB and LB rankings. There will be several updates in the upcoming months after the combine and private workouts.  Keep checking back to get my latest thoughts.  If you want to hear Shane Hallam and I discuss these players in depth click here:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/dynasty-blitz/2012/02/06/dynastyblitz-podcast-wshanephallam-of-draftcountdowncom

 Running backs

1) Trent Richardson, Alabama is the most complete running back of this draft class.  Many draftniks compare him to Adrian Peterson with his power, vision, and speed.  Richardson has carried the load and been successful even when he did not have much of a threat in the passing game.  He is the only can't miss running back prospect.

2) Lamar Miller, Miami is currently dealing with a shoulder injury.  He has shown good quickness and speed in his runs which are lengthened by his ability to read his blocks down the field.  Miller's ability to start and stop on a dime should be effective in the NFL.  I am interested to see if he can be fully healthy for the combine. 

3) Doug Martin, Boise State has made the biggest strides in the post season.  He was considered a top 10 guy in his position, but an outstanding bowl game and great effort in the Senior Bowl are moving him up the charts.  Martin is a three down back that can catch and pass protect as well as continue blocking down field.  He can get small and make defenders miss when he has the ball.

4) David Wilson, Virginia Tech is the home run hitter of the group.  He has amazing speed, can find a lane and take it to the house.  My biggest concern with him is that he sometimes tries to get the home run when he should take the 2-3 yards that the defense is giving him.  He could become Chris Johnson lite or just as easily become the next Jerious Norwood.

5) Chris Polk, Washington is a physical, powerful runner who shows decent vision reading his blocks, but didn't get much of a chance to do that in the Senior Bowl.  He has shown some speed and agility during the regular college season, but didn't appear to be as quick against equally matched defenders.

6) LaMichael James, Oregon looks to be very similar to Reggie Bush when Bush came out of college.  He has great speed, agility, and vision, but needs to be in space.  I'm not sure he will be durable or dynamic enough to be a dominant starter in the NFL.  James may be more of a change of pace back that could excel in the return game or as a third down back.

7) Robert Turbin, Utah State is a powerful runner who uses his pads well.  He doesn't have the speed or agility to break big plays in the NFL, but does a great job taking what the defense gives him.  I'm not sure if he will ever be a true #1 running back, but he may surprise.

8) Bernard Pierce, Temple was a dominate powerful runner in college.  He has shown a lot of speed and shiftiness, but has gotten injured in all three years of college including hamstring issues and a concussion.   He tends to break the majority of his runs to the outside and will need to be more of a complete runner in the NFL.

Linebackers

1) Luke Kuechly, Boston College uses his good vision to flow to the ball and is a great tackler.  He isn't physically dominate and is not very effective defending the passing game.  Kuechly reminds me of Chris Spielman, the old Ohio State linebacker that was always around the ball, but seemed to make his tackles 5 yards down the field. 

2) Zach Brown, North Carolina is similar to Kuechly as he has great vision to flow to the ball.  He uses his 4.4 40 speed to get in position to make tackles.  Brown uses his agility and sinking hips to disengage blockers so he can get to the ball carrier.  He could be used as a cover OLB or MLB.  

3) Dont'a Hightower, Alabama flows to the ball well using his great vision, quickness and speed.  He is a sure tackler and can be effective striping the ball.  Hightower has issues making plays at the line of scrimmage once an offensive lineman gets in his path. 

4) Bobby Wagner, Utah State certainly showed the scouts and the nation he could play during the Senior Bowl.  He showed a good combination of speed and agility that was even more evident when he went out for pass coverage. He tracked the ball in the air using his vision and instincts while making an interception. Wagner is also quite effective against the run.

5) Courtney Upshaw, Alabama can pass rush with the best of his rookie class.  He tracks down the ball carrier well and sheds would-be blockers to make the tackle.  Upshaw has a lot of success against the offensive linemen getting pressure and sacks on the quarterbacks.  He is a sure tackler who will anchor one side of a defense.  I'm not sure if he will play OLB or DE in the NFL.

6) Audie Cole, North Carolina State can play well against the pass and the run.  He can rush the passer which will be helpful in the NFL.  His 4.8 40 speed is a bit concerning, but he seems to make up for it with good vision, instincts, and lateral movement.  I think he will be more effective as a ILB/MLB than an OLB. 

7) Vontaze Burfict, Arizona State is a powerful tackler who doesn't seem to know how to turn it off.  He has struggled with penalties for late hits and unnecessary roughness.  While he has the toughness, strength, and speed to play the inside, I'm not sure if he has the head to handle the NFL and the rules that will be enforced.