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|
2012 Draft
RUNNING BACKS |
Trent
Richardson 5092 228 Alabama |
Combine: Forty: DNP |
BP: DNP | VJ: DNP | BJ: DNP | 3C: DNP | 20Sh: DNP |
60Sh: DNP |
Pro Day -
Richardson
ran the 40-yard dash in 4.48
and 4.47 seconds. He did 25 bench presses. He
had a great position workout. Richardson caught the
ball well and made a sensational one-handed catch.
He reaffirmed what everyone already thought: he’s
one heck of a football player.
(Brooks) -
He's a special running back with outstanding feet
and movement skills. He is explosive and powerful
when changing directions. Richardson is just an
average pass-catcher and needs to work on running
routes, but he is a quick learner who would be an
excellent every-down back. For a comparable pro
player, look to Jaguars RB Maurice Jones-Drew.
Mayock Pre-Senior Bowl Position Rank: 1.
Pro Football
Draft Guide
–
A bell cow back who can stay on the field for three
downs. Nearly a sure
bet to be a star.
From nfl.com - Did not participate
in Combine
(No
write-up)
ESPN (Scouts, Inc) -
Runs under control but also with
determination and competitiveness. Churns
his legs and almost always falls forward at
the end of run. Will lower his shoulder on
perimeter runs.
Ball security
OK but he could improve. Experience as
Wildcat triggerman and a weapon on kick
returns. Good decision maker, decisive with
good vision, Has an explosive second-gear
for a bigger back.
|
Patient runner with impressive natural
instincts. Waits for blocks to develop. Does
not run up the heels of his offensive
linemen or get caught dancing around in the
backfield.
|
Light on his feet / good stop-and-start
skill for a bigger back. COD is
adequate-to-good. Will stick his foot in the
ground and accelerate off the cut. Has
upper-echelon burst through the LOS and a
second-gear to bounce to the outside once he
hits the second level.
|
Outstanding power and balance.Runs with a
wide base and excellent balance. Runs under
control and behind his pads. Big, powerful
runner who can deliver a blow and wear down
a defense. Will drive legs after initial
contact. Runs with his knees high and does
not get tripped up very often.
|
Good awareness in the passing game for a
young player. Productive pass catcher early
in career. Reliable hands out of the
backfield. Good burst upfield with the
straight-line speed to run away from
defensive backs. Experience splitting out
wide and working in the slot but is still
developing his route running skills. Knows
his assignments in pass pro and is more than
willing to mix it up. Has his head on a
swivel. Aggressive picking up the blitz.
Stays low as a blocker and also mixes in
occasional effective cut blocks.
|
|
David Wilson
5095 206 Virginia Tech |
Combine:
Forty: 4.49 | 41.0 VJ | 132 BJ | 7.09 3C | 4.12 20Sh | 11.59
60SH |
Pro Day - R an
the 40-yard dash just once (4.40
seconds) and did not participate in the jumps or
shuttles, standing by his numbers from the NFL Scouting
Combine. Wilson had a very good position workout, showing
quickness and explosion, but questions about his ability to
catch the ball probably hurt his draft status.
Mayock Pre-Senior Bowl Position Rank: 2.
Pro Football
Draft Guide
–
At worst, he’s an
explosive committee back. But if he can adjust to the
physicality of the NFL and take more pride as a pass
protector (both within his capabilities) he could become a
3-down star.
From nfl.com -
Electrifying runner who truly runs with his own style - it's
obvious that he has love for the game. High risk-high reward
player who loves to reverse field on the entire defense. A
decorated track star who displays obvious explosion every
time he touches the ball. \
Explosive and quick-twitched off the snap. Can accelerate to
top speed quickly / neutralizes the negative effects of his
small frame by lowering his pad level into hits. So
explosive with so much leg drive that he can run over
linebackers - but he prefers to use his agility to make guys
miss. Just as electric working as a receiver out of the
backfield or in the slot, and could be used in a variety of
alignments early in his career.
