NFL Draft Preview: Rashard Mendenhall Scouting Report and Draft Status

Rashard Mendenhall, the Big Ten Player of the Year) is coming off a year in which he gained 1,681 yards and had 17TDs for the surprising Fighting Illini of Illinois. Mendenhall, combined with QB Juice Williams were a big reason for the resurgence of the Illinois football program.

Mendenhall, at 225 lbs, is one of the biggest backs in this year's draft. He is a fighter who does not give up and keeps his legs moving to pick up extra yards. He is viewed as a natural runner with good instincts.

He also is able to catch the ball out of the backfield (34 catches and 2 TDs) and is a good blocker.

Weaknesses

He only carried the load during his final year so he is still somewhat of an unknown. He has had some issues holding onto the ball in college and pro defenses will definitely test him. His speed is questionable when it comes to getting around the corner against NFL defenders. Illinois employs a spread offense and some feel he may take some time to adjust to the offensive systems of the NFL.

Draft Scenario

While Darren McFadden from Arkansas is the consensus #1 back in the draft, there is some debate as to who is #2. Some reports say it is RB Jonathon Stewart, Oregon and others indicate it is Mendenhall. The two have similar builds and statistics but Stewart has had some injury issues while Mendenhall has not and Mendenhall has a slightly better time in the 40. This may make him the second back taken.

Out of the top 5 picks in the draft, it appears that Oakland will take McFadden and none of the other teams (Miami, St. Louis, Kansas City, Atlanta) appear to be in the market for a running back.

The New York Jets hold the sixth pick and there is a possibility they might pick Mendenhall. If McFadden is still on the board with this pick, then Mendenhall will likely slip.

The Patriots, Ravens and Bengals pick 7^th, 8^th and 9^th respectively. The thinking is these three teams will look to defense and all three have a #1 running back already on the roster. With the current trend of having two running backs sharing the load, it is not outside the realm of possibility that any of these teams might take him. However, a top10 pick on Mendenhall might be a stretch.

The New Orleans Saints draft 10 and with Reggie Bush already on the roster, running back does not appear to be an immediate need for them.

The next team that appears to be a good fit for Mendenhall would be the Carolina Panthers who are drafting 13^th. The Panthers in the past have looked to power backs, such as Stephen Davis, and they recently released RB, DeShaun Foster leaving only DeAngelo Williams on the roster. Williams has been unimpressive thus far in his pro career. The Panthers are an excellent bet to take a chance on Mendenhall.

Another option for Mendenhall is the Houston Texans at #18. The Texans have a large need for a running back and will take whoever is still available between Mendenhall and Stewart. Sources:

Scott Wright - Rashard Mendenhall Scouting Report - Scott Wright's Draft Countdown
Matt McCoy - Rashard Mendenhall Scouting Report - Warroom Report.com