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.