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This is the second in a four-part series reviewing the top prospects selected in the 2005 NFL Draft from a strictly Fantasy perspective.

Today, we'll examine what I believe to be the top-five running backs selected last weekend, ranking them in terms of potential impact.

Fortunately, finding impact players at halfback isn't nearly as difficult as identifying likely Fantasy producers at quarterback or wide receiver. Since 1990, there have been 23 running backs who rushed for 1,000 yards as rookies, no matter the round in which they were selected.

In fact, seven of the 10 running backs selected in the top five since 1989 have been overwhelming successes. The last three -- San Diego's LaDainian Tomlinson, Baltimore's Jamal Lewis and Indianapolis' Edgerrin James -- averaged 1,384 yards and 10 touchdowns as rookies.

Remember: Players are listed in the order I like them. You'll also find a Fantasy Bottom Line regarding each prospect's likely 2005 contribution and/or long-term potential.

With the preliminaries out of the way, let's roll. ...

1. Ronnie Brown, Miami Dolphins
The second pick overall, Brown is a physical specimen who was backup at Auburn, but probably could have started almost anywhere else. And as Palm Beach Post staffer Joe Schad noted, despite being forced to share carries with Carnell "Cadillac" Williams, the 6-3, 233-pound Brown showed character by never complaining.

According to the Sporting News, "Brown is the antithesis of former Dolphin Ricky Williams -- he's driven and in love with the game."

According to the Sports Xchange, "Considered the draft's most complete running back, Brown is lauded for having excellent hands to go along with a bruising running style."

Imagine that.

A good player with character? A guy with all the earmarks of true franchise back? If you don't believe those watching from the outside, ask Miami head coach Nick Saban, the man responsible for picking him.

"This guy's an every-down back," Saban said on draft day. "This is an all-around guy that can be an every-down back. There's no situation that he can't play in. And there's no player he can't complement because of the versatility that he has."

Brown started six of 12 games last year when Auburn went unbeaten, rushing for 913 yards on 153 carries -- an astounding 6.0-yard average -- and catching 34 passes for 313 yards and a score. He put up his best numbers in 2002, rushing for 1,008 yards on 175 carries.

Don't let his reputation as a north-south runner fool you. As Saban suggested, Brown might be the most versatile back selected last weekend. He can also get from Point A to Point B with alacrity. In fact, Brown climbed to the top of the running-back class by covering 40 yards in 4.4 seconds at the scouting combine.

"Brown doesn't waste time going east-west," ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper explained. "And he has the speed to slice through and then outrace defensive backs to pay dirt."

Receiving skills?

According to the War Room scouts, "Brown reminds us of a young LaDainian Tomlinson in this area. He shows a great feel for running routes crisply and smoothly. Is a big-time receiving threat."

Since Brown did not touch the ball as much as the other top backs in college, there are questions about whether he can fill the workhorse role.

Auburn head coach Tommy Tuberville, however, isn't among them.

"I heard somebody on TV say they're concerned about him running the ball 25 to 30 times a game," Tuberville said. "This guy? He could carry it 40 to 45."

As Schad suggested, that workload shouldn't be necessary for a productive season; Tomlinson, Lewis and James each averaged 21 carries as rookies.

Saban, who knows a little about Brown after coaching against him in the collegiate ranks last season, has no doubts about newcomer's toughness, claiming Brown put half of LSU's defense in the trainer's room.

"Our players have always said Ronnie Brown is the toughest back in the [SEC] to bring down," Saban said of his former LSU charges. "And he delivers some punishment when he goes down."

For what it's worth, Brown, who is expected to be in a Dolphins uniform for the first time tomorrow, when Miami opens a three-day rookie camp, can't wait to get his pro career started.

"I want to learn the system as early as possible," Brown said on draft day. "I want to introduce myself to the guys and try to get that relationship going to where they can trust me as their running back."

In the wake of Ricky Williams disappearing act last summer, gaining his teammates' trust might be as easy as showing up and doing the job. ...

Fantasy Bottom Line: Brown is the right guy, in the right place at the right time. At Auburn, he had to fight for carries in a program that first featured Rudi Johnson, now with the Bengals, and then "Cadillac" Williams. That won't be the case in Miami.

Saban is determined not to run him into the ground, but Brown will be the primary offensive weapon and he'll have every opportunity to finish 2005 as the league's top rookie halfback.

2. Carnell "Cadillac" Williams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Although he started ahead of Brown at Auburn, he is viewed as slightly less versatile and not as promising an NFL prospect as his former college running mate. That said, those same observers contend he'll still be a sensational pro with his tough attitude, elusive moves, speed and perseverance.

Selected fifth overall, Williams ran for 1,165 yards and 12 touchdowns as a senior, helping Auburn go 13-0 and win the Southeastern Conference championship. He finished second on the Tigers' career rushing list with 3,831 yards, and broke Bo Jackson's school record for touchdowns with 46 -- 45 of them on the ground.

