Category: Running Backs

2020 NFL draft: Lamical Perine scouting report

Everything NFL draft fans need to know about Florida running back prospect Lamical Perine

Lamical Perine | RB | Florida

Elevator Pitch

Perine is looking to join his brother Samaje and relative Myles Jack in the NFL. Perine comes from a football family and running the football is in his blood. Likely at best, he will be a backup-caliber runner at the next level.

Vitals

Height | 5-11

Weight | 216

Class | Redshirt Senior

College Stats

College Bio

Combine Profile

Strengths

Strong runner who has no issues with taking punishment with his running style. He is physical and has a nose for the goal line when playing in the redzone. A player who will dip his head and run right into the line hoping to plow his way into the end zone.

Perine will be a good back in the NFL if a team is looking for a downhill runner. He can find holes with his vision. Not to mentions there are low miles on his tires so that is a big plus. He can also contribute on special teams which will help him make a roster in 2020.

Weaknesses

The biggest problem in Perine’s game will be his elusiveness, in that he doesn’t possess any. Very much a one-gear runner in the NFL so teams won’t have a problem chasing him down. He will need to win with technique rather than with speed. He isn’t a guy that will be a home run hitter.

Perine needs to work on technique with protecting the quarterback. He likely won’t see the field on known passing situations for that reason alone. His lack of burst won’t allow him to beat defenders to the edge so running inside will be where he needs to focus.

Projection: Day 3

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2020 NFL draft: Eno Benjamin scouting report

Everything NFL draft fans need to know about Arizona State running back prospect Eno Benjamin

Eno Benjamin | RB | Arizona State

Elevator Pitch

Benjamin is a back that really cause trouble at the next level with his ability to make defenders miss in the open field. There are some concerns with the drop in production from a season ago but he has three-down back potential.

Vitals

Height | 5-9

Weight | 207

Class | Junior

College Stats

College Bio

Combine Profile

Strengths

Benjamin really developed into a nice receiver out of the backfield during his time in Tempe, Arizona. Over the last two seasons caught 77 passes for 610 yards. Not a bad option out of the backfield. His ability to start and stop can really fool defenders and has a second gear to run by them.

One of the best qualities is Benjamin’s contact balance. He maintains balance while taking punishment from defenders with his low center of gravity. He is also known as a guy who will lower his shoulder and try and run through you, which leads to unnecessary hits. You take the good with the bad on that part. Teams will also like his effort on pass blocking, will be hard to take him off the field.

Weaknesses

He has issues with protecting the football. In 2019, Benjamin fumbled the ball six times, losing four of them. That will be the biggest concern with him, teams will need to work with Benjamin on taking better care of the football in the NFL. He also needs to be more focused as a pass catcher as he will drop them occasionally.

While Benjamin shows good vision, needs to do a better job of trusting his blocks. Often times there will be a hole but instead dancing around a bit too much instead of planting his foot and getting through the gap.

Projection: Day 3

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2020 NFL draft: Zack Moss scouting report

Everything NFL draft fans need to know about Utah running back prospect Zack Moss

Zack Moss | RB | Utah

Elevator Pitch

The all-time leading rusher at Utah,  Moss is coming off three consistent years of production. He accumulated at least 1,000 yards rushing and 10 rushing touchdowns in each of the last three years. Moss is a powerful back that will cause defenders to make some business decisions in the secondary.

Vitals

Height | 5-9

Weight | 223

Class | Senior

College Stats

College Bio

Combine Profile

Strengths

Moss is a handful for defenders. He is a power back that runs through contact very well with good balance. He can spin off would be tacklers or run right through them. He runs with good pad level, and if he squares up on a defender Moss will lower the boom and keep on moving. Defenders have to wrap up as arm tackles have no effect on him with that running style.

Moss shows good vision in finding holes behind the line of scrimmage. Shows good burst to get through the hole for a bigger back. Very good field awareness, knows where the sticks and pylon is at all times and will extend as needed. Shows adequate hands as a receiver, great in one on one situations in the flat. Is a handful for any defensive player to take down one on one.

Due to his power and physicality, he is a candidate to be an every down back at the NFL level. Needs a little coaching on technique but can be a good blocker in passing situations. Uses the same physical traits when running as he does blocking. Love his work as a face up blocker.

Weaknesses

Top end speed. Let’s be real honest, Moss isn’t going to burn defenses down the field as he doesn’t have long speed. When Moss does break off a long run, it more a byproduct of blocking up front and his physical runnings that eventually wears on a defense. He can get to the outside some, but his bread and butter will be running inside due to his lack of speed.

Moss had a heavy workload over his three years as a starter. With 778 touches in the better part of three seasons, some will question the durability. Had surgery late in the 2018 season to repair a torn meniscus. With his punishing style of controlled violence, it could lead to more concerns about his shelf life at the next level.