Relies heavily on his athletic ability and runs with
a very unconventional style that could get him in trouble at
the next level. Will allow his pad level to get high when
changing directions downfield, and get caught off guard at
the next level. Not content with a 2-to-3-yard gain and
cross the field to try and make something out of nothing
(another habit likely to backfire in the NFL). Must be more
patient & let the plays and blocks come to him and play
within a scheme, rather than try to make everything happen
all the time.
ESPN (Scouts, Inc.) -
Hates going down. If anything he can get
into trouble when he gets greedy. But runs
hard and finishes. Wants the ball and runs
with a great deal of confidence. Runs like a
6-foot, 225-pounder. Ball security a
concern.
|
Above average vision / learning how to set
up blocks as an inside runner. Inside
running patience improved in 2011, but he
strings too many runs out wide and must
learn when to cut his losses.
|
Lacks great initial burst, but has a
definitive second gear and good top-end
speed; but takes a bit longer to reach top
speed. Lateral agility is good but not
elite. Can make sharp cut in the backfield
and accelerate off of plant foot. Can bounce
inside run to the outside once he reaches
the second level and can make a sharp cut in
open field without losing any mph. He can
win sprint vs. some smaller DBs.
|
Not overpowering, but he runs with good
balance and generally with good pad level.
Churns legs through contact.
|
Adequate hands. Can be a big weapon after
the catch but does not pluck naturally on
the run and is not a natural route runner.
Gets into position as a blocker and
generally will make solid initial contact,
but must show more aggressiveness and fight.
Frequently struggles to sustain and seems to
put in just enough effort to get by.
|
|
Lamar Miller
5106 212 Miami (FL) |
Combine:
Forty: 4.40 | BP: DNP | VJ:
33.0 | BJ: DNP | 3C: DNP \ 20Sh: DNP | 60Sh: DNP |
Mayock Pre-Senior Bowl Position Rank: 3.
PFW Scout's Candid Comment:
"Miller did not
practice a lot. We wore a harness all year on his shoulder.
He'd turn on contact. I don't question his toughness playing
through the injury. He played hurt. He's not a power back,
but he'll hit it up in there hard."
Pro Football
Draft Guide
–
(Coming back from shoulder surgery). Still has
upside left. Can play play on 3 downs and, if kept fresh, in
a committee situation could be a premier big-play threat.
From nfl.com -
Had played sparingly in more of a scatback role
prior to this year, but showed that he is a true starting
tailback who possesses many traits of a first rounder. While
there’s debate about the risk of investing an early round
selection on backs with traditionally short shelf lives,
Miller has put together enough solid tape to warrant a late
first-round value .
Has track speed (& experience). Once in the open field, he
is a threat to take it the distance – more than a
straight-line, long-speed runner; has even more impressive
quickness off the snap and in tight areas to stay clear and
productive. Very smooth and impressive off the snap / gets
to top speed quickly and can pick his spots at full speed.
Hardly ever gets nailed in the backfield and usually gets
positive yardage on each carry. A very efficient runner with
a natural feel for maneuvering his way through the box.
There’s only one full season of tape on him, and he was
rather ineffective as a runner prior to this year. Relies on
speed and leg drive to gain yards. Won't be able to juke
linebackers or bail himself out of bad spots at the next
level. Runs like a power back at times, which – given his
lack of heft - could be a liability at the next level.
ESPN (Scouts, Inc.) -
Much more competitive runner prior to
shoulder injury in September. Aggressive
inside runner even though he's not a
physical back. Not a great finisher.
|
Excellent at making penetrating defenders
miss in the backfield and shows a natural
feel for sidestepping. Shifty but does not
get caught dancing much. Outstanding feel
for cutback lane / knows when to make the
second-level cut.
|
Elite lateral agility and acceleration. In
same class as Chris Johnson. Few have his
combination of quickness and speed. Squeezes
through tiny creases. Stops and- Starts with
almost no wasted motion. Accelerates off his
cut and can string together double moves
seamlessly.
|
Never been an overpowering back but ran
noticeably harder prior to shoulder injury.
Runs with decent balance but not with a wide
base. Gets cut down too easily. Lacks power
to consistently break tackles.
|
Adequate ball skills. Can pluck ball on run
but not a natural and struggles to adjust at
times. Can be a huge threat after the catch.
