At least two teams don't have Ingram on their board

[RussFrancis]

I don't understand why anybody would want to sign a kid with a bad knee to a 1st round contract.

Because frankly, I dont believe a word of it. The position as a whole is just undervalued.

I also find it funny that people actually think Richardson is a better back than Ingram. Dont get me wrong, I think Richardson is a solid back. Better than Ingram? That's absolutely silly. Bottom line...just dont believe everything you hear.

 

[furley]

I'm curious to know whether or not Ingram can become an every down running back in the league and survive as a starter. That is, being a running back under five feet, ten inches.

The top running back prospects who are linked to New England.

Mark Ingram - 5'9'' 215 lbs.
Ryan Williams - 5'9'' 212 lbs.
Kendall Hunter - 5'7'' 199 lbs.


Best case scenario

Maurice Jones-Drew - 5'7'' 207 lbs.
Ray Rice - 5'8'' 215 lbs.
Frank Gore - 5'9'' 217 lbs.
DeAngelo Williams - 5'9'' 217 lbs.
Domanick Davis - 5'9'' 216 lbs.
Warrick Dunn - 5'9'' 187 lbs.

Hall Of Famers

Barry Sanders - 5'8'' 200 lbs.
Emmitt Smith - 5'9'' 216 lbs.

Worst case scenario

Travis Henry - 5'9'' 230 lbs.
Ahmad Bradshaw - 5'9'' 198 lbs.
Steve Slaton - 5'9'' 215 lbs.


The one concern with the current names on this list is the issue of durability. Especially, players such as Gore and D. Williams. And the one red flag on R. Williams is can he stay healthy. Ditto for Hunter. In other words, it's about being talented versus having a proneness for injuries. Conversely, I don't think Ingram is injury prone but his recent knee surgery leaves many wondering about his long term career at a position that doesn't usually have a long shelf life. I think the average year of a running back (I take this to mean if you're a starting running back) is five years.

 

[DaBruinz]

Good, that's two less teams to worry about. Hopefully, Miami IS one of those two teams. You hear more junk this time of year about these players than ever. Use your own eyes. Watch the film. Look at his combine work, his pro day work. If that's a kid with a bad knee, SIGN ME UP.

Used my own eyes.. Don't care for Ingram.. He's got about the same ability as BJGE. The difference is that Ellis played for Ole Miss and Ingram for Alabama.

 

[furley]

I've a hard time believing that Belichick would take another gamble on a running back in the first round, but Ingram to New England seems to have merit.

Someone who knows Bill Belichick well told me the other day his MO for this draft will be like it's been for many others: Approach a pick like he wants to trade it, wait until there's a minute left on the clock, and if he doesn't have a good offer, turn in a name to pick. This person said he thinks this could be the case at number 28, with Mark Ingram on the board. He'll have Ingram in his back pocket -- the Patriots love him -- and if they don't get a good offer from a team moving up (probably moving up for a quarterback), Belichick could say, "Turn in the card for Ingram.''

Steve Sabol battles brain tumor; 2011 NFL Draft prospects evaluated - Peter King - SI.com

 

[meggett]

I'm curious to know whether or not Ingram can become an every down running back in the league and survive as a starter. That is, being a running back under five feet, ten inches.

The top running back prospects who are linked to New England.

Mark Ingram - 5'9'' 215 lbs.
Ryan Williams - 5'9'' 212 lbs.
Kendall Hunter - 5'7'' 199 lbs.


Best case scenario

Maurice Jones-Drew - 5'7'' 207 lbs.
Ray Rice - 5'8'' 215 lbs.
Frank Gore - 5'9'' 217 lbs.
DeAngelo Williams - 5'9'' 217 lbs.
Domanick Davis - 5'9'' 216 lbs.
Warrick Dunn - 5'9'' 187 lbs.

Hall Of Famers

Barry Sanders - 5'8'' 200 lbs.
Emmitt Smith - 5'9'' 216 lbs.

Worst case scenario

Travis Henry - 5'9'' 230 lbs.
Ahmad Bradshaw - 5'9'' 198 lbs.
Steve Slaton - 5'9'' 215 lbs.


