Steve Slaton RB 5'9 197 West Virginia 4.44

Slaton surprised many by having a breakout year as a freshman in 2005. He ran for 1,128 yards and 17 touchdowns during his first season in Morgantown. He did not let up as a sophomore, earning various All America honors after rushing for 1,744 yards and 16 touchdowns on the ground, and adding 27 receptions for 360 yards and two TD�s as a receiver. Slaton topped the 1,000 yard mark for the third straight season, rushing for 1,053 yards and 17 touchdowns. He was again a factor as a receiver, hauling in 25 passes for 348 yards and a touchdown.

Slaton is one of the most exciting players in this draft. He has excellent quickness and speed, and can turn nothing into a big play. He hits a hole quickly, and once he hits a seam, he is gone. He has the quickness to make defenders miss and the speed to run away from them. Slaton is not just a big play threat. He is willing to run the ball between the tackles and put his head down and fight for yardage. He has become a legitimate threat as a receiver, and is a real factor in this area.

Size is the obvious concern with Slaton. He has average to below average height, and has a small frame overall. He may not have the size to be an every down back, and may not have enough bulk to run between the tackles on a consistent basis. He battles, but he simply may be too small to pick up yardage after contact.

Steve Slaton is an excellent college back, and his big play ability projects well to the next level. His lack of size is a concern, but he his toughness may allow him to overcome it. At the very least, he could be an excellent change up back in a two back system. Slaton is built well for a smallish back, but he still may lack the punch to be an everydown back.