Diver in pass pro. Loves to cut defender,
but must learn to take on as a blocker. Must
get stronger at POA in pass pro.
|
|
Chris Polk
5104 215 Washington |
Combine:
Forty: 4.57 | BP: DNP |VJ: 31.5 | BJ: 111 | 3C: 7.13 | 20Sh:
4.21 | 60Sh: DNP |
PFW Scout's Candid Comment:
"Polk
has really good feet in and out of the hole. He has pretty
good speed. He has vision. He can jump cut. They have no
offensive line. He is creating all his yards on his own."
Pro Football
Draft Guide
–
Durability and lack of speed are concerns, but Polk has the
tools to be a three-down back and should thrive in a zone
scheme.
From nfl.com -
Rising quickly un the boards after really standing out as an
impact running back and future NFL starter in his senior
year. Rushed for nearly 1500 yards in his last year and
displayed many highly sought-after traits for a pro running
back.
Has ideal size to carry the load as a starter. Well put
together and looks to be more of a compact, agile athlete
than a power back. An all-around player who doesn't
necessarily excel in one specific aspect of his game but
does many things at a high level and is capable of playing
within a variety of schemes. Qoff the ball and a natural
runner between the tackles. Prefers to kick it outside to
gain an edge but can be productive inside and is a heavy
runner who is tough to bring down. Patient with smooth
footwork that allows him to throttle down and wait for
blockers and plays to develop.
Only displayed elite ability in his last year and was a slow
developer up to that point. Decent in pass pro but can
struggle with his technique at times. He has the anchor and
thigh strength to leverage under bigger rushers, but he
needs to work on squaring up defenders as a blocker instead
of chipping them as they run by. Lacks elite speed in the
open field and, although he is explosive in short area
movements, he won't be able to accelerate past pursuing
safeties who have an angle on him.
ESPN (Scouts, Inc.) -
Runs with good determination. Keep legs
churning upon contact and consistently
finishes run falling forward to pick up
hidden yardage. Picks up feet well through
traffic and has an effective spin move. Can
handle a heavy load and has good awareness
to stay in bounds when closing out a game.
Ball protection needs improvement especially
through traffic.
|
Good vision / senses crease before it opens.
Consistently makes effective cuts. Patient /
knows how to set up his blocks. But
sometimes will hesitate in the backfield
though generally a decisive runner. Natural
feel for cut back lanes. Solid second level
runner.
|
Adequate burst to the hole but does not
explode through it. Foot quickness below
average. Takes too long to stop and start.
Has an effective jump-cut but lateral
agility is just adequate. Lacks a second
gear.
|
Runs with good strength and balance, but
tends to get a bit high when trying to make
a cut or shift directions into the hole.
Otherwise runs with adequate pad level and a
wide base. Runs hard and will lower shoulder
to deliver finishing blow. Also will bounce
off of initial contact to pick up tough
yards between tackles. Not an elite
short-yardage runner but can sometimes push
the pile.
|
Effective third down back for size. Good at
getting quickly into routes. Soft hands. Can
pluck on run. Can also be flexed out and
looks natural as a route runner, even though
he will struggle to separate from tight man
coverage in the pros. Takes pride in pass
pro - good strength and technique.
Above-average awareness with blitz pick-up.
|
|
LeMichael
James 5080 194 Oregon |
Combine:
Forty: 4.45 | BP: 15 |VJ: 35.0 | BJ: 123 | 3C: 6.88 | 20Sh:
4.12 | 60Sh: DNP |
Pro Day - The
diminutive James posted 4.42 and 4.41 marks in the 40-yard
dash, a 34-inch vertical jump and 16 strengths reps. He was
extremely quick in position drills and caught the ball well,
establishing himself as a second- or third-round pick.
PFW Scout's Candid Comment:
"Is
faster than you think. Watch all his long runs. He
plays fast.
