Round 5: Ryan Torain, RB, Arizona State (M)

[thumpc]

Strengths: Is a tough and violent runner who attacks the hole, punishes tacklers and gains yardage after contact. Shows the flexibility to lower shoulders and knock would-be tacklers backward. Shows the balance to absorb hard hits and keep on going. Shows good vision and patience as a runner. In pass protection, is smart and strong; when maintaining good balance and technique, dominates opponents. Wraps up the ball nicely in traffic.

Weaknesses: Lacks quickness, explosiveness and speed are big concerns. Cannot change directions quickly, limiting ability to cut sharply and make would-be tacklers miss. Lacks explosiveness to hit fast-closing holes. Lacks big-play ability and home run speed. Shows inconsistent pass-blocking technique. Lacks experience catching passes.

Bottom line: Torain was a good prospect before sustaining a Lisfranc injury in October that ended his '07 season. His draft stock has taken a major hit because of the injury and concerns about his ability to get healthy; projected as a fourth- or fifth-rounder before the injury, he is more likely to be a seventh-rounder, at best. However, if he comes back strong from the injury, Torain is the type of big, physical runner NFL teams covet to control the ball and wear down opponents.

[montrose]

http://www.nfl.com/draft/profiles/ryan-torain?id=1996

Positives: Builds his acceleration nicely coming out of his stance and into the holes, but can't be considered sudden with his initial step...Has functional initial quickness and lateral/veer moves to avoid and redirect on the move, but is best when running between the tackles than taking the ball outside...Runs with good balance and agility with the strength to break tackles on contact...Good worker in practices and in the training room and will play with pain...Has good vision and a feel for running the ball up the middle, squaring his shoulders and dropping his weight to push the pile...Hard to take down in isolated coverage, as he has the leg drive to power through and picks his feet up well to sidestep low tackles...Has the valid instincts and anticipation when in space, knowing when he needs to cut back or drive through...Shows strength on contact and when given a step or two to operate, he can break away from the crowd...Even when he runs high on contact, he shows strength and balance to stay on his feet and keep fighting for extra yardage...Has enough lateral agility and veer quickness to redirect and shows good body control when he hits the cutback lanes...Is quicker than fast, but can escape from second-level defenders (just won't win open field foot races)...More slippery than elusive on his short area pass routes...Catches the ball with ease when facing the quarterback (must adjust on the over-the-shoulder throws though)...Better as a cut blocker than working in-line, but shows good vision picking up the blitz...Has the lower body strength to anchor vs. the bull rush, but his poor hand effects him in this area.

Negatives: Has adequate upper and lower body muscle definition and could stand to lose a few pounds to give him better balance and stamina...Builds his acceleration on the move, but does not have a sudden burst through the holes...Needs more than several reps to retain plays and might struggle digesting a complicated playbook...Gets too tall in his stance, resulting in him having to absorb lots of punishment...More of a between-the-tackles runner, as he doesn't have the body control or foot speed to get to the outside and turn the corner...Because of his tall stance, he can be driven back through the rush lanes...Lacks the loose hips to redirect and avoid on the move...Takes a rolling start getting out into his pass patterns and struggles to track the ball in flight (better when catching the ball when facing the quarterback rather than having to look it in over his outside shoulder)...Takes wasted steps trying to redirect and is better when he drives through tackles rather than trying to avoid...One cut runner with little shake or wiggle when trying to separate in the second level...Willing blocker, but lacks hand placement and technique...Can be walked back into the pocket when blocking vs. the bull rush, as he fails to maintain contact on his opponent (hands swing wildly rather than keeping them inside the frame)...Must work on ball security issues, as he does not always distribute it away from the defender or cover it up when running through a crowd...Won't win any foot races in the open and might be a type who is used on short-yardage situations only.

Compares To: MIKE ANDERSON-ex-Baltimore...Like Anderson, Torain can get the tough yardage in between the tackles or in short-yardage situations. He is a physical runner with adequate speed, but lacks the burst or elusiveness to break free in the open field. He shows good vision attacking the holes and patience following his blockers, but is strictly a one-cut runner with marginal hip wiggle. He is never used on complicated pass routes, as he doesn't have the skills to look the ball in over his head, but shows decent pass catching ability for dump-offs. His blocking technique needs complete refinement, as he gets too wild with his hands to sustain. If your team has a lightning quick back and you are looking for one with a little thunder to complement, Torain might fit that role, but he is not one to build your overall running game around.

