SB Nation - Cedric Peerman

The UVA Preview of Doom

BirdGT — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 12:00:21 -0000

by Andrew Shurtleff - AP

I don't like UVA. (AP Photo/Andrew Shurtleff)

Some people are picking against Tech due to history. A sad history. The history isn't a reflection of program stature. It's a reflection of match ups, coaching preparation, and in-game decision making.

UVA played Georgia Tech teams that were either mismatched or poorly coached. From this perspective, I want to look at our apparent weaknesses and compare them to UVA's ability to exploit them.

Kickoff Coverage Woes
In all of our games, GT is giving up 25.3 yards per return. We're terrible at covering kickoffs. Why? We've allowed 38 returns on 43 kickoffs because we can't kick very far. We've only had one touchback all season and an ACC-leading three kickoffs out of bounds. Our kickoffs are the 6th longest in the ACC, which is good but the problem is that we also allow the opponent to return 95% of those kicks.

So, here's our current situation. We score a lot in the game. We on average give up a lot of big plays in the kicking game. The opponent has less grass to cover. Our defense looks bad when they give up "easy" TD's.

The kickoff team has to get better. Play calling is typically predicated on where your offense is on the field. If the offense starts on their own 40 or the 50 every drive, then they can call whatever they want. If the offense starts on their 20 or 30, then the defensive coordinator can dial up whatever defense he wants and the offense has to play more conservatively.

Luckily, this category is a wash GT fans. UVA has a pretty terrible return unit that only averages around 17 yards per return (last place in the ACC). I just kinda wanted to rant on our terrible kickoff coverage.

Our Run Defense Against the Cavs
2007 - Cedric Peerman, 28 carries for 144 yards
2005 - Wali Lundy/Jason Snelling, 32 carries for 131 yards
2003 - Wali Lundy, 27 carries for 96 yards
2001 - Bryson Spinner/Antoine Womack, 23 carries for 128 yards

All years of UVA wins in which their primary runners tore us up for big yards/carry. When we shut down the UVA running attack ala 2002 and 2006, we won. They only ran for 104 yards total in those two losses.

Under Al Groh, UVA averages a 48.4% 3rd down conversion rate against GT in Charlottesville. Those odd year Al Groh teams only averaged a 40.0% 3rd conversion rate. We never get the AL GROH offense off the field when it matters. Groh uses his big offensive line to push us around. He runs up the gut, to the edge, and all the way to Grandma's house. He's never really had a game breaking running back but he always has HUGE offensive linemen.

This brings us to this year's game. Groh brings in an offensive line that averages 6'6" and 300 pounds on the dot. Match that up with our relatively small defensive tackles and we might have a long day on our hand. Thankfully, the Cavs have a pretty poor running game this season. Even against a terrible Maryland team, the Cavs only managed around 60 yards on the ground.

Secondary is Second Rate
There is nothing more indicative of our road-home, Jekyll-Hyde syndrome than our secondary. Look at these numbers:

But hold on. We shouldn't be talking about this home-away nonsense. If we drafted the the I-A QB's we've faced in a fantasy draft, who would we take first? Let's line 'em up in order of QB efficiency: Tyrod Taylor, Jacory Harris, Christian Ponder, T.J. Yates, Tyson Lee, & Kyle Parker. Are we playing better defense at home or are we just facing better passers/offenses on the road? Probably a mixture of both.

Jameel Sewell would sit right above T.J. Yates in that list so he'd be the "fourth best" passer we've faced thus far. Being the "fourth best" passer we've faced doesn't mean much as Sewell has only thrown 1 TD in the last three games. He's not being asked to make big plays. We gotta force the issue with him. Force him into mistakes. He's a senior quarterback but he's not a good senior quarterback - a Sean Glennon or Chris Turner talent level that will buckle under pressure.

How Does GT Win?
I don't know how we win. I'm worried about how we're going to lose. UVA is inferior to us in every facet of the game. Our weaknesses are glaring but theirs are debilitating. They beat a terrible Indiana team, a terrible Maryland team, and an offensively inept UNC team. They should not be on the same field as us but somehow we'll fumble 8 times. I am not looking forward to UVA.

I feel like the Philadelphia Eagles making the trip to Oakland. There is no good game film on UVA because they've scratched their offense. We've both played UNC but UNC's offense is so bad there was no game. Literally, no game film. Stats don't mean anything. We are playing a UVA team that will be playing backyard football and is currently reinventing their offensive identity. They still have a defense and Charlottesville brings with it a heavy, heavy sports curse.

