2011 NFL Draft Prospect Profile: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
by Ed Valentine on Jan 24, 2011 1:00 PM EST
in 2011 NFL Draft
Email
Print
Would it be a complete shock to anyone if two of the three current New York Giants running backs -- Brandon Jacobs, Ahmad Bradshaw and D.J. Ware -- are not back in 2011? Maybe even all three, though I think the Giants should at least hang onto Bradshaw -- and hope he can learn to hang on to the ball.
That said, let's look at the one running back anyone studying the draft seems to agree will go in the first round this April. That would be Alabama junior Mark Ingram. The son of former Giant wide receiver Mark Ingram is not a home run threat as a back, more of a hard-nosed get the tough yards kind of runner. One thing to love, especially after watching the Giants turn the ball over 41 times in 2010, is that Ingram did no fumbles in 572 collegiate carries. Question for me with Ingram is, if he isn't a big-play difference-maker is he really worth a first-round pick? The Giants have a ton of ways they can go with this pick and I am not usually a fan of taking running backs in the first round. Should Ingram be an exception to that rule if he is available? I don't know.
Anyway, on to the scouting reports.
Mark Ingram
RB, Alabama (Jr.)
5-foot-10, 215 pounds
Projection: 1st round
Scouting Reports
From Sideline Scouting:
Positives: Has a great frame and solid bulk... Has enough athletic ability to be effective, can turn the corner... Very good ball security, rarely fumbles... Keeps the ball close to his body... Incredible balance, runs similar to Emmitt Smith... Runs with great pad level, very low and defenders rarely get a good shot on him... Compact runner, bounces off tackles... Game translates well to the NFL... Never stops moving his legs, gets an amazing amount of yards after contact... Had 1,075 yards after contact in 2009, over 50 percent of his total yardage... Very good at reading the hole and waiting for his blockers... Solid cut-back runner... Displays good hands out of the backfield, had 53 receptions over the past two years... Played against top level competition at Alabama... Plays up to challenges, averaged nearly 150 yards per game against seven defenses ranked in the nation's top 30 for total defense in 2009, two of his three best games in 2010 were against Arkansas and LSU.
Negatives: Not an elite athlete, just has marginal top-end speed, is not the guy you will draft if you're looking for a home run threat... Needs to work on pass-protection, has the frame to be a good blocker, but takes bad angles and misses a lot of his assignments... Suffered a small hip injury against Auburn in 2009, missed two games in 2010 with a knee injury... Numbers took a huge dive this year, went from 1,658 yards in 2009 to 875 in 2010... Will not contribute at all on special teams... Doesn't have much for open field moves, absorbs a lot of hits... Has taken a beating over the past three years... Some feel he's not even the best running back on his own team.
From Footballs Future:
His ability to be a feature back, carry the ball between the tackles, and pick up tough yardage make him a very good fit for an offense looking for ball control out of their running game. Ingram will pick up consistent yardage and fight for extra yardage at the end of his runs. He has quick enough feet and decent enough speed to hit the corner, but he is not going to run away from defenders very often. That lack of standout explosion is the main reason he will not hear his name called in the first half of the first frame. Ingram’s production and talent should get him taken in the last half of the first round at some point.
71 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
I've seen the name Emmit Smith pop up as a comparison
he too was thought to lack elite speed coming out of college. I dunno whether it was that he use to be Nate Newton’s marijuana courier on foot back from Mexico, but he had breakaway speed in the NFL.
But I hear Emmit Smith, I’m sold. If he’s there at #19 I think he’s gotta be the pick. Maybe he’s more like Rashard Mendenhall, but I think we all got a glimpse of how good a 1st round caliber athlete at RB can be.
Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows
by Rorschach44 on Jan 24, 2011 1:04 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
weird
jerry rice also didnt have elite speed coming out of college. so did reggie wayne, andre johnson and larry fitzgerald.
im starting to think speed is just irrelevant overall
Maybe
But this team is lacking speed overall. I’d like to see us get someone who can take it to the house at any moment.
by Mr. Jamsackson on Jan 25, 2011 3:03 AM EST up reply actions
Pretty good analogy
Now if he has the heart of an Emmet, that would be great too. Even if I hate the Cowpokes, will never forget the guy played with a separated shoulder in ’93?, to clinch division over Jints.