Projection: Day 2

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2020 NFL draft: Cam Akers scouting report

Everything NFL draft fans should know about Florida State running back prospect Cam Akers

Cam Akers | RB | Florida State

Elevator Pitch

Akers was a highly touted prospect out of Mississippi when he signed with the Florida State Seminoles. Despite the inconsistency at the offensive line, Akers has been able to showcase his abilities and is now one of the top running backs in the upcoming draft class.

Vitals

Height | 5-10

Weight | 217

Class | Junior

College Stats

College Bio

Combine Profile

Strengths

Akers shows good burst to fly through the hole when he gets the ball in his hands. He shows good vision for finding open holes behind the line. When the defense penetrates the line, shows the ability to cut back come out the other side. His footwork allows him to make split decisions which turn negative plays into positive ones.

Runs from a good base, with a powerful lower half. Uses his leg power to bounce off would be tackles with great contact balance. Can use his jump cut well for a quick change of direction with little to no loss in momentum. Rare to find a defender take down Akers on the first tackle attempt.

He is more than capable as a receiver, so with Akers you get a dual-threat runner and receiver. Much like when he carries the ball, he will be a threat to take it the distance when he gets into the open field. Scored seven touchdowns as a receiver for the Seminoles. Not just a back to get a dump off in the flats, can excel when asked to run the wheel.

Weaknesses

One of the reasons that will cause teams to be lower on Akers is that he has issues with protecting the football. While his fumble rate isn’t terribly high, Akers averages one fumble every 65.5 touches. His 10 fumbles in three seasons will be cause for concern about him protecting the football.

In terms of being an every down back at the NFL level, Akers needs to work on his pass protection. He will be a liability in protection until he works on his technique and understanding who he is responsible for. Given his size and frame, he definitely has the tools to be a consistent blocker. Being coached up will be key for him.

Projection: Day 2

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2020 NFL draft: Clyde Edwards-Helaire scouting report

Everything NFL draft fans need to know about LSU running back prospect Clyde Edwards-Helaire

Clyde Edwards-Helaire | RB | LSU

Elevator Pitch

Don’t let the size of Edwards-Helaire fool you. He might only be 5-7, but his play makes you forget about it. CEH was crucial for the Tigers’ National Title run along with quarterback Joe Burrow. Edwards-Helaire is one of the top five running backs available in the upcoming class.

Vitals

Height | 5-7

Weight | 207

Class | Junior

College Stats

College Bio

Combine Profile

Strengths

The best thing any running back can do is protect the football and for CEH, that is one of his best traits. In 2019, Edwards-Helaire touched the ball 270 times with just two fumbles and one lost. One of the best fumble rates of any running back in this class. He is dependable as they come and one reason that teams should want the ball in his hands on crucial opportunities during a game.

Quicker than fast, CEH does a great job with his footwork in getting into a hole and coming out the other side looking to get into the second and third levels of a defense. He can switch gears to keep defenders off balance and guessing. Does a great job of keeping his balance through contact,

With a player the caliber of CEH, he can make an impact in three different areas of the game. Obviously running is his game but don’t discount the receiver aspect. Not to mention he can also be a returner. He has the skillset to make an impact immediately for his potential new team.

Weaknesses

While Edwards-Helaire is quicker than fast, not having top end speed will prevent him from the home runs once he gets to the third level. He is more of an inside runner, getting to the edge ahead of defenders crashing down will be an issue with CEH. Teams will need to play to his strengths and keep him between the tackles.

To be a three-down back at the NFL level you must be able to protect your quarterback. CEH struggles, he has shorter arms so it will be easier to get into his pads. Given the smaller size, he will struggle with bigger pass rushers. His best option will be cut blocking to give his quarterback room to see the field.

Projection: Day 2

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2020 NFL Draft: D’Andre Swift scouting report

Everything NFL draft fans need to know about Georgia running back D’Andre Swift

D’Andre Swift | RB | Georgia

Height | 5-9

Weight | 215

College Stats

College Bio

Strengths

His last name is fitting. D’Andre is extremely “swift” at getting to the second and third levels of the defense. His footwork stands out above all the traits at his disposal. He can plant, jump cut and then he is off to the races. Swift has often showcased his spin move at maximum acceleration without losing any momentum in the open field. Something that will treat him well at the next level.

Balance, balance, balance. Swift shows good balance when running with the ball with a low center of gravity. It can prove difficult to knock him to the turf with just a shoulder or arm tackles. Defenses will have to find a way to square the back and wrap him up when attempting to bring him down.

