Top 3 Rookie Running Backs For Collectors To Watch in 09
With the draft a week old its time to take a look at its impact on the hobby. This article will focus on the top running back prospects selected in the 2009 NFL draft. Last years rookie RB's made a huge splash in the hobby with Matt Forte and Steve Slaton leading the way.
Here is my top three list of rookie running backs from the 2009 draft class.
1) Knowshon Moreno (Denver Broncos) 
Knowshon Moreno's best asset is making tacklers miss. He has an arsenal of spins, jukes, and jumps that make defenders think twice before diving for a tackle in the open field. It is rare for a player of his skill set to effectively run between the tackles, but Moreno does it with ease. Moreno also has great vision which should transfer well to the next level. He should come into his own in the Denver Broncos running system, which is kind to rookie running backs. The draw for collectors is he is a fun player to watch and will get his fair share of carries his rookie year. The Broncos offense makes him the initial front runner for offensive rookie of the year.
The Bottom Line: Moreno has the skills and the perfect situation to be one of the most collected rookies this year.
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2. Chris “Beanie" Wells (Arizona Cardinals)
Beanie Wells has a rare combination of size, power, and speed. He can use his size and strength to run a defender over, or his speed and athleticism to make them miss. Its not often you see a guy who is 6'1" 237 pounds posses the athleticism to hurdle tacklers, and juke them out of their shoes. It will be fun to see Beanie take his place in the Arizona Cardinals electrifying offense. For the first time in his life Beanie will not be the center of attention for opposing defenders with a solid group of skill players surrounding him in Arizona. The major downside that can't be ignored with Wells are the injuries that followed him his entire career at Ohio State.
The Bottom Line: If healthy Wells could flourish in the Cardinals high flying offense, he is an exciting back who can score from anywhere on the field. With the release of “The Edge" Wells will see more carries his rookie year. He also has a very appealing and collectible signature.
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3. Donald Brown- Indianapolis Colts
In his three years at Connecticut Donald Brown has proven himself to be a workhorse. He carried the ball 367 times his final year for a total of 2,083 yards and 18 touchdowns. Brown has an impressive first step that allows him to hit his gap quickly. He also has impressive vision, some great cutback moves and great speed. The knock on Brown is that he cant make defenders miss when he is at full speed. Brown will have a tough time getting a lot of carries behind Joseph Addai. Expect Brown to be an effective backup and change of pace back for the Colts this year.
The Bottom Line- Donald Brown has all the skills to be a feature back in the NFL, but he will need Addai to get out of the way. Collectors might have to be patient with Brown, as he could develop into a very good player when he is given the carries.
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Honorable Mentions: LeSean McCoy- Philadelphia Eagles, Rashad Jennings- Jacksonville Jaguars, Shonn Greene- New York Jets, Glen Coffee- San Francisco 49ers.
Can any of these Running Backs make an immediate impact on there team and the hobby? Initially I see Moreno being the most collected running back from this years class, I also see him having the longest stay in the heart of collectors. Beanie Wells is a huge question mark due to his constant injuries in college. Donald Brown is a solid guy with good character who will work hard to get himself into a starting job. This years class of running backs is a pretty good one, but I don't see them having the kind of impact that last years class did.
Please drop me an email at Wkelley.cc@gmail.com with your comments or questions!