I guess Coughlin stays, the Chin is not in.
Okay, then fire Quinn, and bring in a young receivers coach.
PLEASE!
by Great Gatsby on Jan 26, 2011 7:28 AM EST up reply actions
Pass. In today’s NFL, running backs don’t need to be first rounders. If this team doesn’t draft a LB or an O-lineman in the first round I may crap a goose.
Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers
Big Blue View: Unofficial New York Giants blog
by Jim Schmiedeberg on Jan 24, 2011 1:07 PM EST reply actions
Just make sure you have a shovel handy on draft night
Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows
by Rorschach44 on Jan 24, 2011 1:08 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I agree with Jim
how many years can you expect out of a RB? I think we have greater needs at the OL/LB positions
They should go OL
by the second round, LB later, although I would prefer a PROVEN free agent LB to come in and start right away. I am tired of watching the Giants draft a LB, wait around to see if he develops or a square peg in round hole, wonder who that would be?
I guess Coughlin stays, the Chin is not in.
Okay, then fire Quinn, and bring in a young receivers coach.
PLEASE!
by Great Gatsby on Jan 26, 2011 8:06 AM EST up reply actions
LB's don't need to be first rounders either.
by mclaren_is_the_best on Jan 24, 2011 2:25 PM EST up reply actions
OL is actually an important position
unlike LB
by mclaren_is_the_best on Jan 24, 2011 11:32 PM EST up reply actions
agreed
but the Giants don’t have a 1st round OL either. Kinda stink now, but they were the best in the NFL for a few seasons.
Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows
by Rorschach44 on Jan 25, 2011 10:51 AM EST up reply actions
They are still good
And it is not like there aren’t any good OL left on the team either.
Seubert, Koets, Petrus, Boothe will all be in camp competing for the LG-C spots. O’Hara + Andrews could come back if they agree to restructure their deals and we also have Diehl and Snee and McKenzie who are good players.
They should draft an OL only if they are sure that he is a good player and an upgrade over what we currently have, not draft him just because all our guys are getting older and we need some new faces.
by mclaren_is_the_best on Jan 25, 2011 12:02 PM EST up reply actions
I agree with that for the 1st and maybe 2nd round
but anything later than that they should be getting some youngins to develop.
Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows
of the 39 starting RBs in the league 20 are 1st rounders.
what ever that means.
I may not be the most noble of men but in a town of lepers, im the one with the most fingers.
I agree
with the Rosch man here, Ingram or the kid from Illinois only in 1st round.
I guess Coughlin stays, the Chin is not in.
Okay, then fire Quinn, and bring in a young receivers coach.
PLEASE!
by Great Gatsby on Jan 26, 2011 7:37 AM EST up reply actions
The thing with Ingram is
he will be there when you have the need for the tough yardage.His knock is does not have the “top-end speed”,he does have enough speed to pick up big chuncks of yardage.Not a bad choice especially if no Bradshaw or Jacobs.
RebelRook
Ground and pounder
While I would prefer an OL-or a LB that falls to us- we do need a ground and pounder.
Yes Giants can now use
an upgrade at RB. Emmitt Smith/Heisman winner sounds worthy.
I have confidence in the front office to find a no name guy in the same mold
Without having to use a first round pick. Our RB’s aren’t exactly set in stone, but its certainly not a need I’d want to address in the 1st round when we are much weaker at LB and OL. I’m sure there’s a similar ground and pound guy that’s been toiling away in anonymity somewhere in the Big 12.
Strikeouts are boring- Besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls - it's more democratic.
Good point
Giants have found good backs lower in the draft… im still wondering about Ware. Use the 19th pick elsewhere, LB or Oline
"Just when I thought you could'nt be any dumber, you go and do this... AND TOTALLY REDEEM YOURSELF!!
