Chris Wells SELECTED BY: Cardinals Round 1 (31)

SI Grade 4.13 GRADING SYSTEM

BIOGRAPHY: "Two-year starter awarded all-Conference honors since his sophomore campaign. Missed three games last season with an ankle injury, and finished the year with ground totals of 207/1,197/8. Sophomore totals included 274/1609/15 on the ground when he averaged 5.9 yards per carry. Freshman numbers included 104/576/7 carrying the ball with an average of 5.5 yards per attempt. Combined for 13 receptions the past three years."

POSITIVES: "Strong, punishing runner best on the inside. Displays excellent vision, running instincts, and cuts back against the grain in a small area to find the open spot in the field. Patient, waits for blocks to develop, and shows above-average quickness through the hole. Keeps his feet driving on contact, uses an effective straight arm, and gets as much out of every carry as possible. Powerful, runs over opponents and drags them for several yards after initial contact. Will pick and choose his spots on the inside, and shows the ability to get around tackle. Does a fine job picking up blitzes, squaring into defenders, and protecting the passer."

NEGATIVES: "Lacks great footwork, not a creative runner or a ball carrier who makes defenders miss. Cannot run to daylight in the open field. Flashes the ability to turn the corner on the college level, yet he will struggle to do the same in the NFL. Missed time with an ankle injury last season and then suffered a concussion in Ohio State?s bowl game."

ANALYSIS: "Wells is a grind-it-out runner on the inside with terrific power and ball carrying skills. He's not a breakaway threat, rather a featured back who can consistently handle the ball 25 carries per game. Wells is not a running back for every system, yet he should be and an effective featured back for a ball control offense."

PROJECTION: First Round