Why would Jamaal Charles be better than Tatum Bell?

[lex]

Just curious to know if people think he will be more like Tatum or not and if not, why.

[G_Money]

Since I expect Boss to sing his praises, I'll play a bit of Devil's Advocate.

My main concern about Charles is his former tendency to fumble, but he was better at that this year.

Still, we know how Shanahan is about taking care of the ball - if a guy has a rep as a fumbler and then starts putting the ball on the ground Shanny won't put up with it. He did fine with it being his first full year as the primary back, put up a lot of yards, took care of the rock, and generally owned with a few exceptions.

He'll need to work on his pass-blocking though to really succeed in the pros, especially in a system like ours that requires the backs be able to pass-protect.

Jamaal has speed, he's strong enough (after having bulked up this past offseason and quitting the track team), he can go inside or outside (unlike Tatum) and though I'm not overly fond of his high rolling stride (he doesn't really get into the turf, which will make it easier for pros to bring him down) it might also keep his knees okay for a while since he shouldn't get his cletes stuck. He's not great at exploding into the hole, though - he's more fond of the stretch run, waiting for his blockers to set up and then squeezing through the hole and using his great speed. He jukes and dances for little gain a few too many times to be my favorite back (getting shut down like he did in the Baylor game specifically is what concerns me, but Texas was a schizophrenic team all year so it wasn't just him).

But while I'm not as fond of Jamaal as Boss is, if we were to draft him you wouldn't be hearing a lot of complaints from me. I'd say he's probably the ultra souped-up version of what Tatum was supposed to be.

I wonder how Selvin Young would feel about playing second fiddle to Charles again...

~G

[BOSSHOGG30]

Charles has blazing speed; he was a four-time All-American in track for the Longhorns and ran a career-best 10.13-second 100 meters to win the Big 12 title as a freshman in 2006. Not only fast, but he has the strength to move the pile and break tackles. Once he hits the secondary, he will not be caught from behind. He has a way with finding holes or creases that don’t really seem to be there. He is knows how to use his blockers and has an explosive first step. He has shown to be more of a threat by improving his hands and route running abilities. He works hard in the weight room and in practice. Mack Brown has been quoted saying that Charles is one of the hardest working players he has ever coached. He is always challenging himself to get better. He had a fumble in the first four games of the 2007 season but then addressed this problem by not fumbling again for the rest of the season.

Jamaal Charles' 3,328 career rushing yards rank 4th in school history, trailing only Ricky Williams, Cedrick Benson and Earl Campbell.

Former Texas running back Selvin Young is the latest example of a Texas running back making it big in the NFL. The positive history of Texas running backs in the NFL (minus Cedrick Benson so far....) will only help Charles' status in the 2008 NFL Draft, something you can't really say about Oklahoma St. runningbacks thus far. Yes, I know that they had some really good backs in the 80's and early 90's.

Also, I don't know if you can call Tatum Bell a complete bust... he was a pretty darn good runningback. He lacked the toughness and mental aggressiveness you look for in a back. Tatum Bell had the power, speed, and agility, but he didn't use it right. He also had a fumbling problem that he couldn't correct. A lot of back have fumbling problems and then find ways to fix them or correct them... Tatum just couldn't overcome that obstacle. If you based your draft on whether or not to take a guy because he fumbles then you would be passing up a lot of great talent… Just look at Tiki Barber for one example.

[CoachChaz]

When comparing him to Tatum, the fumble issue comes up and it's hard to argue that until Jamal spends some time in the NFL. But the biggest difference I see is the maturity. Jamal seems to handle himself better as a person and takes things more seriously than Tatum appeared to.

[mclark]

I remember how upset I was when we drafted Tatum Bell instead of Michael Turner.

We could have had

Round One
1. DJ Williams

Round Two
2. Bob Sanders in the second round in 2004 (I remember all the experts were arguing he was too small for the NFL) instead of Tatum Bell.

3. Darius Watts - flop

Round Three
4. Jeremy LeSeuer - flop

Round Five
5. Michael Turner instead of Jeff Shoate (who flopped).

I know hindsight is 20-20. I would have taken Turner in the third to make sure I got him. I also had Tatum Bell ranked as a third-rounder (behind Turner); and I think the Broncos reached to take him so high in the second -- and I stated so at the time.

Now, Turner or Jamaal Charles? I like Charles. But Turner gives us a good chance to pick up the 3rd and 1 and to run the ball in the red zone. And, with all the good backs in the draft, Turner might cost us less money in free agency that he would have last year. I go with Turner.

[mclark]

When comparing him to Tatum, the fumble issue comes up and it's hard to argue that until Jamal spends some time in the NFL. But the biggest difference I see is the maturity. Jamal seems to handle himself better as a person and takes things more seriously than Tatum appeared to.

If I remember right, didn't Jamal have fumbling problems early this year? I may be remembering incorrectly.

[MOtorboat]

The thing that worries me about Charles was his ability to run all over weak defenses, i.e., Arkansas State, TCU, UCF, Nebraska, Oklahoma State and Texas Tech, vs. fall asleep at the wheel against Rice, Kansas State, Oklahoma, Iowa State and Baylor.

