Other Positions: QB | RB | WR | TE | DT | Edge | LB | CB | SAF
Leading up to the NFL Combine week, I go through 20-30 minutes of scouting preview work on each prospect set to attend -- I watch a couple game tapes and look over some of their career performance data, etc., and then I give each prospect a pre-event scouting grade for the NFL based on that brief look. For some attendees, I've spent an extended scouting time on them already from preview scouting them and then observing them at the Senior Bowl week.
After we get all the official Combine measurables and times, etc., I will complete a post-Combine grade for all attendees and then start to run our scouting analytics (from statistical grading) on those who did all the workouts at the Combine, for the others we have to wait for their Pro Day data.
The Combine (and Pro Days) are key data points to know which prospects to study deeper and file full scouting reports on pre-and-post Draft. Our computer scouting models will give analytic grades on approx. 100 RB prospects for this draft (and, ultimately, we'll run grades on approx. 600+ overall prospects for this draft).
This pre-and-post Combine preview is a very brief look for me, as a scout, to continue to build my database and scouting notes for the weeks and months ahead, and to then focus in on certain prospects that are jumping at me from the early preview. The Combine previews are a first, sometimes second or third look (for me) at a prospect attending -- but my impressions/grading can and will change as we go through the year-long process of scouting these guys right up through the NFL preseason.
After a January-February preview study, here are my impressions, grades, and ranking of each position going into the 2023 NFL Combine (except O-Line, we'll look at OLs after the Combine).
The Running Backs…
RB Tyjae Spears, Tulane (pre-Combine grade: A-/B+)
(Post-SB Grade: A-/B+, Pre-SB Grade: C-/D+)
5'10”/204
Projected 40-time: 4.45+
Projected 3-Cone: 6.8 +/-
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 150
Post-SB comments:
Spears is the biggest 'riser' from our pre-event grade to post-event grade.
You can read below, I noted he might be the most talented back here…but his size would hold him back for NFL grading/projections. He was listed at 5'10”/190 in college but weighed in at the Senior Bowl at 204-pounds with 10” hands. If I had known that I would have made him my top RB prospect going in -- but that's what the Senior Bowl/early scouting process is all about…discovery and adjustments on the fresh data. He's the top RB prospect here, now, for us…that's for sure.
Spears is Austin Ekeler-like…maybe not as strong (but strong), but he's got stunning agility and cutback ability. I'm all about this for Dynasty Rookie Drafts in 2023. So, will a lot of people…Spears didn't fly below the radar, all the 'smarts' in the FF community will be on to this. But, in the end, they'll only get as excited as his draft rankings let them -- I'm willing to shove a lot of chips in the middle, based on what I saw this week.
His comp is more Austin Ekeler hope than Tevin Coleman (my initial preview reaction).
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Pre-SB comments:
A really nifty, highly productive smaller speed back…great for college football (1,800+ total yards and 21 TDs in 14 games in 2022) but likely too small for a lead role. But as a 4-8 carries, 3-5 targets a game weapon back, he might have something there.
Spears might be the best pure RB talent at the 2023 Senior Bowl (vision, toughness, speed, elusiveness), but his size is going to hurt his draft stock and he'll be overlooked in the draft and likely pushed to being a return man in the pros, hoping to get a break for some touches if injury above him on the depth chart opens up the chance. He'll not likely be an on-purpose NFL RB…but he might wiggle his way to a career over time because he's got skills.
NFL Comp? Smaller Tevin Coleman, or better Salvon Ahmed
Highlight video = https://youtu.be/rmgnCIclV9U
RB Zach Charbonnet, UCLA (pre-Combine grade: B/B+)
2022: 195-1,359-14 rush, 37-321-0 rec. (10g)
6'1”/220
Projected 40-time: 4.55+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.0+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 100
Pre-Combine Comments:
A very solid downhill runner prospect. Has the size, the interior running sense, and sweet feet for evading/shifting away from tacklers in short space. Charbonnet has a really nice sense for running in the interior. He's not like Bijan Robinson, who also is decent running the interior but too often tries to dance all over and tries to cut inside runs to the outside and is slowing himself down trying to do so, and Bijan will get halted doing it in the pros because he's not fast enough to pull that off. Charbonnet takes what he is given but will make micro-moves to evade a tackle attempt and keep on rolling.
My fear is Charbonnet's speed is more 4.6+ than 4.5s. If he runs 'fast' in the 10-20-40 yard dashes, then he might be a solid 'B' if he's in the 4.6s then he's headed more towards a 'C'. With a good Combine, Charbonnet could walk away as our top RB prospect post-Combine…heading into our deeper studies.
NFL Comp? = Trying to be 'just like' Tyler Allgeier…a quicker, less bully Allgeier.
