Ranking the top 5 Runningback prospects

1. C.J. Spiller - The Clemson speedster is a very versatile back. He has experience in the return game and passing game. I think this is where he will be best used. Spiller needs to go to a team that likes to pass. He is not a 20 carry a game back. C.J. is more of a Reggie Bush Leon Washington type player. He could go anywhere from Cleveland's 6 pick to Seattle's 14th pick. He did not flourish in his senior season running the ball. He had only 4 games over 100 yards rushing.

2. Ryan Mathews - Mathews had a huge junior year in the WAC. The Fresno star ran for 1808 yards and 19 TD's. He is a bigger running back at 5'11'' 225lbs. He may find himself in the first round with teams cutting ties with older backs. San Diego could be a landing spot late. He reminds me a bit of Detroit's Kevin Smith the way he runs. He is a little shorter and about 10 pounds heavier.

3. Ben Tate - Ben Tate had a nice career at Auburn. He flew under the radar in the SEC. Tate is a down hill runner and tough to bring down with his 5'11'' 218 pound frame. He ran a 4.43 and benched 225lbs 26 times showing his strength. He's not much of a threat in the passing game, but can catch passes out of the backfield. He should be a grinder for some one. Tate will most likely go in the second round pick. I'd love to see the Pats take him round 2. Cut ties with Sammy Morris.

4. Jahvid Best - Best is a Darren Sproles type back. He wont be a guy you can depend on for a lot of carries. He's a change of pace type runner who can catch and return. He isn't afraid of contact but can be injury prone. He could slip into the first round. Will help immediately in the return game.

5. Johnathon Dwyer - Dwyer is a slower back that will find success between the tackles. He ran well in Georgia Tech's triple option offense. Dwyer will be a two down back and in short yardage situation. He should find himself off the boards in the second or third.

Other notable players: Joe McKnight, The USC Trojans back never lived up to the hype out of high school. Fumbles and injuries plagued his college years. Fast back that wont pan out. Lonyae Miller was the other half of the running attack at Fresno St. Miller will find himself later in the draft around the 5th round. I think in a few years he will have some big games for somebody. Never an elite runner but may have some success.