He consistently didn't show up for a period of time this season. Was he hurt, nagging injuries...maybe...so, there is that concern. Is he a big-game player who will fall asleep in some menial game against the Detroit Lions?

With that said, he's a blazer, and the reason that Selvin Young didn't get a lot of carries. He's not overly beat up because there were other backs to carry the load, and that's certainly a good thing.

I would not be disappointed if we took him, but we also need to get a line in front of him, too.

[underrated29]

TAtum bell does NOT have power. I coul tackle him and i am only 5'11 155lbs.

he has speed. And more speed. he has no hands for cathing either. But all the rest i can agree with.

[BOSSHOGG30]

The thing that worries me about Charles was his ability to run all over weak defenses, i.e., Arkansas State, TCU, UCF, Nebraska, Oklahoma State and Texas Tech, vs. fall asleep at the wheel against Rice, Kansas State, Oklahoma, Iowa State and Baylor.

He consistently didn't show up for a period of time this season. Was he hurt, nagging injuries...maybe...so, there is that concern. Is he a big-game player who will fall asleep in some menial game against the Detroit Lions?

With that said, he's a blazer, and the reason that Selvin Young didn't get a lot of carries. He's not overly beat up because there were other backs to carry the load, and that's certainly a good thing.

I would not be disappointed if we took him, but we also need to get a line in front of him, too.

Fell a sleep at the wheel against Rice, Kansas State, Oklahoma, Iowa St. and Baylor?

Rice: 14 carries 72 yards 5.1 average 3 TD's

Kansas St.: 17 carries 72 yards 4.2 average 1 TD, plus another 22 yards receiving, in a game that Kansas St. killed Texas in and they couldn't run a lot.

Oklahoma: 17 carries 79 yards 4.6 average (fell a sleep?)

Iowa St.: 7 carries 44 yards 6.3 average and 1 TD, didn't play the whole game because they killed them 56-3,

Baylor: 16 carries 56 yards 3.5 per carry and 36 yards receiving... this was his only down game, in a game Texas won 31-10.


He scored a TD in every game this year, except for Baylor and Oklahoma.

Then if you look in the past games versus top teams.

2006 Ohio St.: 16 carries, 70 yards, 4.4 average, plus 44 yards receiving
2006 Oklahoma: 12 carries, 65 yards, 5.4 average,
2005 Oklahoma: 9 carries, 116 yards, 12.9 average, 1 TD

I would hate to see what he does when he doesn't fall a sleep. Give the kid carries and he will produce!

[MHCBill]

Way to go MB... now you have Boss all fired up!!!

[BOSSHOGG30]

Don't forget what he did to Arizona St. in the PACIFIC LIFE HOLIDAY BOWL!

161 yards rushing
2 TD's
6.0 yards per carry
11 yards receiving

[BOSSHOGG30]

As for the fumbling issues he had in the 1st 4 games...which he corrected and didn't fumble again for the remainder of the season, here is a little note:

Texas running backs coach Ken Rucker and former Longhorn running back Earl Campbell have both worked with Charles on his ball handling.

What better guy to have help you than Earl freaking Campbell!

[lex]

In my opinion Bell's downfall was his inability to fight through the dings that come with playing an entire NFL season. Bell had his moments. He was probably the main reason on offense that we beat the Ravens in 2006. A lot of his yards were inside and the Ravens are as tough and physical as it gets. I know people remember that game for Champ making the play at the end but Tatum was a huge part of that win...I think people forget that. It was also early in the season, though and Tatum was relatively healthy. He eventually wouldnt be able to fight through injuries though. Theres more wear and tear typically when it comes to playing in the NFL vs playing in college. This is what concerns me with Charles. Another concern I have is that he would would capitalize on all the big runs and would be able to take it to the house but that he would also miss out on the 5 yard runs going for the HR.

Is he durable? And is he strong enough running inside?

[BOSSHOGG30]

In my opinion Bell's downfall was his inability to fight through the dings that come with playing an entire NFL season. Bell had his moments. He was probably the main reason on offense that we beat the Ravens in 2006. A lot of his yards were inside and the Ravens are as tough and physical as it gets. I know people remember that game for Champ making the play at the end but Tatum was a huge part of that win...I think people forget that. It was also early in the season, though and Tatum was relatively healthy. He eventually wouldnt be able to fight through injuries though. Theres more wear and tear typically when it comes to playing in the NFL vs playing in college. This is what concerns me with Charles. Another concern I have is that he would would capitalize on all the big runs and would be able to take it to the house but that he would also miss out on the 5 yard runs going for the HR.

Is he durable? And is he strong enough running inside?

He won't run over bigger linebackers, big safeties, or defensive lineman, but you don't always need a guy like that to get you the tough yards. He gets the tough yards with his speed and awareness. He finds creases and holes that he can shoot through and get the tough yards.

[Jwalk - JayCutty6Goes - CasinoRoyal]

The one MAIN thing is that Charles does not fall when the wind blows.

