The Chargers drafted running back Larry Rountree III with the thought of him serving as a key special teamer in his rookie season. But in the eyes of NFL evaluators, the team might have something more valuable.
The Athletic’s Bob McGinn spoke to a few scouts to get their thoughts on Rountree and one of them said that he is “one of the better backs that was not being talked about.”
Known for his physicality as a runner, Rountree was highly praised by another scout for it.
“He runs every play like it will be the last time he’ll ever touch the football,” the scout said. “He’s violent. I loved the kid. His passion, his drive, his maturity. If he can get it, and that’s for coaches to say, he’s talented enough as a player.”
From an athletic standpoint, Rountree isn’t going to knock your socks off but he still has a skillset that translates to production on the field.
“He doesn’t have top-end speed,” a scout said. “He’s got feet and balance. He’s really good in pass (protection) and blitz pickup. He attacks guys. Knocks ’em on their butt. Likes to play in close games. I just like everything about him.”
Rountree enters this summer in a competition with Justin Jackson, Joshua Kelley and Darius Bradwell for a roster spot.