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Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon
5'11, 230, 4.50
Kyle Allen, 2/19/08
Strengths: An overall finely tuned and powerful back. A
prototypical downhill runner who can move the chains. Has good size,
and can use it to get the extra yards. Low center of gravity and good
balance. Doesn’t go down easily. Has good vision and footwork, and has
good cutback ability. Can return kicks if needed. His size gives him
the potential to be a workhorse in the NFL. His overall speed/size
combo could help him translate into a great NFL Running back.
Weaknesses: Sometimes looks to run before the catch when
receiving out of the backfield. His acceleration has been questioned.
Could be a little faster, but his size should make up for the lack of
speed. His blocking could improve, like most college backs. Also ran in
a spread offense in college, so the transition could, but shouldn’t, be
a problem.
Projected
Round: 1st
Jared Donnelly, 1/22/08.
A quick back that doesn’t shy away from contact is important
in today’s NFL and Stewart fits the bill. Combine the fact that he
played
against quick (not necessarily great) defenses in the Pac-10 and still
averaged
6.2 per carry and you have a viable weapon as an everydown back in the
NFL. He
may lack the pure speed of some of the other backs in this class, but
everyone
said that about Emmitt Smith as well and I think that that is a
favorable and
reasonable comparison to make. Dennis Dixon was the focal point of that
offense
and his rushing and passing stats behind a less than outstanding line
suggest
that Stewart is a good blocker as well. In terms of draft stock, he is
a bottom
of the first round type of guy and could find a home in Seattle
(a perfect fit). However, Dallas
could take a back to replace Julius Jones if he is not in their long
term
plans. Look for Stewart to test out well and get some looks from Houston
or Arizona. I also have
not ruled
out Denver
selecting him
due to the
perpetual uncertainty that is The Travis Henry Situation.
by Imran Tahir, 1/12/08. Jonathan
Stewart has, as
expected, entered the NFL Draft. From a physical standpoint, Stewart
ranks amongst the most impressive prospects in this year’s Draft at
5’10,” 230 lbs. When combined with his elite open-field speed,
Stewart’s muscular frame has made him immensely difficult to tackle the
last two years. During a 2006 Sophomore campaign which saw him finish
with a 5.4 yards/carry average and just under 1,000 yards rushing,
Stewart showed ability which convinced myself and others that he was
very close to becoming a truly great back. Expectations were realized
in 2007 when Stewart exploded for 1,722 yards rushing (6.2 yards/carry)
and 11 TD’s, to go along with 145 yards receiving on 22 catches and 2
TD’s! To be sure, Stewart’s game-day efforts in 2007 stood out more
than a few times. Twice this past season, against Washington and South
Florida, Stewart amazed with 250+ yard rushing performances, while also
recording 163 yards on the ground against school rival Oregon State,
and 103 yards (and 2 TD’s) against the vaunted USC defense. Despite a
loaded RB class in this year’s Draft, Stewart is making a sound
decision by leaving school early. He will surely impress in a variety
of pre-Draft workouts, including repetitions in the 225 lb. bench
press, along with shuttle and 40-yard dash times. In the latter run,
Stewart stands a very good chance to record a 4.40 time or better, and
when Draft day arrives, expect the Ducks’ superstar to be off the board
by pick #25 at the latest.
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