In the NFL a running back has to be involved in the passing game to avoid any tells as to what the offense is looking to do. While he didn’t have huge numbers, Swift is an excellent receiver coming out of the backfield. He is just as much a weapon in that aspect of the game. If a defense losing track of the back, he will make you pay once he gets the ball in his hands.

Weaknesses

As with any running back in the class, Swift will need to focus on his pass protecting technique at the NFL level. To be a feature back and a three-down option, protecting his quarterback must be a priority for Swift to make an impact at the next level. He has the tools available so his development in this area should come early on in his NFL career.

Durability is going to be a concern, not just on the injury front. At Georgia he never had more than 220 touches on offense, so a heavier workload will be a concern moving forward. He did play in 43 games over three seasons but he will need ways to protect his body at one of the most violent positions on the offensive side of the ball. Not to mention that Swift does have a punishing run style at times.

Bottom Line

Swift is likely the top rated running back on most draft boards and could be the first one selected in the NFL Draft. Based on how he plays the game, Swift has future New England Patriot written all over him (well, if they didn’t already have former teammate Sony Michel).

Despite the position being devalued over the years, there is a lot of value in taking a back the caliber of Swift with four to five years of control at a lower cost. His play style is very much like current Carolina Panthers do-it-all weapon Christian McCaffrey.

Projection: Top 50

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2020 NFL Draft: J.K. Dobbins scouting report

Everything NFL draft fans need to know about Ohio State running back J.K. Dobbins

J.K. Dobbins | RB | Ohio State University

Height | 5-10

Weight | 217

College Stats

College Bio

Strengths

If your team is looking for a running back that excels in outside zone runs, look no further than Dobbins. At Ohio State, he was excellent at running in the zone blocking plays allowing the line to set up blocks before exploding out of the backfield. He has elite vision that allows him to navigate the traffic in the second and third levels of a defense. Dobbins doesn’t need much of a crease as he can get skinny to get through the gap on running plays.

Dobbins can run through contact without suffering much loss of balance. He runs with a low center of gravity that allows him to maintain that sense of balance. When he gets outside, Dobbins is an absolute handful for opposing defenses. When getting out in space, his vision and change of direction come into play. He can start and stop at a moments notice, just ask Michigan’s defense.

Dobbins is a guy who can be an absolute weapon at the next level. With his footwork, balance and vision. Add in the fact that he can create yards after contact and Dobbins is one that can give you everything when running the ball.

Weaknesses

While Dobbins made strides a receiver coming out of the backfield, he can still use some refinement in that area of his game. He caught 71 passes in three seasons for the Buckeyes that racked up 645 yards and five touchdowns. It shows that there is a building block to be used at the next level.

Much like his receiving efforts, blocking can be hit or miss for Dobbins. He is physical enough to give his quarterback time to make a play but needs work on blitz recognition and where he needs to get on the field to make a key block.

Bottom Line

Dobbins has the running game down pat, he will need to work on his receiving and blocking to be an every down back in the NFL. He has a solid foundation to build upon and reason why teams should be ready to call his name at the NFL Draft.

Projection: Top 50

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2020 NFL draft: Travis Etienne scouting report

Everything NFL draft fans need to know about Clemson running back Travis Etienne

Travis Etienne | RB | Clemson

Height | 5-10

Weight | 210

College Bio Page

Career Stats

Strengths

If you’re looking for speed and explosiveness at the running back position, Etienne is your guy.

His acceleration once he hits a running lane is nothing short of impressive, and he has the long speed to outrun defenders in the open field. He runs with determination and a high motor, fighting hard for extra yardage and churning his legs to try and run through would-be tacklers. Etienne also has very good contact balance for a speedster, as he can roll over the opposition and keep himself upright when he gets hit.

Etienne’s production at the collegiate level has been fantastic, too. Through three seasons, the Clemson back has 3,924 rushing yards, 54 touchdowns and an astounding 8.0 yards per carry. His proven ability to make big plays should attract NFL teams looking for a running back early in the draft.

Weaknesses

While Etienne possesses top-notch physical attributes, he could still improve his ball-carrier vision. He’s inconsistent in terms of showing patience and identifying the hole and can be too aggressive when shooting up the middle. He goes all-out on almost every play, but that speed should be adjusted when waiting behind blocks for a lane to emerge.

Though he has shown some improvement in the role in 2019, Etienne is still a bit raw and unproven as a receiver. Prior to this past year, he only had 17 catches in his first two seasons. He is raw running routes out of the backfield and doesn’t have very smooth hands. That inexperience could prevent him from being a three-down back early in his career.

Bottom Line

A speed demon with a high motor and a tough running style, Etienne has a very high upside with some more room to develop. If he irons out some wrinkles in his game, the sky’s the limit for him.

Projection: Round 1-2

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