Best RB in the Draft

Originally posted by English:

Originally posted by TheGoldStandard:

Originally posted by English:

Originally posted by Old_school:
I think that RB is a priority in this drft, but not a first round priority. Gore is playing on two surgically repaired knees and we are only one cheap shot away from having a mediocre running game.

Priority? Running backs can pretty much start on day 1, if they are any good. So why spend a high(ish) draft pick on a running back when Gore could (could) be good for another four seasons. And we have no idea if we have anything in Coffee or nor.

5th round or later? Fine

another 4 years? he's turning 27 has had surgery on both knees and shoulder blades, ankle problems, hasn't played a full season since 2006. If Gore misses time which is a high probability based on his injury history we are gonna need someone to carry the load.

Priorities. Gore is an excellent rb. Other positions? Not so much. So we can either take a back who might sit on the bench behind Frank for 2 or 3 years, or we can take a guy who will likely be needed to start this year.

Yes, Gore won't last forever. But why rush to replace him when other priorities are so demanding. And like I said, we have no idea if we have anything in Coffee or not

Another back who can carry the ball will prolong Gore's career, and not just by allowing him to play more years, but to continue playing at a high level. And over the course of a season? He will be fresher down the stretch, especially for a playoff run that we all hope takes place next year. And again if Gore were to go down for extended time, and he has missed games the past 3 seasons, we are gonna need someone who can come in with little to no drop off or we risk being caught in a bad situation if and when he goes down.

But that's just looking at it from one perspective. The real benefit of Spiller or someone of that ilk is that they would provide a different dimension to the offense, speed. We don't need another Gore which is essentially what Coffee is, but we do need someone who defenses have to respect as a deep threat.

The whole idea that Spiller wouldn't or couldn't get on the field because of Gore seems misguided, Reggie Bush isn't the primary ballcarrier for the Saints, Pierre Thomas is, but Reggie still plays a lot. Rather it be in the slot, out wide, or in the backfield Spiller would be able to play and defenses would have to account for him, opening it up for everybody else, including Gore.

where do u got this scouting report?

Originally posted by TheGoldStandard:

Originally posted by English:

Originally posted by TheGoldStandard:

Originally posted by English:

Originally posted by Old_school:
I think that RB is a priority in this drft, but not a first round priority. Gore is playing on two surgically repaired knees and we are only one cheap shot away from having a mediocre running game.

Priority? Running backs can pretty much start on day 1, if they are any good. So why spend a high(ish) draft pick on a running back when Gore could (could) be good for another four seasons. And we have no idea if we have anything in Coffee or nor.

5th round or later? Fine

another 4 years? he's turning 27 has had surgery on both knees and shoulder blades, ankle problems, hasn't played a full season since 2006. If Gore misses time which is a high probability based on his injury history we are gonna need someone to carry the load.

Priorities. Gore is an excellent rb. Other positions? Not so much. So we can either take a back who might sit on the bench behind Frank for 2 or 3 years, or we can take a guy who will likely be needed to start this year.

Yes, Gore won't last forever. But why rush to replace him when other priorities are so demanding. And like I said, we have no idea if we have anything in Coffee or not

Another back who can carry the ball will prolong Gore's career, and not just by allowing him to play more years, but to continue playing at a high level. And over the course of a season? He will be fresher down the stretch, especially for a playoff run that we all hope takes place next year. And again if Gore were to go down for extended time, and he has missed games the past 3 seasons, we are gonna need someone who can come in with little to no drop off or we risk being caught in a bad situation if and when he goes down.

But that's just looking at it from one perspective. The real benefit of Spiller or someone of that ilk is that they would provide a different dimension to the offense, speed. We don't need another Gore which is essentially what Coffee is, but we do need someone who defenses have to respect as a deep threat.

The whole idea that Spiller wouldn't or couldn't get on the field because of Gore seems misguided, Reggie Bush isn't the primary ballcarrier for the Saints, Pierre Thomas is, but Reggie still plays a lot. Rather it be in the slot, out wide, or in the backfield Spiller would be able to play and defenses would have to account for him, opening it up for everybody else, including Gore.

