ICON
11-14-2007, 01:24 PM
Alex Marvez / FOXSports.com
They are afterthoughts no more.
For the first time since the NFL and AFL combined their drafts 40 years ago, four undrafted running backs all went over the century mark in the same weekend. Miami's Jesse Chatman (124 yards), Green Bay's Ryan Grant (119), Denver's Selvin Young (109) and Pittsburgh's Willie Parker (105) hit triple digits Sunday. Only three drafted players — Washington's Clinton Portis, Jacksonville's Maurice Jones-Drew and Philadelphia's Brian Westbrook — did the same.
Other undrafted running backs have made an impact in 2007. Tampa Bay's Earnest Graham, Indianapolis' Kenton Keith and Cincinnati's Kenny Watson had 100-yard games earlier this season. Kansas City's Priest Holmes is now starting for the injured Larry Johnson, while New Orleans' Aaron Stecker is a valuable reserve.
Such success seems improbable, especially considering the position's importance. With teams heavily investing in draft preparation, how did so many quality running backs slip through the cracks?
"Quite frankly, as much as we all like to think we're gurus and things like that, NFL scouts and personnel people like myself miss on some people," Packers General Manager Ted Thompson told FOXSports.com on Tuesday morning. "There's no reason these guys shouldn't have been drafted. We're not evaluating them properly."
Draft spotlight
Does your team need a running back? Scout.com looks at 10 under the radar running backs to watch heading towards next year's draft.
One challenge is identifying what to look for. The Broncos have successfully fingered running backs that fit the team's offensive system. Denver wants rushers who can read the offensive line's zone blocking, make a quick cut and accelerate up-field without dancing in the backfield waiting for holes to open.
Since coach Mike Shanahan's arrival in 1995, the Broncos have fielded 1,000-yard rushers in 11 of 12 seasons. None were first-round picks. The most prolific — Terrell Davis — wasn't chosen until the sixth round.
Broncos General Manager Ted Sundquist said his team places a heavy emphasis on scouting college all-star games that running backs projected as high picks tend to skip. Sundquist also pays extra attention to college reserves or starters with limited snaps like Young had until his senior season at Texas in 2006.
When starter Travis Henry was injured Sunday, Young took advantage of his opportunity. He averaged 5.5 yards on his 20 carries, caught three passes for 20 yards and scored a touchdown in Denver's 27-11 road win.
"I've seen the confidence build in players like this over the time leading up to their rookie season," Sundquist said. "Suddenly, they've got a lot of work in a short period that they didn't get in college. They're fresh and usually very eager to prove they shouldn't have been passed up. They've already played in big games versus top defensive talent and in huge stadiums. It's not too big for them."
Parker had to overcome having barely played his final three seasons at North Carolina because of conflicts when then-coach John Bunting. Parker, though, quickly proved himself in 2005 during Pittsburgh's march to victory in Super Bowl XL and currently has an AFC-high 873 rushing yards.
"With college only being four to five years and coaches trying to keep players happy, many times a talented backup doesn't get the opportunities to show what he can do," Sundquist said. "Major colleges are focusing on getting a premier runner to showcase their offense. Backups are left waiting for injury or graduation to move up. In the case of backups who might be the same class as the starter, the carries just aren't there."
Grant fits that description. He was a 1,000-yard rusher as a sophomore at Notre Dame who lost his first-team spot to current Dallas Cowboys starter Julius Jones. Grant started again as a senior in 2004 but rushed for just 515 yards. Grant signed as a college free agent with the New York Giants but never played, spending his rookie season on the practice squad and missing all of 2006 with a hand injury.
Thompson said the Packers had given Grant a draftable grade in 2005 but opted against choosing him because running back wasn't a pressing need. When it became one this preseason, Thompson acquired Grant from the Giants for a sixth-round draft choice.
The move now looks like a steal with Grant rushing for 100 yards in two of the past three games.
