A.J. Dillon | RB | Boston College
Elevator Pitch
Dillon is a handful at the running back position. He shows good contact balance and won’t go down on first contact. Physical enough to throw defenders off of him as he continues the run. Will be a good backup runner until he can add pass catching to his game. He fits best as a red zone and short yardage back at the NFL level.
Vitals
Height | 6-0
Weight | 247
Class | Junior
Strengths
Dillon is a well built back that provides power to the position. He has a thick lower half that he uses to generate power. He can power though would be tackle attempts when driving up the field. While being able to absorb contact, Dillion provides plenty punishment of his own. Built for the physical running style, especially in the redzone.
Despite his ability to get the dirty yards, has surprising burst for a man of his size. He can use that athleticism to run by defenders who are gearing up for the big pop. He has a nose for the endzone with 39 career touchdowns. High volume running back at Boston College.
In the passing game, Dillon can bring that pop to pass rushers attempting to get to the quarterback. Doesn’t have the quickness when sliding from one side to the other but he does the job effectively for the most part. Won’t be a liability in throwing blocks in the backfield.
Weaknesses
While he showed plenty on tape of him running past defenders in the run game, Dillon doesn’t possess that second gear. He will get caught from behind on longer runs. Not a home run threat in the running game. His elusiveness and short area quickness leave a lot to be desired. Not someone who will cause defenders to miss. No fluidity to his game, minimal flexibility in his hips. His start and stop ability is below average.
To be a three down back in the NFL you need to run, block and catch the football. Dillon does two of the three well. He will need to work on catching the football in the NFL so as teams can’t zone in on him either running or blocking. Needs to add that third trait to his game.
Due to his workload at Boston College, there could be concerns about his longevity at the NFL level. Especially for a position that already has a shorter shelf life than other positions in the game. Monitoring his workload will likely be a priority for teams to get the most use out of him.
Projection: Day 3
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