I am worried.

Predictions.

Bird: We tie the Cavaliers 20-20. I don't think we'll win but I don't think the Cavaliers can beat us.

Dane: God, please don't make me do this. This past week was so much fun. You know what? We should lose this game. It's just what is supposed to happen. If Paul Johnson and his shamanistic voodoo football majick cannot lift this one, then we might as well forfeit all future games played in Charlottesville.

What? What are you looking at? I'm not predicting anything. There is enough bad mojo on this game without me opening my filthy sewer and ruining it for everyone. Take it away, Winfield.

Winfield: All year I have been optimistic about this game and now that it is upon us, I don't know what to think. How can you pick the Jackets when they continue to break your heart in Charlottesville? Ehh screw it. We break the curse! (barely) Georgia Tech 21 Cavs 20

Buffs Release Top Strength and Conditioning Stats

irish1611 — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 19:43:45 -0000

Colorado Buffaloes offensive lineman, Nate Solder. Photo: Marty Caivano

View full size photo »

The football program has released their strength and conditioning "award" winners for the winter and spring session. It's always fun to see the linemen bench stats and runningback forty times. Here are a few things that stood out to me:

OL Nate Solder - workout freak. He was the top performer in five out of the seven categories for the offensive line with an impressive 407 pound power clean and a 4.86 forty. All of this from a guy that was a converted tight end who is now 6'9" 300 pounds. Solder led the entire team, regardless of position, in total power clean weight and hang clean as well. I am little surprised that Ryan Miller only made one appearance on the list, coming in 3rd in the bench press for offensive linemen.

C Mike Iltis - a guy who shouldn't considered completely healed from last year's knee injury also has impressive numbers considering that injury. He ranked in the top three in five of the seven events for linemen. Iltis certainly won't be mistaken for Solder but he was definitely had the second best offensive lineman performance.

DE Marquez Herrod - he showed very well among the defensive linemen, specifically in the strength categories where he was the leader in power clean (370), hang clean (426), squat (677) and bench (405). Herrod also had the second best forty time among the line at 5.00 seconds. Hopefully that leads to increased quarterback pressures in 2009 . A year ago, Herrod played in 11 games but only for 187 total plays and still was tied for second on the team in sacks (4). I am sure the coaches want to see more consistency in his play this season, hopefully his workout performance transitions to the field.

No one on the defensive line outperformed another team unit in any single workout (i.e. an offensive lineman was the overall best in bench, a cornerback was the best in forty times, etc.)

LB Marcus Burton - just remember this guy is 6'0" 260 pounds. Low center of gravity, not too tall so he should be expected to do do well in some of the strength exercises but the guy pretty much blew it out of the water everywhere. The senior just keeps surprising this year. After being an afterthought a year ago, Burton quickly inserted himself as a starter this spring.

At first glance, he seemed like a strong candidate for a move to the defensive line. I mean he is 260 pounds. Forget that thought. Burton is not only the biggest linebacker on the team but also the fastest, running a 4.78 forty. He led the linebackers in power clean (381), hang clean (445 pounds which tied him with Nate Solder as the strongest on the team), squat (666 good for second on the team), bench and forty time. He finished second in vertical jump and third in pro agility. Right along with Solder, Burton had the strongest performance on the team.

No where on the linebacker list was Shaun Mohler and Jeff Smart made only a couple of apperances in the rankings.

Running backs - Demetrius Sumler and Kevin Moyd led the group in the strength categories while Brian Lockridge, Rodney Stewart and Darrell Scott showed well in the vertical, forty and pro agility. Brian Lockridge ran a 4.45 forty followed by Darrell Scott at 4.49 and Rodney Stewart at 4.54. Brian Lockridge had the best vertical on the team at 36.5 inches. Scott, Lockridge and Stewart's strength will catch up with experience. All three are considered coming off of injury.

Wide Receivers - Markques Simas or Scotty McKnight did not finish first in any one wide receiver workout with the best forty time coming in at 4.65 by walk-on Dustin Ebner. Markques Simas ran a 4.75. Jason Espinoza performed well among the receivers, leading in four of the seven workouts. These results confirm the importance of Andre Simmons, Terdema Ussery and Jarrod Darden coming in and excelling.