But he might have done his most effective work of all at this year's Senior Bowl, where he convinced Jon Gruden, who coached the South in the annual All-Star game, that he was capable of turning around a Buccaneers rushing attack that hasn't ranked higher than 24th in the league since Gruden took over as Tampa's head coach.

According to Associated Press sports writer Fred Goodall, Williams has followed Gruden's career since the coach's tenure in Oakland and envisions himself flourishing in the Bucs' version of the West Coast offense.

Now, he wants to do whatever is necessary to put himself in a position to contribute as a rookie. That includes signing a contract, getting into training camp on time and learning the offense as quickly as possible.

"I have full confidence in my agent that he'll get the contract done, and I'll be at camp because that is very important to me," Williams said.

Gruden is just as confident in Williams' abilities -- both as a runner and receiver.

"This guy can make you miss, and I've seen him knock people out," Gruden said. "When his hands are on the ball, good things happen. ... I've seen him make clutch plays in key situations for a long time.

"There are guys who I think perceive him to be a smaller-type back, yet at 214 pounds he's cut from the same physical cloth as some of the guys who are dominating our league. He's got great quickness and suddenness, and he's a powerful guy. I think that will allow him to play in just about every situation."

As for those who question Williams' receiving skill, the Bucs don't share their concerns.

"Once you get a label, it's hard to get over it," Gruden told St. Petersburg Times staffer Roger Mills on Monday. "This guy returns punts and kickoffs for crying out loud. He's caught 45 passes at Auburn. He caught the ball for us at the Senior Bowl and had a great workout. I don't question his hands at all.

"I do realize he had a couple of drops in his junior year, but so did all these other backs and other receivers who came out in the first round, too."

Further evidence of Gruden's desire to land Williams can be found in reports indicating the Buccaneers considered trading up with the Browns, fearing he might go at No. 4 to the Bears. It's also worth noting that Gruden allowed him to play only one series in the Senior Bowl.

Fantasy Bottom Line: Gruden said it best early this week, when he told reporters that he'll have no trouble starting the season with Williams as the featured back.

"There's no question about that," Gruden said. "You don't pick a guy this high to make him a nickel back or make him an exclusive role player. This guy can play in any situation. I think he can handle the pounding, and he's got durability. He'll play hurt, practice hurt and that's important also."

I agree. He'll push Brown as the top prospect.

3. Cedric Benson, Chicago Bears
The fourth pick overall, Benson was a highly productive collegiate back who brings plenty of experience and versatility to the table. And as the Xchange suggested, of the top three college runners, Benson is the best fit for new offensive coordinator Ron Turner's scheme, which values toughness and productivity between the tackles.

Benson was a powerful, tackle-breaking runner whose 5,540 rushing yards at Texas are sixth most in NCAA history. His 64 rushing touchdowns are third most in NCAA history. He also demonstrated true workhorse ability by carrying the ball 1,112 times at Texas.

He rushed for 1,053 yards on 228 carries as a freshman, 1,293 yards on 305 carries as a sophomore, 1,360 yards on 258 carries as a junior and 1,834 yards on 326 carries last season.

Not surprisingly, Benson always has been the star of the team. But he now faces a slightly different situation -- one in which he might be forced to share playing time with Thomas Jones.

And as Chicago Tribune staff writer Terry Bannon noted, figuring out how the two men fit into his scheme is the challenge Turner faces.

Turner inherited Jones, originally drafted by the Cardinals with the seventh pick overall of the 2000 draft. While Benson almost certainly moves into the starting lineup immediately, the coach said Jones will get his chances.

"We definitely have a plan to utilize both of their abilities," Turner promised.

Bannon went on to suggest that Jones is one of the best pass-blocking backs in the NFL, and that should assure him of a spot on the field on third down.

"Thomas does give us that flexibility," Turner said. "He gives us a lot on third down. He can come out of the backfield. Benson has good hands too. We'll see how it unfolds and we're excited."

Still, the Bears didn't draft Benson to watch on any down.

"With the fourth pick, you want to get a complete running back," head coach Lovie Smith said. "I think sometimes when you're known as a runner, you forget other things, but he can catch the football also."

But can he block?

Well. ... According to his NFL.com profile, Benson is a "willing blocker, but lacks the technique and playing strength to face up and sustain versus larger [opponents]."

Not so, says Benson.

"We had plays (at Texas) where I even [led blocking] on the linebackers or ends," he explained. "I've been in many situations where I've had to pick up the big blocks. I think that will be one of the smallest challenges."

Again, the bigger challenge might be adjusting to a different role.

"I understand I'm in a different situation -- new team, new coaches," Benson said. "If I'm sharing time, I'll keep my eyes open and pay attention and take pointers from whoever I'm sharing time with. It'll be just another challenge, another adjustment."

Fantasy Bottom Line: The mere use of the words "sharing time" is enough for me to rank Benson third among the top-three. I'm not saying Jones' presence will keep Benson from emerging as a legitimate -- or even high-end -- Fantasy threat.

But it would be a mistake not to consider Jones a potentially limiting factor.

