NFL Draft Preview: Running Backs

Mark Maske breaks down the draft position-by-position, leading up to the draft (April 26-27):

TOP PLAYERS

Player	Ht.	Wt.	School	The Skinny
Darren McFadden	6-1 1/2	217	Arkansas	Averaged 5.9 yards per carry in college
Rashard Mendenhall	5-9 1/2	224	Illinois	Could be a candidate to go to the Bears at No. 14
Jonathan Stewart	5-10 1/2	233	Oregon	Had toe surgery in March but slated to be ready for training camp
Felix Jones	6-0	207	Arkansas	Backed up McFadden but still could be a first-rounder
Jamaal Charles	6-0	203	Texas	Most have him pegged for second round
Chris Johnson	5-10 1/2	198	East Carolina	Breakaway threat who had 17 rushing TDs last season
Ray Rice	5-8 1/2	203	Rutgers	Steady player who can handle a lot of carries
Kevin Smith	6-1	217	Central Florida	Ran for 2,567 yards in 14 games last season
Matt Forte	6-1	223	Tulane	Both a running and receiving threat
Steve Slaton	5-9	197	West Virginia	High-profile player in college but could slide to fourth round

r>

REDSKINS' INTEREST		RAVENS' INTEREST >
The Redskins are set in the backfield with Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts. Portis finished with 1,262 yards and 11 touchdowns. At 26, Portis remains in the prime of his career and has rushed for at least 1,200 yards in five of his six NFL seasons. Betts is an excellent backup who ran for 1,154 yards two years ago when Portis was injured and missed half the season.		The running game always has been a point of emphasis for the Ravens, who last season acquired Willis McGahee to replace Jamal Lewis. McGahee became one of the few productive players on offense, rushing for 1,207 yards and seven touchdowns. The Ravens could select a running back in the later rounds, as the ranks are thin behind McGahee.