NFL Draft 2007: Host of RBs Worth First-Round Pick

As usual, there appears to be a stockpile of running backs worthy of a first-day selection in April's 2007 NFL Draft. However, there is one running back who leads the pack--despite his one weakness. There is no substantial gap between the top choice and the followers. But, the Sooners' product is certainly the best. Here are the top 10 selections for the upcoming draft:

10. Lorenzo Booker -- Florida State, 5-10, 190 Booker has tremendous big-play ability.

9. Courtney Lewis --Texas A & M, 5-11, 200 Lewis is hurt too often.

8. Tony Hunt -- Penn State, 6-2, 240 Hunt is a big, quick punisher.

7. Chris Henry -- Arizona, 6-2, 230 Huge gamble because of his lack of experience, but could make some GM look like a genius.

6. Kenny Irons -- Aurburn, 5-11, 200 Irons is just a flat-out warrior.

Top 5

5. Kenneth Darby -- Alabama, 5-10, 210, 4.5 (40 yard-dash time)

After surpassing the 1000-yard plateau as a sophomore and again as a junior, Darby fell well over 100 yards shy of that mark as a senior. He definitely needs to improve his blocking ability as he will probably begin his career as strictly a special teamer. Darby probably will not be taken in the first round. In fact, there's a good chance that he may slide all the way down to the third round.

4. Darrois Walker -- Notre Dame, 5-10, 200, 4.5

Walker is my sleeper choice. He probably will not be selected until late in the second round, but his athletic ability to spring a play outside of the tackles is extremely valuable on Sundays. His creative running ability is probably better suited for a kick and punt returner. Surprisingly, look for the Notre Dame product to have the same type of influence a certain Mr. Hester had on a team that made it to the Super Bowl in '06.

3. Michael Bush -- Louisville, 6-2, 250

Surprise, Surprise! Even without playing one complete game as a senior, Bush still has shown enough to warrant this high of a selection. His combination of speed and punishment is going to surprise a lot of "experts." He will run over, through, and around would-be defenders. Expect him to be a T.J. Duckett-type of back early in his career. But, he will eventually carry the load.

2. Marshawn Lynch -- California, 5-11, 222, 4.55

One-of-many early entrants into the draft at this position, the former Bear seems to be the only threst to the #1 back's throne. Though his collegiate numbers were not as guady, he does appear to be more durable. Durability, speed, size, and power have moved Lynch close to the top of this group.

1. Adrian Peterson -- Oklahoma, 6-2, 220, 4.5

In a three-year college career at OU, Peterson toted the rock for over 4000 yards. It is hard to imagine what type of numbers the talented running back would have amassed had he stuck around in Norman for one more season. With this type of gridiron resume, it is easy to understand why the 6-2 bruiser would be worth such a high investment--despite his "problems."

Each of his three season in the red-and-white, as impressive as they were, were cut short. After suffering a dislocated shoulder, he missed time with a badly sprained ankle before losing part of his junior campaign with a broken collarbone. Despirt the red flags, Peterson is virtually a lock to be on of the first players selected, come D-Day.

Prediction: If Peterson slips beyond the fourth spot, I'll be very surprised.