Current Rookie Running Back Class

The Game Room
1

I know it is too early to say, but it seems to me that this year’s rookie running back class has the potential to be the best ever. Let’s have a look.
Leading the pack
Matt Forte (Chicago via Tulane) - Currently fifth in overall rushing and third in yards from scrimmage.
Chris Johnson (Tennesse via East Carolina) - Currently sixth in overall rushing and eigth in yards from scrimmage.
Steve Slaton (Houston via West Virginia) - Currently tenth in overall rushing and yards from scrimmage.

Strong Potential
Felix Jones (Dallas via Arkansas) - injured much of the year, averaged almost 9 (!) yds/carry
Darren McFadden (Oakland via Arkansas) - Injured much of the year, but rushed for over 4.5 yds/carry
Kevin Smith (Detroit via Central Florida) - On a historically bad team
Ray Rice (Baltimore via Rutgers) - Averaging over 4 yds/carry on a RB by committe
Jonathan Stewart (Carolina via Oregon) - Avraging over 4.5 yds/carry on a RB by Committee

Others
Rashard Mendenhall (Pittsburgh via Illinois) - Injured much of the yearPeyton Hillis (Denver via Arkansas) - Played well in an emergency role, primarily a fullback
Tim Hightower (Arizona via Richmond) - leads all rookies with 9 rushing TDs

What other year could we compare this to?

2

Well, 2004 looked pretty good after the first year.
Steven Jackson, Kevin Jones, Julius Jones all looked hot, Tatum Bell and Chris Perry were supposed to have a lot of talent, Greg Jones added yet another Jones, Michael Turner opened some eyes in San Diego (and everywhere else later). I don’t think the injuries and lack of playing time would bring down those first three until later.

I think we can’t take everything on face value, though it does have the possibility of a great RB draft.