5. J.K. Dobbins, Ohio State
Height: 5’9″ Weight: 209
40-Yard Dash: N/A
Bench Press: 23 reps
Vertical Jump: N/A
Broad Jump: N/A
3-Cone Drill: N/A
20-Yard Shuttle: N/A
60-Yard Shuttle: N/A
Bio: Dobbins wasn’t happy after a sophomore season in which he gained 1,053 yards and scored 10 rushing touchdowns on 230 carries, adding 26 catches for 263 yards and two touchdowns. So, he got his body fat down to eight percent and broke Eddie George’s school record with 2,003 yards and 21 touchdowns on 301 carries, with 23 catches for 247 yards and two more touchdowns added to the mix. He saved his best for last, amassing 714 rushing yards in his last four games, including 174 yards in the Fiesta Bowl against Clemson.
“I always work for the spotlight moments,” Dobbins said at the combine about how he prepares for big stage. “[But] it’s about what I do outside of the lights. When the lights aren’t on me, there are things that I do to try to be ready for when that time comes. Prime time isn’t always really prime time to me. It’s like a normal day at the office because I work so hard for it. So whenever it comes to those games, I’m very prepared for it.”
Stat to Know: Dobbins’ 2,003 rushing yards in 2019 tied with Wisconsin’s Jonathan Taylor for 33rd best in NCAA history. In Dobbins’ case, his 31 rushes of 15 or more yards ranked first in the NCAA.
Strengths: Powerful, compact body type with a defined upper body and churning legs. Aggressive runner to and through the hole; Dobbins knows how to take advantage of any open gap. Not a lot of natural wiggle in space, but he does have the ability to change direction in short areas and to the second and third levels to freeze defenders. Dominant north-and-south runner who has enjoyed a high positive play rate in both zone and gap schemes. Impressive get-up speed when he gets through the line — had some great long runs against top-level competition.
Weaknesses: Didn’t face a heavy box a lot of the time, and may be dependent on a great offensive line to get up to speed when he is facing more than the usual number of defenders. More an accessory than a creator after contact if he’s not running in a straight line. Embryonic talent as a receiver and pass-protector. Could stand to be quicker with his cuts — Dobbins will lose yardage when he has to back out of closed gaps.
Conclusion: Dobbins isn’t the most creative back in this class, but he does bring an impressive hammer and attitude to the field, and he’s been consistently productive at the highest levels of FBS football. If you want a power back with upside as a receiver and blocker, you could do a lot worse.
NFL Comparison: Frank Gore. Like Gore, Dobbins has the ability to beat a defensive line into submission over time and then, break a long gain for a game-deciding play. Gore became a team-defining back in his second NFL season, and Dobbins has that potential if he fixes a few things.
Moss | Swift | Taylor | Edwards-Helaire | Dobbins | Akers |
Benjamin | Dillon | Evans | Perine | Gibson