What do we think of "The Train"?

[Youngt05]

What do you guys think about Ryan Torain?

[Bob 0119]

I'm thinking he's gonna get cut along with Malcolm Kelly

[ATX_Skins]

He will play, 50/50 with Hightower unless he gets hurt. He runs hard, injuries happen.

[frankcal20]

Welcome to the site. He's one of my favorite runners when he's on the field. But that's also his biggest knack. He's off the field as often as he's on. He's got the skill set but doesn't have the ability to stay healthy. He's footballs version of the Klitchko's (Glass Jaws).

I think if it were Torrain/Hightower that would be a hell of a 1 - 2 punch with Helu subbing in for guys to close the game out. But based on history, I don't think that will happen.

Shanny's seem to be very loyal guys so after a lot of Pondering, I think he'll make the squad regardless but will go on IR if we get stuck.

[yupchagee]

I think if not 100%, he goes on IR. Otherwise we have to cut someone like Royster who would never clear waivers.

[1niksder]

^^^^ What he said ^^^^

[die cowboys die]

Shanny's seem to be very loyal guys so after a lot of Pondering, I think he'll make the squad regardless but will go on IR if we get stuck.

Um... Mike Shanahan's leading rushers over his last 10 years with the Broncos:


1999: Olandis Gary
2000: Mike Anderson
2001: Terrel Davis
2002: Clinton Portis
2003: Clinton Portis
2004: Reuben Droughns
2005: Mike Anderson
2006: Tatum Bell
2007: Selvin Young
2008: Peyton Hillis


He is notorious for cycling through RB after RB.

[markshark84]

After seeing what Helu and Hightower are doing, I am not sure we have a permanent place for him in the current rotation (outside of injury). With that being said, I would keep him and replace Williams with Torain as the third down back -- and keep Hightower, Helu, Torrain, and Royster.

[Countertrey]

I'm very excited about the potential of these running backs. I only hope that someone desperately needs a running back before the end of preseason... there is some real RB talent that won't make this team... it would be good to make a trade for a pick rather than to cut. There are none that will clear waivers to make it to the PS... and even then, they'll be raided the second someone needs a back.

[HEROHAMO]

I like Torrain but like everyone else says he cant stay healthy. When he is on the field he is great. When he is injured it doesn't help the team obviously.
We all want him to succeed and I believe he can do so. Just got to stay healthy. This will probably be RB by committee this year. So it should help Torrain to stay healthy.

[riggofan]

He will play, 50/50 with Hightower unless he gets hurt. He runs hard, injuries happen.

I've seen you post this comment a couple times now, and I can't figure what in Shanahan's history makes you think he's going to split carries 50/50 between RBs. Somebody posted Shanny's RBs from the Denver years, but just look at the YARDAGE on those guys:

1999: Olandis Gary - 1159 yds
2000: Mike Anderson - 1487 yds
2002: Clinton Portis - 1508
2003: Clinton Portis - 1598
2004: Reuben Droughns - 1240
2005: Mike Anderson - 1014
2006: Tatum Bell - 1025

There are two or three years in there where they had RB injuries, but the rest aren't 50/50, RB by committee numbers.

I won't be the least bit surprised to see Torain cut this season. Hightower looks like a stud, and Helu/Royster are young and look capable.

[Red_One43]

He will play, 50/50 with Hightower unless he gets hurt. He runs hard, injuries happen.

I've seen you post this comment a couple times now, and I can't figure what in Shanahan's history makes you think he's going to split carries 50/50 between RBs. Somebody posted Shanny's RBs from the Denver years, but just look at the YARDAGE on those guys:

1999: Olandis Gary - 1159 yds
2000: Mike Anderson - 1487 yds
2002: Clinton Portis - 1508
2003: Clinton Portis - 1598
2004: Reuben Droughns - 1240
2005: Mike Anderson - 1014
2006: Tatum Bell - 1025

There are two or three years in there where they had RB injuries, but the rest aren't 50/50, RB by committee numbers.

I won't be the least bit surprised to see Torain cut this season. Hightower looks like a stud, and Helu/Royster are young and look capable.

Isn't it Shanny's MO to trade backs, and not cut them, who have shown some success with him? I would be very surprised if he cut Torain.

I agree with the no 50/50 point you made. Hightower will be the primary ball carrier.

[skins2357]

I dont know if Torain carries much of a trade value. Maybe ARI would give us a 6th for him?

ARI deff needs a RB, maybe we send him there to negate the late rounder from the Hightower deal? I dont even know if you could do that with all the rules nowadays

[riggofan]

Isn't it Shanny's MO to trade backs, and not cut them, who have shown some success with him? I would be very surprised if he cut Torain.

That is definitely true. Just not sure Torain really has any trade value.

I don't know. Torain is about to miss his third preseason game. Hightower is playing like a beast, and the two young guys have both played pretty well. I don't expect him to be cut, but no I would not be surprised.

[Red_One43]

With Miami signing Larry Johnson, Torain has trade value. Torain's salary is scheduled to be only $480,000. That's a bargain. He is a low risk guy for a conditional pick. The conditions cover for the possible injury.