The one concern with the current names on this list is the issue of durability. Especially, players such as Gore and D. Williams. And the one red flag on R. Williams is can he stay healthy. Ditto for Hunter. In other words, it's about being talented versus having a proneness for injuries. Conversely, I don't think Ingram is injury prone but his recent knee surgery leaves many wondering about his long term career at a position that doesn't usually have a long shelf life. I think the average year of a running back (I take this to mean if you're a starting running back) is five years.

i dont think you can really make that leap that size/weight is a determining factor for success of an NFL RB. i would argue that most RBs are between 5'9 and 6'2. 200lbs-230lbs. dosnt say anything about their talent level. Ron Dayne 5'10 was nasty in college but he was horrible in the NFL. just because a guy is short (MJD, Warrick Dunn, Ray Rice) dosnt mean he cant do some things, and vise versa with taller backs (Jim Brown 6'2, Bo Jackson 6'1, Eric ****erson 6'3). and we all know the large differences in weight between the good backs. Chris Johnson and Jamaal Charles were knocked for being too skinny. Also, I wouldnt rope Ahmad Bradshaw into the worst case scenario. Being here in NJ and seeing the Giants every weekend, I can honestly say that if he were on NE, he would be the best back on our team....and its not even close. im not saying hes Gale Sayers, but hes a talented guy. Hes shifty as hell and can do everything.

YouTube - AHMAD BRADSHAW MID SEASON HIGHLIGHTS

 

[supafly]

I don't understand why anybody would want to sign a kid with a bad knee to a 1st round contract.

What's the deal with the knee anyway, VJC? I know he had a minor knee procedure last summer right before the season, but he only missed 2 games. Those were the only 2 games that he missed in his college career. Is there a reason why everyone is so sold on his knee being bad?

I like him not because of his numbers, but his consistency. He had between 12 and 17 TD's every single year, and between 5.1 and 6.1 ypc in all 3 years. That is pretty consistent. I also found it interesting to learn that he has never fumbled in his college career. Once again, consistent.

But back to my original question about the knee. I am not as full of information as some, so I seriously do not know the entire story. I looked it up, but did not find much besides the fact that he missed the first 2 games of last year. Even then, he still averaged 5.5 ypc, had 13 TD's, and caught another 20+ balls out of the backfield for a 13.4 average per catch.

 

[furley]

Another question one would ask is how effective would Ingram be in a running back by committee system. I would think he and agent want to go to a team where he'll have an opportunity for a lead running back role. Depends. I mean you would think it makes more sense for him to be in a running back committee with all of the speculation surrounding his knee (he'd arthroscopic knee surgery at the start of this season) and concerns about his durability.

Technically, he'd played in a running back committee at Alabama but the time share was more often than not in his favor most games.

Also, he must improve his ability to pass protect. Especially, if he wants to see more time on the field with New England.

 

[furley]

i dont think you can really make that leap that size/weight is a determining factor for success of an NFL RB. i would argue that most RBs are between 5'9 and 6'2. 200lbs-230lbs. dosnt say anything about their talent level. Ron Dayne 5'10 was nasty in college but he was horrible in the NFL. just because a guy is short (MJD, Warrick Dunn, Ray Rice) dosnt mean he cant do some things, and vise versa with taller backs (Jim Brown 6'2, Bo Jackson 6'1, Eric ****erson 6'3). and we all know the large differences in weight between the good backs. Chris Johnson and Jamaal Charles were knocked for being too skinny. Also, I wouldnt rope Ahmad Bradshaw into the worst case scenario. Being here in NJ and seeing the Giants every weekend, I can honestly say that if he were on NE, he would be the best back on our team....and its not even close. im not saying hes Gale Sayers, but hes a talented guy. Hes shifty as hell and can do everything

I made no presumptions at all. My post was very specific in what I was talking about. I think you've misread it. I never wrote that height is a determining factor for success or failure. Mark Ingram is 5'9'' not a tall running back. So I reference those in his height range current and past tense.