Pro Football
Draft Guide
–
A bigger risk than his production suggests. Will
likely top out as a dangerous weapon in spot duty but would
be a stretch to play full-time
From nfl.com -
Has been the most electric and productive player on
a very impressive Oregon offense. An ideal fit for the
unique Oregon zone blocking scheme / has displayed many
traits that are transferable to the NFL. Teams could get
hung up on his size and question whether he was “good on his
own” or simply the beneficiary of Oregon’s spread-option
offense,
Quick and decisive back who looks to be productive each time
he touches the ball. Can get to full speed quickly off the
snap and doesn't hesitate when hitting the LOS. Will make
splash plays out of nothing /has the uncanny knack to turn
broken plays into positive ones. Better between the tackles
than his frame would suggest - uses a quick shuffle to avoid
trash or zip thru an open lane. Once through the line, he
can make things happen on his own downfield, and routinely
had runs of 20-plus yards. A consummate threat to score,
with the foot quickness and breakout speed to gain the edge
and turn it up field.
Had fumbling issues throughout his career…but looks
conscious of keeping the ball high and tight to his frame,
and has very good all-around strength, but lacks the arm
strength to secure the ball after big hits. A willing and
technical blocker in pass pro but simply lacks the bulk or
anchor to be successful there at the next level.
ESPN (Scouts, Inc.) -
Runs hard for a pint-sized RB. Does not
always finish runs but not afraid to lower
shoulder along the sideline. Uses a quick
spin move to absorb contact and pick up
extra yardage. Tough but needs to be smarter
about protecting his body. Can do a better
job of protecting ball in traffic.
|
Comes from a fast-paced shotgun spread
system and will need to adjust to pro-style
running game. Overall vision is adequate but
could improve. Natural feel for creases
before they open, but sometimes will make
one too many cuts and get caught dancing in
the hole. Must learn the value of churning
out tough yardage and not always looking for
the home run. Thrives as a second level
runner and is good at setting up blocks in
the open field.
|
Lightening quick feet. Can hit vertical cuts
without losing momentum. Exceptional
stop-and-start agility. Can transition to
top-gear instantly and is extremely
dangerous once hitting the open field.
Quicker than fast. Lacks a second-gear to
outrun faster DBs in the open field. Gets
caught from behind more often than expected.
Sometimes appears to be running too fast for
own good and has to throttle down to make
lateral cut.
|
Good overall balance / fights hard for yards
after contact, but he is extremely skinny in
his lower half and goes down too easily.
Lacks the size to run over defenders and
won't break many tackles.
|
Quick enough to create adequate separation
on underneath routes. Will make the tough
catch over his head. Very good body control
but will fight the ball on occasion.
Dangerous on screens or when catching the
ball with green grass in front of him. Lacks
the size and strength to hold up as a pass
blocker.
|
|
Bernard
Pierce 6002 218 Temple |
Combine:
Forty: 4.49 | BP: 17 |VJ: 36.5 | BJ: 123 | 3C: 7.07 |
20Sh: 4.28 | 60Sh: DNP | Pro Day —
Pierce ran the 40-yard dash in 4.50 seconds going
uphill and 4.34 seconds going downhill. He completed the
short shuttle in 4.7 seconds and the three-cone in 7.53
seconds. Pierce had a good workout and should be selected
around the fifth round of April’s draft.
PFW Scout's Candid Comment:
"Pierce was real disappointing. He is not tough at all
running between the tackles. He loves to bounce runs
outside. He has an NFL body and looks the part, but he has
to find his heart if he wants to play here. I don't know if
he will. Someone will get enamored with him (though)."
Pro Football
Draft Guide
–
Probably will be restricted to a zone blocking scheme, He
has the potential to be a quality early-down runner, but has
a ways to go before he’s well-rounded enough to play on
third down.
From nfl.com -
Athletic but had a tough time staying healthy at Temple.
Good vision and can cut back across the field when jammed
up. Not very powerful – better off working within a
one-cut-&-go zone-blocking offense. Has mid-round value and
could go as high as the third.
An upright, one-cut runner with a good feel for working
between the tackles. Has a natural lean to cut up and avoid
trash at the POA, and does a good job of bracing for contact
to deliver blows. A natural mover in short areas who should
be productive in the right scheme. Can elude in space and
has a feel for getting to daylight.
