NFList

George, Alstott now top RB class of ’96

By Joel Buchsbaum, Contributing editor
As published in print Oct. 18, 1999

Titans RB Eddie George

The 1996 draft was considered a fine one for running backs. Lawrence Phillips, Tshimanga Biakabutuka, Eddie George, Leeland McElroy, Mike Alstott and Karim Abdul-Jabbar were the "name" backs in the draft. Phillips and Biakabutuka were the top two backs drafted, and George, who had won the Heisman Trophy, went third. McElroy and Alstott were second-round picks, Abdul-Jabbar went in Round Three and Stephen Davis lasted until Round Four.

We asked NFL experts in what order they would select those backs if the draft were held today. All responses were made anonymously.

1. Eddie George, Titans — "Going for his fourth straight year in which he rushes for 1,294 or more yards. A workhorse and a stud." … "Up until this year, I would have definitely gone for George, but he doesn’t seem to be running as hard or as well this year."

2. Mike Alstott, Buccaneers — "Best running fullback since John Riggins. However, (Alstott) has not been that durable. Also has very good hands."

3. Stephen Davis, Redskins — "Is starting to come into his own this year and is finally developing into the back he was supposed to be, coming out of high school."

4. Tshimanga Biakabutuka, Panthers — "Up until this year, had a few games when he looked like (a) top back but overall had been a major disappointment. However, now the big games are becoming more the norm, and the terrible games are becoming more the exception to the rule." … "(The) hardest guy (from the ’96 draft) to judge because he has flashed and shown what we thought he had coming out of Michigan this season, but I don’t know if he can sustain it."

5. Karim Abdul-Jabbar, Dolphins — "Solid, workmanlike back with great toughness and average ability."

6. Lawrence Phillips, 49ers — "Maybe the all-time tease. Has never done it in the NFL and may never get it done, but at one point he had really special ability. (He is) the reason why character counts when we draft."

7. Leeland McElroy — "Goes down to the final cut but does not quite make it. Finesse-type runner who does not have great instincts."

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