Arkansas RB Felix Jones Set to Enter the NFL Draft

It looks like the running back ranks of the NCAA will be that much thinner next year… Felix Jones is the latest to decide to make the jump to the pros.

If we start counting… UCF’s Kevin Smith, Darren McFadden, Jamaal Charles from Texas, West Virginia’s Steve Slaton, Jonathan Stewart from Oregon… Those are 6 guys who all would have been able to make a case for the Doak Walker Award next season.

Of all of them, the one that would have profited most from coming back another season is Felix Jones. He finally would have gotten a chance to be the man at Arkansas. He has handled himself quite well when McFadden has been out. He averaged around 8 yards a carry. The guy is definitely no slouch. Give him a year, and he could have been a top 10 pick. Granted, he’s probably going in either round one or two this year, but his stock had nowhere to go but up.

Small interjection… the injury excuse is lame. “I don’t want to jeopardize my draft chances by playing another year.” That’s what a degree is for… I don’t like that reason.

If your stock is soaring, that’s one thing. Smith, Stewart and Charles have all hit high notes. McFadden has nothing else to prove.

As for Steve Slaton… Slaton’s production has gone down as Pat White’s has gone up… he can’t afford to slide any more. It’s a good move for him to jump.

Given another season, Jones’ stock could have soared as the Hogs number one guy. Especially since QB Casey Dick isn’t quite the second coming of John Elway.

But… He’s got a new coach with a new system. His partner in crime is gone. He’s going to get drafted on day one, hands down. And the money that comes on day one is quite nice.

Can’t blame him. But I would have loved to see him with a big workload in Fayetteville eight months from now.