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Seth Cox believes Arkansas RB Dennis Johnson could be a late-round option for the Arizona Cardinals to consider in the NFL Draft. (AP Photo: Rogelio V. Solis)
One of the things I have learned over the last three years about the NFL Draft is that fans only care about early round selections.

First I want to say, it's not the fans' fault, it's because of people like me, guys who write about the draft, analyze picks, players, and yet come late April we haven't talked about guys that could and should be available on day three of the NFL Draft.

Talking about Eric Fisher, Chance Warmack, Barkevious Mingo and Luke Joeckel week after week doesn't give you information on a guy like David Carter, who has been a good rotational player in Arizona, and who most of us (myself included) knew little about when he was drafted in 2011.

My goal over the next 67 days is to provide the reader with information about these types of players so when April 27 rolls around (rounds 4-7 for those wondering) and we hear the names called, we don't have to run to Google.

This week we'll take a look at three running backs that could hear their name called on day three -- all of whom could be options in Arizona.

Dennis Johnson, Arkansas - 5-9, 213 lbs

While Johnson was at Arkansas all he did was consistently produce, even though he was being overshadowed by bigger-name players.

He never carried the ball more than 137 times in a season and he only has 345 total carries in his career. Compare that to Wisconsin's Montee Ball who had 356 carries in the 2012 season alone.

Johnson is a compact, strong, yet light on his feet runner. He moves well in the hole, at the line of scrimmage and knows how to set up and follow his blocks, then use his exceptional burst to get to and through the hole.

What makes Johnson such a well-rounded back and one that could be a strong fit with the Cardinals, is his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield and block in the passing game.

Johnson has to clean up his ball security issues. In his minute number of carries he has lost 14 fumbles in his career, and he doesn't possess elite long speed.

Robbie Rouse, Fresno St- 5-6, 190 lbs

Rouse has constantly been overlooked because of his size. People that I spoke with at the Senior Bowl said that he wasn't even 5-6, but he doesn't run like a small back.

Rouse runs hard, keeps his shoulders square to the line at all times and knows how to use his blockers, find a crease -- no matter how small -- and get through it.

He is excellent in space where he can consistently make the first man miss and pick up extra yards.

Rouse even spent time working out of the slot, where he displayed very good hands, a strong feel for route running and would be excellent in the screen game.

Despite his size, he knows how to churn his legs and fall forward to gain that extra two to three yards and is never shy of contact.

No matter how tough or hard-nosed a runner Rouse is, there are still concerns about his size and whether he can stay healthy when asked to carry the load.

He also lacks a special burst, which is surprising for a player of his size.

Rouse could be a nice pairing with the backs the Cardinals already have, because despite his size, he is a between the tackles type runner that can pick up the extra yardage.

George Winn, Cincinnati - 5-11, 220 lbs

Winn is a one-year starter from Cincinnati, but he showed me something in his one year that makes me think he has a place in this league as a runner.

Winn is another compact, between the tackles runner who knows how to use his blockers to find creases in the defense and get through the hole.

Runs low and with a purpose -- he can break through arm tackles of defensive lineman and isn't afraid to take on linebackers or defensive backs one-on-one in space.

Doesn't show the most wiggle and isn't an overly creative runner, but he'll get you the yards that are there and then add to them with his power at the end.

Needs to show he can run more routes if he wants to be an every down back at the next level, but that isn't his fault as he wasn't used in the passing game much outside of taking on blockers.

Where Winn is going to succeed is the fact he was an excellent special teams contributor in college. As a player that will likely have to fight for carries, he will always have a roster spot because of his ability to play special teams so well.

While I don't see the Cardinals as a team needing a front line running back, I believe the players they have on their roster can be strong contributors once the offensive line is fixed, adding depth at a position like running back is never a bad idea.

These three are all players that can come in and compete for playing time for the Cardinals, provide depth, and maybe, just maybe more, but won't cost an early round pick at a luxury position.

Seth Cox/The Sports Headquarters, Editor-in-chief of The Sports Headquarters

10 Comments   |   Join the conversation »
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    StubbyJ23 wrote...
    Assuming Oline fix
    Out of the three I hope we take Johnson. Wouldn't mind seeing Rouse, but I don't think he is what we need in the running game. LSH wasn't bad for us this year, but was limited because of his size. Although we did see a couple big runs from him (Atlanta) and him also stay on his feet in crazy situations (Minnesota), we need someone who can produce the way Beanie should have. Winn may be good at special teams, but our ST has been one of the saving graces of the team. But I say all this without knowing who we will drop or pick up in the FA period.
  • Abuse
    CoachK wrote...
    I agree on Johnson
    I think the short and powerful type back is where much of the league is moving the last few years. The Ray Rice type guys who can hide behind a big-O-line and with the speed to break it all the way is ideal. I think Johnson fits that mold. However, I love the combination of speed and power Eddie Lacy brings. Of course, he is a solid second round pick. Christine Michael deserves to be in the middle round conversation as well.
  • Abuse
    SethCox wrote...
    Lacy
    I don't see getting out of the back end of round 1 personally.
  • Abuse
    almost2009 wrote...
    3?
    Are any of the 3 any better then what we have now on this team including little train, that I have no-doubt he will resign. This team needs a physical RB and if it's not there sign Steven Jackson at a discount rate.
  • Abuse
    SethCox wrote...
    @almost2009
    Actually all 3 backs would be considered more of the "power back" mold. Johnson and Winn have just never been involved heavily in the offensive flow b/c of perceived better backs on their roster: Isaiah Pead drafted in Rd2 by StL last year and Knile Davis, a guy who many, including myself, thought could become the top back in the draft but never stayed healthy.
  • Abuse
    CoachK wrote...
    Curious where Leveon Bell fits in
    He has the size, but I'm not sure about his speed. Leveon remind me so much of Franco Harris. Big man who is light on his feet. He might be there in round 4 or 5? What have you heard Seth?
  • Abuse
    SethCox wrote...
    Bell
    I like Bell, heard he's a late day 2 early day 3 guy...
  • Abuse
    hm wrote...
    Cardinals
    Really need to address the RB position. I could not figure out why in the last three seasons when a RB was running well he would be taken out of the game for a while rather than keeping him in the game.
  • Abuse
    SethCox wrote...
    @hm
    I don't know about really need too, we as a fanbase have no idea what a RB can do, even Beanie to an extent, bc the OL play was terrible last year. The affect of Levi on the line was felt more in the running game than anywhere else. In 2011 the Cardinals were the 8th best run blocking team according to PFF and ranked 17th in rushing according to Football Outsiders... They were 32nd in both in 2012.
  • Abuse
    DjjacksonAzcardsfan wrote...
    Rutgers RB
    Look at the film on the Running back from Rutger, Jamison I think his name is. He is and will be a Ray Rice type back in this league.
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