CB Jimmy Smith - he was in the top 3 of all seven workouts for cornerbacks, finishing first in three: hang clean, bench and forty time. His 4.44 forty was the best of any player on the team, edging out Brian Lockridge. Ben Burney had the best pro agility on the team at 4.0 seconds.

Quarterbacks - once again, the quarterbacks are extremely even across the board, surprisingly in the forty time as well. Both Cody Hawkins and Tyler Hansen ran a 4.88 forty.

For fun, I put some of the team leaders for the Buffs against last year's 40 yard dash NFL combine results to see how the Buffs stack up in speed. The rank column assumes if the player(s) would have ran in the combine for their position in last year's event, where would they have been slotted:

Forty Time (seconds)
Position	Buffs Leader	Potential Rank	Top Combine Result
Offensive Line	OT Nate Solder - 4.86	1st	OL Lydon Murtha - 4.89
Defensive Line	DL Nick O'Neill - 4.84	t-7th	DL L. Sidbury - 4.64
Linebackers	LB Marcus Burton - 4.78	11th	LB Aaron Curry - 4.56
Tight Ends	TE Pat DeVenny - 4.79	t-11th	TE Jared Cook - 4.50
Runningbacks	RB Brian Lockridge - 4.45	t-1st	RB Cedric Peerman - 4.45
Defensive Backs	CB Jimmy Smith - 4.44	1st	CB Darius Butler - 4.46
Wide Receivers	WR Dustin Ebner - 4.65	30th+	WR D. Heyward-Bey - 4.30
Quarterbacks	QB Hawkins/Hansen - 4.88	t-8th	QB Pat White - 4.55

Arizona Cardinals Potential Draft Picks: Running Backs

Andrew602 — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 19:33:11 -0000

To continue the trend in a more efficient way, here is crop of potential draft pick running backs that we haven't covered yet and some that we may see this weekend. If the Cardinals do pass on a 1st round back, these guys could be wearing Cardinal red after this weekend. For the source of these breakdowns and to get more in-depth reviews on draft prospects, chech out cbssports.

Shonn Greene, Iowa

5'11 & 227 lbs

Similar NFL Player: Ladell Betts

Greene has good initial quickness, but lacks explosiveness or a second gear to negotiate long-distance runs. He does make quick decisions with
the ball in his hands to hit the holes in a hurry. The thing that you notice immediately about Greene is his change-of-direction agility and body control. When the rush lane is clogged, he has the feel to redirect and bounce outside, but does not have the speed to take the ball to the house down the sidelines. Greene is a physical inside runner whose playing strength is better than his weight-room figures. Greene is not a "make you miss" type, but when he gets a short burst off the snap, he shows quick cutting agility. Greene is not going to go down easy, even from gang tackles. He lacks weight-room strength, but has the lower-body power to push the pile when he keeps his pads down.

Andre Brown - North Carolina State

6'0 & 224 lbs

Similar NFL Player: Fred Taylor

Brown has a stout body, with good vision and the ability to break tackles thanks to his leg drive and speed. He is more of a straight-line, north-south runner, as he lacks the loose hips to bounce wide or redirect in an instant. If you are looking for a very explosive north-south runner, Brown is the perfect fit. He moves on the ball's snap with no hesitation and it is rare to see him false step. He's limited as a cut-back runner, but gets into trouble when he tries to bounce and feel for the cut back. He has the explosion to beat defenders taking the ball between tackles, thanks to his short burst, but struggles when having to cut back or bounce to the outside. Brown is just starting to develop as a receiver, showing good hands to secure the ball outside his frame.

Rashad Jennings - Liberty

6'1 & 231 lbs

Similar NFL Player: Jamal Lewis

Rashard Jennings is an explosive running back who can run, catch and block. Jennings has good initial quickness, but is inconsistent changing direction due to hip stiffness and failure to keep his running stride down to squeeze through tight spaces. Jennings has a deceptive burst that allows him to surprise a lethargic defender with his straight-line charge, but he is more of a power back, one-cut runner than an elusive one. He has the thick legs to drive through the initial tackle and a strong stiff arm to fend off the smaller defenders. It is very rare to see him get turned back taking the ball up the middle, but he is really just a power-oriented one-cut runner that lacks nifty moves, but plays with good body lean. He catches the ball cleanly and does a good job extending for the off-target throws.