[BOSSHOGG30]

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/player_main.aspx?sport=nfl&id=4617

Texas RB Jamaal Charles has declared for the 2008 NFL Draft.

There's no question about Charles' talent, but more was expected from him in college. He's been timed at 4.2 in the forty, finished his career on a high note, and has great growth potential at 6'1/205, but concerns about his ball security and consistency will likely keep him out of the first round.

[MOtorboat]

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/player_main.aspx?sport=nfl&id=4617

Texas RB Jamaal Charles has declared for the 2008 NFL Draft.

There's no question about Charles' talent, but more was expected from him in college. He's been timed at 4.2 in the forty, finished his career on a high note, and has great growth potential at 6'1/205, but concerns about his ball security and consistency will likely keep him out of the first round.

Isn't this what I pointed out?

[BOSSHOGG30]

Isn't this what I pointed out?

I guess... I just don't see how he can be consistent if you don't give him the football... look at his yards per carry and his attempts... His yards per carry are consistently good yet his attempts aren't... how can he control that?

[MOtorboat]

I guess... I just don't see how he can be consistent if you don't give him the football... look at his yards per carry and his attempts... His yards per carry are consistently good yet his attempts aren't... how can he control that?

Here Boss, let's take a look at that Nebraska game that everyone loves to point out, because that fourth quarter was something absolutely amazing.

The problem is, the first three quarters were pretty pathetic. And he got the ball, too.

In the fourth quarter he was 13 for 216 and 3 TDs. One of the greatest fourth quarter performances of all time, no doubt.

But he had 33 carries in that game. He was 20 of 74 in the first three quarters, a whopping 3.7 YPC.

In the third quarter alone he was 11 for 21, a 1.9 YPC.

Clearly, the explosiveness is there and the ability to do that is there. But will it be there all of the time, or just some of the time?

[BOSSHOGG30]

Here Boss, let's take a look at that Nebraska game that everyone loves to point out, because that fourth quarter was something absolutely amazing.

The problem is, the first three quarters were pretty pathetic. And he got the ball, too.

In the fourth quarter he was 13 for 216 and 3 TDs. One of the greatest fourth quarter performances of all time, no doubt.

But he had 33 carries in that game. He was 20 of 74 in the first three quarters, a whopping 3.7 YPC.

In the third quarter alone he was 11 for 21, a 1.9 YPC.

Clearly, the explosiveness is there and the ability to do that is there. But will it be there all of the time, or just some of the time?

In the Nebraska game you have to give the o-line credit... it wansn't just Charles. Nebraska came into that game wanting to stop the run. They stacked the line of scrimmage. They know that McCoy and the Texas running game is their strength and they loaded the fronts. Texas wore down Nebraska and keep feeding the ball to Charles... he did his job.. he showed what he can do if you keep giving him the ball... wear down defenses and make plays. What else do you want from a back?

[BOSSHOGG30]

He is 20 years old MB, give him a break would you... you sure do ask a lot from a 20 year old.

[MOtorboat]

In the Nebraska game you have to give the o-line credit... it wansn't just Charles. Nebraska came into that game wanting to stop the run. They stacked the line of scrimmage. They know that McCoy and the Texas running game is their strength and they loaded the fronts. Texas wore down Nebraska and keep feeding the ball to Charles... he did his job.. he showed what he can do if you keep giving him the ball... wear down defenses and make plays. What else do you want from a back?

:D

I knew you'd say that...

First half, 9 for 53, a 5.8 YPC...second quarter in particular, 6 for 38, a 6.3 YPC...

[MOtorboat]

He is 20 years old MB, give him a break would you... you sure do ask a lot from a 20 year old.

:D

He's about to be making millions of dollars to play a game...So hell yeah, I expect a lot out of the man.

[lex]

Im starting to warm up to the idea of drafting Charles. Someone mentioned him putting on, say, 10 pounds and I think that person is on to something. I think its possible he was just scratching the surface at Texas. We just need him to be physical enough, unlike Bell. With his speed the big play will always be in play. Ive been doting on McFadden and Mendenhall but Im starting to like the idea of trading down, say, to SF for their 1st and 2nd (1150 pts) and taking Cherilous, Lofton and then Charles with our 42nd.

Edit-
Here is what Im kicking around:
(1)29. Gosder Cherilous (traded #12 to SF for 29th and 39th; 1150 pts for 1200)
(2)39. Curtis Lofton
(2)42. Jamaal Charles
(3)72. Trevor Laws (traded Foxworth and Walker to Buffalo who has back to back 3rds)
(4)104. Wesley Woodyard
(4)113. Jordy Nelson (traded with Minnesota for #140 and 2009 4th)
(4)115. trade for Shaun Rogers with Detroit
(5)129. Jordan Dizon
(7)202. Paul Raymond
(7)209. Brian Witherspoon

[Broncolingus]

The one MAIN thing is that Charles does not fall when the wind blows.

Amen - I'll buy that for a dollar.

[JONtheBRONCO]

We need to focus up front in the first round. Let's do whatever it takes to get this guy in the second... He is going to be something special.