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NFL Rookies of the Week - Rams' RB Brian Leonard & Panthers' LB Jon Beason

St. Louis RB Brian Leonard and Carolina LB Jon Beason were named winners of Draft Insiders Rookie of the Week for their fine performance last weekend.
Leonard was chosen in the 2nd round by the Rams, the 50th overall pick last spring. He carried 18 times for 102 yards and added 33 yards on 5 receptions vs
the Arizona Cardinals but was not able to help the Rams’ to their first victory of the season.
Carolina LB Jon Beason was selected late in the first round, the 25th player chosen in April. He led all rookie tacklers with 13 stops to help the Panthers retain the top stop in the competitive NFC South. Their win also kept the overrated New Orleans Saints winless with a 16-13 victory.

RB Brian Leonard Scouting Profile from Draft Insiders’ Yearbook in March ’07 is below.

Rookie Runner ups
Offense - QB Trent Edwards - Bills
TE Greg Olson - Bears

Defense - CB Aaron Ross - Giants
LB Patrick Willis - 49ers

Brian Leonard #23 - 6'1� 230 lbs. - Rutgers - Sp. 4.5 Rating 85
Hindu Theory Mike Alstott
Well-developed 5th year senior is one of the best athletes at this position to come along over the past decade. Brian has been one of the most complete backs entering the pro ranks after playing both backfield positions at a high level over his four starting seasons. As a senior, he was moved to fullback to accommodate soph sensation tailback Ray Rice that became a critical switch in the Rutgers ’06 success. He was a very productive earlier in his career, mainly as a tailback. He is a powerful inside runner with the speed to break the play. He has excellent hands to catch the ball out of the backfield and has developed into a good lead blocker with fine all round talent to be the best pro prospect from Rutgers in over a decade. He carries a starting NFL grade at fullback, though his fine development will also allow him to play as a feature back and capable of starting either backfield position. His fine receiving skills would allow him to win the 3rd down role immediately as a pro. He is a big athletic runner with the combination of size, quickness and speed to become a fine NFL starting back. He played both backfield positions over his career with equal success. His production was outstanding in a number of roles and his overall grade reflects one of the most developed backs to come along over the past decade. Over his final season, he numbers from a production standpoint fell significantly due to the presence of Rice. He never complained and sacrificed for the benefit of the team that won its first bowl game in their long 137 year history. He ranks with any back in the nation as both a power back and receiver. He is a big fluid runner with quick feet that allows him to accelerate through the hole and hit the opening with good speed. He displays nice natural running skills, such as power, vision, balance, speed and quickness to get to the second level. He can shift gears to hit top speed quickly and he uses his blockers well to set up defenders with the ability to finish each run with explosive power and balance. He has the power to run between the tackles and the quickness to bounce outside and make a play on the perimeter. He is mainly a slashing type runner who sets up defenders and reads blocks well to make sound decisions. He has shown the ability to get stronger with each carry over the game and the power to wear down a defense while earning much of his yardage after contact. He is the type of back who can move a pile and finish his runs strongly with good body lean. He is quick to the hole with the acceleration to break into the secondary and shows the ability to run both inside and outside and a unique runner at over 235 lbs. with sub 4.5 speed. He is an excellent receiver who displays very good hands and a good sense in route running and one of the most developed backs in that area. He moves fluidly into his patterns and has a good feel for route running and consistently catches the ball and uses his good running skills in the open field to make things happen. His combination of quickness and power allows him to be very dangerous after the catch. Over his final season, he developed into a physical blocker that was capable of picking up a blitzing linebacker and protecting his passer consistently.
The Numbers: As a senior, he rushed for 423 yards on 93 carries for a fine 4.5 yard average and 5 TDs. He also caught 38 passes for 294 yards. During the '05 season, he started 12 games and rushed for 740 yards on 173 carries and 11 TDs. He also added 55 receptions for 568 yards and 6 TDs. As a sophomore, he rushed for 732 yards on 199 carries and 7 TDs with 61 receptions and 2 TDs. Over his career, he caught 207 passes for just short of 2000 yards and 13 TDs. As a runner, he rushed for 2800 yards and scored 32 TDs in an incredibly consistent performance in whatever role he was asked to perform. As a senior, he won the Draddy Trophy, given to the National Scholar Athlete, considered the academic Heisman Trophy for college football. Ideal West Coat type fullback.
The Skinny: Talented power back with the ability to start at either backfield position. He has produced in big game situations often and wants the ball in critical situations. With limited carries over his final season, his best football is ahead of him. He has been a very tough goal line and short yardage runner with good leaping skills plus the power and speed to run inside and outside. Fast big power back with well rounded skills to become a good NFL runner. His power to run inside and his speed to get outside would make him ideal for the single backfield, though that set is rarely played in an offense today. He is similar to Mike Alstott as an all around back especially as a runner and receiver. At the combine, he ran a 4.52 time with a 34.5� VJ and a 10’2� BJ. Talented developed back made strong impression with scouts. He figures in the mid 1st day area with the Giants, Texans and Jets very interested. Top 50 pick and the best athlete at the position and a top 5 back overall in this class. Athlete with his best football ahead him and big upside. Draft Projection: 2nd Round