Gartrell Johnson - Colorado State

5'10 & 219 lbs

Similar NFL Player: Greg Jones

Powerful build. Runs with a low pad level, giving defenders little room to hit him. Has a low-center of gravity and a good first step to accelerate. Hits the hole with authority. Some lateral quickness to elude in tight quarters and can make defenders miss in the open field. Good vision for the cutback. Finishes his runs by falling forward. Secure ball-handler with only one fumble in 310 touches in 2008. Lacks the speed to beat linebackers to the edge or the top-end speed to pull away when gets to the second level. Lacks the agility to make defenders miss if met in the hole. Relies on his initial pop and aggression, rather than true power, in taking on defenders.

Cedric Peerman - Virginia

5'10 & 216 lbs

Similar NFL Player: Josh Scobee

Peerman has outstanding timed speed, but it does not always translate to the field, as he has a bit of a hitch coming out of his stance, preventing him from generating good explosion into the holes. He is a small, but well-built athlete who is a shifty runner with good hands as a receiver. He has good quickness and balance, but lacks the suddenness or change of direction skills to bounce the ball wide for big runs (only four runs for more than 20 yards as a senior). However, his frame is also built for power, and he does fairly well moving the ball inside. He is not a player that will run over the larger defenders, but he is tough and feisty taking the ball up the gut to get good yardage after initial contact. He is blessed with that rare speed runners can only hope for, but fails to generate the second gear to escape when bouncing wide.

Kory Sheets - Purdue

5'11 & 208 lbs

Similar NFL Player: Julius Jones

Sheets is a lanky, slinky runner who is quick to the hole, patient and agile through traffic; he also has an extra gear to outrun a lot of defenders. He is not an effective blocker and lacks leg strength to pound into the line for tough yards. Sheets is not what you would consider a power runner, but he uses his leg drive effectively, flashing lateral quickness and consistency seeing the cutback. When he stays low in his pads, he will get the tough yardage with his balance. However, when the rush lane is clogged, he gets too erect in his stance and seems to expose the ball too much when trying to redirect off-tackle, especially when going to the right hash and this resulted in a high amount of costly fumbles...Sheets is the type that can stick his foot in the ground and explode through the hole, but is not capable of pushing the pile. Sheets is a capable receiver out of the backfield, but won't run any deep patterns or do anything fancy with the ball in his hands.

Glen Coffee - Alabama

6'0 & 209 lbs

Similar NFL Player: Kevin Smith

Coffee is more quick than he is fast, but shows good explosion and burst coming out of his stance. He attacks the holes with good pad level and forward body lean. He is better as an inside runner, as he does not show that ease-of-movement agility to change direction and locate the cutback
lanes without having to throttle down. He runs with adequate strength and will need to improve his lower-body power in order to break tackles consistently at the next level. He is not really a shifty runner with the ability to juke defenders, but can accelerate past second-level defenders. Coffee's lack of lower-body strength is evident, but he does a nice job of squaring his shoulders and lowering his pads. He has an above-average stiff arm that he uses quite a bit to break tackles. He has developing hands and the ability to turn and catch off-target throws, but his route running, or lack of, has prevented him from being a part of the intermediate-to-deep passing game. Coffee is not effective as a lead blocker and must be alert to the blitz and stunts when asked to provide pass protection.

Mike Goodson - Texas A&M

6'0 & 208 lbs

Similar NFL Player: Jerious Norwood

He is quick and explosive with his long speed, but has just marginal
strength, making him a liability as an inside runner. He has good change of direction agility and shows very good quickness out of his stance, along with the sudden burst to elude defenders turning the corner. Goodson has that sudden burst to escape the crowd and does a very good job of accelerating away from the second-level opponents... Goodson runs with good balance, but lacks the leg drive and upper body strength to push the pile. He will go down vs. initial contact and is prone to coughing up the ball when tackled hard...Goodson left school early and the coaching staff seemed relieved by his decision. He has had problems with both of his head coaches and is perceived as a player that is not willing to conform, raising some red flags that will affect his overall draft stock.

Poll

If the Cardinals pass on a 1st-round back, who would you prefer they draft later?

