A GOOD RUNNING BACK FOR THE BUCS

1. Chris "Beanie" Wells, Ohio State. 6'1", 235 pounds, 4.59 40.

Positives: Powerful north-south runner with great leg drive. Has tremendous acceleration for his large size. Makes arm tacklers look silly with his package of speed and power. Excellent burst out of cuts and off blocks. Runs with a purpose and doesn't shy from contact. Great all-around athlete with strong natural build. Squares his shoulders quickly and then takes them away from tacklers. Has an extra gear when being chased. Improved his pass protection in 2008 and developed into a solid cut blocker. Has adequate hands and runs precise routes in passing game.

Negatives: Can be impatient, doesn't always wait for the hole to develop. Had a nagging toe injury that took away his explosiveness and it's the type of injury that can linger for years. Shows some tightness in his ankles and hips when running. Not the easiest guy to coach, both on the field and in the locker room. Needs to learn that sometimes a 2-yard gain is better than trying to turn every run into a long TD. Is not one of those backs who improves with more carries throughout a game.

NFL Comparison: Larry Johnson before the Chiefs killed him.

Forecast: 1st round, though it could be as high as #6 or as low as #31. The actual spot depends on how well he handles his toe, how mature he comes across in interviews, and what his OSU coaches and teammates say about him.

2. Knowshon Moreno, Georgia. 5'11", 217 pounds, 4.68 40.

Positives: Physical grinder between the tackles with great balance and power. Finds small creases and powers through them with great vision and determination. Lowers his shoulders and drives his legs on contact. Has some ability to bounce outside, cuts very quickly at full speed. Exceptional ability to sift through traffic and fight through tackles, as good as any RB in the league in a phone booth. Reads and reacts to his blockers with an innate savvy. Great hands as a receiver, and he quickly identifies the correct route adjustment out of the backfield. Decent in pass protection. Mentally tough and confident. Has a good football IQ in terms of recognizing defenses and how to adjust to what the defense is trying to do. Has a real nice stiff arm.

Negatives: Lacks top-end speed. Does not have great acceleration, relies on his strength and guile to avoid tackles. Often double-catches the ball as a receiver, doesn't consistently look the ball in or secure it quickly. Needs a couple of steps to get going and to find the hole, which means he needs a capable OL in front of him, a la Brandon Jacobs.

NFL Comparison: Jamal Lewis with more wiggle.

Forecast: Has 1st round skills, though his somewhat alarming lack of speed in Indy will keep him out of the top 20. In the 20-40 overall range.

3. Lesean McCoy, Pittsburgh. 5'10.5", 198 pounds, 4.45 40.

Positives: Slippery, instinctive runner with a real nose for the big play and end zone. Has exceptional lateral quickness and cutting ability. Does a good job running with balance and keeps his feet in constant motion. Has the extra gear when being chased. Bounces off blocks with good vision. Crisp in route running out of the backfield. Not afraid to put his head down and plow for extra yards. Very good at making the first guy miss. Good toughness, both physically and mentally. Impressed at the Combine by soldiering through a real nasty bout with the flu that cost him 10-12 pounds. Confident in his ability and knows what he can and cannot do well.

Negatives: Has a tendency to run a little upright. Relies on a jump step that leaves him vulnerable and kills momentum. Does not have elite long speed. Not a very effective blocker, though he generally identifies the correct read. Doesn't stick to his blocks, would rather chip and then flare out as a receiver. Will drop some balls and gives questionable effort on tough throws.

NFL Comparison: Chester Taylor.

Forecast: Could sneak into the bottom of the 1st round to the right team. His superior speed to the above two helps his draft stock and will keep him in the top 40 overall.

WHICH ONE WILL THEY GET