Six Breakout NFL Running Backs for 2009

Vinnie Iyer - SportingNews.com

A quick look at a half-dozen young rushing talents who are set to emerge as NFL stars this fall:

1. Darren McFadden (Oakland Raiders) Turf toe contributed to him seeing little action as a rookie. Back at full speed and with his strong frame (6-2, 210), expect him to emerge as an all-around force. He should see the ball 20-25 times a game in a run-heavy offense aimed to take pressure off quarterback JaMarcus Russell. Given his experience in the "WildHog" package at Arkansas, look for McFadden to get an occasional turn as a passer.

2. Ray Rice (Baltimore Ravens) Behind a good offensive line, he flashed big-play flair as a runner and receiver as a rookie. He projects as the team's starter heading into training camp. Willis McGahee is still battling knee woes, and the team can't afford to overexpose powerful Pro Bowl fullback Le'Ron McClain with too many carries. Baltimore doesn't have a reliable home-run threat around quarterback Joe Flacco, and Rice can fill that void.

3. Pierre Thomas (New Orleans Saints) The coaches hope Thomas is durable enough to boost the power rushing attack. He proved his red-zone value with 12 touchdowns in '08. Though he is built smaller than backfield mate Reggie Bush, Thomas has a better nose for north-south running. Splitting work with Bush will allow Thomas to stay fresh into the second half of games.

4. Kevin Smith (Detroit Lions) Along with Calvin Johnson and Matthew Stafford, Smith gives Detroit hope among a promising set of offensive triplets. He performed well in a limited offense as a rookie and should be a more productive workhorse this season. If Smith gets even a little boost from his line blockers and the Lions find themselves in position to win a few games, he will be a drastically improved player.

5. Rashard Mendenhall (Pittsburgh Steelers) A fractured shoulder kept him from contributing for the Super Bowl champs. Now, he must earn his keep between the tackles. Nothing will be handed to him in Pittsburgh, but Willie Parker has had durability issues the past two seasons and Mewelde Moore is best suited for a third-down role. The Steelers uncharacteristically struggled to pound away at the clock last season, and Mendenhall can help restore that part of their identity.

6. Ahmad Bradshaw (New York Giants) New York boasts the league's premier run-blocking unit, and Bradshaw gets to move on up to No. 2 behind Brandon Jacobs with Derrick Ward leaving for Tampa Bay as a free agent. Jacobs often gets nicked up with his straight-up bruising running style, and the Giants need to rely on Bradshaw for at least a dozen touches a game as change of pace. With his speed and quickness, it won't take too him many carries to rack up impressive yardage, a la Ward last season.

Vinnie Iyer is a staff writer for Sporting News. Email him at viyer@sportingnews.com.

----

More football news

More sport news

Sports home

Copyright 2009 by SportingNews.com