Unlike the quarterback position, rookie running backs -- especially those taken on the first day of the NFL Draft -- are expected to contribute almost immediately. While none of the running backs in this class are expected to have the kind of impact that Adrian Peterson (1,341 yards, 5.6 yards per carry, 12 touchdowns) had last season as a rookie, many should be expected to perform similarly to how Bills running back Marshawn Lynch did as a rookie last year: 1,115 yards (4.0 ypc) and 7 touchdowns.
Rookie Running Backs
Here, I’ll outline the running backs from the 2008 draft class I think will have the most impact this season:
1. Rashard Mendenhall: Easily one of the most electric backs in college football last season, Mendenhall enters a Pittsburgh team that is pretty thin at running back. Mendenhall has more talent and a wider range of abilities than incumbent starter Willie Parker, who despite leading the league in rushing before suffering a broken leg last season, was not performing exceptionally (he only scored two touchdowns). Mendenhall could end up being the starter, with Parker as a change-of-pace back before too long.
2. Matt Forte: It’s no secret that the Bears were not pleased with the performance of former fourth-overall pick, Cedric Benson, last season. Much to his dismay, Matt Forte has looked good in mini-camps so far. A favorite of New Era Scouting, Forte could be the Thomas Jones in the running back rotation before too long -- moving Benson to the bench save for about 5-10 carries a game.
3. Kevin Smith: The Lions were rumored to be looking for a running back as early as round one. With the dearth of talent at the position, it would not have been a reach. They chose instead to take an offensive tackle Gosder Cherilus (Boston College), selecting Smith with the first pick in the third round. However, Smith will be running in a similar offense to the one he played in at UCF because new Lions offensive coordinator Jim Colleto worked with his UCF offensive coordinator, Tim Salem, at Purdue. That, coupled with Lions coaches wanting Tatum Bell to have only about 10-15 carries a game, bode well for Smith.
Now I know some of you are wondering how Darren McFadden and Jonathan Stewart didn’t make this list, but that’s because they are both going to be battling very strong starters on their respective teams. McFadden will be behind 1,000-yard rusher Justin Fargas and competing with first-round talent Michael Bush. Stewart, while battling a foot injury, will try to unseat DeAngelo Williams, who averaged five yards a pop last season.
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