Rashard Mendenhall, 2008 NFL Draft Prospect
 | Running Back Junior Illinois Ht: 5’ 10” Wt: 230 lbs. Speed: 4.45 Strengths: Speed, Vision, Burst, Power Weaknesses: Pass Protection, Route Running Scouting report by Daryl Breault |
Named 2007 Big Ten Player of the Year, Rashard Mendenhall ran for 1681 yards and 17 TD, good for 6th in the nation and his 6.4 yards per carry was tied for 8th. His hard charging style was a perfect fit in the rugged Big Ten Conference and next to exciting young QB Juice Williams. Illinois finished the season 9-4, ranked 18th, and earned a berth in the Rose Bowl against USC. Mendenhall turned in eight 100+ yard performances including two 200-yard games. On the biggest stage on his career, Mendenhall ran for 155 yards and a TD in the blow out loss to USC. Very productive runner and a good receiver in 2007 where he rushed for 1,681 yards on 262 carries, 17 touchdowns and 34 pass receptions.
Mendenhall is an extremely powerful runner, able to lower the shoulder and grind out extra yardage. When he gets a full head of steam it takes quite a lot to bring him down. He’s solidly built, with big, thick legs. He possesses an exceptional burst through the hole and keeps his feet, and most defenders, moving. Mendenhall has great vision and instincts. He is a one cut runner who picks his hole and goes. An absolute load for defensive backs to bring down, he runs through arm tackles and always falls forward. Mendenhall is an All-Pro caliber back that eats up huge chunks of yardage.
Not a finished product, Mendenhall will need to work on a few things at the next level. Only a junior, he will have to learn how to pass block. He will have to get used to playing in a more traditional offense and creating space on his own. He played in an offense that gave him the ball with plenty of room to work with. He is quick enough in tight spaces and tough to bring down, shifty and fast. His run of 4.45 at the 2008 NFL Scouting Combine raised his draft status to an elite level. He looks like a top 10 pick to me.