Video highlight package: https://youtu.be/z6lxEyKJV40
RB Tavion Thomas, Utah (pre-Combine grade: B-/C+)
2022: 142-687-7 rush, 6-43-0 rec. (10g)
6'1”/247
Projected 40-time: 4.6+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.0+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 200
Pre-Combine Comments:
The kind of RB NFL coaches dream about at night…big-bodied slammer RBs. The kind that punishes opposing tacklers for daring to try to make the tackle. He's 235-245 pounds depending upon the time of the season. He weighed in at 247 at the East-West Shrine game.
If he's 240+ at the NFL Combine and then runs below a 4.7…watch out. He is a classic bully RB…we just need to see the real speed/agility to go with. He also has the opportunity to cut weight to like 230 or so and be much faster, but still big.
NFL Comp? = Not as shifty version of LeGarrette Blount? Dream scenario: Le'Veon Bell before his weight loss (post-Combine), without the same high-end ability in the pass game as Le'Veon?
Video highlight package: https://youtu.be/BsfPG2h3ex0
RB Roschon Johnson, Texas (pre-Combine grade: B-/C+)
(Post-SB Grade: C+/C, Pre-SB Grade: C+…with nice upside)
6'2”/223
Projected 40-time: 4.55+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.0 +/-
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 150
Pre-Combine comments:
Just completed a full scouting study and report as I got to this section of the Combine previews. See that report on FFM.
Could be the single best RB prospect in this class when it is all said and done -- but we haven't seen him be a true lead RB for any extended period of time, so it's hard to push him ahead of all the more proven guys here.
Roschon is a very interesting/intriguing RB prospect that is hidden from view for various reasons. I think he is all around as good/better than his college teammate Bijan Robinson.
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Post-SB comments:
Johnson can't catch a break…stuck behind Bijan Robinson at Texas, in the shadows…and then after some impressive moments on day one of practice week, he caught a 'break', but not in a good way -- broke his hand and missed the rest of the event.
There's something to Johnson…that size and movement skills with solid receiving skills. I wish we got to see more of it at Texas…and in Mobile.
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Pre-SB comments:
Boy, if this guy played anywhere else he might have a lot more draft heat on him…but he was a second fiddle to Bijan Robinson.
Johnson is a load at 6'2”/223. He almost plays like a fullback…was kinda for Texas, but when he got the ball, he showed surprising speed and agility, and can really catch the ball out of the backfield. The NFL might try to make him a fullback or an H-back and/or a small move TE…or a legit RB. Whatever he plays, he is a legit football player with skills.
NFL Comp? Smaller A.J. Dillon?
A quick one-play taste of Roschon: https://youtu.be/Mnqag8u1_6o
RB Bijan Robinson, Texas (pre-Combine grade: B-/C+)
2022: 258-1,580-18 rush., 19-314-2 rec. (12g)
6'0”/215
Projected 40-time: 4.4+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.0+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 40
Pre-Combine Comments:
Full scouting report filed on FFM.
Short version: Not as good as they are making him out to be. Some think he's a top 10 pick type back. I think he's a little better than David Montgomery type back…solid/fine/useful but not an elite…not the best RB in the draft class.
NFL Comp? = A better David Montgomery, a smaller Najee Harris.
RB Chris Rodriquez, Kentucky (pre-Combine grade: B/C)
(Post-SB Grade: B/C, Pre-SB Grade: B/C)
2022: 175-904(5.2)-6, 5-41-0 (8g)
5'11”/224
Projected 40-time: 4.55+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.0 +/-
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 175
Post-SB comments:
This went the way I thought it might… The Senior Bowl practices are not designed to help power RBs show their wares. There's no-contact all week, so what's a banger like Rodriguez supposed to do to shine?
However, when it came to the game itself…then Rodriguez could show off his higher end skill -- his pure/raw strength. He just bullies people…he runs NFL-style -- between the tackles and takes what he's give, not always dancing around trying to evade everything. He also showed that he has competent hands in the passing game.
Rodriquez doesn't seem like an elite prospect…but could be really good in the right fit offense that wants a banger and has a good O-Line to help him.
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Pre-SB comments:
There are moments when you watch Rodriguez, and you'd swear that he's a star power back for the NFL. Other times you watch him, and he looks a little slow to be a great lead back in the NFL…more part of a duo backfield, perhaps.
Rodriquez has a lot of scouting positives…he might be the toughest power back coming out this draft season…he runs over and through a lot of tackles, he makes yards where they are not. He's not going to hit homeruns, but he is going to hammer away with body blows and he has good+ vision and some elusiveness to make plays over and over. Very productive in college…30 TDs in his last 30 games.
