Tag: aj dillon

Meet AJ Dillon, Boston College’s wrecking ball of a RB prospect

Check out Draft Wire’s exclusive interview with Boston College running back prospect AJ Dillon

Does your favorite NFL team want a running back who can run over, through, or around any defender? If so, Boston College battering ram AJ Dillon is the man for the job.

A bruising back with impressive speed and athleticism for his frame, Dillon recently spoke exclusively with Draft Wire about his versatile skill set, his experience at the NFL Scouting Combine, and what kind of player he’ll be at the next level.

JM: How do you describe your running style?

AJD: I would say that I’m a bigger back that can do it all. I consider myself to be a three-down running back. I have the size, power and ability to wear down a defense. At the same time, I can run away from people in the open field. I can catch the ball coming out of the backfield. I’m an asset in pass protection as well. I can do it all.

JM: If you had to compare yourself to one NFL running back, who would it be and why?

AJD: That’s a tough question. I would probably say Leonard Fournette. That’s a guy who always shows up and handles his business. He’s a dependable guy. He runs with an aggressive mindset. He does a good job catching the ball. He does everything that’s asked of him at a high level.

JM: Who are some running backs that you enjoyed watching growing up?

AJD: Leonard Fournette is one of those guys for me. I would also add Derrick Henry, Saquon Barkley, Adrian Peterson and Le’Veon Bell. Those are my favorite running backs to watch.

(AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

JM: The COVID-19 outbreak has made this a unique draft process. How are you navigating these circumstances?

AJD: It’s obviously been a different process for us. It’s been different than what I was told it was going to be like (laughs). As you said, I don’t have another draft process to compare it with. This is all I know. This is my draft story. I was lucky enough to get invited to the combine. I performed well out there. I’m happy with what I did in Indianapolis. I had a great opportunity to meet with some coaches and teams out there. I gave them a chance to put a face to the name. Now, I’m going through the process of talking to some teams on the phone rather than in person. We’re just going with the flow. We’re all adapting to the situation.

JM: Speaking of the combine, you had a strong performance. You ran a 4.53 40-yard dash at 247 pounds. Your 41-inch vertical also jumps out. What was the overall experience like out there?

AJD: The experience was pretty cool. I obviously have aspirations to play in the NFL. You think you know all about the draft and it’s easy to think that you just show up to the combine and run a few drills. It’s definitely not like that (laughs). It’s really about four or five days long and each day is a process. It can be tiring but it really just depends on your mindset. I feel like I had a positive outlook out there. I just tried to be a sponge and make as many connections as possible. All in all, it was a really great experience for me. I really enjoyed it. I was lucky enough to receive an invite.

JM: Do you feel like your testing numbers turned some heads?

AJD: I knew what I was gonna do. There was a tweet that I put out a few years ago where I predicted what I would do and the results were very similar. I said I was gonna jump a 41-inch vertical two years ago. I’m confident in myself and in my abilities. I feel like people sometimes look at my weight and say this guy is 250 pounds, he must be a slow, goal line back that can only grind out three yards at a time. That’s really not my game at all. I have the ability do to that, and so much more. I feel like the combine really reflected the type of athlete that I truly am. I had 7.8% body fat at 247 pounds. I’m a big back that can do a lot more than just the big back things. I’m so much more than just a big back. I definitely think I surprised a lot of people out there.

JM: Were you able to get in any meetings or private visits before the COVID-19 outbreak?

AJD: It’s all been phone calls and FaceTime for me. Everything I had scheduled was for after my pro day, which was supposed to be on March 18th. Of course, the pro day was canceled, and we’ve been adapting ever since. I can’t disclose which teams I’ve been in contact with, but I’ve been speaking with a fair amount of teams in one capacity or another. I’m just enjoying the process. I’m getting to know these coaches and I’m allowing them to get to know me. We’re just talking ball and having fun. There’s a few teams that I’ve been in constant contact with. It’s been fun.

JM: What do you prefer, a 75-yard touchdown, or touching the ball six or more times on a long, punishing drive?

AJD: I’d probably have to go with the 75-yard touchdown. There’s nothing like running away from everybody at full speed in the open field. That’s a great feeling. Let’s go celebrate in the end zone together.

Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports

JM: How did playing in that Boston College offense get you ready for what’s next?

AJD: If you followed me specific to my career, I probably ran against more stacked boxes than anybody in college football. It feels like I ran into a stacked box every single time I got the ball. I actually think the numbers landed around 75 percent this past year. I had 300-something carries and ran into a stacked box 252 times or something like that.

For me, my ability to deal with that and have the success that I had, my coaches taught me how to handle that type of workload. I had games where I carried the ball 38 times.

I’ve done a great job taking care of my body as well. I had one injury at Boston College, and it was a high ankle sprain that caused me to miss two games. That was it. Everybody worries about mileage but I came out as healthy as can be.

I’ve proven that I could handle the most adverse situations. We dealt with an injury to our starting quarterback in two different years. We lost him midway through the season and the offense was definitely on my shoulders. That’s where the stacked boxes came into play. The defense knew I was gonna get the ball and I was still picking up at least five or six yards. I feel like people don’t pay enough attention to that.

They just look at the yards per carry and say that I was getting the ball a lot. They don’t really look at the situation we were in as an offense. They try to discredit me. If you put the tape on, you’d see I was breaking two tackles in the backfield, spin off another guy at the line of scrimmage and carry the last defender with me for an extra three, four yards. There’s a lot that goes into it. That’s why I’m so excited for the next step. I can’t wait to show everybody what I’m capable of.

JM: What kind of impact is A.J. Dillon going to make at the next level?

AJD: I’m gonna be a dependable guy that’s gonna get the job done. I’m gonna get better on a daily basis.

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PODCAST: Full Bills’ mock draft, post-free agency edition

Kyle Silagyi is joined by Justin DiLoro and McKenna Middlebrook to construct a seven-round 2020 mock draft for the Buffalo Bills.

The Buffalo Bills were aggressive in improving its roster to start the 2020 NFL offseason, acquiring wide receiver Stefon Diggs from the Minnesota Vikings before adding eight players through free agency.

The Bills are now left with a roster that lacks any glaring holes. Though there are areas in which the team could improve, Buffalo appears to currently possess something it hasn’t since the early 1990s – a Super Bowl-caliber roster.

Though the team’s roster is already stout, the Bills could strengthen its fortunes with a strong 2020 draft. On this episode of The Kyle Silagyi Variety Hour, host Kyle Silagyi is joined by BillsWire staff writers Justin DiLoro and McKenna Middlebrook to construct a seven-round post-free agency mock draft for Buffalo.

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2020 NFL draft: A.J. Dillon scouting report

Everything NFL draft fans need to know about Boston College running back prospect A.J. Dillon

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

College Stats

College Bio

Combine Profile

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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Strong combine performance could put A.J. Dillon on Seahawks radar

Boston College running back A.J. Dillon was a beast at the NFL combine, catching the attention of the Seattle Seahawks.

It’s hard to imagine the Seattle Seahawks using their first round pick in the 2020 NFL draft on a running back, but then again, it’s never been easy to predict what John Schneider and Pete Carroll will do on draft day.

On paper, the trio of Chris Carson, Rashaad Penny, and Travis Homer looks like a solid 1-2-3 punch in the backfield, but serious injuries to both Carson and Penny could linger into the summer, and as long as this team is committed to the run it can’t hurt to explore more additions at that spot.

After a really strong performance at the NFL combine, Boston College running back A.J. Dillon is squarely on everyone’s radar heading into draft season, and that will almost certainly include the Seahawks.

Dillon is a stout 247 pound back who ran an impressive 4.53 40-yard dash at the combine, while also posting a 41-inch vertical and a 131 inch broad jump – results that are eerily similar to Derrick Henry, Leonard Fournette and former Rams running back Steven Jackson.

His bruising style perfectly fits what Carroll likes to do with the football, and while he is pretty similar to Carson it might be nice for the team to draft his eventual replacement, so they can avoid paying Carson after his rookie contract is up.

The team has more pressing needs, including the offensive and defensive lines and the secondary, but if they don’t see anyone else they have to have at No. 27 overall, and Dillon is still on the board, don’t be surprised to see him in a Seahawks uniform in 2020.