Won’t be capable of
many big-time plays due to average speed. Struggles to
recognize blitzers and has a tough time with knee bend.
ESPN (Scouts, Inc.) -
Runs with good determination and can churn out
yards after contact. Protects lower half
very well as a runner and is hard to bring
down with an arm tackle. Will finish on
occasion but we’d like to see it with more
consistency and violence. Can do a better of
securing the ball with both hands in
traffic.
|
Vision slightly above-average. Good at
setting up and utilizing blockers. Could be
more patient to stay the course / sometimes
bounces runs too quickly. And occasionally
misses vertical cuts. Natural feel for cut
back lanes inside. Room for improvement as a
second level runner /will make too many
lateral cuts instead of getting
north-and-south.
|
Nimble feet and above-average lateral
agility for size. Good body control as a
runner. Shifty with a quick jump to go along
with an effective spin move. While he runs
with good tempo he lacks elite suddenness
and may lose momentum when he attempts to
make an instant cut. Top-end speed is
adequate but lacks the extra home run gear.
|
Runs with a wide base and above-average
balance. Seemss to have natural power in his
lower half and can churn out hidden yardage
after contact. Must run with more consistent
pad level, but does a nice job of getting
behind his pads when trying to squeeze out
tough yards inside.
|
Often substituted-for during obvious passing
situations. Good size and strength in pass
pro but needs improvement in technique and
lacks aggressiveness. Goes to the well too
often with cut blocks. Adequate hands /can
make the routine catches, but lacks elite
ball skills and may struggle with throws
outside his frame. Lacks great suddenness or
polish to consistently create separation
underneath.
|
|
Doug Martin
5092 223 Boise St. |
Combine:
Forty: 4.55 | BP: 28 | VJ: 36.0
| BJ: 120 | 3C: 6.79 | 20Sh: 4.16 | 60Sh: 11.29|
Pro Day -
Martin’s
NFL outlook is significantly brighter (than QB Moore), as he
ranks among the draft’s top running backs. He kept all his
combine marks, but he had a very good workout and was
exceptional in catching drills.
Pro Football
Draft Guide
–
No superstar, but he’s a tough runner and versatile
contributor who could end up providing 3-down value.
From nfl.com -
Had great production toward the end of his career (1299
yards and 16 TDs). Strong athlete with footwork
his most outstanding
trait. Can make people miss in the open field and in tight
spaces. Effective between the tackles / can burst through
the lane to take it the distance. What stands out most about
Martin is his decisiveness as a ball carrier - he often hits
the hole hard. A natural with the ball in his hands and will
bring value as a special teams player, (either as a returner
or in the coverage game). Though ball security has been a
past concern, he is an overall solid back and projects to
the second round due to his versatility.
Highly productive back with a polished all-around game.
Looks and plays like a starting NFL back. A reliable runner
when closing out games. Careful with the ball and a very
savvy runner between the tackles with the athletic ability
to break it outside. But
a very traditional back who is not extremely explosive. Good
in all facets, but some scouts will knock him for not being
"outstanding" in any one particular area.
ESPN (Scouts, Inc.) -
Would have an elite grade if not for ball
security issues. Determined and aggressive
down-hill runner. Hits the hole hard, does
not shy away from contact and will lower
shoulder to finish runs. Keeps feet churning
upon contact and consistently falls forward
for hidden yardage at the end of runs.
Frequently runs with the ball dangling out
wide.
|
North/south cut-back runner. Wastes very
little time in the backfield and hits the
hole quickly. Natural feel for cutback
lanes. Can become impatient at times but has
improved here. Adept at setting up and
utilizing blocks. Above-average second level
runner with good vision in the open field.
|
Very good initial quickness. Lacks the
homerun hitting top-end speed of David
Wilson but is quicker out of the gates. Can
accelerate through vertical cuts without
losing momentum. Can turn pads and get
skinny through holes without sacrificing
much speed. Good lateral agility. Can
stop-and-start quickly. Skilled at setting
up defenders with quick double moves.
|
Not a bulldozer but he runs behind his pads
and with a wide base. Very good balance and
low COG/ will bounce off of contact to pick
up extra yards. Churns legs upon contact.
