Laurence Maroney (09/2005)

Position:

RB

School:

Univ. of Minnesota

Height:

5' 11"

Weight:

208 lbs.

General Variables:

31 out of 40

Size:

7

Strength:

7

Speed:

9

Athleticism:

8

Position Variables:

55 out of 70

Rushing (inside):

8

Rushing (outside):

8

Breakaway speed:

8

Elusiveness:

8

Hands (receiving):

8

Hands (fumbles):

8

Blocking:

7

Positives:

I may have this kid rated too high, but watching him share time with Marion Barber last year, you could just see that given the chance to be the lead guy, he could develop even more as a player.  Physically, he's got good size, with the ability to put on a little more muscle with little or no drop off in speed.  Maroney has a very good combination of speed and power, running with good pad level, making his way through the line, then exploding down field with breakaway speed.  He's got great vision and patience, waiting for plays to develop, then using a quick first step to get through the hole.

Negatives:

Maroney is an interesting guy, because you watch him play, and you see him put up great numbers, but you wonder if his game can translate to the NFL.  He's not much of a wide receiver out of the backfield, and hasn't shown great blocking skills.  He just runs the ball really well, inside and outside.  I am very curious to see if his body can withstand the pounding of the 100+ additional carries this year without Barber.  Will he elevate his game or allow a youngster like Amir Pinnix to create another Minnesota running back-by-committee?

Overall:

I included Maroney in my rankings, because I think another year in the Big Ten, and a full season as the main back, will allow him to flourish.  If he can step up, show his game to be a little more diverse, and put up the kind of numbers that Minnesota offense is designed to create, he will have to get some serious consideration.  But, after seeing a kid like Barber, who's just as talented, get drafted as low as he did last year, it doesn't bode well for Maroney.

Final Word:

TREND — The trend across the league over the past few years has been to undervalue rookie running backs.  A guy like Maroney, who's not as big as some, or as fast, or as versatile, could cause him to tumble in the draft despite being a very good football player.  Being a junior this year helps him, because technically he does have two years to step up and try and put himself into that elite running back category. 

Curtis Popejoy