Those of you who are much more familiar with NFL drafts may know the answer to this: is is realistic to think that Gio Bernard could carve out a pro career along the lines of a Ray Rice?

With the SUper Bowl approaching, there's more attention than normal on Rice, who of course is a key player for the Ravens, and a guy who's had a pretty darn good NFL career. I think Gio seems almost like a clone of RR, and was wondering whether I'm overly "blue-eyed," or if GB does stand a chance to experience a similar career . . .

They may be similar in size, but they run much different. Gio is quick and elusive, and Rice just runs over people. Gio has injury problems so that could affect his career. Rice doesn't get hurt because he is so strong.

When RR went for 200 yrds and 3 TDs to beat UNC to start the 2006 season, he struck me as a Joe/Jamie Morris clone -- small, powerful guy who gets behind huge blockers and thrives in a PA, downfield passing offense. RR caught 4 passes that YEAR, 37 during his 3 years at NJ-U.

Gio caught 92 passes in 2 yrs. at UNC, and easily would've been 100+ if not for missed games. There's your first clue that these are NOT identical guys.

RR has a perfect set up in BAL with a deep, downfield passing game and a huge OL. He has caught 61 balls this year, but for only one TD. His team leading YAC tells you many of these are check downs in which the defense as dropped in long yard sitch and essentially conceded the catch and run. He is 4th on the team in 1st down recpts.

His long rush of the year is 46 yrs, and has 5 runs of 20 yards or more. That latter number is the lowest of anyone in the top 12 in the NFL in rushing this year. (CJ Spiller had 12.)

You may see what I'm getting at.

RR is more of a grinder, not the HR hitter Gio could be in the right offense. That offense would have more elements of the spread than the Ravens run and aim to get Gio in space cleanly. 1-on-1 matchups with LBs would be looked to as converting and TD making plays in the pass game.

If he falls as far in the first as I hope (but don't expect), seeing him in Green Bay as the feature back would be a dream come true.

Imagine 3rd down, play action check downs to Bernard at the line of scrimmage with 10 yards between him and the nearest defender

D Martin, Tampa.

If you're comparing him to Gio than you're wrong. Rice and Martin are identical.
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--- reelheelreel wrote:

D Martin, Tampa.

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If Gio can get into a system like the Eagles ran with Brian Westbrook, he'll be amazing. Which, as a Jets fan, having Morningweg, I would love to have Gio for the new West Coast style offense.

I think Gio is more of the Sproles type, but Darren has a quicker first step and Gio uses his blockers better

Gio isn't really a clone of anyone, the best comparison I can think of is Brian Westbrook. Gio's a couple inches taller than Rice with more explosive, and pass-catching ability(Ray Rice is really just a check-down option, albeit a very good one). Gio also isn't as powerful as Rice, or weigh as much which is really his only detractor(overall size, leading to durability concerns) as a prospect.

If Gio goes to a team like Green Bay, I can't help but think he'll become a pro-bowl caliber player.

Gio's size is fine. He is a solid 205 lbs and could be 212-215 lbs. by the combine, it's his speed that may be a slight detracrtor as well as the injury thing!!! Overall, I think he will make a GREAT 12-15 carry a game back for some one, especially considering he can return punts and catch the ball quite well!!!!!!

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--- F00tbaII wrote:

Gio isn't really a clone of anyone, the best comparison I can think of is Brian Westbrook. Gio's a couple inches taller than Rice with more explosive, and pass-catching ability(Ray Rice is really just a check-down option, albeit a very good one). Gio also isn't as powerful as Rice, or weigh as much which is really his only detractor(overall size, leading to durability concerns) as a prospect.

If Gio goes to a team like Green Bay, I can't help but think he'll become a pro-bowl caliber player.

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--- aj27526 wrote:

If he falls as far in the first as I hope (but don't expect), seeing him in Green Bay as the feature back would be a dream come true.

Imagine 3rd down, play action check downs to Bernard at the line of scrimmage with 10 yards between him and the nearest defender

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he's being projected as a 2nd round pick.

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--- uncheeler wrote:

I think Gio is more of the Sproles type, but Darren has a quicker first step and Gio uses his blockers better

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I would agree that this is a fair comparison.

LeSean McCoy