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Who and what to watch at the 2020 NFL Combine: Running backs

The Lions Wire staff has identified which running backs Detroit Lions fans should be watching at the 2020 NFL Combine.

The 2020 NFL Combine on-field workouts begin Thursday, February 27th in Indianapolis but the running backs won’t take the field until Friday, February 28th. After watching the offensive linemen in groups one and two, the ball carriers should add in a nice upgrade of speed to round out Day 2.

This is the latest in a series of articles leading up to this year’s NFL Combine, where the Lions Wire team has identified players they will be tracking in order to determine potential fits within the organization.

If you missed the previous articles in this series, be sure to check out our quarterback’s preview.

Running back traits to evaluate

There are several on-field drills that emphasize a player’s running abilities and the main areas Lions’ scouts will likely be focusing on are:

  • Balance through the player’s hips: Do they stay under their frame?
  • Change of direction: Do they throttle down, or accelerate?
  • Quickness getting out of the backfield
  • Catching ability: Do they have soft hands, or do they struggle?

J.K. Dobbins, Ohio State

Suggested by: Scott Warheit

Arguably the top rusher in this class, Dobbins is a one-cut downhill runner that is exactly the type of complement back the Lions want to pair with Kerryon Johnson. Currently, that complement role is being filled by Bo Scarbrough, but with his and Johnson’s long injury history, the Lions may want to prepare for potential absences.

Dobbins has terrific vision, routinely picks the correct gap, runs through contact, maintains balance in traffic, has natural hands, legit long speed, and is capable of staying on the field for all three downs. He’s not as creative as some backs in this class, but he would thrive in the Lions offense.

Clyde Edwards-Helaire, LSU

Suggested by: Scott Bischoff and Bryce Rossler

The Lions tried to trade for Devonta Freeman at last year’s trade deadline and if they were looking for a stylistically similar player, Edwards-Helaire would fit the bill.

Edwards-Helaire is a big-time playmaker who saved his best performances for the biggest games. His compact frame, coupled with fantastic vision and contact balance makes tackling him extremely difficult for defenders. Additionally, his ability to run with power and contribute in the passing game, makes him a solid fit in the Lions scheme.

Zack Moss, Utah

Suggested by: Ty Finch

One of the more balanced backs in this class, Moss is a one-cut runner whose game begins with power but is by no means limited to just that. He possesses several traits like vision, contact balance, patience, sharp cutting ability, and desire to finish with authority, which makes him a very desirable option. If his medicals check out — there is a history of shoulder and knee injuries — he could be in consideration for the top spot in this class.

Cam Akers, Florida State

Suggested by: Sonja Greenfield

An elusive rusher who produced above expectations, due to his instincts and desire to finish runs. His explosive nature makes him a problem when he gets in space, and his ability to contribute in the passing game — both as a receiver and blocker — will get him on the field early. Ball security will draw some criticism but it’s correctable.

Eno Benjamin, Arizona State

Suggested by: Max Gerber and Zack Moran

Elusive and competitive, Benjamin is consistently aggressive, almost to his own detriment at times. He’s a bit undersized for a power scheme, but his style of play suits that scheme best. He’ll begin his career in a committee, but as he improves his patience, his role will grow.

AJ Dillon, Boston College

Suggested by: Erik Schlitt

A decisive, downhill runner who uses his size (checking in as a reported 248-pounds) to punish defenders, Dillon is exactly the type of back the Lions hope Scarbrough can consistently be. His size limits his ability to shift laterally or pull of multiple moves, but he quickly identifies his gap, hits it with power and when he gets in the open field he’s incredibly difficult to contain. Wear and tear will likely cause teams to lower his draft value, but for a team looking to add some “Thunder” to an already existing “Lightning” back, he could be an important piece to their offensive puzzle.

Lamical Perine, Florida

Suggested by: Matt Urben

While Dillon has put a lot of miles on his tires, Perine is the opposite after spending three years in a committee at Florida. He figures to stay in a committee in the NFL, as he can contribute in a variety of ways, but isn’t exceptional in any of them. He may appeal to the Lions as he is a one-cut runner who leans on his power and can also contribute on third-downs as a pass catcher and blocker. Perine’s high character and willingness to contribute on special teams will endear him to this staff.

