JONATHAN STEWART

Position: Running Back

College: Oregon Ducks

Jersey No.: 28

Ht: 5-11. Wt: 225

40-yard speed: 4.48

Hometown: Lacey

High School: Timberline

Overview

While he may not have Darren McFadden's name recognition or Felix Jones' 40-yard dash time, Jonathan Stewart just might be the best all-around back in the 2008 draft. Blessed with an exceedingly rare combination of size, explosiveness, speed, vision, and hands, Stewart has been a standout since signing with Oregon as one of the elite prep talents in the country. Only Jonathan Stewart's willingness to dish out (and thus, also absorb) punishment should temper scouts enthusiasm about this talented prospect.

Analysis

Positives: Well built athlete with record-breaking strength numbers. His 402 pound power clean lift was best only by 335 pound DT Haloti Ngata as the best in school history. Good initial quickness off the snap. Good vision. Knows when to attack the line of scrimmage, but also shows patience to pick and slide. Rare combination of size, power, and overall athleticism. Can elude defenders in the hole and is tough to bring down. Rarely goes down to initial contact. Secure ball handler. Talented natural receiver who demonstrates soft hands and good body control to handle the poorly thrown pass. Experienced kick returner with vision, courage, and true breakaway ability.

Negatives: Can be almost too willing to take on hits, leading to some bumps and bruises throughout his career. No serious injuries, but has struggled with ankle problems, at times. May lack the eye-popping forty time, though his speed on the field is at least adequate. Shared the starting position throughout most of his career, only cementing his role as the bell-cow back this season when fellow RB Jeremiah Johnson was lost due to injury.