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NFL Draft - Running Back Rankings
Guide picks
Your About Football Guide ranks the top ten running backs in the NFL Draft. Check out all the top running back prospects, along with a short analysis and a prediction of when they will be selected.

Willis McGahee, RB Miami
Willis McGahee was rated as the best running back prospect on most NFL Draft boards before he was injured in the Fiesta Bowl. I'm sure he won't be the first back taken, but if he recovers completely, he'll be the best back to come out of this draft. Medical reports have been promising so far, and I could see someone taking a chance on him as early as the second round.

Larry Johnson, RB Penn State
Rushed for over 2,000 yards and averaged over seven yards per carry in 2002 and has a chance to be a solid back at the next level, but I don't see him as a superstar. Larry Johnson will probably be picked in the mid-to-late first round, but I don't think he's worth more than a second.

Lee Suggs, RB Virginia Tech
An all-around back who can run, block and catch passes. Good ball-handler that rarely puts the ball on the ground. Lee Suggs should be a late first-round or early second-round pick.

Musa Smith, RB Georgia
Musa Smith has battled injuries, and could be the best back to come out of this draft if he can avoid them in the future. He has good size and athleticism, with enough speed to get outside. A reliable receiver out of the backfield. Injury concerns could keep him on the board until the third round, at which point he would be a steal.

Onterrio Smith, RB Oregon
Onterrio Smith is a little undersized, but is explosive and has the ability to make people miss. Some scouts question his ability to be a full time back in the NFL. Has value as a kick returner as well. Probably a second-round pick.

Chris Brown, RB Colorado
Brown hits the hole hard and runs with good power, leg drive, and forward lean. He's the grind-it-out type of back that needs a lot of carries to get going. Not the explosive homerun type. Brown will probably be selected in the second or third round of the draft.

Justin Fargas, RB USC
Fargas really helped his draft status by ripping off a pair of sub-4.4 forties at the NFL Scouting Combine. He has good strength, quickness, and vision, and he hits the hole as hard as anyone in the draft. The biggest concern with Fargas is his inability to remain healthy. He's a workout warrior, but I don't think he's worth more than a late-second round pick.

Quentin Griffin, RB Oklahoma
Quentin Griffin is an elusive runner, but is undersized. Looks to me like a third-down back in the NFL.

LaBrandon Toefield, RB LSU
LaBrandon Toefield has tons of talent, but he's been injured each of the past two seasons. Has good size, strength, and very good speed. Excellent upside if he stays healthy. Probably a third or fourth-round pick.

Cecil Sapp, RB Colorado State
A power back with good size and speed. Gains tough yards between the tackles. Needs to work on his blocking skills. Cecil Sapp is a promising young running back and should be selected in the third or fourth round of the draft.

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