Ben Tate to the Texans – Undoubtedly one of the top backs in this class, Tate impresses on film and should push Steve Slaton into at least a 50-50 timeshare. I still feel Slaton can bounce back, but with Ben Tate on the roster, this is now a timeshare one way or another. The exact splits have yet to be worked out, especially with Arian Foster still in town, but there is a growing trend and paradigm that having a 2-back backfield with a 3rd who can step in and start is the way to go. Ben Tate had the best ‘Speed Score’ of any back in this class at 114, and if not for Slaton would be someone to target at the tail-end of round 2. Tate will be an RB2 by seasons end but will start out as a RB3.
Montario Hardesty to the Browns: Hardesty is a ideal fit for a zone-blocking team like the Browns, however he joins a crowded and talented backfield. Never mind incumbent starter Jerome Harrison (who I see as a 3rd down back despite his late season breakout), but sophomore James Davis is arguably the most talented of the three. Hardesty however should carve out a role for himself as the powerback and will form a 1-2punch with either James Davis or Jerome Harrison….I am betting on James Davis. Hardesty is a power back who tied for the 2nd best ‘Speed Score’ with Ryan Matthews and Jahvid Best at -111. Hardesty looks excellent on film and if not for the prescence of James Davis would be getting a lot more love. As mentioned however, Hardesty will be a part of the time-share in the Browns backfield, it is Davis or Harrison that will most likely be the odd man out. Add Hardesty to your roster as a flex play.
Toby Gerhart to the Vikings – Gerhart was an amazing talent in College who does not get enough love due to his skin color. Gerhart would likely threaten to start on 70% of NFL teams, but playing behind Adrian Peterson he will be relegated to third-down and short-yardage work. Gerhart may also be used as game closer and as fumbling insurance, so put AP’s handcuff on your watch list.
Anthony Dixon to the 49ers – What a disappointing place to land. Gore is still studly and thus Dixon will be relegated to backup duty. A WMFL favorite due to his size and hands, Dixon should be able to competently spell Frank Gore whenever called upon. We expect him to unseat Glen Coffee for #2 back status before the start of the regular season. A must-have handcuff for Gore owners.
Jonathan Dwyer to the Steelers: And the rich get richer. First Mendenhall falls into their lap,and now 31 other teams basically beg the Steelers to take Dwyer. Dwyer should not have lasted this long,and if not for our belief in Mendenhall would be a starter for the Steelers. They lucked out on this pick and pickup the #2 back they were searching for following Wille Parker leaving and joining the Redskins. Dwyer should be added to your watch list in case of injury.
Joe McKnight to the Jets: Expected to step in and fill the potential void left by Leon Washington. McKnight will be behind LT until he retires, but has the potential to form a formidable 1-2 punch with Shonn Greene once LT decides to hangup his legendary cleets. Add to watch list.
Deji Karim to the Jags: Karim has great speed and can also catch passes. Will have to beat out Rashad Jennings to become the all important MJD handcuff. Not roster worthy at this point.
LaGarette Blount to Titans: Blount first agreed to sign with the 49ers but quickly changed his mind and joined the Titans when he heard they were interested. This is a better landing spot for Blount and he should immediately take over the #3 back role behind Chris Johnson and backup Javon Ringer. Not roster worthy at this point.
Stefan Johnson to Titans: Johnson will make the team and you have to believe that either Ringer or Johnson will emerge as a change of pace back for 2000 yard rusher Chris Johnson. Watch pre-season reports closely to see how the battle pans out. Not roster worthy at this point.
James Starks to Packers: The Pack must really love them some Ryan Grant. Starks is a good player in his own right and may force a 70-30 timeshare but at this point is no real threat to Ryan Grants job coming off of injury. The Packers may have got a steal, but he may be a year away from seriously giving Grant any competition for the starting gig. May emerge with some value, I am not the biggest Ryan Grant fan and Starks’ ‘Speed Score’ indicates he may make an impact at this level. Starks is someone to target at the tail-end of rookie drafts.
Charles Scott to Eagles: Don’t worry McCoy owners, LeSean is still the starter. It is actually good news that the Eagles picked up a competent back to spell McCoy as questions about his ability to stand up for a whole season have already been bandied around.