"He's a very decisive runner," Thompson said. "He's a little taller (6-foot-1) than some guys. He's got good acceleration, so if you miss him, he can hit the home run. He catches the ball well and has done a pretty good (job) picking up blitzes.
"He's not going to the Hall of Fame just yet, but he's doing fine."
For other undrafted running backs, part of the problem was pedigree. Scouts weren't convinced Chatman (Eastern Washington), Keith (New Mexico State) and Watson (Western Illinois) could make the jump from small college programs.
Keith was even forced to spend five years in the Canadian Football League before getting a shot this preseason with the Colts, who were seeking to replace another undrafted success story in Dominic Rhodes. Keith now serves as Joseph Addai's backup and scored his first touchdown in last Sunday's 23-21 loss to San Diego.
"It was a blessing for me to come to the Colts," Keith recently told FOXSports.com. "The (backup) spot was wide open instead of me going to a team that was stocked with running backs. That was one of my things when coming out of the CFL. I was like, 'I can probably go tryout, but it has to be the right team.' In 2003, I went to the (New York) Jets and they had a bus load of running backs."
The emergence of so many undrafted running backs could cause some teams to re-assess how they address the position, especially in free agency. Seattle's Shaun Alexander and Arizona's Edgerrin James are examples of veteran running backs who have faded since signing lucrative contracts. In comparison, Young ($285,000 base salary in 2007), Grant ($310,000) and Chatman ($595,000) are bargains.
Running backs have shorted NFL careers because of the physical abuse inherent in playing the position. Rather than using high draft choices or spending excessively in free agency, the more prudent investment — especially for backups — would be for teams to nurture less heralded talent.
Provided you can find it.
"It's an unusual thing that's happening, but it's not as unusual as with other positions," Thompson said. "It's easier to spot a Priest Holmes as opposed to a free-agent guard who hasn't started. And because running backs are so high profile, we pay more attention to those guys."
The all-undrafted team
Offense
Position Name Team Comment
QB Tony Romo Cowboys Proving worth his recent $67.5 million contract extension.
RB Willie Parker Steelers Leads AFC with 873 rushing yards.
RB Earnest Graham Buccaneers Shining with Cadillac Williams and Michael Pittman hurt.
WR-PR Wes Welker Patriots Seems to always make first defender miss.
WR David Patten Saints Rejuvenating his NFL career as Saints No. 2 receiver.
TE Antonio Gates Chargers Converted basketball player has become a star.
OT Matt Lepsis Broncos Remains a shut-down blocker after 11 NFL seasons.
OG Jamar Nesbit Saints Versatile lineman who has settled in at left guard.
C Jeff Saturday Colts The anchor of a standout offensive line.
OG Stephen Neal Patriots Made the transition from amateur wrestling to football.
OT Jason Peters Bills Converted tight end found a home at left tackle.
Defense
Position Name Team Comment
DE Marques Douglas 49ers Excellent at tackling running backs for losses.
DT Tony Brown Titans Finally found a home after being cut by three other teams.
DT Pat Williams Vikings Remains one of the NFL's top run defenders.
DE James Hall Rams One of the few bright spots in St. Louis' miserable season.
LB Paris Lenon Lions Quality run-stuffer who forms a nice LB tandem with Ernie Sims.
LB London Fletcher-Baker Redskins Leads NFL in tackles with 84.
LB Gary Brackett Colts En route to third consecutive season of 100-plus tackles.
CB Leigh Bodden Browns Ranks among league leaders in passes defensed with 12.
CB Nick Harper Titans Free-agent signing has compensated for loss of Pacman Jones.
S Sammy Knight Jaguars Late preseason signing solidified Jaguars secondary.
S Atari Bigby Packers Second among all DBs in forced fumbles (three).
Special teams
Position Name Team Comment
K Rob Bironas Titans Set NFL record earlier this season with an eight field-goal game.
P Michael Koenan Falcons Forced 20 fair catches on 50 punting attempts.
