PaulThePat

Agree to an extent. There is value in the numbers. The key thing is to look at the ones that matter. As others have said the main job of a running back is to move the chains. For me the keys for a back are their speed over the first 5-10 yards, making people miss, shedding tackles etc. 40 speed is nice but not essential for a back.

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ivanvamp

I think a guy to look for is UConn's Jordan Todman. Led the nation in rushing this year, ran for 121 yds in the Fiesta Bowl against Oklahoma, and had a *great* combine. From cnnsi.com:

"Todman timed much faster than most expected and looked very quick all day. His 40 times also ranged in the low-4.4s, with 4.38 seconds his fastest. Todman was explosive during drills, easily changing direction and showing his burst when the ball was in his hands."

Originally projected to be a 2nd or 3rd rounder, he'd be a great pickup in the 2nd at this point.

JFK

I Believe BJGE had a 1.53 too

bresna

I remember a few years back when there was a wide receiver who's combine numbers were incredible. I was pretty psyched when the Patriots actually got him. What was his name again? Hmmm. Oh yeah, his name was Chad Jackson.

Combine numbers aren't everything.

WhiZa

Yes, and they are actually very similar RBs which is why I dont think we will take him. BB is going to want to fill that open RB slot with someone who has more speed and could possibly return kicks. Like what Maroney and Taylor were supposed to be.

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JackBauer

Seriously? So you think a back like Jamaal Charles is overrated?

asfpnepRefugee

Why not, the Chiefs clearly do.

Deus Irae

They just signed him to a 5 year, $32.5M deal with $13M guaranteed. I'm not sure how that equals them thinking him overrated.

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patchick

Yeah, and I remember a couple of years back there was an LB who did nothing much in college, barely cracked the starting lineup, but then wowed 'em at the combine. What was his name again? Oh yeah, Clay Matthews.

There are tons of individual examples in both directions. In the end, I think it's a serious mistake to let either one of productivity or measurables totally blind you to the other. The safest bet remains a player with a balance of both.

For a stocky RB like Ingram, 40 time isn't a big deal to me. His mediocre vertical and cone times, though, raise questions about his suddenness.

jeffbiologist

I think BB has shown he will take a RB in the first round, and he clearly values RBs if he paid Fred Taylor $3m/yr. I dont think top end speed means anything to a runner between the tackles. I think its great he has shown that he can carry the load and that he isnt totally overworked......That guy Todman has almost 600 carries in 2 years, not much left there at that rate. There are a finite number of carries in a RB after all. Ingram hits the hole faster than anyone, and he cuts well enough so that he can move around if the hole isnt there. He doesnt scamper to the sidelines and his feet have purpose. If we draft him I think we will like him.