Can break through most arm tackles and good
at lowering shoulder to ward off tacklers
trying to chop his legs.
|
|
Isiah Pead
5101 197 Cincinnati |
Combine:
Forty: 4.47 | | BP: DNP |VJ: 33.0 | BJ: 116 | 3C: 6.95
| 20Sh: 4.32 | 60Sh: DNP |
Pro Football
Draft Guide
–
Physically, he’s among the top five backs in this draft. But
Pead will only be a change-of-pace/third down back until he
starts doing the little things.
From nfl.com -
Explosive, electrifying running back who has produced in all
areas. He can catch the ball out of the backfield, make a
guy miss and turn upfield for a score, or make big plays
running inside the tackles. Uses his vision and athletic
ability to find a hole and once there has the long speed to
take it the distance. A few question marks around his
skill-set and he has shown the tendency to disappear at
times. But his natural athletic ability and production
should make him a top 3 RB with second-round value.
Pead has an initial step out of his stance that is
comparable to some of the best backs currently in the
league. Hits the hole explosively and gets to top speed
quickly, Good vision once he gets through the hole, with the
foot quickness and lateral agility to make the first
defender miss. Also careful to stick his foot in the ground
and get upfield to pick up yards. Can dance around defenders
but prefers to cut once and go. Can get the edge on a
defense and then turn on the jets. His burst, footwork and
vision allow him to be a viable pass-catching option out of
the backfield. Likely to catch a lot of passes at the next
level.
But not a willing blocker / barely displaying the strength
to stall rushers when he does step in. Limited experience
catching passes out of the backfield. A bit undersized /
hasn't been hit enough times in college to get a feel for
what his durability will be like at the next level.
ESPN (Scouts, Inc.) -
Spins out of would-be arm tackles and fights for
yards after contact. Doesn't need to leave
feet as often as does but is willing to
expose frame to big hit in an effort to
hurdle defenders and pick up more yards.
Above average ball security throughout his
career.
|
Has improved his ability at setting up his
blocks but still needs work. Tends to string
zone runs out too wide. Far more decisive on
designed downhill runs. At his best heading
North/South. Good vision in the open field.
Adept at sensing lanes and setting up blocks
when working in space as a runner, receiver
and return man (resembling Leon
Washington)..
|
Shifty / can make defenders miss by changing
speeds quickly. Makes defenders miss in the
hole. Shifts into another gear when he hits
daylight. Top-end speed is good but not
elite. Not adept at sticking his foot in the
ground and accelerating off of the plant.
Gears down a bit when making a vertical cut
on zone runs. Can look like he's on
roller-skates when attempting to turn the
corner on outside runs.
|
Usually hits the hole hard as an inside
runner. Able to slip out of would-be arm
tackles and bounce off others. Better
initial pop than most smaller backs, but is
undersized and runs with a narrow base.
Lacks the leg drive &lower body strength
necessary to drive the pile in
short-yardage/goal line situations.
|
Good ball skills for a back. Can make tough
catch in traffic and snatch the ball without
breaking stride. Routes could be crisper.
Quick enough to separate from man coverage
and produce after the catch. Gets up the
field quickly after the catch. Has lined up
in the slot. Liability in pass pro. Not big
enough to anchor in pass pro and shows
almost no toughness there. Cut block
attempts can look feeble at times.
|
|
Vic Ballard
5102 219 Mississippi St. |
Combine:
Forty: 4.65 | BP: 23 |VJ:
33.0 | BJ: 115 | 3C: 7.03 | 20Sh: 4.19 | 60Sh: DNP |
Pro Day —
He ran 4.55- and 4.53-second
40-yard dashes and had a 6.99-second three-cone drill.
Ballard looked very good in a blitz pick-up drill and caught
the ball well. He has good quickness and really helped
himself with this workout. He would probably be picked at
the top of the second round if he were a lineman, but will
probably be picked in the third round despite being a
second-round talent. He’s a top-10 back overall.