Arizona ought to at least being willing to give us our conditional pick back form the Hightower trade.

Doubt if Shanny would give him up so cheap unless he is high on Royster and Draughn. I would like to see Draughn be the rookie feature back for the Ravens game. He seems like he runs harder than Royster.

[BigRedskinDaddy]

Hightower has been playing lights out. I really like the aggressive way he finishes off runs, and his one-cut and go style is a good fit with our ZBS O-line. Helu is a home run threat but Royster doesn't impress me too much. He's a little small IMO, and his speed is questionable. Torain is the odd man out here; he's a quality back but the roster is a little choked with quality backs right at the moment.

[Red_One43]

Hightower has been playing lights out. I really like the aggressive way he finishes off runs, and his one-cut and go style is a good fit with our ZBS O-line. Helu is a home run threat but Royster doesn't impress me too much. He's a little small IMO, and his speed is questionable. Torain is the odd man out here; he's a quality back but the roster is a little choked with quality backs right at the moment.

I am with you with Royster - he has no speed. He has no power. He has a wiggle in his step that makes people miss. He is good for the ZBS because he is a one cut guy who doens't make many mistakes. Unless he shows something more in the preseason, he can make it to the practice squad w/o being picked up. There are plenty of backs out there like him that are more versatile to fit other systems.

[Countertrey]

Hightower has been playing lights out. I really like the aggressive way he finishes off runs, and his one-cut and go style is a good fit with our ZBS O-line. Helu is a home run threat but Royster doesn't impress me too much. He's a little small IMO, and his speed is questionable. Torain is the odd man out here; he's a quality back but the roster is a little choked with quality backs right at the moment.

I am with you with Royster - he has no speed. He has no power. He has a wiggle in his step that makes people miss. He is good for the ZBS because he is a one cut guy who doens't make many mistakes. Unless he shows something more in the preseason, he can make it to the practice squad w/o being picked up. There are plenty of backs out there like him that are more versatile to fit other systems.

Disagree.
Royster WILL NOT clear waivers to get to the PS... not that I have a real problem with it... but he will develop into a solid one-cut runner with some work.

[Red_One43]

Hightower has been playing lights out. I really like the aggressive way he finishes off runs, and his one-cut and go style is a good fit with our ZBS O-line. Helu is a home run threat but Royster doesn't impress me too much. He's a little small IMO, and his speed is questionable. Torain is the odd man out here; he's a quality back but the roster is a little choked with quality backs right at the moment.

I am with you with Royster - he has no speed. He has no power. He has a wiggle in his step that makes people miss. He is good for the ZBS because he is a one cut guy who doens't make many mistakes. Unless he shows something more in the preseason, he can make it to the practice squad w/o being picked up. There are plenty of backs out there like him that are more versatile to fit other systems.

Disagree.
Royster WILL NOT clear waivers to get to the PS... not that I have a real problem with it... but he will develop into a solid one-cut runner with some work.

I agree with you that he will develop as a solid one-cut runner.
As far as clearing waivers to go on the PS, what have you seen, at this point in Royster's development that makes you feel that GMs and coaches will claim him off waivers assuming that he is cut?

[yupchagee]

Hightower has been playing lights out. I really like the aggressive way he finishes off runs, and his one-cut and go style is a good fit with our ZBS O-line. Helu is a home run threat but Royster doesn't impress me too much. He's a little small IMO, and his speed is questionable. Torain is the odd man out here; he's a quality back but the roster is a little choked with quality backs right at the moment.

I am with you with Royster - he has no speed. He has no power. He has a wiggle in his step that makes people miss. He is good for the ZBS because he is a one cut guy who doens't make many mistakes. Unless he shows something more in the preseason, he can make it to the practice squad w/o being picked up. There are plenty of backs out there like him that are more versatile to fit other systems.

Disagree.
Royster WILL NOT clear waivers to get to the PS... not that I have a real problem with it... but he will develop into a solid one-cut runner with some work.

I agree with you that he will develop as a solid one-cut runner.
As far as clearing waivers to go on the PS, what have you seen, at this point in Royster's development that makes you feel that GMs and coaches will claim him off waivers assuming that he is cut?

His performance against Pitt. 15 carries 66 yds. I know it was against backups, but it will be enough to attract attention.

[Countertrey]

On a number of plays during the first game (where he saw the most playing time) he demonstrated excellent field vision, and consistently found the holes that were present... you do realize that he led the team in running yardage that week, right? He needs to work on pass pro and blitz pickups, but that's true of most rooks... He won't clear wavers... I don't think he'll beat Torain or Helu... so our best hope is that someone will want to trade for him... otherwise, we will lose him for no benefit.

[Red_One43]

Hightower has been playing lights out. I really like the aggressive way he finishes off runs, and his one-cut and go style is a good fit with our ZBS O-line. Helu is a home run threat but Royster doesn't impress me too much. He's a little small IMO, and his speed is questionable. Torain is the odd man out here; he's a quality back but the roster is a little choked with quality backs right at the moment.

