Knowshon Moreno SELECTED BY: Broncos Round 1 (12)

SI Grade 4.16 GRADING SYSTEM

BIOGRAPHY: All-Conference and All-America selection last season after totaling 250/1,400/16 on the ground and adding 33/392/2 as a pass catcher. Started six games as a red shirt freshman, and produced rushing totals of 248/1,334/14 with 20/253 as a pass catcher. Originally awarded all-Conference honors in 2007.

POSITIVES: Well-built running back with the skills and ability to be a feature ball carrier in the NFL. Patient, waits for blocks to develop, and finds the running lanes. Weaves his way on the inside, picking and choosing his spots and then gaining positive yardage. Finds the cutback lanes, quickly gets through them and runs underneath his pads. Uses an effective straight arm to keep the play alive, and powerful in his lower body. Runs with authority, doles out punishment, and falls forward when tackled. Rarely brought down by the first defender, and consistently runs north south, moving the chains. Flashes the ability to make defenders miss in a small area or bounce around piles. Terrific receiver out of the backfield who comes back to the ball and extends his hands to make the reception away from his frame. Picks up blocking assignments, squares into defenders, and protects his quarterback.

NEGATIVES: Overall, not a very creative back. Lacks the outside speed to beat defenders around the corner. Ran poorly at the combine.

ANALYSIS: Mareno is a terrific ball carrier who produces as a runner, pass catcher, and blocker. He offers a good amount of upside for the next level, and he should quickly break into a starting lineup and then eventually develop into a top back for the team that drafts him.

PROJECTION: First Round