I wouldn't be upset if we take Ronnie Hillman from SDSU either and I wouldn't use anything more than a 3rd round pick or lower on either of them but it definitely would be nice to have James added to our backfield. Sadly, I don't see AJ doing it despite what some of the draft gurus think.
Lamichael James won't make it to the middle of the 3rd. Further, even if he was there at 18, he's not the kind of change of pace you want to pair with Mathews.
I see AJ finding a RB in no more than the 6th round or later, He strikes me as the type of guy who thinks "back up running backs should be drafted where back up running backs are suppose to be drafted
I'm very VERY concerned about James' inability to stay healthy, even when he was present he was never %100. Every week it as an ankle, wrist, chest, head, knee, calf etc...even with a reduced load in the NFL I'm skeptical he'll make it through 16 games. He's basically Jahvid Best. So in the 4th maybe.
I know James and Hillman are the popular players right now, but if you want to look for a backup RB check out out Cyrus Gray from A&M. Has the "magic feet" kinda like Sproles, but at 5'10 205. Top speed is better than I thought at 4.47, but on film its his quickness that catches your eye, he nearly always makes the first man miss. I also like Pead more than James, less of a specialty player.
I think this is the one position were okay in heading into the draft. We resigned Hester, McClain can be used as a RB as well, we will most likely sign another vet backup after the draft. But if we do select a RB it will most likely be an Isiah Pead, Robert Turbin, Terrance Ganaway, Lance Dunbar, Ronnie Hillman..
