2011 NFL Draft Preview RB's

1. Mikel LeShoure Illinois- He's a one-cut, north-south style runner with enough shiftiness to make defenders miss and the power to lower his shoulder and run over would-be tacklers. He has the build to be a workhorse back, and should develop into an every-down back as long as he proves he can pass protect. 
2. Mark Ingram Alabama-He's a solid-bodied runner with a low center of gravity and enough elusiveness to be effective inside the tackles. He does have the speed to get to the outside as well, but he's not the home run style back who can run away from defenses. Injury concerns may hurt his draft stock a little bit with knee issues.
3. Daniel Thomas Kansas St- Strong build. Has been a workhorse the last 2 years for the wildcats.Combines his strength with enough elusiveness to avoid getting caught in the backfield, but is not elite in this area. Plows ahead to move the pile. Does not own exceptional vision, but more often than not will pick his way through trash inside. Secures the ball in close quarters. Projects around early 2nd Round range.
4. Shane Vereen Cal- Cal coach Jeff Tedford has long been lauded for his development of quarterbacks, but the Bears are also consistently churning out NFL-caliber running backs. Vereen is the latest in a string of Berkeley backs (Adimchinobe Echemandu, J.J. Arrington, Marshawn Lynch, Justin Forsett and Jahvid Best) to make the jump to the NFL.He would make a great addition to the Patriots backfield who lacks a breakaway runner.
5. Jordan Todman Connecticut- Local product who has everything you want in a Rb from running ability and catching the ball out the backfield. Great vision as well down field. He is small but he is very nifty when he is in open field. Hard-working back willing to carry the ball as much as necessary. Matured significantly during his three years at UConn.He compares favorably to Brian Westbrook.

Who is the ideal Patriot given draft projections?

1. Shane Vereen- Read earlier in blog about post about him.
2. Demarco Murray Oklahoma- He is somewhat injury prone in the past but has the great ability to do run down-hill as well as catch the ball in the backfield. Proven leader in the past. He does tend to put his head down while running which limits him to see cutback lanes to get more yards when given the chance.

Sleepers who could make you second guess yourself why didn't I draft them instead .

1. Roy Helu Nebraska-  Left Lincoln fourth on the school's career rushing list despite not being the No. 1 option during most of his career. His most productive season came as a senior, posting career highs of 1,245 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns on only 188 attempts to earn second-team All-Big 12 honors. Very explosive runner with great acceleration to the hole. Shows very good patience to let blocks develop in front of him. Owns the breakaway speed to take it all the way once at the second level. Shows good vision and has a nice cutback move to gain extra yardage. Accelerates quickly off his cut.
2. Noel Devine WVU- He may be small but that hasn't stopped him from being a productive back in his 4 years WVU. Devine does not have prototypical size scouts look for in an NFL running back. But judging his NFL potential based on his size alone would be a major mistake. His track speed and innate ability to elude defenders in the open field makes him extremely difficult to defend.Just think Darren Sproles and Danny Woodhead not back company. Devine would be a steal for anyone whoever decides to draft this workhorse. 

Tune in next time for WR Preview.