Willie Tatum

[Winnipegopher]

The reason Maroney went first round and Barber fourth was Maroney had better measureables.

That doesn't really answer who was the better back.

I'd be interested to hear Mason's take on this.

 

[grunkiejr]

There was a reason Maroney was first-round and Barber was fourth-round.

Agreed. To spell it out for anyone that doesn't follow the NFL draft, the difference between a 1st round pick at RB and a 3rd or 4th round pick is speed. If Maroney has a hole he can break it for an 80 yard TD but if Barber has the same hole he will probably get run down by someone with an angle after 30 yards. What Barber has that makes him special is great hips and balance.

 

[calminnfan]

About the only thing that eases my mind concerning Barber not being drafted by the Vikes when they clearly had a chance for him is the current RBs they now have. I place Barber on the same level as Chester Taylor.

If they had not gotten AP, even with Taylor, I would still be angry. Instead of drafting Barber, they took Fason.

BTW - from what I understand, some scouts had rated Barber higher then Maroney, though obviously the draft did not play out that way.