Darren McFadden - First Pick 2008 NFL Draft

A lot can happen between now and April 2008. However, Arkansas running back Darren McFadden has as good a chance as anyone at being selected number one overall in the 2008 NFL draft.

The sophomore dominated opponents all season, putting up over 1600 rushing yards and 14 TDs with a gaudy 5.8 ypc average. He hasn't just beaten up on weak opponents either, racking up 145 yards on Auburn, 181 on Tenn, and 182 on LSU.

Many scouts feel he is the best NFL RB prospect they have seen in a while, ranking him ahead of players like Peterson, Lynch, and even Reggie Bush. Only 19, McFadden should be able to add 10-15 lbs (currently 205 lbs) to his 6-2 frame with out losing any of his 4.4 speed.

Oklahoma's Peterson to enter NFL Draft

Oklahoma junior running back Adrian Peterson will skip his final year of eligibility and enter the NFL Draft, according to two sources close to the situation. An official announcement could come as early as Thursday.

Adrian Peterson is a true franchise back. He’s a playmaker and a workhorse. He has durability concerns, but his potential will make him a top 10 pick.

Michael Bush will enter the NFL draft

Louisville running back Michael Bush will enter the NFL draft. A senior, Bush applied for a medical redshirt in case he decided to come back, but opted for the NFL instead.

Bush's senior season ended in the opener against Kentucky when he suffered a broken right leg. According to Bush, his rehabilitation is going well. However, he still walks with a limp and he doesn't know if he'll be able to run before the draft.

Petrino to the NFL, Brohm and Bush next?

Louisville coach Bobby Petrino has accepted a five-year, $24 million offer from the Atlanta Falcons to become their new coach. One has to assume that Louisville's Brian Brohm and Michael Bush are now going to enter the NFL draft.

Brohm, a junior, was thought to be headed back to Louisville for his senior season. However, he is unlikely to return for a new coach and to learn a new offense. If he enters the draft he'll be a first round pick, possibly in the top ten.

Bush, a senior, could return to Louisville with a medical redshirt. He broke his leg in the first game of the 2006 season and won't be completely healthy till March.

Running back group weak in 2007

The last two drafts have spoiled NFL teams with a bevy of future stars. However, 2007 will be a weak draft for future NFL running backs. There isn't a single senior RB projected as a first rounder, only juniors Adrian Peterson and Marshawn Lynch are guaranteed first round picks.

Top seniors Michael Bush and Kenny Irons both had disappointing 2006 seasons. Bush missed the entire season after breaking his leg in the first game and could return to Louisville next season as a medical redshirt. If he enters the draft, he won't have much of a chance to workout for scouts. Doctors have said he won't be fully recoverd till early March.

Irons battled injuries and inconsistency all season. He'll need to show up big in the Senior Bowl, combine, and pro day to get himself back into the first round.

This group is a far cry from last year's Bush, Maroney, Williams, Addai, White and Drew.

Lynch to enter 2007 NFL Draft

As expected, California running back Marshawn Lynch said he will skip his senior season to enter the NFL draft. Lynch was the Pac-10's offensive player of the year after rushing for a conference-best 1,356 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Lynch is expected to be a first round pick and some think he could be drafted over Adrian Peterson.

Lynch impressive in perhaps his final game at Cal

In probably his last game at California, Marshawn Lynch ran for 114 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Golden Bears to victory in the Holiday Bowl. Most expect Lynch to skip his senior year and enter the 2007 NFL draft.

Look for Lynch to get drafted in the top half of the first round as he is the total package for a running back prospect. He has very good size and is a good interior runner. He also has the elusiveness to make people miss, the speed to outrun defenders, and is a play-maker in the passing game.

Poinsettia Bowl prospects to watch

The bowl season gets underway tonight with Texas Christian battling Northern Illinois in the Poinsettia Bowl. The game is being televised on ESPN2 at 8PM EST and if you are tuning in keep your eye on these two draft prospects.

