NFL Draft: The Talent Pool

Lets take a position by position look at NFL prospects starting with Running Backs.

This year we don't have marquee backs coming out of college (think Adrian Peterson or Darren McFadden) but we do have backs who will be pretty solid without the boom or bust risk.

Feature Backs 
Mark Ingram Alabama
When we talk about this year's draft we have to talk about Mark Ingram.  This guy won a Heisman trophy as a sophomore and a National Championship in the same year.  Dude is a winner, there is no doubt about it.

Pros- A gritty back, isn't afraid of contact, and understands how to wiggle out of arm tackles.  Can pass protect and do the little things right, never fumbled once in over 600 touches at Alabama.  The best thing about Ingram is his personality, he will NEVER get in trouble on or off the football field, makes for an attractive choice.

Cons- caught the injury bug in his last season so durability is the hackneyed complaint with Ingram.  He also might not be athletic enough to consistently shake off tacklers at the next level.

Ryan Williams Virginia Tech
Was feature back for the Virgina Tech Hokies, ran for 30 TD's and over 2000 yards in his time there.

Pros-Can succeed in any blocking scheme.  Even though some draft-heads think he's a zone type of runner, a guy who can get into gear quickly and see the hole will fit into any approach to running the football.  Also did not fumble once in college.

Cons-Not polished in any part of the passing game so will need to improve in pass protection and route running to stay on the field come 3rd down.  Tends to disappear against big time opponents.  Like Ingram, he too caught the injury bug his senior season.

Sleepers
Jordan Todman Connecticut
3 year player for UConn Huskies.  Todman won't get the love that other backs from the power conferences will, but he's my pick to have the best NFL career out of all of the 2011 RB prospects.

Pros-Incredible durability, playing 3 years, 650+ touches, and 3000 yards without an injury is impressive.  Dude has swag, and he isn't shy about it.  He ground out 130 yds against Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl and ran a 4.4 flat 40 yard dash at the combine.

Cons-People will undeservedly fault him for playing in the Big East and they will also rightly want to see more dynamic play from him in the pass game.

Noel Devine West Virginia
Consumate athlete for West Virginia who played for 4 years and dazzled every second.

Pros-Could have started at WR for the Mountaineers he is that athletic. Never takes a big hit and stays patient while running.  He is a savvy runner who can contribute on special teams and in the passing game.

Cons-Size is a big question mark, but he was the wiggle to keep longevity in the NFL (see Warrick Dunn).  Mainly ran out of the spread and zone-read game in college and will have to adjust to a pro-style offense.