Thought these were two nuggest that Omark claims to have gleaned from his time in Mobile, the Garner one should surprise no one, the Hilliard one is surprising in light of Lexxy not seeing over 10 carries this past season after finishing 2009 strongly.
Anyone else think, feel, believe Lexxy Hilliard could be a 1,000 yd running back? Or is Sparano correct and he is more of a fullback/ST type of player?
For myself, Lexxy could top 1k, I think he runs to high and for a big back is knocked off balance a bit to easily, but he has a nice burst for his size and surprisingly good hands in the passing game.
http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=20218&draftyear=2008&genpos=FB
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HULKFish likes this.
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If we had a quality offensive line
-and were committed to the running game,
-and Hilliard was our starting RB, then I think he could get 1000 yards. But not in electrifying fashion. talking 250 carries for 1008 yards.
IMO, he's nothing special. he's a 4th string RB that could be serviceable in time of injuries. -
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I think Lexxy is a RFA this season, I find myself agreeing with Irish over Sparano on this one, Lexxy could top 1k and avg 4 ypa, he has enough burst and power to do so, but I doubt we'd see long runs or explosive plays.
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I think that Hilliard is more of a receiving back, a third down type. He’s not going to be the next Arian Foster, but Ireland’s position has merit. The few times Hilliard has actually been legitimately used, he excelled as a receiver out of the backfield.
If what Kelly says is true, then Sparano seems to be looking more for a Julius Jones type, a guy who just plows for whatever yards the offensive line clears for him. In that instance, I trust Ireland’s position over Sparano’s. Hilliard can’t be much worse the R&R Express, though he’s certainly not very deserving of, say, 300 carries a year. If we could get a workhorse like a LeGarrette Blount, then Hilliard makes sense as the 3rd down back, and Kory Sheets, if he still has his speed, could be a good #2. -
Actually Hilliard would be useful in one way in particular. Hilliard placed on a spread offense is an excellent back to have. He's decisive, has burst, and he'll produce that consistent 4-5 yard gain and sometimes a bit more. He's a good receiver and a good blocker to have. In addition to say a DeAngelo Williams and maybe a rookie that's a good group.
In rush oriented offense Hilliard is a mistake.Frayser and ToddsPhins like this. -
Omar also tweeted that the fins have not ruled out a 1st round QB and that the QB position will be addressed.
Just as important a nugget as the hilliard onedolfan22, gunn34, 2xBlown and 1 other person like this. -
I would say he made the most of his opportunities. Probably better that both Ronnie and Ricky of late but I also think that Mark Ingram can be a 1300-1500 yard back....
At this point they have not ruled out anything as of yet, that is sort of gibberish bro, not aimed at you of course, just in general.
"They have not ruled out _________ as of yet"
Fill in the blank.
For me, I have this vision of going OLB/DE at #15 to make sure the defense stays strong.
Garner surprises me. Two foot surgeries in less then 6 months ? I think their concern is him putting on more weight and his foot not holding up, not good. Hilliard rushing for 1000 yds ? Please, tell me what Ireland likes to drink at night, I want some. Then again, the news is from Omar so to me, its as reliable as a snowballs chance in Hell of not melting.
I bet no one remembers the epic battle I had with Boomer over Hilliard when I joined here.
I think Hilliard could still be that every down back. Boomer said back then he is nothing but a third down back.
Pod outlined some of his weaknesses. I think if you give him the ball more he would shine. Of course we didn't care about establishing a running game in '10.
Well, here is how I look at this one:
Would you rather have:
Hilliard and Ronnie Brown and a Qb/DE/Tackle
or
Ingram and Hilliard and the #78 pick on a Qb/DE/Tackle?
That cuts both ways though, man. The kid got his chance to play in 09 and didn't impress. With the lack of production from Ronnie and Ricky both last year don't you think if the kid could be an every down back he would have gotten more than 0 rushing yards and 3 receiving yards on the season? Seriously, we're talking about a player who had 3 total yards for the entire season as being our starting running back next season. I could see if Ronnie and Ricky combined for 1800 yards and were tearing up the league and there was no chance for him to play, but the fact of the matter is he couldn't earn any playing time. ANY!
So he's part of a rotation as opposed to being an afterthought by Sparano and Henning. Its about taking the talent you have and using it, something our coaches have failed at.
maynard likes this.
And where's that?
Actually bro, one of the things that got Hilliard benched in the first place is his inability to identify where the blitz is coming from and successfully make a block. He was horrible in that aspect every time we have tried to use him and its an essential part of the game now of you want to be a starting RB. Hes a decent 3rd running back and thats about it.
Reading through the thread I was like come on someone say this ^^^. Its still an accomplishment but come on, if your back is only averaging 62.5 ypg and that constitutes adequate production then what constitutes a good running game nowadays? 1200 is the new benchmark.
And no, Lex is not a starter. If Ireland thinks he is, i would tell him to re-evaluate how he identifies starting running backs. Hilliard is a grinder who can chip in but if hes this teams starter then its time for the "Suck for Luck" campaign to start.
Ireland is not a stupid man. Ireland does not say anything to give his competition an edge. In fact he goes to great lengths to disguise what he's thinking and what he's planning. To me this is just another misdirection, a smoke screen. To what end, I don't know. Maybe he does want Ingram and doesn't want teams to feel like they need to jump in front of us to get him if we think Hilliard can be a 1,000 yard rusher. Maybe that's not the case at all. But the fact of the matter is that it's unlike Ireland to make a comment like this out of sincerity. Grain of salt my friend, grain of salt.
Hilliard could easily run for over 1.000 yards. All we have to do is NEVER throw the ball. I've seen him play, and aside from NO passes, he has No shot. Can we get serious?
You may cry. I am ROTFLMMFAO!!!!
Coming from Omar, this means nothing. He has no credibility.
You?
Come on Alen, Omark merely said that is what he heard at the Senior Bowl, he did not say whom it was from as I doubt he and Irish were drinking coffee together and chatting at 7 am in Mobil.
I'd think if he heard that from anyone it would have been James Saxon who wound up on the Vikings staff.
A passrushing De Trowa, on nickel passrush downs, Misi is fine but he is not really a guy who gets after the Qb.
Like several other posters have already stated, you don't believe anything Ireland or any other FO folks say, particularly at this time of the off-season. It means exactly zero. In speculating on Hilliard, like Boik14 brought up, if he can learn to block adequately, he might play enough to rush for 1000 yds; that's no big deal. More likely 1000 yds rushing and receiving though.
I thought Cobbs was the future......................
That was the consensus last year,wasn't it?
:jump:
Anyone but Cobbs, I'd prefer Hilliard 11 times out of 10 over Cobbs.
maynard and ToddsPhins like this.
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