[SoCalBronco]

He was pretty damn good for ASU this year before he got hurt. bpc should like this pick, he was high on him earlier in the season.

[Atlas]

He sounds like Terrell Davis. Tough inside runner, good vision not terribly fast. Comparing him to Mike Anderson well, that sound slike a good pick to me.

[Crushisback]

NFL Combine Results
<TABLE class=combineResults cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=2><TBODY><TR><TH>40-Yard Dash</TH><TD>4.64</TD></TR><TR><TH>Bench press</TH><TD>21</TD></TR><TR><TH>Vertical jump</TH><TD>34</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
See All Combine Results (http://www.fftoolbox.com/nfl_draft/2008/nfl_combine_results.cfm)
2008 NFL Draft Prospect - Scouting Report
Torain does a great job of reading his blocks and has a great first cut. He is the type of runner that will thrive in a zone blocking scheme the way Selvin Young did prior to his injury this year with the Broncos. Torain does have a tendency to take a false step occasionally, which will hurt him at the next level due to the speed of the game. But, he has put up incredible numbers in Arizona State's potent offense this year, rushing for 524 yards in 5 games prior to his injury in a game against Washington. Torain does a great job of running north and south and hits the hole hard. He likes to deliver the blow against tacklers and will lower his shoulder into defenders in order to pick up yards after contact. He has good vision as a runner and loves to exploit cutback lanes against aggressive defenses. He has good size at 6'1" and 213 pounds and can likely add bulk to his frame. Torain is a good receiver out of the backfield and will likely contribute immediately as a third down back. Although, he had a disappointing combine, running a 4.61 forty yard dash. Torain will be a late round pick if he dos not improve on that time in his individual workout.

[Broncoman13]

I like the pick... I thought we'd look Washington's way, but Torrain is very good as well. I like that he has good power. I'm wondering if we are going to look at a FB at all?

Also a little concerned about Torrain's foot injury. Just read on the net that it was Lis-franc (sp?). Can anyone confirm?

[socalorado]

ME likey

Compares To: MIKE ANDERSON-ex-Baltimore...Like Anderson, Torain can get the tough yardage in between the tackles or in short-yardage situations. He is a physical runner with adequate speed, but lacks the burst or elusiveness to break free in the open field. He shows good vision attacking the holes and patience following his blockers, but is strictly a one-cut runner with marginal hip wiggle. He is never used on complicated pass routes, as he doesn't have the skills to look the ball in over his head, but shows decent pass catching ability for dump-offs. His blocking technique needs complete refinement, as he gets too wild with his hands to sustain. If your team has a lightning quick back and you are looking for one with a little thunder to complement, Torain might fit that role, but he is not one to build your overall running game around.<!-- / message --><!-- sig -->
__________________

[2KBack]

As an ASU alum, I really like this kid. He really is in the mold of Anderson (likely why I like him). His resume is lacking due to injury and ASU being in flux during his time there. I think he will surprise people, he's faster than the numbers indicate, call it footbal speed.

[Drek]

Basically took a guy that should Henry go down or get suspended (both potential pit falls) we can rotate in as a thunder/lightening duo with Selvin Young or Andre Hall. Not a horrible way to protect yourself with a 5th round pick.

[clint7]

Compares To: MIKE ANDERSON; ZERO Fumbles his senior year.

'nuf said.

[yerner]

As a U of Arizona alum, I think this bum is an abortion. Certainly not worth a 5th rounder. Barely had a decent career when he was not injured.

[lex]

It was a waste of a pick. We could have probably picked him later or signed him as a FA...or someone like him. Meh.

[Bronco LB 59]

I wonder if Lidderer will jump back on the bandwagon?

[BroncoInferno]

It was a waste of a pick. We could have probably picked him later or signed him as a FA...or someone like him. Meh.

Yeah, because you know more about running backs than Mike Shanahan, huh?

[2KBack]

As a U of Arizona alum.

Then your opinion is invalid of course 8')

[wolf754life]

Fan boys unite and defend this horrible pick, the guy is Mike anderson afterall, no worries, shannahan wouldn't have drafted a player in the fifth round if he wasn't good..................

OPEN YOUR EYES BLIND HOMERS< awful pick, call a spade a spade!!!!

