Shawnbrey

McNeal

The favorite for the spot is likely McNeal, who adds plenty in the passing game and is exceptionally quick. Brinkley was unpressive at Syracuse. Mason is established as a journeyman who pretty much only excels in preseason.

Ryan Mathews and Darren Sproles are locked into the Nos. 1 and 2 spots. McNeal is battling Curtis Brinkley and journeyman Marcus Mason. A skilled receiver with quickness, McNeal is probably the best talent in the group.

McNeal, a former transfer from Miami (FL), became the first player to rush for 1,000+ yards in spread-happy June Jones’ college coaching career in 2009. The 5'10/190-pound back was the centerpiece of SMU’s offense, ringing up 1,471 all-purpose yards and 14 touchdowns as a junior. He also offers return value.

He also had a 33" vertical and a 4.50 short shuttle, neither of which was impressive. McNeal, something of a surprise early entrant into the draft, is shaping up as a late-round selection coming from June Jones’ spread.

McNeal was a productive all-purpose back in June Jones’ spread offense, but probably should’ve stayed in school rather than going undrafted after declaring early. San Diego can offer him solid opportunity for a roster spot, with only Marcus Mason behind Ryan Mathews and Darren Sproles.

McNeal went undrafted out of SMU, but was a highly productive runner and receiver in June Jones’ spread. Any back associated with Mike Shanahan has a chance for fantasy relevance, so McNeal is worth keeping an eye on.

Both players were undrafted rookies, though it was thought that McNeal would make the roster as the successor to Darren Sproles. Barring a waiver wire addition, the Bolts will go with hybrid fullbacks Mike Tolbert and Jacob Hester as the backup runners.

Coach Mike Shanahan has done plenty with far inferior talents to McNeal, so he’ll be a player to monitor this offseason. Capers was Washington’s seventh-round pick last April. Duncan is a needed big body at 6'2/315.

The race for the job is essentially between undrafted rookie Shawnbrey McNeal and “Mr. August” Marcus Mason. McNeal took an early lead in OTAs. With fullbacks Mike Tolbert and Jacob Hester both capable runners, however, the Bolts will only carry two tailbacks into most games.

The former SMU Mustang reportedly turned heads in OTAs, and Sproles is due to be severely overpaid once again in a contract year. At 5'10/190, McNeal will have to prove that he’s the real deal once the hitting starts in August. Don’t expect much playing time this season, but he could eat into Ryan Mathews’ reception totals starting in 2011.