Pro Football
Draft Guide
–
Has a chance to stick as a #2 back and could be a borderline
feature back on a team that utilizes a lot of inside zone
runs.
From nfl.com -
Big back who is very effective running between the tackles
and could be a reliable third-down option (i.e.
athletic in space and
understands how to block in the pass game). Has late-round
value to a running back-needy team.
Very instinctive runner - looks natural to sift through
defenders who get into the backfield early/ shows a good
burst breaking through the line. A good open field runner
with some deceptive juke moves that he will put on bigger
players. Carries the ball high /protects the ball inside.
Valuable as a big body willing to block oncoming LB’s in
pass pro, and is also a good check-down option in the pass
game. A willing special teamer who likes to fly around and
seeks contact.
Not a very quick-twitched athlete. Big but doesn't run with
a ton of power (bigger linebackers often bring him down on
first contact). Instinctive inside and when he has the ball
in his hands in the flat, but lacks the speed to gain the
edge on his own. Natural between the tackles, but a deer in
headlights in the open field
ESPN (Scouts, Inc.) -
Generally runs hard but could be consistent
as a finisher. Does not churn out the hidden
yardage as expected. Must protect his body /
leaves feet far too often in traffic. Ball
protection in traffic is shaky.
|
Adequate vision - does a nice job of
utilizing blocks. Gets vertical once he sees
hole develop. Lacks elite instincts as a
runner and can hesitate in the backfield at
times.
|
Nimble feet and above-average lateral
agility for size. Uses subtle movements and
an effective jump-cut to make defenders miss
in a confined area. Quick short area burst
to get through hole quickly. But lacks the
top-end speed to consistently out run
defenders and hit a home run. "
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Has
natural power
due to size. Will bounce off of initial
contact when running with proper pad level.
But he runs with a narrow base which can
affect his overall balance. Can push a pile
but needs to do a better job of staying low.
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Runs adequate routes
with
above-average
hands. Can open up and make tough catches
outside of frame. Enough agility and speed
to pick up yards when catching the ball with
room to run. Underwhelming (too passive) in
pass pro - technique is poor.
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Tauren Poole
5100 205 Tennessee |
Combine:
Forty: 4.54| BP: 24 |VJ:
34.0 | BJ: 118 | 3C: 7.36 | 20Sh: 4.19 | 60Sh:
DNP |
Pro Football Draft Guide
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A "take what's there" type of runner.
Will be popular with coaches...Projects as a quality
committee RB.
From nfl.com -
Hampered by turmoil and change at Tennessee. Despite this,
he consistently demonstrated he could run between the
tackles and block, with the overall savvy to compete and
find a role in the NFL. Expect him to be taken in the late
rounds for a team looking to take a mature player who can
immediately step in and compete for a backup and special
teams role.
A savvy and experienced runner who’ll take what he can get
from a defense. Elusive for a bigger runner and knows how to
pick his spots and burst through the hole. At the second
level he can juke linebackers and run through them for
positive yards. A reliable and consistent back who takes
care of the ball.
But far from electric - always faced pressure from younger
and more talented backs to take his job in college. Will
need to show he can contribute on special teams to make a 53
man roster.
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Cyrus Gray
5103 206 Texas A&M |
Combine:
Forty: 4.47| BP: 21 |VJ: 32.5 | BJ: 114|
3C: 7.17| 20Sh: DNP |
60Sh: DNP |
Pro Day -
Stood on everything from combine, except he ran a 4.33 short
shuttle and 7.33 cone drill. He didn’t have the right shoes
on for that drill, but he’ll be there March 28 and I expect
he’ll run again. He caught the ball well in drills as an RB
and showed good quickness. He’s probably a middle of the
second day type of guy: lower third-round pick, top of the
fourth.
Pro Football Draft Guide
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Figures to be a reliable committee-back who can be an asset
in the passing game. Not a lot of upside though.
From nfl.com -
A well-rounded back who can block, run and catch the ball
out of the backfield. Great size and productive as a pass
catcher throughout his career. Highly elusive in the open
field and understands the nuances of short-intermediate
running back routes in the passing game. Ideal for a
screen-heavy team, due to reliable hands / has the patience
to wait for plays to develop. Likes to bounce outside,
(sometimes too quickly), but he is effective when doing so.
