Saturday, April 26, 2008

Jones vs. Mendenhall. Did we we make the right choice?

Originally posted by Guinness from a sports forum:

Felix Jones

POSITIVES: Explosive ball-carrier who plays much faster than his timed speed. Outstanding cut-back runner who does a great job using blocks. Immediately finds the running lanes and quickly gets to top speed. Quick-footed, cuts back against the grain, and loses no momentum when he must immediately change direction. Runs with good lean and vision and deceptively strong in his lower body with the ability to break the first tackle. Possesses the speed and agility to turn the corner, displays outstanding open-field running skills, and can run to daylight if given the slightest amount of open space. Sets defenders up, makes them miss or bounces around piles, and creates a lot of yardage. Natural catching the ball out of the backfield, easily adjusting to the errant throw and grabbing it with his hands.


NEGATIVES: Always played second fiddle at Arkansas and was never asked to carry the load in college. Poor 40 time (4.49) at the combine will raise red flags.


Mendenhall

POSITIVES: Large, powerful ball-carrier who displays an array of skills. Runs with good lean, follows blocks, and keeps his feet driving up the field. Displays agility. Patient, displays skill in the open field, and runs with an aggressive style. Puts his shoulders into defenders and falls forward for the extra yardage. Breaks tackles and carries the pile. Uses an effective straight-arm, has improved as a receiver out of the backfield, and plays fast.


NEGATIVES: Cannot quickly cut back against the grain and loses momentum when he must immediately change direction. Must pick up the intensity blocking. Does not show the ability to turn the corner.