http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/story.hts/sports/1728028 The Denver Broncos just keep finding dominant young running backs. The latest, Clinton Portis, beat college teammate Jeremy Shockey for the Associated Press NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award Tuesday. Denver's run on star runners began in 1995 with Terrell Davis. It continued with Olandis Gary, Mike Anderson -- the top offensive rookie in 2000 -- and now Portis. "I'm just glad to finally win something," said Portis, who ran for 1,508 yards, by far the most among rookies and fourth overall in the NFL. "I think the last time I won anything individually was in high school. I think I was named county player of the year or something like that." Portis wasn't selected until the second round of April's draft, 51st overall. He scored 17 touchdowns, tied for third most by a rookie in NFL history and tied for third in the NFL this season. He also had the second-best average per carry ever for a rookie, 5.52, behind Franco Harris's 5.61 in 1972. "If you look at the type of stats he produced and realize that he didn't start the first four games of the season, it's somewhat unbelievable," Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said. "He really believes he belongs on the field with the best players in the NFL, and that's the type of mind-set you have to have to be successful." Portis earned 29 votes from a nationwide panel of sportswriters and broadcasters who cover the league. Shockey, a tight end for the New York Giants, received 17 votes. Texans quarterback David Carr and New Orleans guard LeCharles Bentley each received one vote. "You look at the other players we had that played well," Portis said. "I think I was the last pick out of all of them, so I'm glad I was the one to win it."
And the Texans choose Cester Pitts one pick ahead of Portis in the third round. I knew they should have drafted this guy, obiviously Casserly didnt and are running game sucked because of that decision.
My bad make that second round 50th pick Chester Pitts and who is number 51? "the rookie of the year," that's all. Jeez, I hope we do a better job on the draft this year.
uhm... yeah, because portis would've rushed for 1500 yards behind our line... yeah, that was the problem -- our lack of talent at RB. two years from now, you won't bemoan his decision.
Pitts was a solid pick and will be a fixture at guard for years and years to come. I couldn't imagine any tailback, not even Holmes or Williams, having success behind our patchwork line this year. In hindsight, I applaud the Pitts pick.
It doesnt matter who our running back was. Had we picked Portis, he would have rushed for 500 yards and everyone would have b****ed about how crappy he is. Pitts was a solid pick and I am happy with that decision.