Knocks on his inside game which will keep him from getting
drafted as an every-down back but does bring value as an
effective (though not very explosive) returner.
A big and athletic back who hits the hole hard and is
elusive for a man of his size. One of those natural runners
who understands when to weave and when to power-up. Has been
highly productive / his style of running with leg-power
makes him a reliable short-yardage option early in his
career.
Not a burner (slow-footed at times). He usually picks his
spots, but he can be hesitant in the backfield. Despite his
size, he struggles as a pass protector at times. Takes him a
few steps to reach full speed, and he won't be a threat to
take it the distance at the next level.
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Chris Rainey 5083 180 Florida |
Combine:
Forty: 4.45| BP: 16 |VJ: 36.5 | BJ: 120 |
3C: 6.50 | 20Sh: 3.93 |
60Sh: 11.06 |
Pro Day —
Rainey, a world-class sprinter, ran
4.41 and 4.35 in the 40, did a 4.10 shuttle drill,
and worked out at WR, where he showed good pass-catching
skills. Should be a third-round pick.
Pro Football Draft Guide
–
Between character and medical concerns, he'd figure to be
off most boards. But someone is sure to roll the dice on him
as a potential game-breraker in return game and as a
situational specialist,.
From nfl.com -
Like his teammate Jeff Demps, is a burner but, unlike Demps,
his track-speed translates to the football field. While not
nearly as big as Percy Harvin, Rainey has similar traits. He
uses his supreme agility and foot quickness to make guys
miss and make an electric play whenever he touches the ball.
Could move up into the middle rounds if he continues to
flash his athletic ability between the end of the season and
the draft.
Quick to make a decision off the snap and hit the hole hard.
Usually looks to get the edge (and almost always does). Very
effective short-area mover who can ignite a two-step power
move to beat a defender laterally and gain the edge.
Explosion is obvious every time he sticks his toes in the
ground. Always a threat to get the edge, make one quick
inside move, and take it the distance. A straight-line
runner but elusive and make defenders miss in the open
field. A good route runner out of the backfield and
slot.
But he is undersized and it shows when he tries to
run inside or pass protect. Almost always looks to get
outside and will go down on contact when running in the box.
Not willing or able to block and will get overpowered at the
next level. Strictly a work-in-space player who would have a
hard time playing as a traditional running back.
ESPN (Scouts, Inc.) -
Tough /runs hard. Runs like a bigger back and
hits the line at full speed when asked to
run inside. Asked to lead block for RB Jeff
Demps & help out in pass protection at
times. More than willing to mix it up with
bigger defenders.
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Will miss a few seams but not many. Can read
blocks and flow of defense. Excellent fit
for a zone heavy scheme. Lets blockers get
into position and then can shift into
another gear. Above average awareness in the
open field.
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Lighting quick /can turned the corner in a
flash. Low COG /makes crisp cuts. Can press
the line of line of scrimmage and bounce
outside. Effective cutback runner. Makes
defenders miss without wasting a lot of
motion and momentum loss.
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Marginal power. Won’t push the pile when
doesn't get a seam or regularly drag
defenders for extra yards but has picked up
more yards than expected. Above average
balance. Can run out of shoelace and arm
tackles. Almost always falls forward due to
burst and aggressive running style.
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Smallish hands but tracks the ball well and
looks it in. Has played receiver and can
line up- in slot. Shifts gears quickly and
can separate from most linebackers and
safeties. Burst, second gear and ability to
make defenders miss in space make him
dangerous after the catch. Not big enough to
anchor but willing to step up and cut the
legs out from blitzing defenders when asked
to help out in pass pro.
|
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Jeff Demps
Florida |
Combine:
Forty: DNP | BP: DNP |VJ: DNP | BJ: DNP| 3C: DNP
| 20Sh: DNP | 60Sh: DNP |
Pro Football Draft Guide
–
No write-up
From nfl.com -
Did not participate in Combine (No
write-up) |
Javaris James RB (FA Colts) |
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