Build or Destroy: RB Kenny Irons

Kenny Irons started the season as one of the most anticipated senior tailbacks in the nation. Since then, his numbers have trickled to mediocrity as he has looked like just another average tailback in a running back friendly system. He has only 821 rushing yards in 11 games and has reached paydirt just four times. He has scored only one touchdown since October 7th and has topped 100 yards just three times this season. His senior campaign has been marred with some health concerns and hasn't been nearly as impressive as his junior season.

Forgive me if I am not sold, but Kenny Irons reminds me a bit of Kay Jay Harris with a little better field vision. Irons is a solid back with quick moves but is patient-minded. He can break away from defenders at times and is good at changing pace as well as juking linemen out of their shoes. I have seen Irons get every single yard he can on every carry this year as well. Lastly, he is from a school that breeds NFL-quality running backs and does not have too many miles on his tires.

His value has been steadily decreasing with the emergence of Tony Hunt and underclassman Marshawn Lynch. Irons will see his value take a hit at the combine because he does not have great timed speed, according to some accounts. He is also not dependable as a receiving back, something NFL scouts might stray from. He has been hurt a lot in 2006 as well. Personally, I think Irons will need coached up because he doesn't break a lot of tackles but likes to take on the physical contact, something will have to give.

Irons was a South Carolina transfer and hasn't lived up to the hype this season. Some of the more renown running backs have come from Auburn, most notably Bo Jackson, Stephen Davis, and Rudi Johnson, as well as Ronnie Brown and Carnell Williams. With such a history as that, I expect Irons to go much higher than he really should. Right now he is looking at the second round, but in all actuality, I think Irons is a good second day pick. He will not blow the doors off of anything and needs a lot of grooming in order to be a starter in the NFL.

For fantasy purposes, he will be a first round dynasty draft pick, but results may never come to form.