Shonn Greene

68 votes

Andre Brown

52 votes

Rashad Jennings

32 votes

Gartrell Johnson

15 votes

Cedric Peerman

3 votes

Kory Sheets

9 votes

Glen Coffee

21 votes

Mike Goodson

15 votes

Other (Specify)

16 votes

231 votes | Poll has closed

Not franchising Benson, best outcome; JJ is a bust?; Bengals "smitten" with RB Cedric Peerman

Kirkendall — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 14:24:26 -0000

+ Not sure why this is coming back up -- it was in my RSS reader this morning. On February 18, PFT suggested that the Bengals should have franchised Cedric Benson. "Retaining Benson for another season via the franchise tag would have cost $6.621 million, which equates to only 5.4 percent of the team’s 2009 salary limit." However, Benson signed a two-year deal worth $7 million -- approximately only $380,000 more than the Franchise tag... but with a second year.

Shayne Graham was franchised, therefore tendered $2.483 million. Graham has yet to sign his franchise deal. In reflection, the Bengals saved $4.138 million by franchising the kicker. They also saved $3.121 million by signing Benson to a two-year deal worth $7 million -- subtracting $3.5 million from the franchise tag number.

More links and notes.

Speaking of Florio, he says that Johnathan Joseph is a bust. Which means he's not a bust.

Matt Bowen poses five questions the Bengals "need to answer" for 2009.

John Clayton doesn't think that the Bengals will be able to trade Chad Johnson because of the Bengals' asking price (a first and third-round pick).

One Man Crimewave agrees with Cincy Jungle's assessment -- we need to draft a center. ROTB mocks Alex Mack in the second round for the Bengals.

BTSC rates AFC North quarterbacks.

The Bengals are reportedly "smitten" with Virginia running back Cedric Peerman.

Finally, the Reds pull even at 3-3 after last night's 7-6 win. EddieE hit a grandslam, but it was the relief pitching that "saved" us. After Edison Volquez pitched five innings, allowing seven hits, four walks and six runs (all earned), the bullpen went four shutout innings, allowing seven guys on base.

Cedric Peerman at 104

John Morgan — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 22:20:21 -0000

More photos » by Elaine Thompson - AP

Jones could pop and make an upgrade unnecessary, but a team looking to rush on more than half its offensive plays needs weapons and a cache. In a weak class with a lot of undifferentiated talent at the top, it's best to see who shakes down to the lower rounds and try to find a steal.

Browse more photos »

Cedric Peerman

Birthdate: October 10, 1986

Height/Weight: 5'9 1/2"/216

Position: RB

College: Virginia, 41 games played

Notable Stats: Senior season: 153 rush attempts, 824 yards, 44 receptions, 193 yards, 7 touchdowns

NFL Combine: 4.45/40 (first overall), 40"/vert (second overall)

My take: Let's say this is an unusually weak running back class. A running back class comparable to last year's wide receiver class. Could the first round end without a running back selected? It would be the first time since 1963 -- the first time in the modern era. But it's not a stretch. The position has been devalued by an increasingly pass-centric league, and if not proven fungible outright, at least proven very deep. Only two running backs are considered first round talents, and that designation may be by default. It would not surprise me to read that many GMs do not see a significant difference between presumed first-rated running back Knowshon Moreno and presumed fifth-rated running back Andre Brown. The result would be that much like last year's receiver class, mid-round could become late-round talent and some team will awake to a steal.

That's a rather elaborate way of saying: I'm big fan of Cedric Peerman and think his mix of spotty production and injuries could make him a steal.

Rob Rang ranks Peerman as the 9^th best running back in the 2009 class. In a typical draft, that would mean Peerman should be selected in the third to fourth round. If the first round passes without a running back selected, or if teams simply hold off on drafting a running back until there's some kind of run, like what happened with wide receivers in the 2008 draft, Peerman could fall to the late fourth or even fifth. He could fall to the late fourth or even fifth if the teams that value him select running backs early, or even if enough teams question his ability or health. There's a lot of ways this could play out, but suffice to say, running backs like Peerman have a lot of latitude. They could be snapped up early in the second day or nearly fall out of the draft.

Peerman won't fall out of the draft. He's not Yvenson Bernard. Bernard left it all at Reser. Anyone who wondered if Bernard lost his speed on the operating table could watch him plod down the track at the 2008 NFL Combine. Which is a shame, because I think Bernard would have been a hell of a pro when 21 and tearing up the Pac-10. Such is the life of a running back. Even many NFL backs keep their jobs over better, cheaper competition for the sake of tradition, respect and committed cap dollars. If I were a GM, I wouldn't ever re-sign a running back. I would pioneer the draft and burn method for building a rushing attack, never re-signing a one, knowing that for most their best is already behind them.

