2011 NFL Draft: A look at the running backs visiting with the Rams this week

by Ryan Van Bibber on Apr 13, 2011 9:34 PM CDT in 2011 NFL Draft

The St. Louis Rams added another running back to their pre-draft visit list, Clemson's Jamie Harper. He's the sixth running back that will visit Rams Park this week. Harper also fits a trend that we're seeing among the running backs the Rams are visiting with this week.

Measuring 6'0" 230 lbs, Harper burned up the track with a 4.48 forty at his pro day. Big man, big speed, but he's obviously not in the mold of the smaller profile backs that dominated the conversation earlier in the offseason, when guys like Taiwan Jones, DeMarco Murray and Noel Devine were getting most of the attention.

Harper lacks the raw power you might expect from a 230 lbs back, but he's elusive and quick enough to in tight quarters between the tackles. And that shouldn't imply he doesn't have power. He was the physical complement to C.J. Spiller. The NFP, which has him ranked fifth among running backs in this draft, also notes his ability as a receiver and blocker.

In short, Harper fits the mold of RBs we've been talking about all week, players that can carry more of the load on first and second downs, leaving Steven Jackson to work third downs, the outside and his magic as a receiver. Though Harper's receiving ability would be a real asset in terms of mixing up the Rams offense.

Here's the list of running backs visiting Rams Park this week, all of whom fit the bill for that complementary role of a back who would free Jackson up to be more of a receiver than a between the tackles runner: Mark Ingram, Alabama; Mikel Leshoure, Illinois; Alex Green Hawaii; Stevan Ridley, LSU; and Daniel Thomas, Kansas State.

Some of those guys look like they could also be legitimate 20 carries per game backs, but that's not really necessary in today's pass-first NFL. And don't take these visits to mean that the Rams will be drafting one of these players. These visits are about setting draft boards, getting to know some of the prospects better and throwing up the occasional smoke screen.

Tweet Comment 11 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Mikel LeShoure

Would a great selection.

by ValdezY on Apr 13, 2011 9:56 PM CDT reply actions

Ditto

Touche’ – the one 300 yard game he had was amazing. Most big runs on the inside of tackles too.

by jlcdb70 on Apr 14, 2011 9:38 AM CDT up reply actions

IMO

His explosiveness sets him apart. That burst to day light is special. He gets there quick, fast, and in a hurry. You are right about his interior running. He is so nimble that he makes tacklers miss inside a phone booth. That 300 yard performance in Wrigley Field was something special I agree. I saw him against Mizzou this past season. He is a decent receiver coming out of the backfield and can line up in the slot. I think he would be great in the spread offense.

by ValdezY on Apr 14, 2011 10:42 AM CDT up reply actions

regardless of which rb we select

i see us making great improvements in the rushing game. A physical back makes alot of sense.

by caliramsfan1 on Apr 13, 2011 11:22 PM CDT reply actions

I really like Harper.

I’ve liked him for sometime. Good size, good speed, good hands. Supposedly a good pass blocker too.

Onobun > Gates

by Carneros on Apr 13, 2011 11:25 PM CDT reply actions

aLEX gREEN

I know he’s new to the Rams draft talk and has been pretty much a “just for talk” guy but I think he might be able to give us some value and I think if we dont get him someone else will and he’ll be really good against us……Eagles have been snooping around so they will for sure make good on his talents.

"Victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory however long and hard the road may be; for without victory there is no PLAYOFFS."
Winston Churchill

by SMASH44 on Apr 14, 2011 2:52 AM CDT reply actions

not sure if I'm the only one who thinks this

But it seems like josh mcdaniels and devaney are trying to make sj39 the rams version of kevin faulk. I only hope that sj plays til he’s 35 cuz if anyone deserves to see the rams when they start winning games consistently its that dude

Per fas et nefas - Latin translation="By Any Means Necessary"

by Habte E on Apr 14, 2011 3:36 AM CDT via mobile reply actions

True

Jackson has been a better professional since wrongly dissing Marshal Faulk. Jackson deserves his playoff glory now since he has shown great professional composure over the past 4 losing seasons!

by jlcdb70 on Apr 14, 2011 9:40 AM CDT up reply actions

Helu

Being a Husker fan I think we can hold of an get Helu a little later. He could defintely spell SJ on any down. He can catch, run, and pass block. Just throwing out a possible cheaper alternative to the guys listed.

by RWRAMS28 on Apr 14, 2011 8:20 AM CDT reply actions

Nebraska

I was impressed by running game/ blocking too.

by jlcdb70 on Apr 14, 2011 9:41 AM CDT up reply actions

The wholel thing about RB this yr is that it might be passable in the 1st

So Ingram might be the #1 RB but not by much and isnt a real “must have” guy so why reach LeShoure, Murry, Green, Jones, Ridley, Devine all the RB are all solid B/U IMO and grabbing a B/U in the 2nd really would bother me since we’d miss on getting a starter at OLB or OG or whatever route they take. Im sure we can find a decent guy later in the rounds and still be happy with their production…..I mean the B/U bar isnt set real high is it? its not like we lost a Michael Turner or Darren Sproles as our B/U right. If the guy we get gets IDK 300 yrds rushing and 200 Rec with anywhere close to 4-5 TD’s I think he will be considered a huge success and more importantly if SJAX comes away with another injury free season then he did his job right?

"Victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory however long and hard the road may be; for without victory there is no PLAYOFFS."
Winston Churchill

by SMASH44 on Apr 14, 2011 5:04 PM CDT reply actions