San Diego Chargers: This is probably putting more faith in Ryan Mathews(notes) than any first-round pick deserves, but many scouts considered him the best prototype running back available in the draft this year. The Chargers definitely need that after letting LaDainian Tomlinson go this offseason.new Darren Sproles jersey(notes) is still a terrific third-down back, but that's really all he is, a third-down guy. Sproles doesn't have the strength to break tackles at the line and has to operate primarily in open space. Mathews is a between-the-tackles runner with great passion and toughness.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers jerseys: A tip of the cap to Bucs leading rusher Cadillac Williams, who came back last season after suffering through injuries for two years. Still, it's not like Williams was all that electric, averaging only 3.9 yards per carry. Likewise, backups Derrick Ward and Earnest Graham(notes) were just roster flotsam. The Bucs have a bunch of guys who are nice backups at this point. They need somebody who can be a starter.
Detroit Lions: As with the San Diego and Mathews, the Lions are pinning a lot of hope on first-round pick Jahvid Best(notes). Best is a former California high school sprint champion who improved dramatically as a running back during his time at Cal. Best typifies the approach many NFL teams are taking at running back and on offense as a whole. He's a slashing runner who can create big plays in a hurry but may not be great at grinding out yards. With the new Lions jerseys expected to play a lot of spread formations, Best could be terrific, right there with the likes of Chris Johnson if all goes well.
New England Patriots: It was a tad surprising when the Patriots didn't spend a high pick in the draft on a running back. The Patriots have a collection of guys you might want on your team, such as Kevin Faulk(notes), Sammy Morris(notes) and Fred Taylor(notes). But even when you throw in leading rusher new Laurence Maroney jersey(notes), none of them stand out as a player you want to lean on. Maroney has been a huge disappointment and doesn't even fit into the New England's spread-offense philosophy anymore.
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