Ryan Mathews A First Round Pick? | 2010 NFL Draft Projections

After a great junior season with the Fresno Bulldogs, running back Ryan Mathews decided to head into the NFL draft. No one can deny that Mathews can be a feature back at the pro level with his 276 rushing attempts for 1,808 yards and 19 touchdowns in his final year.

Now, there are rumors that Mathews could go in front of Clemson star talent C.J. Spiller if the two are available at pick twenty when the Texans draft. The Texans already have a slash runner in Steve Slaton, but they need a true power back to start on the team.

Mathews, Jonathan Dwyer and Toby Gerhart would be the ideal runners for the Texans and other teams like the Seahawks and possibly the Browns.

While Dwyer and Gerhart are talented runners, both aren’t projected to be taken in the first round. Mathews seems like a surprise pick at twenty but inside sources with the Texans believe he would fit their zone blocking scheme perfectly.

If Mathews does end up with a team like the Texans or Seahawks he would be the favorite to start week one of the 2010 season. This would give him instant fantasy value, and he would be selected at every draft this summer.

NFL fantasy football player rankings writer Sean E. Douglas: fantasy-info.com