A look at the top running backs in this year’s draft class:
• 1. Darren McFadden, Arkansas, 6-1, 211. Phenomenal speed (4.36) and stunning quickness make McFadden one of the best running back prospects to come along in recent years … ran for 1,830 yards and 16 TDs last season, setting the school’s single-season rushing record … set an SEC record of 2,433 all-purpose yards … some concern about the fact that his upper body is thick, while his lower body is unusually thin for a running back … some character issues off the field. 
• 2. Jonathan Stewart, Oregon, 5-10, 235. Best combination of running/receiving skills of any back coming into the draft … had off-season foot surgery that could limit him in training camp, but is not expected to hurt him long-term … can return kicks … ran for 1,722 yards and 11 TDs last season … averaged 26.7 yards on kickoff returns in 2007 … has 4.47 speed.
• 3. Rashard Mendenhall, Illinois, 5-10, 225. Like Stewart, a very good runner/receiver … Led Illini last year with 1,681 yards and 17 TDs … added 34 catches for 318 yards and two TDs … has very good cutback ability … likes to take on tacklers head-on, something he’ll need to avoid to maintain durability … good knack for finding the open lane … solidly built … motivation occasionally questioned.
• 4. Felix Jones, Arkansas, 5-10, 208. Played in the shadow of teammate Darren McFadden, but is a more than respectable talent who could be highly productive at the NFL level … can also return kicks … has 4.5 speed … lack of workhorse type production might be a drawback, although there was no way he’d take any carries away from McFadden … rushed for 1,162 yards and 8 TDs last year.
• 5. Ray Rice, Rutgers, 5-8, 200. A stud at Rutgers, he’s a bit short for the pro game, but is built low to the ground, which scouts like … Had two terrific years in 2006-07, rushing for 1,894 yards and 20 TDs in ’06 and 2,012 yards and 24 TDs last season … 4.47 speed is more than adequate … limited ability as a receiver.
6. Matt Forte, Tulane, 6-1, 217. Had knee problems in 2006, but had successful surgery and came back strong last year, rushing for 2,127 yards and 23 touchdowns … good pass catcher with 32 catches … looked at as more of a power back at the pro level.
7. Chris Johnson, East Carolina, 5-11, 195 … Speed his biggest asset ... his 4.27 40 at the combine was a stunner … scouts uncertain whether that will translate into pros … could figure as a returner … rushed for 1,423 yards and 17 TDs.
8. Jamaal Charles, Texas, 5-11, 200. Has 4.4 speed … background in track helps his speed … ran for 1,619 yards and 18 TDs last season … had 17 catches … concerns about ball security … not always a reliable inside runner.
9. Tashard Choice, Georgia Tech, 5-10, 215. Decent speed (4.51) but not blazing … has had injury issues (knee) the last two seasons … rushed for 1,379 yards and 10 TDs last year.
• Enters draft as a junior eligible.
Up next: Wide receivers/tight ends