NFL draft preview -- RB

Here are my rankings for the best NFL draft prospects at RB. These rankings will be based on the player's overall talent level and chance to have a good pro career. They will not take into consideration draft order or needs of current NFL teams. That will be assessed after the draft in the updated fantasy rankings.

1. Reggie Bush -- USC -- Bush is considered to be the best college RB in recent memory. He led the nation in all-purpose yards in 2005, and will be a threat on many levels in the NFL. He can be utilized as a kick returner, and a slot receiver. His combination of speed and agility draw comparisons to Barry Sanders. The only knock on Bush is that some scouts are worried that his 5'11" 200lb frame won't be able to handle 25 carries per game. He'll still produce on some level, and my bet is that Bush will be an all-pro RB very soon. He'll be the #1 pick in the draft.

2. Laurence Maroney -- Minnesota -- Maroney had a fine 2005 season as the feature back in the Minnesota offense. His mixture of power running and breakaway speed will give an NFL offense options on how to use him. Maroney does an excellent job of not forcing the play. His patience has led to several long runs on broken plays. He could stand to gain 15lbs on his 5'11" 210lb body. His receiving skills weren't used at Minnesota at all, so an NFL team will have to guess whether or not he'll contribute in the passing game. Maroney will be drafted in the mid to late first round.

3. Joseph Addai -- LSU -- Addai is a burner, whose stock fell after ankle injuries in 2005. He ran a 4.41 40-yd dash at the combine, and is a threat to find the end zone whenever he has the ball. He uses his good receiving skills, and is a superb route runner. At 5'11" 215lbs, he could use a little more bulk, but he fears nobody, and picks up the blitz wonderfully. If he can shake knee injuries that hindered him in college, he should be a starting RB in the NFL, and potentially an all-pro regular.

4. LenDale White -- USC -- Overshadowed by teammate Reggie Bush, White led the country in scoring with 26 touchdowns. At 6'1" and 240lbs, White could become a surprise carrying a full load for an NFL team. He doesn't possess great speed, but he'll run defenders over and secures the football well. White's body type and receiving skills are along the same lines as Jerome Bettis, who didn't have a bad career. White will be a first round pick, but in the bottom half.

5. DeAngelo Williams -- Memphis -- One of the most prolific backs in college football history, Williams is one of the fence riders of the draft. On one hand, he could surprise and become one of the top players of the draft... or he could wither into anonymity. He's prototypically a little too small (5'9" 214lbs) and a little too slow (4.55 40-yd dash) so it's hard to say what his impact will be. He can line up as a RB or a slot WR, so he'll be used in many different situations. Health is another issue, but he was able to stay on the field during nagging injuries in college.

6. Gerald Riggs Jr. -- Tennessee -- At 5'11" 232lbs, Riggs has the size to play effectively in the NFL. He's a large, speedy back who is difficult to tackle in the open field. He has great vision, much like his NFL all-pro father Gerald Riggs Sr. He's never shouldered an entire season because he's been behind several good runners at Tennessee, so durability is a concern. His body should hold up, and if he finds a way into a starting lineup, he'll shine.

7. Brian Calhoun -- Wisconsin -- I'm not sure what the buzz over Calhoun is, but he'll be a dual threat RB in the NFL. He became the second player in Big Ten history to surpass 1000yds rushing and 500yds receiving in the same season. He doesn't have breakaway speed, but he's elusive enough to make tacklers miss. He was a track star at Wisconsin after transferring from Colorado, before he was eligible to play football. He has a nice set of tools, and should be a third or fourth round selection.