Ingram
Personally I would pass on him. Not knocking his talents, but this guy sounds like hype over substance. If people are debating if he’s not even the best RB on his team, it sounds like people are letting his one big season define his career. There’s a lot about this I’m very weary on.
1) I hate runningbacks in the first. Hate it. We’ve reached a point in the NFL where runningbacks are (sadly) disposable. Yes having an elite guy—an Adrian Peterson or a LaDanian Tomilson is great, but just look at Green Bay. Lost Ryan Grant for the year, and they still have guys producing. Of the three runningbacks we have now, we drafted Brandon Jacobs the highest—in the fourth round. I think we can all agree that when Jacobs and Bradshaw play at their best we have a monster running game, so is a 1st round talent necessary?
2) Injury. Another reason I hate drafting a RB early is that runningbacks take a beating, and one wrong move and that first round pick you spent is now sitting on the bench with questions looming if he’ll ever be the same. It’s a tough position to play and I’m hesistant to spend a first on it.
3) What’s a running back without an O-Line? I realize the growing concern of Jacobs, Bradshaw, and Ware leaving for Free Agency (or in the case of the former, general goober-like behaviors), but let’s be honest, the real concern we have about this O-Line is if it can open up holes like it did in ‘09 when we had two 1,000+ rushers in a season. Our line made people believe that Derrick Ward (a 7th round in reference to point 1) was a premiere rusher. I’d much rather see the problems along the line addressed first.
I’m not saying I’d be furious over this pick, but I really have to question if he’s Best Pick Available or Biggest Pick Available.
"Sounds like"
I’ll tell you this from WATCHING him. The guy played on Alabama in the SEC, where he is running around and thru 300lb DTs every week. The blabber about him not being the best guy on his team is because they have Richardson, who is a flashier, home-run hitter who’s probably a legit Heisman candidate.
The guy has done it reliably at a level that is very close to what he’ll see at the next level. If he was from the WAC or something, ok. But Ingram has proved to be a gamer at the highest level of college football. A North-South pounder.
College Football
I don’t watch much college football, so I have to evalute players based on scouting reports and limited game film—but I’m not saying this kid isn’t immensely talented. My concerns are more drafting in the first, injuries, and our worries at O-Line. I don’t particularly like that he’s not considered the best runningback on his team by some, but I’m not going to condemn him for that. It’s concerning, but not a deal breaker. The three points I listed above are what make me skeptical.
I sort of agree
let’s take care of our bigger problems before we try to fix the easiest position to fix… if that makes sense. OL is such an issue, especially as the years go on with these guys and we NEED somebody to play LB. We can’t go 3 safeties much longer and expect success
I like linebackers. I collect 'em. You can't have too many good ones. - Bill Parcells
we need a LB, no doubt
but that has nothing to do with the first round of the draft. Similar to last year there really ain’t one. Akeem Ayers is the most likely one and he’s either gone or too soft anyway.
Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows
well look at the team they're playing in the Super Bowl
Pittsburgh has a dude very similar to Ingram who was drafted in the first round.
First round = first round athlete. Also = first round caliber and also a player who can do everything.
Ingram can catch. Ingram can break tackles. Ingram has that sort of vision that a 1st round RB has (and Jacobs and Bradshaw SEVERELY lack). He has 4.4 speed…he doens’t break away from players in the SEC.
Ingram’s smart and tough enough to overcome his only weakness, if you can call it that, and that’s his blocking.
Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows
First round athlete
sometimes = Vernon Gohlston, or Ki-jana Cater, or Blair Thomas, or Lawrence Philips etc….
"Just when I thought you could'nt be any dumber, you go and do this... AND TOTALLY REDEEM YOURSELF!!
2 of those are Jets, do they really count?
Gholston was a bust, sure. He was also made to be a rush OLB when he’s not one.
Carter had a ton of injuries. Thomas looked decent his first 2 years before injuries caught up and Phillips was a nipplehead.
