OT: Why aren't running backs more like Maurice Jones Drew?

[Phokus]

He's like 5'6" or 5'8", right? Wouldn't it be more beneficial to have shorter, stockier RB's? They have more leverage, plus LBers/Dlinemen would have a harder time seeing them. They don't even need the so-called 'lean' when they run because they're naturally shorter... it'd be hard to hit them too.

On the opposite side of the spectrum, every time i see Brandon Jacobs run, it looks like he's going to get injured because he has such a high center of gravity and everyone is tackling his legs

 

[Nordy]

How many great, short RBs with the build of Jones-Drew are there out there? His body type matched with athleticism aren't just something you can pick up on the street corner.

 

[Tyler.Durden]

but there legs are so darn short, they get nowhere fast.

 

[ALP]

there faster then me and u....put together

 

[ALP]

while were at it, why arnt more recievers like welker? short? and may i saw white?

 

[drew4008]

but there legs are so darn short, they get nowhere fast.

He ran a sub 4.4 forty.

Unless you were being sarcastic...?

 

[MetalBleachers]

Lots of college RBs are in the 5-9 range:
http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/players.php?genpos=RB&draftyear=2008&sortby=tsxpos&order=ASC

Jones-Drew is hard to locate and can burrow for extra yards, but his size also makes him a liability in terms of reaching for off-target passes, blocking DEs, and taking the pounding of most every-down backs (considering most D lineman outweigh him by 100 pounds or more, those hits add up quickly for a guy that size).

I suppose the title of this thread is like asking, "Flutie was successful, so why aren't more QBs 5-foot-9?" You need talent. Jones-Drew is strong, fast, and quick - he has to be - that's what makes him an NFL player.

Keep an eye on Justin Forsett of Cal this year. He'll get drafted.

 

[maverick4]

There's a trade off because guys 5'8 in the NFL are usually more injury prone.

You don't often get guys who are 5'8'ish but are 230-something pounds and run a sub 4.4 with great vision.

 

[RayClay]

Joe Morris, Mack Herron. There are advantages.

Thing is if you stretch out these guys with the same body proportions, you've got Ricky Williams or Corey Dillon. Less elusiveness, but imagine how strong a 6 foot Morris Drew would be.

 

[ALP]

a 6 foot drwe would never go down to the ground...