NCAA Scouting - Player Profile:
Rashard Mendenhall, RB
by Sam Monson
3/3/2008
 
The 2008 draft class is rich in some areas, and none more so than at running back, where Rashard Mendenhall is amongst the front runners (get it..?). Mendenhall is likely to be one of as many as 5 or 6 running backs that could be taken in the first round of the draft. The interesting thing to see will be how high in the first the top runners in this draft will go, as since the 2005 NFL Draft, where 3 runners were selected in the first 5 picks of the draft (Ronnie Brown, Cedric Benson and Cadillac Williams), there has been a reluctance to take running backs too high, with teams instead preferring to pick up a compliment back lower down in the draft.
 
Even Adrian Peterson, one of the better prospects to come out of college in a long time at the running back position, lasted until the seventh overall pick. Whilst the top of the 2008 crop might feature several first round picks, it might be that none of them come off the board inside the top 10 picks.
 
Mendenhall was widely regarded the top recruit in the state of Illinois coming out of Niles West High School, but he was never recruited hard by the national power houses because he had verbally committed to Illinois in his junior year, so that he could team up with his brother in the Illini backfield. In 2007 as a junior he was given the load for the first time and rushed for over 1,600 yards and scored 17 touchdowns. He decided to capitalise on this success by entering the NFL Draft.
 
Rashard Mendenhall is gathering momentum in the run up to the draft (run up.. Oh I'm on fire!) and is predicted by some to be the first back taken, ahead of the much-hyped Darren McFadden. The Diner can see where they're coming from, and we're going to show you why.
 
What we like about Mendenhall
 
Mendenhall has a tremendous blend of size and speed. He's built like a tank but impressed scouts at the combine by running comfortably in the 4.4 range, meaning that he's a fast-moving load when he lowers the shoulder. Mendenhall shows a great feel for the cutback lanes, and shows a powerful burst when he sees a hole open up. He shows quick feet for a big runner, and it allows him to power forward for additional yardage after contact. Scouts will love Mendenhall's vision both in the open field and behind the line of scrimmage, because it enables him to accelerate towards holes before they open up. He is also an exceptional receiver, who catches everything with his hands, which will be a huge upside for NFL teams who use their HBs in the passing game.
 
Question marks about Mendenhall
 
Mendenhall erased any questions about his speed with a 4.45 time in the 40 at the combine. The only remaining concerns about Mendenhall are the fact that he moves the ball a little much in his running, which can occasionally lead to come costly fumbles, and the fact that he is difficult to analyse on tape because of the offense that the Illini run. These are pretty minor concerns though for a back that seems to have the total package.
 
Highlight of his college career
 
Carrying the Illini on his back during the 2007 season, Mendenhall and his teammates ended up in a dream BCS Bowl matchup against USC in the Rose Bowl. While USC ended up comfortable winners, Mendenhall showed he could live with elite level competition, breaking off some big runs during the game.
 
Other snippets

• Mendenhall's brother, Walter, red-shirted when he got to Illinois and was moved positions before being moved to fullback, where he blocked for his brother.

• Mike Mayock lists Rashard Mendenhall as his #1 RB, ahead of Darren McFadden – Tony Dungy's son thinks he's crazy.

• The player in the NFL Mendenhall could be compared to is Ronnie Brown.

• Potential good fits: Anybody needing a runner; Detroit Lions, Houston Texans, Denver Broncos.

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