Doesn’t matter who you are, injuries are never a way to downgrade a pick. Can’t predict em. And Ingram is no Lawrence Phillips, that’s for sure.
Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows
I hear ya
everybody has a story. Your previous post made picking in the first round sound like a slam dunk and that needed to be addressed
"Just when I thought you could'nt be any dumber, you go and do this... AND TOTALLY REDEEM YOURSELF!!
This is the Giants we're talking about
we’re one of the few teams in the NFL that can take a JPP and ensure he’s not a bust.
Actually, everyone in the first round IS a slam dunk, cuz they most likely can. Its the coaching, team atmosphere and injury that generally makes the pick go for naught.
Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows
EXACTLY!!!
That’s why I want players with freakish talent. Even if they are predicted to be a bust, because the Giants have one of the best coaching/team atmosphere in the NFL.
That’s why I wasn’t against drafting JPP.
Wanna Fight?
Should I bore you with first round busts
who went to good teams with good coaches and good atmospheres? Or, does the slam dunk thing extend past the first round? Does it include the second round? Third? Maybe the whole draft? Tell me, where do we draw the line on the slam dunks who just couldnt make it because of circumstance?
"Just when I thought you could'nt be any dumber, you go and do this... AND TOTALLY REDEEM YOURSELF!!
After doing some quick research
on first round selections, I agree with you. First round picks who are a bust are more often than not as a result of injury. And seldom do either good or bad teams bust on the first round unless it’s a QB. I did find some doozies and could easily have crafted an arguement to support my initial thought, but, then I would’nt be honest. Bobby Carpenter for Dallas in 2006 stands out, William Joseph we know all about, Laurence Maroney has been a bust, and Aaron Ross is a candidate, as well. Anyway, point taken.
"Just when I thought you could'nt be any dumber, you go and do this... AND TOTALLY REDEEM YOURSELF!!
Ryan Leaf anyone?
Sometimes it’s what between the ears, heart, lot of variables involved.
I guess Coughlin stays, the Chin is not in.
Okay, then fire Quinn, and bring in a young receivers coach.
PLEASE!
by Great Gatsby on Jan 26, 2011 7:53 AM EST up reply actions
And the Jets
don’t count, IMO LOL
"Just when I thought you could'nt be any dumber, you go and do this... AND TOTALLY REDEEM YOURSELF!!
Runningbacks
I believe there is always a distinct danger in drafting runningbacks. There’s obviously a difference in judging the injury likelihood of a punter as compared to a cornerback, and in my opinion runningback is a very dangerous position. When a runningback gets the ball there’s really only two ways the play ends—he scores a touchdown, or he gets hit. Yes, I would say in this league you can’t “predict” injury, but you can’t deny that runningbacks take a severe amount of abuse throughout the year. I’m not saying Ingram would get injured, but we haven’t had fantastic luck with runningback health recently, so I certainly wouldn’t say these concerns are unfounded.
were there's also something to be said about running style
sure Ingram gets hit a lot, but unless its minor offseason surgery, he’s been very durable.
Bradshaw thinks he’s 290lbs, but he’s just about 200lbs. Plus those violent cuts he makes really makes those ankles what they are. Also Jacobs’ legs are very easy to hit and why he wears down.
You can’t predict freak injuries. But if you’re predicting a RB type that’s really not going to wear down, you’re looking for one like Ingram. He’s one of those RBs that goes strong for 8-10 years and doesn’t wear down as long as his foot doesn’t get caught in the new meadowlands field turf.
Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows
I'm surprised nobody brought up
A certain first round running back who won the heisman. I wont say his name just in case thats an unwritten rule.
I’d trust Reese & co. though, if they think he’s good enough and still on the board, then okay. I like the backs the giants have now, and there are greater areas of need… however if they think they have a chance to get a GREAT player, then do it.
by Oppenheimer919 on Jan 24, 2011 4:50 PM EST up reply actions
His name need not be mentioned
but other than winning a Heisman, its really not like he shares anything in common with Ingram.
Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows
Yeah
I don’t follow college enough to compare anyway, mainly I couldn’t resist digging that up. I saw Ingram play on TV once and I dunno he looked good to me.
by Oppenheimer919 on Jan 24, 2011 7:03 PM EST up reply actions
Quandary
This one is tough to answer. I love this guy, he is the ONLY back I would want out of this draft…… But can we use a 1st rounder on a RB, really? As I have maintained, offense means squat in this league if you have a real defense. I don’t see how you an look at what has transpired this year and think otherwise.
To me, this can only be answered by the Giants. If they dump Jacobs or Bradshaw, then this pick becomes a no-brainer…….
I don’t think they will. I think both guys are back, and we find a 3rd servicable RB somewhere. Then we fix the middle of the D in the draft.
Still, this guy is what you want in a RB. Not a fumbler. Plays low. YAC. Thats what you need to cover those 3rd and ones that Gilbride is so scared of that he’s always throwing.
If he slipped into the second round, I would do something to move up and get him.
by dubsrub on Jan 24, 2011 1:31 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
+10 on all of this post ESPECIALLY about a real defense being what u need
"Just when I thought you could'nt be any dumber, you go and do this... AND TOTALLY REDEEM YOURSELF!!
He may not have a great 40 time
But he definitely has plenty of football speed. He can read blocks, he is a good cut back runner, break tackles, and catch the ball out of the backfield. If he is there, I would take him.
Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I assure you, it's much more serious than that."
Value
I like Mark Ingram however I’m not sure he is the best value pick for the Giants in the first round. I think we should be looking at Mike Pouncey out of Florida. There is so much parity at the RB position, I think we can get value in the later rounds. Heck, we should even consider DeMarco Murray out of OU. He is a good runner, receiver and special teams guy and will probably be there in the second and third rounds.
pass
solid back but not anywhere close enough value for a 1st rounder… Would rather have mikel leshoure or shane vareen
Our RB issues
If you call them that should be resolved long before the draft. I see Bradshaw being resigned and BJ getting released. We resign Danny Ware as well as a Joseph Addai in FA, this completes our RB situation very well for the short term. Maybe next season we draft his better teammate Trent Richardson but he will be a top 3 pick next year baring injury, he is the truth!
by Robin's-meats-and-vegetables on Jan 24, 2011 2:20 PM EST reply actions
Nothing is getting resolved long before the draft....
we as fans have to realize how it works…and w/ no CBA…there is no FA.
FA will take place only when the CBA is signed….
Our RB's stink and were the reason for most of our losses
So yes I would love to finally have a legit RB.
A RB would also help the team a lot more than a some imaginary LB that wouldn’t even play because of Boley’s big contract and TC’s reluctance of playing rookies.
If the Giants wanted an LB they would’ve taken Weatherspoon last year.
by mclaren_is_the_best on Jan 24, 2011 2:37 PM EST reply actions
he reminds me of beanie wells from osu a couple years ago. not real fast but shifty and breaks tackles in college. As we have seen beanie wells has not contributed all that much so i would pass on ingram and draft some one fast who holds onto the ball in the later rounds(3rd or 4th)
"17-14 is the final, OK? 17-14 fellas. ONE touchdown and we are WORLD CHAMPIONS!! BELIEVE it, and it WILL happen!!"
He can catch?
Good
All you hear about is the past, the past... the past is the !@#$ing past, this is the present.
THIS IS TEMPORARY! A CHAMPIONSHIP IS PERMANENT
-Michael Strahan
how could you make your name bgn?
thats the name of the eagles blog lol
"17-14 is the final, OK? 17-14 fellas. ONE touchdown and we are WORLD CHAMPIONS!! BELIEVE it, and it WILL happen!!"
+1
i read this whole page waiting for someone to state the obvious. If we go after a runningback… one who can catch the friggin ball would be helpful.