As far as the players on the worst case scenario list, Bradshaw has only had one outstanding season as a first time starter. You can't assume that he'll be in a similar situation if he doesn't re-sign with the Giants. And the same can be said for Slaton. One-year wonder? Henry's career has been marred by injuries. Yes, he has had more than one outstanding season (three thousand yard seasons) but he has been inconsistent. That is, he wasn't a perennial thousand yard running back like a Gore over his career.

 

[meggett]

I made no presumptions at all. My post was very specific in what I was talking about. I think you've misread it. I never wrote that height is a determining factor for success or failure. Mark Ingram is 5'9'' not a tall running back. So I reference those in his height range current and past tense.

As far as the players on the worst case scenario list, Bradshaw has only had one outstanding season as a first time starter. You can't assume that he'll be in a similar situation if he doesn't re-sign with the Giants. And the same can be said for Slaton. One-year wonder? Henry's career has been marred by injuries. Yes, he has had more than one outstanding season (three thousand yard seasons) but he has been inconsistent. That is, he wasn't a perennial thousand yard running back like a Gore over his career.

your right. i did misread the height/weight debate. my appologies.

as far as bradshaw, all im saying is ill take one outstanding season in the pros so far, and hang my hat that he could do it again as opposed to drafting a player from college that you hope can do the same thing. as long as the player is young enough and talented enough like bradshaw.

 

[furley]

Most people are apt to lean more toward a proven commodity than an unknown rookie. But there's always the issue of trust whenever one's evaluating a player to draft versus a player to sign. The point about shorter running backs is still whether or not they've durability issues. I think any starting running back, tall or short, have their share of durability issues. The challenge is how best to eliminate that perception. I say, just go out and perform regardless of height and size. I mean not every running back that has became a Pro Bowl caliber player have been the prototypical player at his position.

 

[Seneschal2]

Re:

Mark Ingram says his knee is fine | National Football Post

Alabama running back Mark Ingram downplayed concerns about his surgically repaired left knee, saying his knee is fine.

"I don't know where the reports have come from," Ingram told the Associated Press. "I guess somebody wants me to fall down the board. But my knee is 100 percent. It's strong, it's healthy. All the teams have positive reports on my knee and Dr. [James] Andrews has given positive reports on my knee as well. My knee's 100 percent. It's in great shape. All those reports are false information."


Ingram underwent surgery last August, but only missed two games.

---


FWIW. I seriously doubt he's lying about his knee, and more importantly -- his surgeon.

 

[Triumph]

I'm curious to know whether or not Ingram can become an every down running back in the league and survive as a starter. That is, being a running back under five feet, ten inches.

The top running back prospects who are linked to New England.

Mark Ingram - 5'9'' 215 lbs.
Ryan Williams - 5'9'' 212 lbs.
Kendall Hunter - 5'7'' 199 lbs.


Best case scenario

Maurice Jones-Drew - 5'7'' 207 lbs.
Ray Rice - 5'8'' 215 lbs.
Frank Gore - 5'9'' 217 lbs.
DeAngelo Williams - 5'9'' 217 lbs.
Domanick Davis - 5'9'' 216 lbs.
Warrick Dunn - 5'9'' 187 lbs.

Hall Of Famers

Barry Sanders - 5'8'' 200 lbs.
Emmitt Smith - 5'9'' 216 lbs.

Worst case scenario

Travis Henry - 5'9'' 230 lbs.
Ahmad Bradshaw - 5'9'' 198 lbs.
Steve Slaton - 5'9'' 215 lbs.


The one concern with the current names on this list is the issue of durability. Especially, players such as Gore and D. Williams. And the one red flag on R. Williams is can he stay healthy. Ditto for Hunter. In other words, it's about being talented versus having a proneness for injuries. Conversely, I don't think Ingram is injury prone but his recent knee surgery leaves many wondering about his long term career at a position that doesn't usually have a long shelf life. I think the average year of a running back (I take this to mean if you're a starting running back) is five years.

Priest Holmes was about the same size as Ingram too.

I have a funny feeling the Ingram is going to be a Patriot. Some say he is the next Emmit Smith.

