Draft and Rb's

[RaiderInNY]

From espn:
McGahee already cashing in: There is plenty of skepticism about the ability of former University of Miami tailback Willis McGahee to recover from the catastrophic knee injury he suffered in the Fiesta Bowl and get back on the field in 2003.

But Nike apparently does not share in it. Nike recently reached a promotional and endorsement contract with McGahee that is believed to be one of the biggest ever negotiated with a draft prospect. The four-year deal pays $50,000 annually and is also worth $12,000 in shoes and apparel merchandise. McGahee also has the ability to earn $25,000 in incentives. McGahee recently had his knee examined by Dr. John Uribe, the renowned South Florida orthopedist who performed his surgery. "He looked me right in the eye," said agent Drew Rosenhaus, "and told me that Willis right now has a normal knee."

McGahee will be one of several prospects who travel to Indianapolis next month for a league-organized medical re-evaluation. The consensus remains that he will be a second- or third-round draft choice. But if his knee checks out well in Indianapolis, there could be a team or two willing to gamble a first-round selection on him.


Johnson front-running: In a draft regarded as having plenty of second-round tailback prospects but few worthy of first-round consideration, Larry Johnson of Penn State might have moved away from the rest of the pack with his Thursday on-campus workout. Six pounds lighter than the 228 he weighed in at the combine last month, Johnson didn't look nearly as soft and was more athletic, said scouts in attendance. He ran the 40-yard dash in the 4.41-4.45-second range, had a stunning 41-inch vertical jump and caught the ball well.

There are still some backs who could move into first-round contention -- Justin Fargas (Southern California), Lee Suggs (Virginia Tech) and Onterrio Smith (Oregon) -- but Johnson certainly helped himself with a superior workout. There remain some scouts, however, who are skeptical, since Johnson had just one huge season in college.


Larry Johnson, Onterio Smith, Fargas and mgahee.... Damm this might be one of the worst drafts for Rb's in recent memory. Everybody on that list has question marks!

[daraydaz]

We could take a flyer on Mcgahee or pass altogether this year. I'd be more inclined to pick up a Musa Smith in the 3rd or 4th round.

[crizpynutz]

Originally posted by daraydaz
We could take a flyer on Mcgahee or pass altogether this year. I'd be more inclined to pick up a Musa Smith in the 3rd or 4th round.

I like Musa a lot, but now that Wheatley is in the fold, RB will probably be put on hold.