Rivals.com posted their position rankings this week and we encourage you to go check them out because they have some pretty good in-sight on every position and they break down every class, I was taking a look myself and I would have to say RB and CB are the strongest class of 2008 and particularly the Running Back position. Jonathan Stewart looks to be my favorite followed up by Mendenhall I think these 2 will be franchise backs in the league in the next year or so, personally when its all said and done this might be the deepest RB class ever, so many late round sleepers too. Heres a clip from the RB breakdown on Rivals.com below.

POSITION GRADE

A

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This class should produce as many as 10-12 quality feature backs, with a few at the top of the class capable of becoming special pro runners. There will be at least three No. 1 picks in April with McFadden, Mendenhall and Stewart probably going in the top 20 selections. Others runners with top-50 grades are Felix Jones, Steve Slaton and Kevin Smith. Junior running backs Jamaal Charles and Ray Rice will warrant top-100 selections. Seniors Chris Johnson, Mike Hart and Allen Patrick could figure into that group if they impress at the NFL Combine in February.

 

2008 Rivals.com NFL Draft Running Back Rankings

1. Darren McFadden, 6-1, 217, Arkansas
This fast junior running back has the all-around skills to be an impact player early is his professional career.

2. Rashard Mendenhall, 5-11, 225, Illinois
Mendenhall is a rugged back who completed an outstanding 2007 season. He will be a workhorse in the NFL.

3. Jonathan Stewart, 5-10, 230, Oregon
This underclassman has the size to be a powerful inside runner and the speed to break the big play.

4. Felix Jones, 5-11, 200, Arkansas
This fast all-purpose performer looks to wow scouts in workouts. A good 40-yard dash time could guarantee him a first-round grade.

5. Steve Slaton, 5-9, 195, West Virginia
This fast all-purpose back is an explosive performer who needs to prove durable as a pro.

6. Kevin Smith, 6-0, 210, Central Florida
Smith is a natural runner who has received a ton of carries at the college level. He has good skills and ranks among the top backs.

7. Chris Johnson, 5-11, 195, East Carolina
Johnson is a very fast back who has displayed big-play ability as a runner, receiver and return specialist.

8. Jamaal Charles, 6-0, 200, Texas
Charles is a tough, slashing-type runner with the ability to run inside and make the big play. He had a big finish to the 2007 season.

9. Ray Rice, 5-9, 200, Rutgers
Rice is a quick, compact runner with good natural skills. He is another fine addition to this very strong running back class.

10. Mike Hart, 5-9, 205, Michigan
This compact tailback has been a consistently productive runner at a high level, but he must dispel some injury concerns.

Rivals.com | The Rest Of The 2008 Running Back Class

 

MORE POSITION RANKINGS FROM RIVALS.COM: QB | RB | WR | TE | FB | OT | OG | C

2008 Pre-Combine Mock Draft


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#1

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Why :: Before Pro-Bowl Weekend Chris Long was the pick on mocks all across the net, and never before have the dolphins express over pro-bowl weekend it was reported that if the Dolphins could not trade this pick that Chris Long would be a “safe” pick at #1 for Miami.


#2

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Why :: How many times do you have to watch your QB get sacked to realize you need help up front. Did you say more than 45 times? If you did you were right oh and you say you have a great RB but can’t open many holes for him well damn maybe you need a new LT or maybe a new RT, Jake Long can do both and is a great run blocker, and he keeps his quarterback upright with questions surrounding Orlando Pace, Jake Long is a solid pick.

#3

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Why :: I don’t have to say much here, I was wrong in my last mock saying they would take Dorsey, I been thinking about it and looking at past raiders draft and Al Davis just simply will not pass on McFadden period even if they do need a DT with 2 stud DTs on the board, you just can’t picture Al Davis passing on DMac.

#4

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Why:: Their OL play has been absolutely horrible, and it has taken a beating over the last couple of years with the retirement of great veterans at the tackle and guard positions they still haven’t been able to find any legit LTs and thats exactly what Ryan Clady is so the Chiefs don’t even think twice and rush this pick up to the podium.