Doug Free, OT, Northern Illinois: Free is the best prospect in this game. He is a great pass blocker and an excellent athlete. He easily mirrors defenders moves, and he can get out and block on the move. Free has dropped a little this year, but not because he lacks the talent. A stress fracture in his foot limited his impact. Free has a lot of potential, and should hear his name called at some point on Day One.

Garrett Wolfe, RB, Northern Illinois: Wolfe led the nation in rushing and is a very versatile running back. He has fantastic quickness and agility, and the speed to break off long runs with ease. The obvious knock on Wolfe’s game is his size (5-7, 177). He is extremely small, and it will keep him from being an every down back in the NFL. However, he could be a great third down back and return man in the NFL.

Arizona's Henry to leave for the NFL draft

University of Arizona starting tailback Chris Henry will declare for the NFL draft, he confirmed Monday afternoon. Henry cited a lack of playing time early in the season as a key reason for making his decision to leave.

Henry has a good combination of size (6-1, 230-pounds) and speed (some report a 4.4 forty), however he didn't produce at Arizona. The junior rushed for 581 yards on 165 carries this season, an average of just 3.5 yards per attempt. He'll need to have an impressive post-season circuit to hear his name called on the first day of the 2007 NFL draft.

Peterson will play in Fiesta, last game at OU?

Oklahoma runningback Adrian Peterson returned to practice on Friday and is expected to play in the Fiesta Bowl. Peterson has been out since he broke his collarbone Oct. 14 against Iowa State. The junior is expected to enter the 2007 NFL draft and should be a top ten selection. Peterson has all the skills to be a star in the NFL. He's big and strong, but still has room for more growth. He couples that size with excellent speed, and very good athleticism. The only concern with Peterson is his inability to stay healthy.

Kenny Irons Falling Fast

Auburn running back Kenny Irons had a difficult senior season. Battling injuries and inconsistency he was unable to follow up on last season's standout performance. He disappeared against many tough opponents and was only able to crack the 100 yard mark three times, finishing with 821 yards and just 4 TDs. Irons is a solid back, but he doesn't standout in any area. At just 200 lbs he doesn't have the bulk to be a power back and he doesn't have the speed to be a home run threat. He's likely fallen out of the first round and will need impressive post-season workouts to bounce back.

Michael Bush Still Undecided

Louisville running back Michael Bush hasn't decided whether to seek a medical redshirt and return to college or enter the NFL draft. His senior season ended in the opener against Kentucky when he suffered a broken right leg. Louisville coach Bobby Petrino said Bush "is improving a lot" in his rehabilitation, "but he still does have a limp and a ways to go." Doctors have said he should be fully recovered by late February or early March.

Lynch over Peterson on Draft Day

Six months ago no one thought Marshawn Lynch would be drafted higher then Adrian Peterson. That is now a possibility. Both are excellent backs and if they declare, probable top ten picks. But while Peterson finished the season with another injury, Lynch is putting the finishing touches on another impressive year.

The Cal junior has compiled over 1400 total yards, 9 TDs, and sports a 6.3 ypc average. Lynch is the perfect size for a RB at 5-11 and 215 lbs. He's a good interior runner and can break tackles, yet has the elusiveness to make people miss, and the speed to outrun defenders. He also has the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield and make big plays in the passing game.

Peterson is faster and taller then Lynch, but hasn't been able to stay healthy. Some scouts are worried that with his long frame, Peterson runs upright and opens his body up for punishment and injury. The junior also hasn't been involved in the passing game at Oklahoma and doesn't have the receiving skill that Lynch does.

Their final draft order won't be decided till draft day and a lot will be determined during post-season workouts, but there is now a possibility that Peterson won't be the first RB off the board during the 2007 NFL draft.

Dwayne Wright will Enter the NFL Draft

Fresno State running back Dwayne Wright announced he will skip his final season with the Bulldogs to enter the NFL draft. With 133 yards rushing on Saturday, Wright topped the 1,000-yard mark for the second time in his career with a total of 1,061. The junior missed most of 2004 and all of 2005 when he tore his left patellar tendon. Wright is a power runner at 6-foot, 215 pounds. While he lacks great speed he shows a quick burst through the line and has excellent hands, currently leading the Bulldogs with 26 receptions.