KR Josh Cribbs Browns Son of retired RB Joe Cribbs is making name for himself.
They are afterthoughts no more.
For the first time since the NFL and AFL combined their drafts 40 years ago, four undrafted running backs all went over the century mark in the same weekend. Miami's Jesse Chatman (124 yards), Green Bay's Ryan Grant (119), Denver's Selvin Young (109) and Pittsburgh's Willie Parker (105) hit triple digits Sunday. Only three drafted players — Washington's Clinton Portis, Jacksonville's Maurice Jones-Drew and Philadelphia's Brian Westbrook — did the same.
Other undrafted running backs have made an impact in 2007. Tampa Bay's Earnest Graham, Indianapolis' Kenton Keith and Cincinnati's Kenny Watson had 100-yard games earlier this season. Kansas City's Priest Holmes is now starting for the injured Larry Johnson, while New Orleans' Aaron Stecker is a valuable reserve.
Such success seems improbable, especially considering the position's importance. With teams heavily investing in draft preparation, how did so many quality running backs slip through the cracks?
"Quite frankly, as much as we all like to think we're gurus and things like that, NFL scouts and personnel people like myself miss on some people," Packers General Manager Ted Thompson told FOXSports.com on Tuesday morning. "There's no reason these guys shouldn't have been drafted. We're not evaluating them properly."
Draft spotlight
Does your team need a running back? Scout.com looks at 10 under the radar running backs to watch heading towards next year's draft.
One challenge is identifying what to look for. The Broncos have successfully fingered running backs that fit the team's offensive system. Denver wants rushers who can read the offensive line's zone blocking, make a quick cut and accelerate up-field without dancing in the backfield waiting for holes to open.
Since coach Mike Shanahan's arrival in 1995, the Broncos have fielded 1,000-yard rushers in 11 of 12 seasons. None were first-round picks. The most prolific — Terrell Davis — wasn't chosen until the sixth round.
Broncos General Manager Ted Sundquist said his team places a heavy emphasis on scouting college all-star games that running backs projected as high picks tend to skip. Sundquist also pays extra attention to college reserves or starters with limited snaps like Young had until his senior season at Texas in 2006.
When starter Travis Henry was injured Sunday, Young took advantage of his opportunity. He averaged 5.5 yards on his 20 carries, caught three passes for 20 yards and scored a touchdown in Denver's 27-11 road win.
"I've seen the confidence build in players like this over the time leading up to their rookie season," Sundquist said. "Suddenly, they've got a lot of work in a short period that they didn't get in college. They're fresh and usually very eager to prove they shouldn't have been passed up. They've already played in big games versus top defensive talent and in huge stadiums. It's not too big for them."
Parker had to overcome having barely played his final three seasons at North Carolina because of conflicts when then-coach John Bunting. Parker, though, quickly proved himself in 2005 during Pittsburgh's march to victory in Super Bowl XL and currently has an AFC-high 873 rushing yards.
"With college only being four to five years and coaches trying to keep players happy, many times a talented backup doesn't get the opportunities to show what he can do," Sundquist said. "Major colleges are focusing on getting a premier runner to showcase their offense. Backups are left waiting for injury or graduation to move up. In the case of backups who might be the same class as the starter, the carries just aren't there."
Grant fits that description. He was a 1,000-yard rusher as a sophomore at Notre Dame who lost his first-team spot to current Dallas Cowboys starter Julius Jones. Grant started again as a senior in 2004 but rushed for just 515 yards. Grant signed as a college free agent with the New York Giants but never played, spending his rookie season on the practice squad and missing all of 2006 with a hand injury.
Thompson said the Packers had given Grant a draftable grade in 2005 but opted against choosing him because running back wasn't a pressing need. When it became one this preseason, Thompson acquired Grant from the Giants for a sixth-round draft choice.
The move now looks like a steal with Grant rushing for 100 yards in two of the past three games.