Which isn't to say running backs are insignificant. I watched the 1998 Atlanta Falcons ride Jamal Anderson to Super Bowl XXXIII, and I watched him crumble the following season. Running backs are hugely valuable. If not as valuable as the offensive line blowing open holes or the passing attack backpedaling linebackers and safeties, still the single most valuable component of a good rushing attack. The man that can make the broken stuff sufferable, the alright stuff good and the good stuff great.

And Seattle could use an upgrade.

Peerman suffered a Lisfranc injury in 2007. It's a foot injury and can be career altering or even career ending; it's all about the severity. Peerman returned his senior season and had the best season of his career. He had a solid Senior Bowl, but, y'know, five carries, before he -- fumbled. One couldn't think of a worse fate for the 8"-handed man. It was tantamount to Chase Daniels throwing every pass into his O-line's head (he's short you know) or BJ Raji breaking huddle with a chaos bong made out of Cheetos. Fumbles haven't been a problem for Peerman, but Ken-sized mitts are going to raise eyebrows. I think fumble data is more noise than meaningful, so this particular red flag fails to dissuade me. Peerman also excelled at the Combine. Don't say it doesn't matter, because for a prospect with lingering questions about his recovery from a major foot injury, a combine best showing in the 40 and a second place showing in the vert go a long way in saying "healed". If Peerman is healed, and no one can deny this, I disagree his injuries are recurrent or indicative of injury-proneness. It's a fairly common football injury and it's an injury that's befallen otherwise healthy players: Dwight Freeney, Ty Law and the never-injured Aaron Schobel.

Peerman's numbers aren't eye-popping. The Cavelier offense was stuck in the stables and the rushing attack was especially horseshit, but Peerman did average 1.7 yards per carry more than stablemate Mikell Simpson. Simpson's no slouch, he stepped in after Peerman's injury and "saved the 2007 season". That same article mentions that Simpson "often looks hesitant at the line". Maybe the line sucked at blowing open holes. Dave Te' Thomas writes Peerman has "a bit of a hitch coming out of his stance, preventing him from generating good explosion into the holes," which is so weird, because he tore up the first ten yards of the Combine. Combine results being Combine results and thus not definitive, one still wouldn't expect a player to run any different. Peerman reached ten as fast as Chris Johnson, .06 seconds faster than Jonathan Stewart, .1 second faster than Darren McFadden and .13 seconds faster than Rashard Mendenhall. I'm not trying to discount a scout I respect, but, I don't see it, it didn't show at the Combine and I can't help but wonder if maybe Virginia's line sucked at blowing open holes. "Oh hitch! There's a linebacker in the backfield!"

Peerman is a good mix of punishing inside force, good moves, tackle breaking ability and straight line speed. After all this build up, maybe it's time I stop spittin' and just let you see the guy run. It's this first part, the part before we learn that Cedric Peerman is an ordained minister*.

An ordained minister that excelled in the ACC -- I'm just saying. And if Seattle selects him in the fourth or fifth and runs him hard until the wheels fall off, and he puts a little punch and pizazz into the rushing attack, and Seattle shows some restraint and says sayonara before that first free agent contract, I'm just saying that would give Seattle's suddenly essential run game a major boost and a much better chance of being Awesome.

*Or if you're watching your daily allowance of hype:

Scouting report: Cedric Peerman

Mocking Dan — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 17:18:57 -0000

Cedric Peerman

5'9, 208 pounds | Running back | Virginia

Strengths: Peerman is a strong runner who has good top-end speed, once he reaches it. He is good between the tackles due in large part to excellent vision and instincts to understand where a hole is going to open up. Keeps his legs pumping. Very good receiver as a running back. Had 44 receptions as a senior. Decent as a pass blocker, but is mostly a mirror blocker.

Weaknesses: Peerman struggles at times due to a lack of quickness. He doesn't explode after the handoff and can routinely get caught in the backfield. In the open field, he doesn't have great elusiveness or agility. Some injury concerns. Not very experienced.

Final word: Peerman started for just a year and half at Virginia. His 2007 season was cut short due to a foot injury that required surgery. He's not the shiftiest back, but he has some good skills. What differentiates him from other second-day backs is his ability as a receiver. Should be a quality backup who has the toughness to contribute in some regard on special teams.

