They are running backs accustomed to taking the initiative, pushing forward, seeking out someone to smash or elude.

But this weekend for the NFL draft, West Virginia's Steve Slaton and Owen Schmitt can only sit and wait for a future employer to come to them.

"Your guess is as good as mine," said Joe Flanagan, Schmitt's agent. "Anywhere from the third round to the fifth round. That's realistic. Who can say accurately because when you have 32 teams, there are 32 different [perspectives]. That's what makes it interesting."

Schmitt, after rushing for 1,003 yards on 160 carries in three years at West Virginia and 255 yards in three bowl triumphs, finds himself as a draft-board liability and asset. As the top-rated fullback on most teams' lists, the 6-foot-3, 250-pound Schmitt plays a position that clubs prefer to fill via free agency rather than spend a draft pick on one. As a tight end, Schmitt -- who caught a dozen passes last season while playing that new position -- attracts more attention and the possibility of an early selection Sunday, the second day of the draft.

---

THE DRAFT

• When: 3 p.m. Saturday
• TV: ESPN & NFL Network.

---

"Everybody knows what he can do in the backfield," said Flanagan, who added that four unspecified teams worked out Schmitt primarily at tight end.

While scouts should be aware of Slaton's backfield accomplishments -- 3,923 yards and a school-record 50 touchdowns rushing in three seasons -- his 40-yard dash times (high 4.4-plus) and big-game injuries (missing almost all of the 2007 Gator and '08 Fiesta bowls) are among factors NFL team officials have come to question. That might help to explain why a preseason Heisman Trophy hopeful slipped down draft lists at tailback.

Still, agent Eric Metz likened the 5-9, 197-pound Slaton to a former client: Tiki Barber of Virginia and the New York Giants. "A real explosive player," Metz said. "Should make an impact."

Slaton is viewed as a change-of-pace backup and situational back in the NFL.

Receiver Darius Reynaud is considered a middle-round selection and defensive end Johnny Dingle a potential late-rounder. Among other Mountaineers in the draft and free-agent mix are safeties Ryan Mundy of Woodland Hills and Eric Wicks of Perry Traditional Academy, cornerbacks Vaughn Rivers of Perry, Antonio Lewis and Larry Williams, nose guard Keilen Dykes and linebacker Marc Magro.