#5

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Why:: Wouldn’t be a NFL Draft without a reach or a shocking pick, this might shock some people but it shouldn’t shock people that follow the falcons, its been noted that the new head coach wants to bring a power running game to Atlanta and so does the offensive coordinator so with Stewart rising up draft boards and who figures to continue rising after the combine and with Arthur Blank looking for high character players, they don’t get any choir boy with character than Stewart so it would make sense to draft this speedy 235 lb battering ram, perfect way to start your power running game, Warrick Dunn is done and Jerious Norwood will be the change of pace back getting 10-15 carries a game.

#6

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Why :: Jets would love it if Glenn Dorsey fell to them here, they need a DT or a OLB and while Gholston could be considered here but you won’t be able to blink before Dorsey is their pick.

#7

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Why :: Patriots linebackers are aging and they looked pretty average towards the end of their playoff run, so going into the off-season I think grabbing a rush OLB is their biggest need and if Vernon Gholston is here they would take him.

#8

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Why :: With an aging secondary the Baltimore Ravens new coaching staff pulls the trigger on what many scouts believe is the best CB in the draft, and thats Leodis McKelvin from Troy he is a perfect prospect for the ravens he doesn’t need to start right away but when the time comes he will be ready.

#9

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Why :: The Bengals have many needs on defense but they really do not have a legit impact starting DT and they will be real fortunate if Sedrick Ellis lands here for them, he is an explosive penetrating DT who gets off the ball quick some scouts actually see Ellis as being a bit better than Dorsey so Ellis would be a steal at 9.

#10

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Why :: Say what you want about this pick bottomline is the saints proved last year you can’t make a good guess on who they will pick in the first round, they have a lot of needs MLB, OLB, CB, DT so I went with the best player available at those positions for them, solid choice for the saints.

#11

watch him make plays —>\\ :: VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS :: // <— scout him yourself Why :: The Bills don’t really have any WRs you could consider the complete package really they have a bunch of guys who are deep threats or speed guys, so I think they could go WR here but not just any WR Malcolm Kelly a big receiver who has the skill set to become a complete #1 WR.#12

watch him make plays —>\\ :: VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS :: // <— scout him yourself Why :: Even tho it is so hard to predict Mike Shanahan I think Kenny Phillips is a great fit to replace John Lynch who is contemplating retirement, this will give Denver safety that can run and is great in coverage and a player that draws comparisons to Steve Atwater with his hard hitting style, and blessed with good speed for a safety. Kenny Phillips is the pick here.

#13

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Why :: Ah, the move many will question I don’t know why you would question it with Jake out the panthers had went through 4 different quarterbacks if you include Jake hell even Vinny T was a starter for awhile, that doesn’t bold well period they have to draft a the only QB worthy of being selected in the first round here can you really trust Jake to come back 100% from his surgery?

#14

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Why :: With Matt Ryan gone the bears have to go with another big need and thats addressing the offensive line, with a player like Chris Williams a solid tackle who can move well.

#15

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Why :: The Lions just could not be effective running the football, their running back’s couldn’t stay healthy at all. Listen I have always liked Kevin Jones but the lions don’t the lions coaching staff has already expressed their want for a new running back that can take the hits, and make people miss because Kevin Jones has just been unlucky and hasn’t been able to stay healthy or live up to his rookie year numbers. Rashard Mendenhall will be an instant impact at the RB spot either earning a starting role or splitting time with Kevin Jones, sure the Lions have plenty of needs on defense, but its hard to pass up someone that could be the best RB in this draft, if this happens they will go CB in FA and grab another one in the 2nd round of the draft.

#16

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Why :: Antrelle Rolle moving to FS opens up a glaring need for depth at the CB position but you don’t draft in the first round for depth you draft for starters and Mike Jenkins was first looked at as the best CB in the draft but since the others have emerged he could be a steal here. he will instantly challenge for a starting role at the #2 corner spot.

#17

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Why :: Vikings had one of the worst pass defenses in the league last year and it was mainly because they just could not get to the quarterback, with Derrick Harvey possibly being the DE in the draft they can’t afford to pass him up #17.