He also has some issues: suspended four games in 2022 season…dealing with a DUI and a situation where he and other players got caught working a job where they were on the time clock but weren't there physically.
Rodriguez is a bit of an enigma but also of interest as a power runner in the NFL.
NFL Comp: Jamaal Williams…maybe a bit better/faster Jamaal Williams.
Quick highlight video: https://youtu.be/dyr5ME72rBE
RB Sean Tucker, Syracuse (pre-Combine grade: B-/C+)
2022: 206-1,060-11 rush, 36-254-2 rec. (12g)
5'10”/210
Projected 40-time: 4.45+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.0+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 100
Pre-Combine Comments:
A very solid, capable RB. Not a ton of 'frills', just knows what he's doing -- reads holes well, has NFL speed/agility, has solid hands. He's good. I don't think 'great' is on the table, but he's good…and he'll be as good as his blockers assist him to be.
NFL Comp? = Elijah Mitchell
RB Hunter Luepke, North Dakota State (pre-Combine grade: C+)
2022: 98-621-9 rush, 14-196-4 rec. (11g)
6'0”/230
Projected 40-time: 4.45+
Projected 3-Cone: 6.9+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 250
Pre-Combine Comments:
LIP-kee
Could be, should be a 'B'…and might be after the Combine, but I know the NFL will see him as a fullback and pigeonhole him there, when he really can run the ball well with power and speed, and he is a terrific receiver. He'll deserve better but could/will be forced to FB…hopefully for the 49ers. This preview surprised me…he's really very promising.
NFL Comp? = Kyle Juszczyk, Tom Rathman at FB…with Peyton Hillis or Toby Gerhart RB upside
See which position you think he should be in the NFL: https://youtu.be/Fy5hTiEnZCU
RB Israel Abanikanda, Pittsburgh (pre-Combine grade: C+)
2022: 239-1,431-20 rush, 12-146-1 rec. (11g)
5'11”/215
Projected 40-time: 4.45+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.0+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 125
Pre-Combine Comments:
Looks like a discount brand Alvin Kamara. A slithery interior runner. Wiry strong frame. Has NFL speed. Decent size. Solid in the passing game. He looked solid on tape. Potential NFL starter. Grade could rise with an impressive NFL Combine.
Quiet career until a breakout 2022…a very impressive output 2022.
NFL Comp? = It's discount Alvin Kamara.
RB Deuce Vaughn, Kansas State (pre-Combine grade: C+)
2022: 293-1,558-9 rush, 42-378-3 rec. (14g)
5'7”/175
Projected 40-time: 4.45+
Projected 3-Cone: 6.8+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 100
Pre-Combine Comments:
Another one of these smaller, muscular, shifty RBs who were their college team's main ball carrier…but you then have to question/evaluate whether they will be accepted into the NFL as such…or put in a box of 'satellite back' and 'return game'.
Vaughn has been very good for two straight seasons. He's been durable, tough, elusive…overall competent, a college star.
I think he can work in the NFL…it might take a year or two before he breaks through the glass ceiling. There has been no RB that's under 5'9” and under 190 pounds that has been given a chance to be a lead back. Tarik Cohen, J.J. Taylor, and Demetric Felton are examples of talented guys that fit in that physical 'box'…and they've never been given a featured role.
The bigger/thicker Vaughn can be at the NFL Combine, the more his chances increase to being a pioneer, of sorts.
NFL Comp? = Smaller Austin Ekeler, but not as athletic.
RB Jahmyr Gibbs, Alabama (pre-Combine grade: C+)
2022: 151-926-7 rush., 44-444-3 rec. (12g)
5'11”/200
Projected 40-time: 4.45+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.0 +/-
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 50
Pre-Combine Comments:
Gibbs is solid/OK, but his move to higher profile Alabama (from Ga Tech) in 2022 has him rated way above where he should be. If he never went to Alabama, if he had stayed at Ga Tech, he'd be a top 150-250 prospect that people wouldn't care that much about. But he transferred to Alabama, ran behind top notch blockers, and put up a mediocre season with a lot of catches -- and now he's some kind of god. It's the 'Alabama' hype inflation here. He's not even that great of a receiver.
NFL Comp? = Lesser Dalvin Cook maybe.
RB Kenny McIntosh, Georgia (pre-Combine grade: C)
(Post-SB Grade: C, Pre-SB Grade: B)
2022: 149-829(5.6)-10 rush, 43-505-2 rec. (15g)
6'1”/210
Projected 40-time: 4.45+
Projected 3-Cone: 6.9 +/-
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 100
Post-SB comments:
McIntosh did not help himself at all this week. Not that he did anything 'bad', per se, it's just that a few of the other backs really impressed and rose up to probably surpass him come draft day.