[clint7]

Why don't you go home and cry to mama some more.

[lex]

Yeah, because you know more about running backs than Mike Shanahan, huh?

Yeah, because Mike Shanahan is so infallible when it comes to draft picks.

[Cito Pelon]

This guy I guess was drafted as a potential chain-mover. Denver is gonna trot out a lot of tailbacks this year, and this guy will be in the mix.

[BroncoInferno]

Yeah, because Mike Shanahan is so infallible when it comes to draft picks.

When it come to running backs, he is as close to infallible as it gets. So, I can go with the opinion of a guy who has drafted 5 different 1000 yard rushers including 4 on the 2nd day, or I can listen to a whiney bitch on a message board. I think I'll go with Shanny on this one.

[55CrushEm]

Fan boys unite and defend this horrible pick, the guy is Mike anderson afterall, no worries, shannahan wouldn't have drafted a player in the fifth round if he wasn't good..................

OPEN YOUR EYES BLIND HOMERS< awful pick, call a spade a spade!!!!

Honestly, wolf......why don't you just stop being a fan. If this team, its FO, and everything else about it make you so miserable......go find another hobby.

[Houshyamama]

He sounds like Terrell Davis. Tough inside runner, good vision not terribly fast. Comparing him to Mike Anderson well, that sound slike a good pick to me.

Being and ASU alum, I've watched him play and he doesn't remind me of Davis at all. The Mike Anderson comparison is very fitting though IMO. I was going to mention this guy as a possible pick up but I thought we would go RB earlier.

Still, while he didn't have incredible speed he rarely lost yardage and was our most consistent runner.

[lex]

When it come to running backs, he is as close to infallible as it gets. So, I can go with the opinion of a guy who has drafted 5 different 1000 yard rushers including 4 on the 2nd day, or I can listen to a whiney b**** on a message board. I think I'll go with Shanny on this one.

You dont have to listen to me. Im not asking you to. Im somehow guessing there wasnt a long line of teams waiting to get this guy and even if there were, so what? Half the people say anyone can run for 1200 yards in Denver but now youre saying these guys arent anyone, theyre hidden gems. What undermines that position is that they dont do as well when they get traded bringing it back to just plugging anyone in there...and if youre going with that theory, its silly to reach for a RB, especially one who lost a year to injury.

[55CrushEm]

You dont have to listen to me. Im not asking you to. Im somehow guessing there wasnt a long line of teams waiting to get this guy and even if there were, so what? Half the people say anyone can run for 1200 yards in Denver but now youre saying these guys arent anyone, theyre hidden gems. What undermines that position is that they dont do as well when they get traded bringing it back to just plugging anyone in there...and if youre going with that theory, its silly to reach for a RB, especially one who lost a year to injury.

Didn't TD lose a year to injury when he was at Georgia, too?

As Inferno said.....I'll defer to Shanahan, ESPECIALLY on RB picks.

[Houshyamama]

Then your opinion is invalid of course 8')

I second this motion, I thought the EXACT same thing about Mike Bell... of course I may have been right...

[lex]

Being and ASU alum, I've watched him play and he doesn't remind me of Davis at all. The Mike Anderson comparison is very fitting though IMO. I was going to mention this guy as a possible pick up but I thought we would go RB earlier.

Still, while he didn't have incredible speed he rarely lost yardage and was our most consistent runner.

And he went to college in Arizona which, apparently, is of the highest importance. Seriously, does this team just not like to spend money on scouting? It almost seems like they only take like a few trips to see a few teams (probably in a Super 8)....this year its Virginia Tech. I guess our scouting department likes to go to Arizona to catch some sun, hang out and watch marginal running backs.

[2KBack]

And he went to college in Arizona which, apparently, is of the highest importance. Seriously, does this team just not like to spend money on scouting? It almost seems like they only take like a few trips to see a few teams (probably in a Super 8)....this year its Virginia Tech. I guess our scouting department likes to go to Arizona to catch some sun, hang out and watch marginal running backs.

You are such an angry fellow

[Houshyamama]

And he went to college in Arizona which, apparently, is of the highest importance. Seriously, does this team just not like to spend money on scouting? It almost seems like they only take like a few trips to see a few teams (probably in a Super 8)....this year its Virginia Tech. I guess our scouting department likes to go to Arizona to catch some sun, hang out and watch marginal running backs.