4. J.J. Arrington, Arizona Cardinals
The 44th pick overall, Arrington isn't big, but he's a breakaway threat. He'll be a nice complement to Marcel Shipp and Troy Hambrick, who are bigger, more physical backs. In fact, head coach Dennis Green has been raving about Arrington since his impressive combine showing, and as SI.com insider Don Banks reminded readers this week, the coach is a staunch believer in players who have produced at every level.

Not to be overlooked either, is the fact that Green drafted Arrington instead of sending L.J. Shelton to Buffalo and swapping second round picks with the Bills in order to acquire Travis Henry.

In the Cal running back, Green has a player who racked up 2,018 yards rushing in 2004. There are concerns about Arrington, who stands only 5-9 and tips the scales at 214 pounds, but folks once said vaguely the same thing about the guy who Arrington will replace -- Emmitt Smith -- and that seemed to work out fine.

Arrington insists size won't be a problem. So does Green.

"Travis Henry is a small back," Green said. "Emmitt Smith is probably 5-9. I think backs come in all shapes and sizes. I just think a guy where you draft him isn't necessarily where you like him."

With Smith no longer in the picture, Arrington will battle Shipp and Hambrick -- both coming off season-ending injuries -- for the starting job. With breakaway speed Green loves -- Arrington ran a scouting combine-best 4.46 in the 40-yard dash among running backs, most observers fully expect the diminutive newcomer to eventually win the battle.

The team wants to throw, and needs to have it supported by a rusher who knows how to cut through openings when the field is spread. Arrington racked up his 2,000-plus yards last year at Cal in precisely that role in that type of offense.

Fantasy Bottom Line: I smell sleeper here. ... Arrington will to get plenty of work in Arizona. Smith is retired, Green loves speed backs (see Michael Bennett in Minnesota) and the coach has little faith in Shipp or Hambrick.

As the Xchange put it: "It will be an upset if he is not the starter on Day 1."

If he does, my No. 4 ranking could turn out to be a bit low.

5. Eric Shelton, Carolina Panthers
Some observers believe the addition of Shelton with the 54th pick overall is an indication that the team isn't sure how well Stephen Davis will recover from knee surgery.

However, Yahoo! Sports NFL writer Charles Robinson advised readers tonight that word is circulating around the league that team officials doubt Davis will ever be able to effectively recover.

Whatever the case, Shelton -- a big, bruising, north-south runner who is very much like Davis -- is viewed by most as insurance in case the 31-year-old Davis can't play again.

"He's a big, strong running back," Panthers general manager Marty Hurney said of Shelton. We think he fits very well within our system."

Hurney went on to admit that several scouts and coaches mentioned that Shelton's style was similar Davis, and head coach John Fox echoed that Saturday. "Yeah, that was mentioned," Hurney said. "His running style is similar to Stephen's."

As Rock Hill Herald beat man Darin Gantt noted, the biggest difference between the two lies in the fact that Shelton is far more likely to be ready to play this fall.

For the record, Shelton said he didn't like comparing his style to other players, but acknowledged that there were distinct similarities to Davis.

"As far as the tenacity goes and the sort of style we have, I would say yes," Shelton said. "It's north-south. There's no east-west running in the scheme of their offense. Coach Fox likes that. He likes somebody who is going to get you the hard yards."

Hurney admitted Davis' condition was still a concern, but said drafting Shelton was a value call, not necessarily done to replace the aging veteran. "We're trying to get good football players, and he was there on our board," Hurney said. "We always say we want to bring in competition, that's what we try to do.

"We know it's going to be a while before we get a read on Stephen, but the reason we chose Eric Shelton was because he was on our board at that position."

And he was where he was on their draft board because of his production.

After transferring from Florida State to Louisville (in order to be closer to home), Shelton ran for 1,728 yards and 30 touchdown in two season for the Cardinals. Shelton averaged 6.5 yards per carry and scored 20 touchdowns last season, enough to convince him to come out after his junior season.

Fantasy Bottom Line: The Panthers will probably hold Davis out until training camp in August to afford him the best possible opportunity to heal. That same opportunity, however, could open the door for Shelton.

If that's the case, Shelton should get plenty of carries because projected starter DeShaun Foster is a speed back (coming off a broken collarbone that cut his 2004 season short) and the team doesn't want to overwork him.

I'll remind you that 15 other running backs were drafted last weekend and a handful of undrafted free agents have been signed since.

While it's safe to assume that some will emerge as more interesting prospects once camp opens and injuries, cap concerns and other attrition create opportunities, most appear to be heading for situations less-than-conducive to significant Fantasy production.

Of course, I'll keep a close eye on developments -- with special attention being paid to Jacksonville's Alvin Pearman and San Francisco's Frank Gore -- this summer and give you a heads up if any of them start making unexpected waves.

In the meantime, those interested in delving more deeply will find complete information on the entire batch at NFL.com's 2005 Draft site.

That's it for now. ... Check back Friday for my overview of this year's top rookie wideouts and Saturday for tight ends and place-kickers. Check out Wednesday's QB Overview here.