A short run on running backs

The 2010 NFL Draft is big on big men, with a lot of depth on both the offensive and defensive lines, but short on quarterbacks and running backs. Sam Bradford and Jimmy Clausen are the only sure bets for first rounders at the quarterback position, and the running backs have even less representation.

For now, it looks like the only sure bet for a first round pick at the running back position is C.J. Spiller. Spiller is seen as a Reggie Bush type player, one who is excellent in the open field, a good receiver, but one who is not seen as an every down back. It will be intriguing to see if Pete Carroll and the Seattle Seahawks, if they don't select him 6th overall, will be able to take him with the 14th overall selection. If there is a coach who knows how to handle a Reggie Bush type player, it should be Bush's college coach. But the market for a playmaker of Spiller's caliber will be tough to pass up for a number of teams.

Marshawn Lynch has been as productive with off the field issues as he has been on the field with the ball for the Buffalo Bills. But they also need a quarterback, and if Jimmy Clausen is still available it will be tough for them to pass up on a quarterback who could be the face of the franchise for years to come.

Another option could be Jacksonville. Yes, they have a need for a pass rusher, but can you picture the Jags with their own version of Thunder and Lightning with a pairing of Spiller and Maurice Jones-Drew. The biggest need Jacksonville has is to sell tickets. Winning cures a lot of ills at the box office, but doing so while putting points on the scoreboard helps even more.

After Spiller the next back on many draft boards is Ryan Mathews. Some mock drafts have Mathews going to Houston at the #20 slot, and I have even seen him placed as high as #15 to the New York Giants. I have the Chargers taking the Fresno State back with the #28 pick. They have a glaring hole to fill in the middle of the defense that Terrence Cody could move into, but the loss of LaDanian Tomlinson leaves San Diego with Darren Sproles as the best running back on the team, but hardly the featured back that they are looking for. Mathews could fill the bill very well for San Diego.

In most years the quarterbacks and running backs are the featured players in an NFL Draft. While it looks certain that Sam Bradford will go 1st Overall to St. Louis, this is not the year teams are going to find the horses they need to carry the loads.