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| Jason O. Watson / US Presswire |
| Knowshon Moreno is one of several backs from the 2009 draft who has struggled to perform consistently. |
Jets running back Shonn Greene was drafted in the third round -- 65th overall -- in 2009. He's been very solid in his first two seasons, although he's yet to distinguish himself as a workhorse starter. Greene's not the only running back from that draft class who's failed to fully distinguish what he can do. In fact, he's probably been more effective than most of the running backs who were selected ahead of him three years ago.
The expectations for
Shonn Greene will be high next season, and the third-year
Jets running back had better be ready to rise to the occasion, writes
Steve Wyche.
More...
» Fantasy: Big production from Greene?
Knowshon Moreno, Denver, drafted 12th overall
Moreno has a wealth of talent, but dings and tweaks have denied him the ability to show how good he can be. He'll get a chance this season under new coach John Fox, who loves to run the ball. The Broncos are in the running-back market, though, and will pursue someone in free agency.
Donald Brown, Indianapolis, drafted 27th overall
In two seasons, he's totaled 207 carries for 778 yards and five touchdowns. He's played behind Joseph Addai, but when he's had his chances, he hasn't been overly impressive. Indy drafted Syracuse's Delone Carter in the fourth round, in part because Addai is a free agent. Carter could also push Brown.
Beanie Wells, Arizona, drafted 31st overall
Two seasons, two starts, 1,190 total rushing yards. While he's had some nagging injuries, he's been a big disappointment. Arizona drafted Ryan Williams from Virginia Tech in the second round (38th overall) and Anthony Sherman in the fifth round, which tells you what they think of Wells and Tim Hightower.
After seeing the players already unveiled for NFL Network's
"Top 100 Players of 2011" list,
Pat Kirwan suspects that there might be an issue at the running back position.
More ...
» List of NFL's best RBs
LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia, drafted 53rd overall
Unquestionably the best of this draft class so far. He has 2,617 total yards to go with 13 touchdowns in two seasons, and the argument can legitimately be made that he hasn't touched the ball enough. McCoy is a big-time threat in all aspects and a borderline star.
Arian Foster, Houston, undrafted
The former practice squad rookie led the NFL in rushing with 1,616 yards in 2010. He also had 16 rushing touchdowns. What gets overlooked about his dazzling second season is that he had 66 catches for 604 yards and two touchdowns. We'll see if he's a one-year wonder, but he seems like a perfect fit in coach Gary Kubiak's scheme.
Other notable RBs from the 2009 draft class
Glen Coffee
Mike Goodson
Andre Brown
Javon Ringer
Bernard Scott
LaRod Stephens-Howling
Follow Steve Wyche on Twitter @wyche89.