I might agree with you more if other priorities weren't so demanding. We need a decent line to spring our backs, whoever they are. With a decent line we might find we already had our second back. Who knows?

Offensive line. Defensive backfield. Passrush. And then maybe depth for Frank. But we aren't going to agree on this!

Originally posted by wailers15:
Nice I was waiting for someone to post about him. My cus goes to Fresno St. Dude is a stud. His stats speak for himself. Too much hype on Spiller, McCluster, Best.

The funny thing about Spiller is when Davis was @ Clemson he beat Spiller in the 40 3 straight yrs. Funny how no one brings that up except for Dabo.

Okay no chance thats correct.

Originally posted by Sjceruti:

Originally posted by wailers15:
The funny thing about Spiller is when Davis was @ Clemson he beat Spiller in the 40 3 straight yrs. Funny how no one brings that up except for Dabo.

Okay no chance thats correct.

Yeah, I asked the dude for some clarification on that comment, because there's no way it's true. JD wasn't in the ballpark with CJ in terms of speed.

Here's the way I see taking RBs in the draft.

If you don't have a good RB then you need to fix that ASAP by taking one early in the draft, probably with a 1st or 2nd round pick. Most of the RBs taken this early end up contributing right away.

If you have a really good RB already (like we do), but would like another, then RB is a luxury pick. So you take RBs late in the draft until you hit on someone really good. Which you will certainly do sooner or later because a lot of late round RBs end up being real good in the NFL.

Now, because we need a return specialist so badly, I think we could break these rules and take a RB early, if he's a really good return man. But taking a RB early that cannot return kicks just makes no sense for us.

Originally posted by TheFunkyChicken:
Here's the way I see taking RBs in the draft.

If you don't have a good RB then you need to fix that ASAP by taking one early in the draft, probably with a 1st or 2nd round pick. Most of the RBs taken this early end up contributing right away.

If you have a really good RB already (like we do), but would like another, then RB is a luxury pick. So you take RBs late in the draft until you hit on someone really good. Which you will certainly do sooner or later because a lot of late round RBs end up being real good in the NFL.

Now, because we need a return specialist so badly, I think we could break these rules and take a RB early, if he's a really good return man. But taking a RB early that cannot return kicks just makes no sense for us.

Completely agreed

Originally posted by wailers15:
Nice I was waiting for someone to post about him. My cus goes to Fresno St. Dude is a stud. His stats speak for himself. Too much hype on Spiller, McCluster, Best.

The funny thing about Spiller is when Davis was @ Clemson he beat Spiller in the 40 3 straight yrs. Funny how no one brings that up except for Dabo.

LMFAO. Were did you hear that?

Originally posted by English:

Originally posted by TheGoldStandard:

Originally posted by English:

Originally posted by TheGoldStandard:

Originally posted by English:

Originally posted by Old_school:
I think that RB is a priority in this drft, but not a first round priority. Gore is playing on two surgically repaired knees and we are only one cheap shot away from having a mediocre running game.

Priority? Running backs can pretty much start on day 1, if they are any good. So why spend a high(ish) draft pick on a running back when Gore could (could) be good for another four seasons. And we have no idea if we have anything in Coffee or nor.

5th round or later? Fine

another 4 years? he's turning 27 has had surgery on both knees and shoulder blades, ankle problems, hasn't played a full season since 2006. If Gore misses time which is a high probability based on his injury history we are gonna need someone to carry the load.

Priorities. Gore is an excellent rb. Other positions? Not so much. So we can either take a back who might sit on the bench behind Frank for 2 or 3 years, or we can take a guy who will likely be needed to start this year.