Round projection: 4

NFL Combine Update: Running Backs

Andrew602 — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 21:03:51 -0000

The NFL Combine ends today and the last of the bunch will be performing their drills. Running backs have already went and there is a general consensus that the Cardinals will draft one of them. But who will the Cardinals take?

Knowshon Moreno: Georgia, 5'11 - 207 lbs.

He is a realistic option for the Cardinals and his stock may have slipped in the draft. Moreno isn't know for having elite speed, and that may have showed at the combine as he only ran the 40-yard dash in 4.6 seconds. In two seasons at Georgia, he gained 2,734 yards and 30 touchdowns. He also caught 53 passes for 704 yards and 2 TDs. Moreno is still set to be a first round pick and it wouldn't be bad if he fell to the Cardinals. He is a play maker and can improve the running game for any team immediately.

Combine Results:

Knowshon Moreno	40-Yard Dash	Bench Press	Vertical Jump	3-Cone Drill	20-Yard Shuttle	40-Yard Shuttle
Running Back	4.60	25	35.5	6.84	4.27	11.63

LeSean McCoy: Pittsburgh, 5'10 - 198 lbs.

Most mock drafts have the Cardinals taking running back LeSean McCoy out of Pittsburgh. McCoy was unable to perform any drills at the combine due to the flu virus, and actually lost 10 pounds as a result. McCoy spent two seasons at Pittsburgh and ran for 2,816 yards with 35 touchdowns. He was also on the end of several catches as he received 65 of them for 549 yards. McCoy doesn't have one specific quality but he is versatile because of his overall speed and strength. He wouldn't be the first McCoy drafted by the Cardinals because his older brother LeRon McCoy, was drafted by them a few years back.

2008 Stats:

		Rushing					Receiving
	G	Rush	Yds	Y/G	Avg	TD	Rec	Yds	Y/G	Avg	TD
2008 - LeSean McCoy	13	308	1488	114.5	4.8	21	32	305	23.5	9.5	0

Beanie Wells: Ohio State, 6'1 - 235 lbs.

Another top running back prospect, Beanie Wells, was falling to the Cardinals in a lot of earlier mock drafts, before they had the 31st pick. At this point, he may be out of reach for the Cardinals as he probably won't fall that far in the first round. Like Moreno, he didn't perform his best during the combine. Wells possesses many elements of being a great back, but doesn't necessarily excel at a certain one. He has tremendous size but with quality speed. Wells only started 1 whole season at Ohio State but when he did, he gained 1,609 yards and 15 touchdowns.

Combine Results:

Beanie Wells	40-Yard Dash	Bench Press	Vertical Jump	Broad Jump
Running Back	4.59	25	33.5	10'8

Here are some other running backs to keep an eye out for when the draft starts in April. They may not be first round material but could be late round steals.

Player	Ian Johnson - Boise St. 5'10 - 199 lbs.	Cedric Peerman - Virginia 5'10 - 216 lbs.	Donald Brown - Connecticut 5'10 - 210 lbs.	Rashad Jennings - Liberty 6'1 - 232 lbs.	Gartrell Johnson - Colorado St. 5'10 - 219 lbs.
Analysis	Most remembered for proposing to his cheerleader girlfriend after a Fiesta Bowl win in '07. Johnson plays with a lot of heart, who is a speed runner that has nice hands.	Peerman didn't have great numbers in college but was a threat on kick return. He had an impressive combine leading all RBs at the 40, and being near the top at the vertical jump and bench press.	Brown is a dependable back that is capable threat of running up the middle or taking it to the outside. Brown is simply a workhorse and can carry the load for any team.	Jennings is a big downhill back. He is another workhorse that won't hesitate to run up the middle. He's fast for his size, and is very tough to bring down.	Johnson is a mammoth runner and is built like a truck. Even though Johnson will probably end up as a late round draft pick, he will be an effective running back in the NFL.
40-Yard Dash	4.46	4.45	4.51	4.64	4.71
Bench Press	26	27	----------------------	29	20
Vertical	---------------------	40.0	41.5	------------------------	---------------------
3-Cone Drill	6.93	-----------------------	6.93	6.86	---------------------
20-Yard Shuttle	4.18	4.29	4.10	4.20	---------------------
60-Yard Shuttle	11.63	-----------------------	11.30	11.46	---------------------
Broad Jump	---------------------	-----------------------	10'5	10'0	---------------------