2010 NFL Draft: Top 10 Running Backs

Atlanta Falcons

2010 NFL Draft: Top 10 Running Backs

Photos: The top 10 running backs in the 2010 NFL Draft.

Rick Smith, Houston Texans GM says: "You've got the bigger short yardage type of back or the bruiser, kind of inside runner power runner versus the speed and edge guy. This draft has elements of both." Let's look at them by AJC ranking... 1. C.J. Spiller, Clemson, 5-foot-11, 195 pounds: Spiller (28) combines rare field vision with blinding speed. Can impact games as a runner, receiver or return man. - D. Orlando Ledbetter, AJC

2. Ryan Mathews, Fresno State, 5-11, 220: Led the nation in rushing last season while averaging 150.7 yards per game. Mathews (21, left) rushed for a 39 touchdowns over his career. - D. Orlando Ledbetter, AJC

3. Jonathan Dwyer, Georgia Tech, 5-11.5, 222: Powered the Yellow Jackets' vaunted attack, while rushing for more than 2,700 yards as a sophomore and junior. Was named the ACC player of the year in 2008. - D. Orlando Ledbetter, AJC

4. Jahvid Best, California, 5-10, 195: Dazzling open field runner with excellent speed. Durability is a concern for Best (4). - D. Orlando Ledbetter, AJC

5. Joe McKnight, Southern Cal, 6-0, 190: Went to USC as the heir-apparent to Heisman Trophy winter Reggie Bush. Never turned in a mega-season, but showed great instincts and game-breaking ability. - D. Orlando Ledbetter, AJC

6. Toby Gerhart, Stanford, 6-1, 235: Powerful runner who also played baseball for three seasons. Gerhart (7) has good vision and ability to follow his blocking. - D. Orlando Ledbetter, AJC

7. LeGarrette Blount, Oregon, 6-0, 215: Blount (right) had to rehabilitate his reputation after slugging a player from Boise State in the jaw on national television after being taunted. Originally signed with Auburn coming out of high school. - D. Orlando Ledbetter, AJC

8. Montario Hardesty, Tennessee, 6-0, 215: Hardesty (2) has a hard-charging running style and is not afraid to lower his pads and power through tacklers. Lacks top-end speed. - D. Orlando Ledbetter, AJC

9. Dexter McCluster, Mississippi, 5-8, 172: McCluster (22) is a tough and quick little back who could line up in the slot and play some wide receiver. He ran a slow 40-yard dash time (4.53 seconds) at the NFL scouting combine. - D. Orlando Ledbetter, AJC

10. Ben Tate, Auburn, 5-11, 214: Tate (44) ran a 4.4 in the 40-yard dash at the NFL scouting combine to dispel notions about his lack of speed. Ran for more than 1,300 yards last season. - D. Orlando Ledbetter, AJC

1/10

Rick Smith, Houston Texans GM says: "You've got the bigger short yardage type of back or the bruiser, kind of inside runner power runner versus the speed and edge guy. This draft has elements of both." Let's look at them by AJC ranking... 1. C.J. Spiller, Clemson, 5-foot-11, 195 pounds: Spiller (28) combines rare field vision with blinding speed. Can impact games as a runner, receiver or return man. - D. Orlando Ledbetter, AJC

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