When it comes to running backs these days, it is no longer acceptable to simply be a slow and plodding back who never catches the ball.  Sure there are those around that play that role, but they are interchangeable for the most part and are usually replaced in short order by a younger, more versatile back.  That is why Ray Rice’s entry into the NFL draft wasn’t lauded as much as it could have been.  Stymied by Rutgers lack of a passing game to the running backs, Rice was unable to display his great hands and pass catching ability.  It was this lack of display that allowed this amazingly talented back to slip to the second round of the draft.  The Baltimore Ravens should thank their lucky stars that this happened, because they were able to select a player that was very much undervalued on draft day.

This isn’t to say that he wasn’t a stud in college.  His college prowess at Rutgers had them in contention for a BCS bowl and also in serious running for the Heisman trophy.  It is just to say that his full arsenal of tools wasn’t on display for all to see.  This is likely also the reason that the Ray Rice rookie cards are still undervalued in today’s collectors market.

That won’t last long if he keeps up last year’s pace.  His 2,000 all purpose yards have made people stand up and take notice.  No longer will his football cards for sale be on the bottom of the barrel.  He has arrived and both NFL defensive coordinators and football fans alike need to stand up and take notice.  Nowhere was that more evident than in this year’s playoff game against New England where he scampered for an 83 yard touchdown run on his first touch of the game.  To be sure, the New England Patriots were not ready for his athletic ability and nor were the NFL fans watching the game.

Hello World! Thank you for stopping by ArticleUpdater.com, soon to be the web’s most valuable resource for articles and content.