re: Could Jeremy Hill be first or 2nd RB off the draft board?

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With Melvin Gordon stating that he's returning, the top 3 backs IMO, are Carey, Seastrunk, and Hill. Carey says if he doesn't get a 1st or 2nd round grade, then he's getting his degree. Seastrunk is also looking at draft grade. Hill has the speed (i'm predicting a sub 4.5 40) and power (dragged a couple guys on numerous occasions), and amazing athleticism for a guy his size. At 6'2 234lbs, I have seen him hurdle defenders, run through defenders, and show amazing balance and vision. He has also developed as a pass catcher this year and was an easy safety valve for Mett/Jennings. Dude has everything you could want except for maybe great blocking (don't know how good he is here).

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Hill is definitely a top 3 back, maybe even top 2, depending on the physical attributes of the boston college RB. Carey and Seastrunk, I don't see grading out as high as Hill, due to the fact that they are much smaller backs, and not typical NFL 20 carry a game backs. Think LaMichael James from Oregon. Phenomenal small college back with great ability in college, but in the pros you have to grind it out physically with the tough yards, and every so often you get that long run. James is used sparingly with the 49ers. Mainly punt returns, and a few carries every now and then. Hill is great value with his size, speed, and pass catching ability. He can be a 3 down player from the start, and handle 18-20 carries a game, and has also shown what he is capable of against the best competition the last two years. Different world from college. Hill is easily a 2nd rounder, absolutely no lower than a third unless he just bombed interviews and tested horribly.