# Current Rookie Running Back Class

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/current-rookie-running-back-class/475543>\
**Category:** The Game Room\
**Created:** [December 3, 2008, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/current-rookie-running-back-class/475543 "2008-12-03T18:44:02Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Gangster\_Octopus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a8b319/32.png) [@Gangster\_Octopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gangster_Octopus)\
**Post date:** [December 3, 2008, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/current-rookie-running-back-class/475543/1 "2008-12-03T18:44:02Z")

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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?

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**Author:** ![kidchameleon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/898d66/32.png) [@kidchameleon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kidchameleon)\
**Post date:** [December 3, 2008, 10:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/current-rookie-running-back-class/475543/2 "2008-12-03T22:33:33Z")

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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.