The top-rated running back out of Boston College is three parts Emmitt Smith, one part R. Jay Soward, and one part Charlie Manuel. Green saw his draft stock crash due to a less-than-stellar 40 time and concerns about a pair of big game-day suspensions. Still, the electrifying runner showed a ton of natural talent by averaging 6 yards per carry on his way to 1,164 yards for the eagles.

Green is a powerful back at 221 pounds and 6 feet. He can lower a shoulder and push the pile, something that’s utterly missing from the Browns running attack. But it’s Green’s ability to shift, accelerate, and find holes that sets him apart. He displays excellent vision and does a good job of utilizing blocks and eluding tackles. The ability to improvise will prove crucial, since Green can’t expect a lot of gaping holes to run through next year.

Draft scouts worry that Green is raw and has had little experience receiving out of the backfield. There are also questions that disciplinary problems and a chronic case of colitis could derail his NFL prospects. Obviously, the Browns front office felt confident enough about Green’s physical and mental health to make him the 16th pick of the 2002 draft.

Last updated 9/16/02