The 2014 running back class is deep and has a plethora of starting caliber running backs or, at the least, top tier role players. In the case of Ka’Deem Carey and Charles Sims, both have the talent to be starting running backs at the next level, but, offensive scheming aside, which of the two should you draft over the other?
Ka’Deem Carey
From a physical standpoint, Carey is quite the specimen. At 5’10”, he is able to run with a low center of gravity and plow through unsuspecting defenders. Carey’s impressive lower body strength and commanding running style allows him to gain every possible inch that he could have. That being said, Carey does not only win in compact areas. He thrives in space, showing above average long speed and lateral agility, as well as flashes of superb burst and solid long speed. His quick feet enable him to make such sudden movement and take more strides down field.
Although, Carey’s vision is middling. At times, he is too hesitant and restricts himself from gaining the momentum needed to run through defenders. Carey’s versatility also adds to his stock. As a pass blocker, Carey shows a stout, disciplined base that is led off by a relatively violent punch. He also shows the ability to be a reliable receiving threat. Considering his combination of rushing, blocking, and receiving ability, Carey is certainly a three-down running back.
Charles Sims
Unlike Carey, Sims’ game is more focused on a single aspect than the whole. Sims is a finesse runner that wins in space, not in the trenches. Although, do not underrate Sims’ vision. He may not be able to break many tackles between the tackles, but you can certainly bet on him choosing the right hole to keep himself from having to even encounter defenders.
Digressing back to Sims’ ability to thrive in space, his feet are lightning fast. Such foot quickness is what makes Sims accelerate as quickly as he does. Similarly, when he stops on a dime and makes a lateral move, he is able to get back up to top speed faster than most running backs in the nation. On stretches and tosses, Sims gets to the edge efficiently and even more impressively dips down, changes direction, and bursts up field, creating more room for error when safeties take their angles to the edge. While his long speed is not outstanding, it is enough to bust off long touchdown runs.
Similar to Carey, Sims is versatile. As a receiving threat, Sims’ quickness allows him to find the open spaces in the defense and take advantage of it. Despite lacking a solid base or overly impressive technique, Sims shows a general understanding of pass protection that can be worked with.
Comparison
In their own rights, both running backs are quite talented. Carey is more of a Frank Gore type, while Sims resembles the Matt Forte mold. Both running backs have the capability to start and can be justified to be taken over the other, but by a slight margin, Ka’Deem Carey is the better overall prospect. He is more well-rounded, better in pass protection, and is also roughly two years younger, meaning that he should, in theory, have a longer pro career.