Yes, Gore won't last forever. But why rush to replace him when other priorities are so demanding. And like I said, we have no idea if we have anything in Coffee or not

Another back who can carry the ball will prolong Gore's career, and not just by allowing him to play more years, but to continue playing at a high level. And over the course of a season? He will be fresher down the stretch, especially for a playoff run that we all hope takes place next year. And again if Gore were to go down for extended time, and he has missed games the past 3 seasons, we are gonna need someone who can come in with little to no drop off or we risk being caught in a bad situation if and when he goes down.

But that's just looking at it from one perspective. The real benefit of Spiller or someone of that ilk is that they would provide a different dimension to the offense, speed. We don't need another Gore which is essentially what Coffee is, but we do need someone who defenses have to respect as a deep threat.

The whole idea that Spiller wouldn't or couldn't get on the field because of Gore seems misguided, Reggie Bush isn't the primary ballcarrier for the Saints, Pierre Thomas is, but Reggie still plays a lot. Rather it be in the slot, out wide, or in the backfield Spiller would be able to play and defenses would have to account for him, opening it up for everybody else, including Gore.

I might agree with you more if other priorities weren't so demanding. We need a decent line to spring our backs, whoever they are. With a decent line we might find we already had our second back. Who knows?

Offensive line. Defensive backfield. Passrush. And then maybe depth for Frank. But we aren't going to agree on this!

Eh, I feel like there's no need to reach for a tackle at 13, when you can just wait three or four picks and get the guy you want anyway. Also I don't believe that there's a DB good enough to take that early after Haden, who will be long gone. And any rusher we bring in is going to be splitting time with Brooks, Haralson, and Manny, so it's the same situation as picking a running back, except with Spiller he also can contribute on the field in special teams.

I would say I am looking value over priorities, and will admit it takes some faith that we would be able to sure up needs elsewhere, rather that be in free agency, later in the draft, or through player development (i.e. Reggie Smith).

Originally posted by NineFourNiner:
My opinion is that you are from Fresno.

U got me... Born and raised...

Originally posted by NickDaNiner:
Ryan Matthews
5'11, 220 pounds | Running back | Fresno State

2009 STATS
ATTEMPTS YARDS TOUCHDOWNS
276 1,808 19
CAREER STATS
ATTEMPTS YARDS TOUCHDOWNS
534 3,280 39

Acceleration/Burst/Quickness: Tremendous quickness and change of direction ability. Consistently balance allows him to get full force on his cuts. Can get to top speed as he hits the second level of the defense. Lacks the top notch speed in the open field but the short area burst makes him appear to be faster than he is.

Ball Protection: Holds the ball high and tight to his body. Strong grip, ball is rarely away from his body even when evading tacklers in space. Has 3 career fumbles despite 535 carries.

Elusiveness/Feet/Agility: Makes defenders miss in traffic. Makes himself small despite possessing a big frame. Very loose hips and light feet before the burst is turned on. Can run through a defender but prefers to make them miss with the short area quickness.

Pass Catching: Only 19 career receptions. Was often taken off the field on passing downs. Does not have a lot of experience running routes. Rare to see the ball thrown his way.

Pass Blocking: Does not have as much experience as a pass blocker as you would like. However he is capable. Shows aggression and strength when stepping to defend the blitz. Willing to stick his hat in there. Does not hold a block well, basically a one pop blocker.

Power: Easily runs his way through arm tackles. Consistently gains yards after contact. Runs with great pad level and gets each one of his 220 pounds behind the inside runs. Can lower his shoulder and push a pile of 4-5 defenders backward, tremendous leg drive.

Size/Length/Hand Size: Has the ideal body for a back that carries the ball 20+ times per game. Has balanced strength from head to toe, but enough flexibility to remain agile and quick throughout all levels of the defense. Legs are muscular and stout.

Speed: Lacks the top tier speed in the open field, but has the extra gear to run away from most defenders. One of those guys that will play faster than he times. If he has the initial angle advantage, he almost always beats the defender to the intersection.

Vision/Balance/Running Instincts: A natural runner with the ball in his hands. Anticipates running lanes before they open up. Top tier balance that spends very little time gathering himself after a broken tackle. Constantly moving forward with plenty of force.

