Spotlight on ball security for RB prospects

In a column for ESPN Insider subscribers, draft analyst Todd McShay examines his five key criteria for running back evaluations.

This information might be of particular interest to Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots fans. Those are two AFC East teams that should be on the lookout for running backs in this year's draft.

McShay's first four bullet points are lateral agility, a wide running base, durability and pass protection. McShay explains them all in his piece.

The fifth element is ball security.

ESPN Stats & Information broke down the fumble numbers from the top 12 running back prospects in this year's draft class. The chart pertained to all touches, not just rush attempts.

Jacquizz Rodgers from Oregon State and Mikel Leshoure from Illinois had zero fumbles last year. Leshoure never fumbled in his career. Rodgers fumbled once.

Alabama star Mark Ingram, considered the best back in the draft, fumbled once last year and three times total.

Kansas State running back Daniel Thomas raised a red flag with seven fumbles last year and 11 for his career. Oklahoma State running back Kendall Hunter fumbled twice last year, but 10 times in his career.

Pitt running back Dion Lewis fumbled nine times on 596 career touches, another bad percentage.

Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/afceast/post/_/id/27350/spotlight-on-ball-security-for-rb-prospects

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