TOP OF THE CROP
E Darren McFadden, 6-feet-1, 211 pounds, Arkansas
The Adrian Peterson of this year’s draft — except with character concerns.
Rashard Mendenhall, 5-10, 225, Illinois
Played just one full season for the Illini, but low miles can be a good thing.
Jonathan Stewart, 5-10, 235, Oregon
The Broncos love his power and speed. But no matter how it is spun, recent toe surgery means he will have limited production as a rookie.
Chris Johnson, 5-11, 197, East Carolina
His 4.24 was the fastest 40-yard dash among running backs at the NFL combine. Not an every-down back.
Jamaal Charles, 5-11, 200, Texas
Speed is why he’s projected to go in the second round, but he needs to get stronger.
UNDERRATED
Steve Slaton, 5-9, 197, West Virginia
Shouldn’t huge production in a top college program mean something?
OVERRATED
Felix Jones, 6-0, 207, Arkansas
Everybody loves the backup. An outside rusher whose 40 time of 4.44 seconds ranked ninth among running backs at the combine.
BRONCOS’ NEEDS
Travis Henry has rather abruptly dropped from savior of the Denver running game to “can we trust him?” If Henry and speed back Selvin Young can stay healthy, the Denver running game will be plenty good in 2008. But that “if” is strong enough for the Broncos to consider Mendenhall or Stewart.
TEAMS WITH NEEDS
Bengals
Much to Chad Johnson’s dismay, coach Marvin Lewis says an improved running game is Cincinnati’s top priority.
Bears
Cedric Benson was a bust before he suffered a season-ending knee injury against the Broncos.
Panthers
Carolina cutting DeShaun Foster leaves no doubt coach John Fox wants a first-down running back to complement DeAngelo Williams.
Lions
Tatum Bell is superb as an eight-carry back, but the Lions badly need a between-the-tackle runner.
Cowboys
Dallas needs a speed back to complement the physical Marion Barber III.
Area prospect
Hugh Charles, 5-8, 191, Colorado, free agent