Levante Bellamy, Western Michigan

Suggested by: Jeff Risdon

Pure speed. Bellamy, who the Athletic’s Bruce Feldman reported ran a laser-timed 4.28 40-yard dash, reaches top velocity on his second step. If defenders miss him in the hole, more often than not, he’s gone. His size will likely limit his role in the NFL, but speed kills, and a creative offensive coordinator will figure out a way to use Bellamy’s skills to their advantage.

Sewo Olonilua, TCU

Suggested by: Derek Okrie

If the Lions are comfortable with the trio of Kerryon Johnson, Bo Scarbrough, and Ty Johnson, but are looking for a short-yardage option to round out the group, Olonilua could fit the bill as a situational fourth running back. At nearly 240-pounds, Olonilua is a better athlete than anticipated and finds most of his success on the edge, but he will need to learn to run between the tackles with more efficiency.

#OnePride 2020 Lions Fan Mock Draft 4.0

The latest edition of #OnePride Fan based mock draft is based on a reader suggested scenario where quarterbacks are selected with the top two picks and allowing Chase Young to fall to the Lions.

Using the Draft Network‘s Mock Draft simulator, we at Lions Wire presented the #OnePride Twitter fan base four options in each round and allowed them to vote on who they would like the team to pick. After making their selection, the simulator picks for the other 31 teams and then the Lions’ fans are back on the clock for another selection.

For clarification, the four best players are selected by a Lions Wire staff editor/writer, but Lions Wire doesn’t vote — unless there is a tie — or influence the voting. Additionally, Lions Wire is not ranking the players where or when they are available — the simulator makes those decisions. We only offer up the best options.

This edition of the #OnePride Mock Draft was based on a scenario suggested by Lions Wire reader David Alexander — The Cincinnatti Bengals select LSU quarterback Joe Burrow with the first overall pick and then a quarterback-needy team trades with Washington to select a healthy Tua Tagovailoa, leaving the Lions with more options with the third pick.

Round 1, Pick 3: Chase Young, EDGE, Ohio State

No surprise, Chase Young received 95-percent of the voting.

This is the exact scenario Lions Wire editor Jeff Risdon suggested in a recent Mock Draft he wrote for Real GM, where the Los Angeles Chargers traded up and Young fell to the Lions at pick three.

Because we are using Draft Network’s simulation in this edition, it makes sense to also use their writers for player summaries. Here is Kyle Crabbs summary on Young:

Chase Young is an elite NFL Draft prospect who can step into any defensive system in the league and find a home in the starting lineup. Young has a surreal potency as a pass rusher, constantly gaining ground, attacking hands and showcasing elite length and flexibility at the top of the arc. Young is a game changing player who opponents will have to cater game plans around in order to negate his disruptive qualities — he’s highly refined with hand tech and should be a splash starter right away.

Erik’s take: No brainer choice here as Young gives the Lions a boost in the pass-rushing department, while also allowing the players around him more freedom to make an impact.

Round 2, Pick 35: Grant Delpit, S, LSU

Crabbs player summary:

Grant Delpit projects as an impact defender at the NFL level. Tackling issues in the open field will put off some teams, but he’s physically capable of booming hits and his foundation as a player is a pretty rare blend of skills — making him an enticing every down defender that can be a centerpiece to weekly game plans. Delpit has high football intelligence and can handle any number of roles or responsibilities, adding him to a roster will add infinite flexibility to back-end coverage combos.

Erik’s take: By adding Delpit, the Lions can drop him at single-high, allowing Tracy Walker more time in his flex (JOKER) role, and shifting Will Harris into a more natural Tavon Wilson-like role.

Round 3, Pick, 67: K.J. Hill, slot WR, Ohio State

Draft Network’s Brad Kelly:

The veteran wideout has a skillset that is predicated on fluidity, able to snap off his route or accelerate through breaks with ease. There’s a reason he’s gotten open so much in his collegiate career, part of which is his understanding of voids and space in defenses.

