Thought I’d spend some time taking a look at where Jonathan Stewart was landing among some of the mock drafts. This is only a sampling, but the general consensus is that if Stewart decides to go Pro most site’s believe he’ll be the second RB taken in the first round. Of these nine mocks his high is 12th (Denver) and low is 31st (Dallas). Four have him going to Houston, 2 headed for Dallas, with Denver, Seattle and Chicago the other three picks.
For purely selfish reason’s (Raiders fan) I’d hate to see him go to Denver. That and the fact I really, really dislike Shannahan. Chicago doesn’t seem like a good fit until they figure out their QB situation. Unless Shaun Alexander is going to hang-up his cleats (right now) there’s no reason for them to draft Stewart. I’d hate to see him go there and have to sit. Besides it will be fun seeing Maurice Morris carry the load once SA does retire.
That leaves Houston and Dallas (on this list). Some pretty good reasoning for either one of these teams to grab Stewart.
DraftKing.com 18th Houston Texans Last Updated: January 5, 2008
Stewart had a statement game against USF in El Paso, breaking the Sun Bowl
record with 253 yards rushing and two TDs.
How impressive was that? It may vault Stewart into the #2 RB prospect spot below Darren McFadden, assuming both players come out early for the 2008 NFL Draft.
The Texans haven’t had a strong option at running back since the 2005 injury, and subsequent retirement, of Domanick Davis (a.k.a. Domanick Williams). Ahman Green has proven to be yet another example of the low-end payoff of bringing in a 30-year-old running back to carry the load, and with the RB talent that should be present in this draft, there should be many players from which to choose for the Texans.
Consensus Draft Services 31st Dallas Cowboys Last Updated: January 5, 2008
With Julius Jones and Marion Barber both becoming free agents, it’s likely that the Cowboys will lose at least one of their horses in a successful two-back system. Barber is the one they’ll likely try harder to keep, and if they lose Jones, look for them to add a solid second back to split carries with MB3, as he’s been fabulous in a two-back system. Jonathan Stewart of Oregon is a junior rumored to be leaving early, and if he does, he’s a possible first round pick. Great size, speed, and kick-return ability helped Stewart become a star for the Ducks, as he racked up 1469 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground this season.
FFToolbox (Raul Colon) 14th Chicago Bears Last Updated: January 7, 2008
Here is the draft’s first true gamble. The Bears do not have many needs. Remember, it was just one year ago that the team was in the Super Bowl. A more consistent play at QB will help expel the defense and setup the Bears for another Super Bowl run.
FFToolbx (Ricky Dimon) 18th Houston Texans Last Updated: January 2, 2008
Houston’s offense has been looking good when both QB Matt Schaub and WR Andre Johnson are healthy, and it would be even better if the Texans actually stabilized their backfield for once. They passed on Reggie Bush and now it’s time to get a long-term solution at running back. Stewart has the size (230 pounds) and speed to succeed as an every-down back in the pros.
Football’s Future 22nd Dallas Cowboys (Cle) Last Updated: December 31, 2007
Stewart is an all around back, capable of helping in many ways. He has the ability to be a feature back, but can also operate in a two back set. With Julius Jones set for free agency, he would be a nice fit alongside Marion Barber. He’d also be the best all around back they have had since Emmitt, should Barber move on in the near future.
Draft Ace 12th Denver Broncos Last Updated: January 4, 2008
This is certainly not the direction Mike Shannahan usually goes with his draft picks, but quite frankly, his direction hasn’t worked lately. He’s lost his touch in producing elite running backs out of no where and its time he goes out and gets one in the draft. Stewart is the type of power running back that Shannahan likes; he’ll fit right into Denver’s system.
Scott Wright’s Draft Countdown 24th Seattle Seahawks Last Updated: December 20, 2007
Yes the Seahawks do still have Shaun Alexander but he has a lot of mileage on his tires and is obviously wearing down. You may also remember that back in 2000 Mike Holmgren drafted Alexander even though they appeared to be set with Ricky Waters at running back. A local Washington product, Jonathan Stewart has everything you look for physically at 5-11 and 230 lbs. with 4.4 speed and when you combine those triangle numbers with his ability to be a threat as a runner, receiver and return man it is not hard at all to see why he will likely be such a highly regarded pro prospect.
WalterFootball 18th Houston Texans Last Updated: January 3, 2008
Darius Walker has been solid coming out of the backfield, and Ahman Green and Ron Dayne are both on the roster, but are any of them really the guy whom Houston can ride into the playoffs? The Texans need to address the running back situation, especially considering the plethora of talent at the position in this class.
WalterFootball (Matt McGuire) 18th Houston Texans Last Updated: January 8, 2008
The Texans have a lot of positions they could address at this spot, but I think the one that needs to be focused on the most is running back. How can they pass up the physical specimen like Jonathan Stewart He is 5-11, 230, and runs in the 4.4 range. Talk about triangle numbers! Has good running skills and power. Oregon employs a similar blocking scheme that the Texans use, so he should be able to step in and play right away.
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