Big Ten RB's

[walzav29]

I was think that Mendenhall should be the Bengals pick if Ellis and Dorsey are gone, but someone warned me of Big Ten RB's. The Bengals are 0-3 when it comes to Big Ten 1st rounders. I know there is Larry Johnson and Eddie George, but there are a million more flops. Big Ten backs rely on Big Ten O-lines. How sure are you that Mendenahall would be great?

[AGrizzlyBaer]

I was think that Mendenhall should be the Bengals pick if Ellis and Dorsey are gone, but someone warned me of Big Ten RB's. The Bengals are 0-3 when it comes to Big Ten 1st rounders. I know there is Larry Johnson and Eddie George, but there are a million more flops. Big Ten backs rely on Big Ten O-lines. How sure are you that Mendenahall would be great?

im not sure he would be great. but i didnt think Illinois's line was that good last year.

[redsbengalsbucks]

There is no added risk in taking a big ten back compared to any other college division, there are inherent factors that lead to the chance of a bust RB from any team.

[DesperateDerelict]

The so-called 2nd-tier backs => Choice, Forte, Rice, Smith, C.Johnson, etc. are not that different from the big 3 (Stewart, Mendenhall, & McDaddy). The risk isn't in production as much as value - are you getting the most bang for your buck?

[walzav29]

I got my top 5 like this

Mendenhall

C. Johnson

K. Smith

Felix Jones

Ray Rice

McFadden has character issues. Don't want him.

[kurgan74]

Illinois was a good team, but Mendenhall was special. For those who are not sold on Mendenhall, ESPN Classic is replaying the 2008 Rose Bowl between Ilinois and USC. Ellis was a beast for USC, but Mendenhall was incredible against the star studded defense of USC.

[BTG]

I would love to have Ray Rice. Oh man...if we picked him up in the later rounds I would s**t myself.

[rishipatel]

I got my top 5 like this

Mendenhall

C. Johnson

K. Smith

Felix Jones

Ray Rice

McFadden has character issues. Don't want him.

Where is Stewart on this list? His toe isn't that big of a concern. I think he goes between Mendenhall and C. Johnson.

[walzav29]

Turf Toe always lingers. Especially for RB's. It's more of an issue than you think. If it's the 3rd round take him.

[HoosierCat]

FWIW was just watching sportscenter & ex-Titans GM Floyd Reese said he thought that in 5 years Mendenhall would turn out to be the best player in the 2008 draft...

[walzav29]

I got my top 5 like this

Mendenhall

C. Johnson

K. Smith

Felix Jones

Ray Rice

McFadden has character issues. Don't want him.

Check this scouting out from before the 2008 draft. Not too shabby!

[COB]

Watching Mendenhall run has made me nostalgic for Willie Parker. They upgraded big time with Mendenhall. You're right, you had Rice and Mendenhall, and they both look really good here in their second year in the league.

[wpeldios]

I was actually high on Mendenhall in last years draft. He is a tough runner and I think he'll be a player for years. That said, the bengals go the guy I wanted there.