RB Maroney

[Wp28]

I know I don't like him here, though I'm really not sure I have a specific reason why. I know he has been mentioned negatively in the past at #27.

I just wanted to throw the name out there to get some specific input on him pro and con.

thoughts?

 

[magnus]

I've been a major negative on him.

I dunno. I'm fine with Drew here, and Addai, and both are backs closer to Foster's style, which Maroney is also. Addai shared carries, so I can't take that from Maroney, either; that system does make Maroney look very good, but it's not like LSU is crap. I do believe that both Drew and Addai are better interior runners, and that Maroney doesn't equate inside well, but Maroney shouldn't be awful. I do think that some of it's projecting Foster's weaknesses, or rather weaknesses pre-December, since that was a somewhat strong performance and what the team's obviously using to project Foster's worth. I don't feel like we absolutely must have a White, or Humes, or Bell, or try to convert Leonard Pope to a RB or anything, but it'd be nice to have a true compliment, someone who can do some of both.

 

[The Brain]

If Maroney were somehow available with the second round pick would you still feel as negatively about him? Just curious.

 

[Collin]

Maroney in the second would be great simply on talent alone, but it won't happen because he does fit systems like Indianapolis quite well. I wouldn't blow my brains out if we drafted him, I just think he's not suited for us. He's quick, but upright and slight. I can't recall him running over people or putting his shoulder down to get the extra yard. And magnus is right about the similarities to Foster in that he's much more comfortable in open space and seeks that out.

 

[HeadCase]

Tom Casale, Patriots Football Weekly

Laurence Maroney, Minnesota - The most likely candidate for New England - if they decide to go running back in round one – could be the game-breaking Maroney. He rushed for 2,812 yards and 22 touchdowns in his final two years at Minnesota and he has the athletic ability to be a special NFL running back.

Some people question Maroney’s ability to carry the load in the NFL since he only weighed 205 pounds in college. Many of those worries were put to rest when he showed up at the Combine weighing 217 pounds. Maroney is a game-breaker with exceptional speed and vision. Having a home run hitter like him in the backfield along with Tom Brady could be a scary proposition for opposing defenses.

Other than Bush, Maroney probably has the quickest burst through the hole of any back in this draft class. His straight-line speed in the open field makes Maroney very dangerous once he gets past the initial line of the defense.

On tape, Maroney showed he’s an effective cutback runner who can find a hole if his first option isn’t there. The other thing I like about him is even though Maroney is known for his speed; he’s a very physical runner for his size. He finishes off runs well, a lot of times lowering his shoulder and punishing the defender. That’s the kind of attitude you want to see out of a running back.

The Patriots probably won’t go running back in the first round but if they do, Maroney would provide the big-play ability in the Patriots backfield that the team hasn’t had in a long time.

 

[Collin]

The other thing I like about him is even though Maroney is known for his speed; he’s a very physical runner for his size. He finishes off runs well, a lot of times lowering his shoulder and punishing the defender.

I'd love to see what film he was watching, because I've seen just the opposite. Moreover, Maroney doesn't fit the Patriots' scheme either. They'd be much more likely to go with DeAngelo Williams if they were going after a RB at all. Maroney might fit with Minnesota, although it's a bit early to tell how Childress will use his backs and #17 is too high anyway, but he'd definitely suit Denver at #22 (although he'd mostly duplicate Tatum Bell's skill set) and Indianapolis at #30.

 

[lde]

He's 217. That doesnt sound real slight to me. The same doesnt run up the middle comments were made about Williams. He ran there in the Senior Bowl real well. Maybe the college system didnt have him do it often.

 

[Collin]

217 is what he bulked up to, but his playing weight was closer to 205. And Minnesota ran up the middle a fair amount, but they weren't the lead-type plays that we run. He's talented enough that he could contribute here regardless. I just don't think it's a good fit at all whereas he'd be a perfect fit for some of the other teams that are looking for a RB.

 

[McFly41]

Maroney's build is viewed as slight because he has no bulk. He's VERY lean. I don't think it is out of the question that he could add bulk and I think he could very well still grow some, although if he gets taller, it might add to his problems. Dude needs to start chowing down and living in the weight room, if he does that, I think he can develop into a more well rounded back. Or at least the type to fit the Panthers style better.
That said, no, I wouldn't be willing to gamble on any of it.