Pre-Season Rankings: The RBs

This year's crop of draft-eligible running backs is particularly deep, with as many as 8 players who are possible first- or second-round picks. The talent pool also features a number of juniors who will face a tough decision when it comes time to declare or stick around for one more year.

The rankings:
1) C.J. Spiller, Clemson
2) Jahvid Best, Cal (Jr.)
3) Evan Royster, Penn State (Jr.)
4) Jonathan Dwyer, Georgia Tech (Jr.)
5) LeGarrette Blount, Oregon
6) DeMarco Murray, Oklahoma
7) Noel Devine, West Virginia (Jr.)
8) Charles Scott, LSU
9) Chris Brown, Oklahoma
10) Kendall Hunter, Oklahoma State (Jr.)

Spiller's case is an interesting one. He had a remarkable freshman campaign in 2006, rushing for 938 yards and 10 touchdowns. But his production has dropped off each of the last two years, 768-3 in 2007 and 629-7 in 2008. He is a very good receiving back as well, catching 34 passes each of the last two seasons. If he can reverse his trend of diminishing returns on the ground and showcase the talent that made him an electric back in 2006, he can make a case for No. 1 RB off the board in 2010. The skills are there - he just has to put it all together.

Best has a chance to make his case for No. 1 after an astounding sophomore campaign in which he rushed for 1,580 yards and 15 touchdowns. He has explosive moves, incredible quickness and the ability to bring the crowd to its feet every time he touches the football. If Best displays similar numbers in 2009, not only will he be the top back, but he'll be a top pick in April 2010.

Dwyer is another interesting case. After a decent freshman year in 2007 (436 yards, 9 TDs), he had an incredible 2008, thriving in the newly-installed triple option offense to the tune of 1,395 yards and 12 TDs. Dwyer must prove he has what it takes to put up those numbers (or something similar) in a conventional offense.

The biggest question for this group is: Where does the top tier end? Some people suggest there is a group of four top backs, and the rest aren't worth first-round status. Others say the top three is the top-tier. I'm in the latter group. Royster is a solid back (1,236 yards and 12 TDs in 2008) with the skills necessary for the next level. Dwyer, as mentioned above, needs to prove he can succeed in a conventional offense. If he can, he'll earn first-round status.