At this time last year, the incoming running back getting compared the most to Ray Rice was Boise State product Doug Martin. That parallel looked pretty good as Martin gained more than 1,900 yards during his rookie season, was named a Pro Bowl alternate and recorded one of the most productive games in NFL history when he ran for 251 yards and four touchdowns versus the Raiders in Week 9.
So, who is getting the Ray Rice tag in 2013? North Carolina running back Giovani Bernard, according to the National Football Post.
"NFL personnel expressed to us how much Bernard reminded them of Ravens' running back Ray Rice during his positional workout," NFP's Russ Lande wrote Wednesday.
Lande also wrote that Bernard did so well at his workout, "he may be able to challenge Eddie Lacy to be the first back drafted."
Fantasy Analysis:
If you want to know more about Bernard, I'm not your man. But definitely read Matt De Lima's profile on him. Just in terms of size and versatility, Bernard and Rice look like they match. He may not accomplish what Martin did last year -- few rookie runners ever do that -- but Bernard is a player to watch closely on draft day for those in all types of leagues, especially if he lands with a team that has a glaring need at RB.
