OmarK: Ireland feels Hilliard could be a 1,000 rb

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.

I tend to think just about any competent RB in this league could reach 1000 yards if given enough carries.

Not sure if Ireland is off his rocker,
or that he is pumping Hillard up to get him off the roster.

"JimToss wrote:

Not sure if Ireland is off his rocker,
or that he is pumping Hillard up to get him off the roster.

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.

Ughhh. Lets back him up with Jesse Chatman.

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.

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 one

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....

From what I saw of the kid in 2009 I would be much more worried about the Fins chances going into 2011 with Lex Hilliard as our starting RB than I would be with Chad Henne as our starting QB. He may be a 1,000 yard back but that's not an accomplishment in the least in today's NFL. You have to average 62.5 yards a game to reach 1,000 yards. Hilliard is not a starter.

"schmolioot wrote:

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 one

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.

"MonstBlitz wrote:

I tend to think just about any competent RB in this league could reach 1000 yards if given enough carries.

not a knock on Lex, but this.

It is smokescreen season......can't believe much of anything you hear from any GM this time of year.

"padre31 wrote:

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

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?

"Killerphins wrote:

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.

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.

"padre31 wrote:

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?

Ingram and Hilliard and a QB thru FA as a rental for a year or two.

"Striking wrote:

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.

And where's that?

"Jaj wrote:

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.

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.

"Trowa wrote:

From what I saw of the kid in 2009 I would be much more worried about the Fins chances going into 2011 with Lex Hilliard as our starting RB than I would be with Chad Henne as our starting QB. He may be a 1,000 yard back but that's not an accomplishment in the least in today's NFL. You have to average 62.5 yards a game to reach 1,000 yards. Hilliard is not a starter.

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.

"padre31 wrote:

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.

With Odrick, McDaniel, Starks, Langford and Merling on the team I would be exceptionally pissed if we went DE at #15

Ireland is our talent evaluator and he thinks Hilliard is a 1000+ RB? I'm weeping for this team.

Yeah...um, wow. Thanks, Jeff.

I have SO much hope for our future with Ireland at the helm of personnel decisions.