I am with you with Royster - he has no speed. He has no power. He has a wiggle in his step that makes people miss. He is good for the ZBS because he is a one cut guy who doens't make many mistakes. Unless he shows something more in the preseason, he can make it to the practice squad w/o being picked up. There are plenty of backs out there like him that are more versatile to fit other systems.

Disagree.
Royster WILL NOT clear waivers to get to the PS... not that I have a real problem with it... but he will develop into a solid one-cut runner with some work.

I agree with you that he will develop as a solid one-cut runner.
As far as clearing waivers to go on the PS, what have you seen, at this point in Royster's development that makes you feel that GMs and coaches will claim him off waivers assuming that he is cut?

His performance against Pitt. 15 carries 66 yds. I know it was against backups, but it will be enough to attract attention.

Good Point

[Red_One43]

On a number of plays during the first game (where he saw the most playing time) he demonstrated excellent field vision, and consistently found the holes that were present... you do realize that he led the team in running yardage that week, right? He needs to work on pass pro and blitz pickups, but that's true of most rooks... He won't clear wavers... I don't think he'll beat Torain or Helu... so our best hope is that someone will want to trade for him... otherwise, we will lose him for no benefit.

Like Yup said, Royster attracted attention with his Steeler perfromance. So that is a good argument. Understand the rookie blitz pick up - Helu has not shined there either. I checked some backs who chosen ahead of him and he is having a better preseason carrying the ball. That supports your argument. If he gets traded, of course that would mean he most likely wouldn't clear waivers.

Here is why I am not with you yet. In the first preseason game last year against Buffalo, Ryan Torain carried the ball 17 for 62 yards. He was featured in the first preseson game as Royster was featured the first game this year. Royster found some good holes. Torain didn't he did some hard running to get his yards. Torain only got 11 more carries the rest of the 3 games. Shanny likes to feature different backs for each game. The starters are supposed to get the bulk of the work on Thursday. Will Draughn be the featured guy for the back ups, Royster or Helu or will they split carries?

Torain ended up leading the Redskins in rushing with 94 yds
Williams - 67
Parker - 50
Johnson - 46
Portis - 39

Torain gets cut and goes to the PS.

*So leading rusher in the first pre-season game may get attention, but it doesn't seal the deal.
* Torain showed in that Buffalo game that he had good Vision.

We don't know why 31 teams passed on Torain. It certainly could have been he was injury prone. We also don't know why Royster was not picked until the 12 pick of the 6th round. It could have been that he was seen as an average back. My argument is that there is nothing that Royster has done that other backs haven't done in preseason to make other GMs and Coaches covet him. Now we all know that there might be that one coach or GM that wanted to draft him and couldn't do it because of other priorities - if you are arguing that your gut tells you that this is the case? - you got me on that one - because I agree that he will develop into a good back that fits this system. Are there any other teams out there that rely on the ZBS as much as us?

[frankcal20]

Hightower has been playing lights out. I really like the aggressive way he finishes off runs, and his one-cut and go style is a good fit with our ZBS O-line. Helu is a home run threat but Royster doesn't impress me too much. He's a little small IMO, and his speed is questionable. Torain is the odd man out here; he's a quality back but the roster is a little choked with quality backs right at the moment.

I am with you with Royster - he has no speed. He has no power. He has a wiggle in his step that makes people miss. He is good for the ZBS because he is a one cut guy who doens't make many mistakes. Unless he shows something more in the preseason, he can make it to the practice squad w/o being picked up. There are plenty of backs out there like him that are more versatile to fit other systems.

Disagree.
Royster WILL NOT clear waivers to get to the PS... not that I have a real problem with it... but he will develop into a solid one-cut runner with some work.

I agree with you that he will develop as a solid one-cut runner.
As far as clearing waivers to go on the PS, what have you seen, at this point in Royster's development that makes you feel that GMs and coaches will claim him off waivers assuming that he is cut?

His performance against Pitt. 15 carries 66 yds. I know it was against backups, but it will be enough to attract attention.

He was also playing WITH backups too. So take it for what it was.

[Red_One43]

Hightower has been playing lights out. I really like the aggressive way he finishes off runs, and his one-cut and go style is a good fit with our ZBS O-line. Helu is a home run threat but Royster doesn't impress me too much. He's a little small IMO, and his speed is questionable. Torain is the odd man out here; he's a quality back but the roster is a little choked with quality backs right at the moment.

I am with you with Royster - he has no speed. He has no power. He has a wiggle in his step that makes people miss. He is good for the ZBS because he is a one cut guy who doens't make many mistakes. Unless he shows something more in the preseason, he can make it to the practice squad w/o being picked up. There are plenty of backs out there like him that are more versatile to fit other systems.

Disagree.
Royster WILL NOT clear waivers to get to the PS... not that I have a real problem with it... but he will develop into a solid one-cut runner with some work.

I agree with you that he will develop as a solid one-cut runner.
As far as clearing waivers to go on the PS, what have you seen, at this point in Royster's development that makes you feel that GMs and coaches will claim him off waivers assuming that he is cut?

His performance against Pitt. 15 carries 66 yds. I know it was against backups, but it will be enough to attract attention.

He was also playing WITH backups too. So take it for what it was.

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