"He's a very decisive runner," Thompson said. "He's a little taller (6-foot-1) than some guys. He's got good acceleration, so if you miss him, he can hit the home run. He catches the ball well and has done a pretty good (job) picking up blitzes.
"He's not going to the Hall of Fame just yet, but he's doing fine."
For other undrafted running backs, part of the problem was pedigree. Scouts weren't convinced Chatman (Eastern Washington), Keith (New Mexico State) and Watson (Western Illinois) could make the jump from small college programs.
Keith was even forced to spend five years in the Canadian Football League before getting a shot this preseason with the Colts, who were seeking to replace another undrafted success story in Dominic Rhodes. Keith now serves as Joseph Addai's backup and scored his first touchdown in last Sunday's 23-21 loss to San Diego.
"It was a blessing for me to come to the Colts," Keith recently told FOXSports.com. "The (backup) spot was wide open instead of me going to a team that was stocked with running backs. That was one of my things when coming out of the CFL. I was like, 'I can probably go tryout, but it has to be the right team.' In 2003, I went to the (New York) Jets and they had a bus load of running backs."
The emergence of so many undrafted running backs could cause some teams to re-assess how they address the position, especially in free agency. Seattle's Shaun Alexander and Arizona's Edgerrin James are examples of veteran running backs who have faded since signing lucrative contracts. In comparison, Young ($285,000 base salary in 2007), Grant ($310,000) and Chatman ($595,000) are bargains.
Running backs have shorted NFL careers because of the physical abuse inherent in playing the position. Rather than using high draft choices or spending excessively in free agency, the more prudent investment — especially for backups — would be for teams to nurture less heralded talent.
Provided you can find it.
"It's an unusual thing that's happening, but it's not as unusual as with other positions," Thompson said. "It's easier to spot a Priest Holmes as opposed to a free-agent guard who hasn't started. And because running backs are so high profile, we pay more attention to those guys."
The all-undrafted team
Offense
Position Name Team Comment
QB Tony Romo Cowboys Proving worth his recent $67.5 million contract extension.
RB Willie Parker Steelers Leads AFC with 873 rushing yards.
RB Earnest Graham Buccaneers Shining with Cadillac Williams and Michael Pittman hurt.
WR-PR Wes Welker Patriots Seems to always make first defender miss.
WR David Patten Saints Rejuvenating his NFL career as Saints No. 2 receiver.
TE Antonio Gates Chargers Converted basketball player has become a star.
OT Matt Lepsis Broncos Remains a shut-down blocker after 11 NFL seasons.
OG Jamar Nesbit Saints Versatile lineman who has settled in at left guard.
C Jeff Saturday Colts The anchor of a standout offensive line.
OG Stephen Neal Patriots Made the transition from amateur wrestling to football.
OT Jason Peters Bills Converted tight end found a home at left tackle.
Defense
Position Name Team Comment
DE Marques Douglas 49ers Excellent at tackling running backs for losses.
DT Tony Brown Titans Finally found a home after being cut by three other teams.
DT Pat Williams Vikings Remains one of the NFL's top run defenders.
DE James Hall Rams One of the few bright spots in St. Louis' miserable season.
LB Paris Lenon Lions Quality run-stuffer who forms a nice LB tandem with Ernie Sims.
LB London Fletcher-Baker Redskins Leads NFL in tackles with 84.
LB Gary Brackett Colts En route to third consecutive season of 100-plus tackles.
CB Leigh Bodden Browns Ranks among league leaders in passes defensed with 12.
CB Nick Harper Titans Free-agent signing has compensated for loss of Pacman Jones.
S Sammy Knight Jaguars Late preseason signing solidified Jaguars secondary.
S Atari Bigby Packers Second among all DBs in forced fumbles (three).
Special teams
Position Name Team Comment
K Rob Bironas Titans Set NFL record earlier this season with an eight field-goal game.
P Michael Koenan Falcons Forced 20 fair catches on 50 punting attempts.
KR Josh Cribbs Browns Son of retired RB Joe Cribbs is making name for himself.