Hill works the best out of the slot, but has the size and skillset to suggest he can survive outside in the NFL. With his career production, athleticism and talent, he’s a legitimate top-100 draft pick even in the loaded 2020 receiver class.

Erik’s take: The Lions will need to find a starter capable of winning from the slot and Hill brings them everything they are looking for.

Round 4, Pick 106: Damien Lewis, G, LSU

Crabbs player summary:

Damien Lewis projects as a scheme specific starter at the pro level. Lewis doesn’t have a lot of dynamic range and won’t be appealing to zone heavy rushing offenses and even in gap/power schemes he has some limitations that will temper his upside in the lineup. Lewis has enough foot speed, recovery ability and power to execute at an operational level as a starter and he’s at his best when he’s able to combo or block down in the run game. Tight quarters guard.

Erik’s take: Crabbs write-up suggests Lewis may not fit the Lions scheme, but I believe Lewis would challenge at right guard in Spring practices and by the end of training camp, he could end up as the Lions Day 1 starter.

Round 5, Pick 149: Raequan Williams, IDL, Michigan State

Draft Network’s Ben Sloak:

A longer player with great quickness who knows how to slant into gaps and win at the snap. Regularly the first player off the ball, Williams must fix his pad level to become a more effective player, but when he lands his hands inside his opponent, he can displace them frequently, working to a half-man to force the quarterback off his set point.

Erik’s take: Williams is a player the Lions have been scouting for several years now and can take over the previous role occupied by A’Shawn Robinson as a rotational interior defender.

Round 5, Pick 173: AJ Dillon, RB, Boston College

Crabbs player summary:

AJ Dillon projects best as a gap/power rusher at the NFL level. Dillon is at his best as a deep set back who can collect momentum working into the POA and carry his burst through the hole. Asking him to slow play, press the line and read/accelerate out of a cut takes away many of his appealing qualities. In a perfect world, Dillon is a short yardage specialist and/or early down back who can churn out tough yards and keep the offense on schedule with the sticks.

Erik’s take: For the first time this season, we had a vote that landed in a tie. Both AJ Dillon and Nebraska corner Lamar Jackson earned 35.6-percent of the vote and I broke the tiebreaker based on overall talent and year-one impact on the roster.

Round 6, Pick 182: Willie Gay Jr, LB, Mississippi State

Gay’s profile isn’t available yet at Draft Network yet, but he is highly-graded by Pro Football Focus:

Gay is one of the most confounding evaluations at the linebacker position in this class. His movement skills are top-notch for the position. He’ll likely run in at least the 4.5s — if not faster — and gains depth with ease in coverage.

After reeling in a pick-six on his very first drive of the season against Kentucky, Gay was subsequently suspended for undisclosed reasons after the game. The off-field vetting for Gay during the draft process may very well be as important as the on-field.

Erik’s take: Gay’s off-the-field situation may take him off the Lions draft board, but if they can overlook it, he would offer value late on Day 3 of the draft. Personally, I believe the front runner at this pick is likely Texas A&M punter Braden Mann.

Boston College RB AJ Dillon declares for 2020 NFL draft

Boston College running back AJ Dillon is leaving school early for the 2020 NFL draft

Boston College running back A.J. Dillon has declared for the 2020 NFL draft.

The prolific rusher announced his decision through Twitter on Tuesday.

Dillon never rushed for less than 1,108 yards in a single season throughout his three years in Chestnut Hill. His collegiate totals of 4,618 yards from scrimmage and 40 touchdowns in three years are truly astounding. His performance saw him named to the preseason Doak Walker, Maxwell Award and Walter Camp watch lists.

“To my coaches, teammates, fans and the B.C. community, the last three years have been unbelievable,” Dillon said in his declaration video. “Junior year, being able to become Boston College’s rushing leader is something I’ll always cherish.”

His decision comes as no surprise, as he has been seen by many as one of the most feared running backs in all of college football for three years now. Dillon is built like a truck at 6-foot-0, 250-pounds and he runs like it. He looks to hand out punishment on every touch of the football.

Dillon’s physicality and proven production should land him a solid role at the next level.

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