While it is not saying much, he is the most impressive back we've had there since I was a freshman in 2001. When it comes to RB picks, its usually wise to give Shanahan and Turner the benefit of the doubt. This is round 5, its not like we were going to pick up Mendenhall.

[Cito Pelon]

If this kid can move the chains with regularity, that opens the O up a lot. I think that's the object Shanny is looking for.

[broncosteven]

You are such an angry fellow

Back off Lex, the weather here in Chicago is cold and miserable, I am sure if the draft had occured last weekend when it was warm and shiney he would be in a better mood.

[DenverBrit]

Fan boys unite and defend this horrible pick, the guy is Mike anderson afterall, no worries, shannahan wouldn't have drafted a player in the fifth round if he wasn't good..................

OPEN YOUR EYES BLIND HOMERS< awful pick, call a spade a spade!!!!

Still drunk and still stupid. You're a Raider fan.

[MplsBronco]

Lex needs to STFU. Douchebag, your act is really old. Go cheer for the Raiders or something if the Broncos are so horrible. How old are you?

[SoDak Bronco]

Socal what are your thoughts of this pick?

[Merlin]

Honestly, wolf......why don't you just stop being a fan. If this team, its FO, and everything else about it make you so miserable......go find another hobby.
The funny thing is he likes to neg rep people who point out his idiotic takes and tells them to stop being a Denver fan. He has basically become a raider-chief moron with virtually no insight, other than repeat his predictable hate diatribe. Nothing more than a waste of bandwidth.

[Steve Prefontaine]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/draft08/columns/story?columnist=williamson_bill&id=3370625

File it away

Denver scored big with Arizona State running back Ryan Torain (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2008&id=11550). This is a great fit. The Broncos know what they are doing when it comes to running backs. They make it work with just about anybody. That was abundantly evident the past two years when Mike Bell (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=8008) and Selvin Young (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=8523), both undrafted, stood out as rookies. Now, it's Torain's turn.
Unlike Bell and Young, who came into the league as average players who benefited by fitting Denver's scheme, Torain has a ton of natural ability. At 6-feet, 220 pounds, he is rugged and his running style fits Denver's vaunted zone-blocking scheme.
The Broncos drafted him in the fifth round because he was injured much of last season. But he is healthy now, so expect him to immediately get a chance to run the ball in Mike Shanahan's offense.
Young and veteran Travis Henry (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5505) are also in the mix, but watch for Torain to emerge as a legitimate running back in this system soon.

[lex]

Lex needs to STFU. Douchebag, your act is really old. Go cheer for the Raiders or something if the Broncos are so horrible. How old are you?

Yeah, Ill STFU and only because you said so. LOL. Sorry, it doesnt work that way. Ive been a Broncos fan going back to the 70s. Go take your love it or leave it nonsense somewhere else. Ive put in my time following this team more than most. So, STFU is a better idea for you.

[Stormontheplains]

I am very familier with Torain, and I will let you know he is very impressive. He plays faster than his time, very strong, good hands. He would have done better than AZ State if he wasn't so physical off the field as well. Good kid, but has to look the other way when confronted. I love the pick, He will turn some heads.

[That One Guy]

Yeah, Ill STFU and only because you said so. LOL. Sorry, it doesnt work that way. Ive been a Broncos fan going back to the 70s. Go take your love it or leave it nonsense somewhere else. Ive put in my time following this team more than most. So, STFU is a better idea for you.

You realize that puts you at a 40 year old guy acting like a child and getting bent out of shape over not getting the guy you want drafted by the Broncos. You, sir, need to get out more. I'm down in KY if you want to take a fishing trip... it'd be good for ya. Start your sheet though and you may not make it back to the dock....

[ZONA]

If this kid can move the chains with regularity, that opens the O up a lot. I think that's the object Shanny is looking for.

I think that's the mindset in a nutshell. Get way more physical in the running game. By adding more OL and hard nosed RB's. Let's not foget, the PAC 10 was considered by many the most talented in the NCAA this year. He was putting up big numbers before he got hurt and even though they have Rudy as a QB, they didn't have what you would call top talent WR's. Team stacked the box quite a bit, he ran hard and moved chains. I remember hearing Erickson talking about him on the AM sports radio once and he said the guy would fight a lion. Again, maybe not the most talented but a hardworker and absolutely fearless runner inside.