#18

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Why :: The Texans have a need at CB and S, Aqib Talib can play both he is a play maker and a ball hawk he can step in and challenge Fred Bennett and Faggins for a starting role, and earn at least a nickle role and help provide depth while DR is out, Talib fits in the building process of this young Texans defense.

#19

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Why :: Brian Westbrook said it himself, the Eagles need more weapons and when you think of DeSean Jackson thats exactly what he is a weapon, a deadly PR/KR artist along with a deep threat at WR, I think he could fit in great with the Eagles and help out McNabb if he stays, if he doesn’t stay he can grow with Kolb.

#20

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Why :: Tampa Bay has plenty of needs many mock drafts ignore, like defense you can’t ignore the need for a corner with the age of their starting CBs but at this position there isn’t any corners that play fit the tampa 2 very well that are worth a first round value, I think they find a better fit for corner in round 2 so they address another need and take a beast at DT in Kentwan Balmer.

#21

watch him make plays —>\\ :: VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS :: // <— scout him yourself Why :: Redskins could go with a WR here but they continue to improve their pass rush and grab this speedy DE from Miami, he thought of as a better prospect last year if he would have come out but his production dropped off this year and falls to Washington, he should contribute right away.#22

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Why :: Anthony Henry is getting up there in age, and the cowboys need some help in their secondary Cromartie will provide instant depth and could start in a nickel role and work his way up, he is a little like his cousin except some people say hes faster, and a better punt returner hes a little raw as far as tackling goes but his coverage skills are on par with most CBs in the league, he doesn’t have to start right away he can learn a thing or two behind Newman and Henry.

#23

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Why :: The Steelers need some help up front especially since they want to re-visit the O-Line and fix a few problems with it, letting Starks and Faneca walk most likely there will be holes up front, Otah can quickly help out at Tackle or Guard, a perfect pick for the steelers a hometown kid staying at home.

#24

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Why :: Vince Young had very few weapons at WR in the playoffs with injuries taking their toll and even before that the WR core was thin and mediocre at best Limas Sweed his old team mate in college has a great chance at taking his playmaking ability to the titans and becoming a #1 WR there.

#25

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Why :: The Seahawks need a RB with fresh legs, someone that has speed and can get through the holes quick so they go ahead and draft Felix Jones who some believe might have a better NFL career than the guy he backed up in college McFadden, Shaun Alexander might not be cut like suspected, even if he stays Felix Jones can help out instantly in a time split role.

#26

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Why :: Seems like a no brainer right, help out your rising star David Garrard with a legit WR and deep threat, I can’t see the Jags not picking a WR in the first round another option could be Devin Thomas if he has a good combine but no telling his stock until after the combine.

#27

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Why :: Every Charger fan will tell you that Safety is and has been the weakness of their defense, Eric Weddle is a nice pick up last year that can grow into the SS role but they need a Safety with speed a true FS and their guy should be DaJuan Morgan he is everything they need in a safety.

#28

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Why :: Julius Jones wants to be traded and Dallas don’t want him so that leaves just Marion Barber as the lead RB which is good but they need that legit change of pace RB, I see them drafting Jamaal Charles or Chris Johnson with this pick, I went with Charles since hes more of a complete RB and hes from the area, they both got speed to burn.

#29

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Why :: Another late first round LSU WR, Dwayne Bowe shined last year and Early Doucet is believe to have a better skill set and Early is just what Mike Martz ordered lets face it many believe Alex Smith is never going to succeed well lets at least give him a chance to succeed by giving him a legit WR.

#30

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Why :: Reggie Smith can play either Safety or CB, they don’t really have a whole lot of depth at the safety position and he can step in at CB if Woodson or Harris goes down, Reggie Smith could maybe even step in and challenge Nick Collins for a starting role.

#31

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#32

watch him make plays —>\\ :: VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS :: // <— scout him yourself Why :: The giants wouldn’t hesitate if Connor fell to them, Dan Connor can step in and compete for a job at the LB position, at the very least he can provide depth, I really wasn’t sure exactly where to go with this pick Connor was the best value here if he was available, sure they have other needs but if they don’t bring KM back they got Connor and even if they do Mathias Kiwanuka could move back to DE if they wanted, it gives the Giants more options.