For the type of season that Shonn Greene is having, he could be drafted if he decided to leave a year early for the NFL.
I honestly am not sure how he compares to other running backs in the country other than the guys I know of like Javon Ringer, who I could see being a durable NFL back, but not anything to write home about.
The one thing you have to keep in mind is that the pro game is much faster, so some of the moves we at Iowa are accustomed to seeing Greene make every Saturday in college might not translate as well. Plus, you have to factor what type of offensive line he would have in the NFL, because for as much credit as he deserves, the Iowa offensive line as a unit deserves just as much, with evidence being the balance Iowa has had offensively, plus the fact that second-string back Jewel Hampton had 114 rushing yards and three touchdowns last weekend against Indiana.
- Brendan Stiles
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7 comments:
I think Shonn Greene is definitely an NFL back. He has put up great numbers and has shown a toughness that he will need in the NFL. How many backs are there that you need at least 2 guys to bring them down.
Greene doesn't shy away from contact, either. He thrives on it. He's a lot like Marion Barber. Barber had a great O-line at Minnesota, but he was also a great back, just like Greene.
Greene may need another year in college to really shoot up NFL draft boards, but I wouldn't be at all suprised to see him take the money and run after this season is over.
Also, Jewell Hampton is going to be a very good back, but don't let 114 yards, most of which came against a terrible 2nd string Indiana defense, let you think he is even in the same league as Greene. He could end up there, but not for quite awhile.
I know this post is about Shonn Greene, but I wanted to just add something. A position that a year ago Hawkeye fans were so worried about because we had no depth now seems to be the favorite position for Hawk fans. Shonn Green and Hampton are a great 1-2 punch, but I am also just as excited about the depth that the coaches are creating at the position with Hampton and Brinson and recruits Brandon Wegher and James Morris. As long as the o-line holds up their end our backs will be pretty good for years to come.
He should go pro, he's going no where at Iowa. Take the money and run!
Greene's running style won't be as effective in the NFL because of how he tries to run linebackers and db's over. That's not going to be as effective in the NFL because they are a lot bigger and physical.
Should Greene go?? It's tough to say. He's 23 years old and if he rushes for 1,500 yards this year it'll be hard for him to better that next year. I think how he fares against Penn State is either really going to help or hurt his cause.
I say Greene is an NFL back and he would be a good back to complement a speedster. Greene has enough speed and power that he would be very effective when it gets close to the goal line or when a team needs yards because he is a very determined runner. I would say he should stay another year in college because after this season he will get noticed by pro scouts. But I believe the Hawks are a year away and they are showing how good they can be. With a good season on a good team he will get more national recognition which will improve his draft stock. Plus he may be 23 years old but he doesn't have the wear and tear that a normal back at that age would have since he was out for a year.
Honestly, I think he should stay for his Senior season and maybe work on a few things here and there. While I think he's proved that he's one of the best in the nation, he still has things to improve on.
I think he could benefit from another year so he could work on his quickness. Yeah he's got deceptive speed because of the way he runs, but like you said the NFL is a faster game and that extra year can be spent getting faster and that'll improve his draft stock.
The other thing is I've heard people say they'd like to see him develop a stiff arm. He's strong enough he could probably blow somebody up with a decent stiff arm. As it is now, his shoulder/helmet is his stiff arm.
There are other factors though that could drive him to the NFL. For one he's 23. He'd be a 24-yr old senior if he came back and the lifetime of a running back is rather short, unless you're Emmitt Smith. And with the way Greene runs chances are he on't have an Emmitt Smith-like career.
I'd almost guarantee that Shonn goes pro if he continues to dominate opposing defenses. He's 23, and the shelf life of an NFL running back isn't exactly long, especially for a back who seems to thrive on contact. It's not like he's going to return so he can compete for a national title or anything. He's going to have massive numbers if he keeps it up, so why risk injury by returning for a senior year? Strike while the iron is hot and get paid.
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