I’m all for taking this kid and letting Bradshaw go, the unfortunate problem is that it doesn’t happen in that order. His description is the complete opposite of AB, all that I bitch about with Bradshaw are all the positives listed for Ingram.
sign me up
Prove me wrong TC.
if he's available get him
I agree with reese and company you always should pick talent over need period. If ur lucky enought to get talent u need, ur a fool not to go and get it! RB backs r probably about 3th on our need list but imgram maybe the guy to keeps us running in the future and is good enough to make an impact his first year.
by hit_hard on Jan 24, 2011 3:57 PM EST via mobile reply actions
is he talented enought to be a #1
U never know for sure, let’s just hope who ever we get its not another a ross
by hit_hard on Jan 24, 2011 4:22 PM EST via mobile reply actions
I will always remember Ross for his play in 07
especially that tackle of Barber in the Dallas playoff game when he had an injured shoulder and gave up his body to prevent the first down. Im not sure if he came back in the game. I had high hopes for that kid after 2007 but he is just way to injury prone. He should be resigned only on the cheaps. Only then does he have a place on this team in the nickel or dime, IMO
"Just when I thought you could'nt be any dumber, you go and do this... AND TOTALLY REDEEM YOURSELF!!
High hopes
Ross hasn’t shown much the past two years to be signed by another team for money we wouldn’t match. Hopefully PF will decide to use more press coverage. Ross is definitely not a nickel corner and did real well under Spags’ more physical coverage. Not going to hold my breath though…
I'd love to get him if we could, say, trade down a few spots
but with #19 there are more pressing needs
Ryan Miller was the true MVP. See my profile for rant.
take
people are underestimating ingram
the thing that makes ingram special is absolutely terrific body control and vision. that alone makes him a 1st round pick. no hes not someone who will take a run to the house (ingram gets caught from behind a lot like bradshaw and jacobs do) but hes incredibly productive. interesting that half of his yards came after contact, thats incredible. ingram is an incredibly polished and talented RB who is a very nice upgrade from jacobs who has absolutely poorous vision
Yds after contact are a lot tougher to come by in the NFL
That could be a warning sign, he’s not exactly Bettis like
Other needs are more important...
…However, I think the best value for LB is in the 2nd and 3rd rounds. I like LeShoure better than Ingram. His acceleration is amazing, and I like his size better (I like RB’s that truck guys and hit before they get hit). I’d be happy if Reese drafts either one of them. I’m starting to look at RB the same way as DE last year. Looks set at first glance, but its built on quicksand.
My take on LaShoure is the same,Rapt22
Forget the Heisman Hype!!!
by Shaunthegiant on Jan 25, 2011 5:34 PM EST up reply actions
This is the guy.
The Giants must draft if he is still available by any means necessary!!!
If he's there, then yes
We already have a home-run hitter in Bradshaw, we need a tough yardage guy to fill in Jacobs shoes. Even if we hold onto Jacobs, how many years can a guy like him take and still be that much of a difference maker?
It won’t be till after the combine that we start to really here who and what teams are really coveting, but if there’s not a clear star at LB or OL, than I think you gotta pull the trigger. He’s about as close to a sure thing we could get, especially in our offense.
No RB in the 1st unless he is a playmaker.This seems like the quintessential Heisman-to NFL ehhh
LaShoure even looks better.
IMO Gabe Carimi would look good in Blue.Wait until after Senior Bowl week is up before i set that in stone but…http://www.draftcountdown.com/features/SeniorBowl/reports/Practices/North-124.php
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Community Guidelines
Related FanPosts on Big Blue View
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
Get Your Giants' Gear
SBNation.com Recent Stories
In Association With
Shutdown Corner - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
- UPDATE: Charlie Sheen didn’t buy Lawrence Taylor’s Super Bowl ring
- Alex Smith gets blown up by Jon Beason over Cam Newton comments
- Having finally landed, Kellen Winslow looks for a fresh start in Seattle
- Tim Tebow teased with chants of ‘Lolo!’ in Jets locker room
- The Shutdown Corner Podcast: Greg Cosell on the NFC South Draft