 

[furley]

I think the Emmitt Smith comparisons have generated more intrigue about seeing Ingram in NFL. However, one has to be careful... The comparison could prove to be unfounded.

Ingram didn't run a great 40-yard dash, clocking a 4.62, which has drawn comparisons to Emmitt Smith. Smith, who was 5-foot-8 and 190 pounds at his Pro Day, ran a 4.55, prompting him to fall to 17th in the 1990 draft.

"He's the leading rusher in NFL history," Ingram said. "It's a great honor just to be mentioned in the same breath with him."

While Ingram, like Smith, possesses vision, instincts, balance, quick acceleration and ball security, Smith has 18,355 career rushing yards in the NFL. Ingram has none.

"It's hard to compare anybody to Emmitt Smith," said NFL Network's Michael Lombardi, who was the first to suggest Ingram has degenerative arthritis in his knee. "That's always a difficult one. I think Mark Ingram is kind of a unique player. He's more of a power back that's not as big as those power backs. And I think that every back has his own unique style. His balance is incredible, and he always gets yards after contact, which makes him a very effective player in the league. So I don't know about the Emmitt [comparison]. Just to be in the same category would be classic."

Alabama's Ingram talented, but knee a question | NFL | Latest news and video on the Dallas Co...

 

[dryheat44]

I think the Emmitt Smith comparisons have generated more intrigue about seeing Ingram in NFL. However, one has to be careful... The comparison could prove to be unfounded.

Could prove to be unfounded? They are unfounded. I mean, I get it...here's a guy who's not the best athlete among running backs, is relatively slow, but just produces on the field. People say, "That guy can't succeed in the NFL", others answer "The NFL's all-time leading rusher had those same criticisms, and he did OK!" I think I played devil's advocate myself on that argument during the season. However,

Comparing anybody in the draft to Emmitt Smith (or Jerry Rice, or **** Butkis, or Jim Brown, or Tom Brady) is ridiculous. You might as well compare me to Rice because we're the same height and weight and ran the same 40. Believe it or not, nobody drew that comparisons. It's just sportswriter laziness, and it's an epidemic. I mean, would it kill someone to compare Ingram to Deuce McAlister or someone and lower the bar?

 

[RussFrancis]

I agree. Absolutely hate seeing players compared to all timers like Emmitt Smith before theyve even been drafted. They could compare him to alot of players. Emmitt Smith? Really? I even heard Saban making that comparison. Does anyone say a QB looks like Brady or Montana? No and for good reason.

 

[furley]

Now this is interesting, I must have missed reading about this comparison.

15. Mark Ingram, Alabama (5-09, 215)
Pro comparison: Frank Gore (49ers)

Ingram is compared to Emmitt Smith, but comparing any player to a Hall of Famer before stepping on the field is treacherous ground to walk. Gore's tough inside running style and vision are as close a template to Ingram's game as any modern mortal.

Draft comparisons: Top 50 and their NFL likenesses - NFL - CBSSports.com - NFLDraftScout.com

 

[patsinthesnow]

Im surprised the draftniks dont compare Ingram to BJGE as a more realistic comparison. They are similar in many ways I dont see him like Frank Gore.

 

[RussFrancis]

I think Ingram is as much like Ray Rice as anyone. Same basic build/body type, with serious lateral agility, pretty decent power and ball catching ability. Rice is about a tenth of a second faster in the 40, but I dont see a significant difference in their speed. Green-Ellis....love the kid, does NOT have that level of lateral agility, and he cant catch the ball. If he could, he'd have seen alot more action last year in the Jets game. Kid has hands of stone. We need to get back to an "every down back" who can actually catch the damn ball. It would make our running game/screen game a ton less predictable. Not trying to overly knock the Firm here, but he is FAR from the complete back that Rice, Gore and Ingram are, imo.

 

[mgteich]

I see us considering Ingram at 33. My preference is Reed, but I could see us drafting Ingram or LeShoure.

 

[furley]

Yeah, I concur. I fail to see the similarities of Ingram to Green-Ellis.