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In order for a team to run an effective offense, an effective running back is necessary and in most cases you actually need two. It doesn't matter whether its slash and burn, or bash and bruise, if your back isn't picking up yards chances are your offense isn't going anywhere. The running back is the wheels of the offensive vehicle, because of this the position is one of the most sought after and scrutinized during the days leading up to the NFL draft. Teams will poke and prod every running back available, hoping to either land one of the marquee names, or find the diamond in the rough. This year's class offers a deep, mixed bag of players. There are four sure-fire first rounders, and at least one who could sneak in. There are a number of small school players who put up some ridiculous numbers and some bigger school players who put up the numbers, but don't have the ideal NFL intangibles. When its all said and done all of my top ten players could very well have their names called before round two wraps up.

1)Darren McFadden- Arkansas: 6-2, 210. 37 games, 764 carries, 4485 yards rushing, 40 TD, 46 rec., 365 yards, 2 TD.

What the scouts are saying:
Pound for pound McFadden is the most athletic player in this year's draft. He's got the speed and elusiveness to go the distance every time he touched the ball. McFadden is one of the toughest and most physical players in the draft and plays with a linebacker's mentality. He has been productive since day one in college and some expect and Adrian Peterson like impact. Split time with Felix Jones, so doesn't have as much wear and tear as most backs like him. McFadden is not without flaws, as there are concerns about ball control. He will also need work on his blocking skills, and has a tendency to play recklessly. There is also some off-field concerns that will receive scrutiny come draft day.

My Dish:
When it's all said and done McFadden will likely be the first player off the board. Miami will do everything in it's power to get out of that spot and it seems likely that it will go to the team that wants McFadden badly enough. Durability doesn't currently seem to be an issue, but his rough and tumble style and reckless play will eventually lead to injuries if it isn't alleviated. If he lands with a team that has a good O-line he could very well have the same type of impact Peterson had in the first half of '07, but if he lands on a team that has a questionable O-line, it will

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