Final Word: Mathews has an outside shot at being the first back taken in April’s draft. While he does not bring the value to the passing game that some others do, he is the top natural runner in this class. His ability to break tackles and maintain his balance is unmatched, and he is fast enough to break off big runs. He led the nation in rushing and if he was part of a big time collegiate program, Mathews would have be a legit contender for the Heisman Trophy. His best games came against Fresno State’s toughest competition, including a 234 yard – 3 TD performance against Boise State in which he averaged over 12 yards per carry. He is the kind of back that can be trusted right away to give a strong boost to the ground attack. He will need time to improve his pass blocking and receiving skills, but according to the Fresno State coaching staff, there isn’t a player in this draft that will enter the NFL with higher character and/or a stronger work ethic.

I think this guy would be an amazing addition to the 49ers! He's the best pure runner in this draft and he does have another gear to hit the home run and be our change of pace guy. If somehow he slipped to our 2nd round pick we have to take him, its a must. I know we have much more pressin needs but this guy is a talent in the mold of LT... I really don't think he makes it outta the first especially past the Patriots he'd give the feature back they've been missing.

So give me your honest opinion guys?....

A running back that can't catch or pass protect, exacly what the 49ers DON'T need.

Originally posted by OtisDriftwood:
Its obvious Gore cannot handle a full load at RB, as good as he is, we need someone with just as much pop or more to spell him for 10 to 15 touches / looks a game. A change of pace back would do wonders for this team. Gore got hurt this season, last season every season since the big 1600 yard one.. These we're mostly high ankle sprains, which are very painful and usually once you get one it takes the entire season to get full cutting ability back . I just think anyone who says we dont need help at RB is blind. ITS NOT the #1 priority but should be looked into somewhere in the 2-4 round range.

We did that last year, his name is Glen Coffee.

Originally posted by TheBlueHell:

Originally posted by wailers15:
The funny thing about Spiller is when Davis was @ Clemson he beat Spiller in the 40 3 straight yrs. Funny how no one brings that up except for Dabo.

I love me some James Davis, but he isn't anywhere close to being as fast as Spiller. Where did you get that info?

my cousins go to the school & it was talked about all through out school. i'm not making it up, i know spille is a fast cheetah, but davis got him.

Originally posted by 49wyztoscore:

Originally posted by wailers15:
Nice I was waiting for someone to post about him. My cus goes to Fresno St. Dude is a stud. His stats speak for himself. Too much hype on Spiller, McCluster, Best.

The funny thing about Spiller is when Davis was @ Clemson he beat Spiller in the 40 3 straight yrs. Funny how no one brings that up except for Dabo.

LMFAO. Were did you hear that?

Like I said if you live out this way which i do it's been talked about! The word is the rematch will be coming soon when they have their spring practice, because allot of ex clemson players train at the football facillity every year. davis has doen some rehab work there to.

Originally posted by wailers15:

Originally posted by TheBlueHell:

Originally posted by wailers15:
The funny thing about Spiller is when Davis was @ Clemson he beat Spiller in the 40 3 straight yrs. Funny how no one brings that up except for Dabo.

I love me some James Davis, but he isn't anywhere close to being as fast as Spiller. Where did you get that info?

my cousins go to the school & it was talked about all through out school. i'm not making it up, i know spille is a fast cheetah, but davis got him.

Sorry to argue you man, as I know this isn't that big of a deal, but I asked someone who's in the athletic department on a daily basis and covers the football team for a living. His verbatim response to me was this:

Might have happened in one of James' dreams, I suppose.

This dude is at fall practices, winter mat drills, and spring ball all the time, and he has daily access to all of the players and coaches. I think your cousins are giving you a bad story. James Davis ran a 4.49 at the combine, while Spiller will be like Jacoby Ford in that he could get into the 4.2s at the combine. Spiller is a NCAA All-American in track as well as football.