As college football continues to produce young talent, it becomes increasingly important for NFL franchises to address team weaknesses and rebuild through the draft. The 2008 NFL Draft will be remembered as one of the strongest classes in recent memory. The draft is most noted for its strong running back class. Several rookie running backs have emerged as impact players for their respective teams.
Going into the draft, many considered it to be an excellent running back class. In “Best after McFadden? RB contenders aplenty in NFL draft,” Frank Cooney of USA Today stated that "Thanks to an influx of underclassmen, this year's NFL draft has excellence and depth at running back." Several teams looked to take advantage by drafting a talented ball carriers at various times throughout the draft. With the regular season in the books, several rookie running backs have had success:
Chris Johnson, East Carolina: After recording the fastest time in the 40 yard dash at the 2008 NFL Combine, Tennessee picked Johnson twenty-fourth overall. Sharing time with LenDale White, he had an extremely successful season. As one of two rookies named to the pro bowl, he was an integral part of a Tennessee team that clinched the best record in the NFL. A fast, elusive runner, Johnson finished the season with almost 1500 total yards from scrimmage and 10 total touchdowns.
Matt Forte, Tulane: Having given up on Cedric Benson, the Bears selected Forte with their second round pick. His combination of power and speed led to an excellent season as the feature back in Chicago. Forte is also a good receiver out of the backfield. In fact, he led the team with 63 catches. His performance helped keep Chicago in the playoff race heading into the last week of the season. Forte finished the season with over 1700 total yards and 12 touchdowns.
Steve Slaton, West Virginia: In looking to add more depth at running back, Houston got much more by picking Slaton in the third round. The quick, shifty runner greatly exceeded expectations. He helped a young Texans team continue to improve; achieving only the second winning season in franchise history. Slaton gained over 1600 yards and scored 10 touchdowns this season.
Kevin Smith, Central Florida: Detroit chose Smith with the first pick of the third round. While he failed to help Detroit notch a victory, he performed well in the starting role. As the season went on, Smith gradually became a bigger part of the offense. Given the inconsistencies of the Lions offense, his numbers look even more impressive. In his first season, Smith gained over 1200 yards and scored 8 times.
Jonathan Stewart, Oregon: Carolina selected Stewart with the thirteenth overall pick. His blend of power and speed was the perfect compliment to DeAngelo Williams elusiveness. While he did not become the feature back as many expected, he made the most his opportunities. He was an important part of a dominant rushing attack that led the Panthers to a division title. As a rookie, Stewart had almost 900 yards and scored 10 touchdowns.
Darren McFadden, Arkansas: The Radiers chose McFadden with the fourth overall pick. He entered the draft as the highest rated running back prospect. Having suffered a mid-season injury, his season can be seen as a relative dissapointment. In addition, he saw limited playing time in the Oakland backfield. McFadden is an explosive runner and an excellent reciever out of the backfield. Despite his troubles, McFadden managed to gain nearly 800 yards and scored 4 touchdowns.
Felix Jones, Arkansas: In search of a change of pace running back to Marion Barber, Dallas picked Jones twenty-second overall. He played a key role in a high powered Dallas offense that started the season extremely well. Unfortunately, he suffered a season ending injury early in the season. In his six games behind Barber, the speedy Jones gained an impressive 8.9 yards per carry for over 250 yards and 4 total touchdowns.
All statistics were obtained from the official website of the National Football League <http://www.nfl.com/>.