McIntosh didn't really flash and great speed/quickness here. He looked 'average', 'capable'. His game tape looks much better than his Senior Bowl week.
I thought he might be better than former teammate James Cook, and his receiving game hands are…but everything else may be a little 'lesser'.
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Pre-SB comments:
I'm a fan. A solid runner of the ball but a really good receiver…I mean, really good. Very graceful in the passing game…almost like a WR at RB. He's a better receiver out of the backfield than James Cook was at Georgia but Cook looks like the better athlete/speedster.
McIntosh will stand out at the Senior Bowl practice week because he is so good in the passing game…there's not any drills for RBs to show their wares as a runner, but they can show out in the passing game (like Demetric Felton, among others in past years).
McIntosh shared the backfield at Georgia, as is their norm…so his numbers aren't amazing -- but he's better than his numbers.
NFL Comp?: Smaller, not-a-lead-runner version of Rachaad White. Better receiver than James Cook, but lesser of a runner, maybe…maybe James Cook-like with better hands.
Quick Highlight Tape: https://youtu.be/8dmG9ZCWU94
RB Chase Brown, Illinois (pre-Combine grade: C)
(Post-SB Grade: C-, Pre-SB Grade: D/D+)
2022: 328-1,643(5.0)-10 rush, 27-240-3 rec. (12g)
5'9”/215
Projected 40-time: 4.50+
Projected 3-Cone: 6.95 +/-
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 200
Post-SB comments:
He helped himself this past week by being a hard worker…coaches and TV analysts like him a lot because he's such a dedicated worker. As far as what I saw on the field -- I didn't think he stood out besides being 'competent' as like a pass game back and emergency fill-in who will 'give his left arm' for the team.
Came in 15 pounds thicker than expected. He might wanna shave 5-10 pounds off to run at the Combine, and he might light his draft stock up even more. He's getting a Michael Carter type push…but I don't think he's as quick/nimble as Carter, but we'll see at the Combine.
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Pre-SB comments:
Was a quiet/solid RB for Illinois for three seasons, then broke out in 2022 with 1,600+ yards rushing, and nearly 1,900 total yards with 13 total TDs. He looks like a possible Austin Ekeler type back at a glance. He's really good 0-10 yards working his way through traffic and evading tackles, but he doesn't have great long speed from there.
He's a try-hard scrapper who could have a role as a satellite back if his Combine is good enough. He doesn't have the body or style of a lead back in the NFL…nor the athleticism of a homerun hitter weapon. He's just 'solid' enough/useful in my first viewings of his work and looking at his performance data.
NFL Comp: A physically stronger Jaylen Warren hopeful.
RB Eric Gray, Oklahoma (pre-Combine grade: C/C-)
(Post-SB Grade: C/C-, Pre-SB Grade: C+)
2022: 213-1,366(6.4)-11 rush, 33-229-0 rec. (12g)
5'9”/210
Projected 40-time: 4.55+
Projected 3-Cone: 6.85+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 175
Post-SB comments:
Didn't do anything good/bad to really sway scouts. He was fine/as expected. The problem for him is that the other smaller guys like Tyjae Spears and Chase Brown came in bigger (weight) than expected and they also took more command of the practice week, and Gray kinda blended in quietly.
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Pre-SB comments:
Very unique RB prospect…short but thick, decent speed by excellent cut-ability/agility. Good hands in the passing game -- he's going to be overlooked somewhat in the draft but is the kinda guy you want to build a duo-trio cheap backfield with.
NFL Comp? = Small Dameon Pierce.
Highlight video: https://youtu.be/L4wyXcmnwNE
RB DeWayne McBride, UAB (pre-Combine grade: C-/D+)
2022: 233-1,713-19 rush, 2-10-0 rec. (12g)
5'11”/215
Projected 40-time: 4.5+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.1+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 100
Pre-Combine Comments:
I was expecting something interesting here…some people talking about him as the sleeper 'best' of the 2023 RB class. I don't see it. He's fine/solid but nothing special. He needs to be in a system as strictly a one-cut runner. He's wiry strong…he has really good balance and acceptable NFL speed, but he's not a pure power runner or speed blazer by everyone. He's just a solid, competent RB.
The counter argument is -- he's so damn productive, over his college career, that I might be 'missing it'. I'll likely do an extended scouting report on him after the NFL Combine.
NFL Comp? = A better DeeJay Dallas. Zonovan Knight?
RB Mohamed Ibrahim, Minnesota (pre-Combine grade: C-/D+)
2022: 320-1,665-20 rush, 7-50-0 rec. (12g)
5'9”/210
Projected 40-time: 4.55
Projected 3-Cone: 7.0+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 200
Pre-Combine Comments:
Scrappy runner that gets a Combine invite on volume…867 career carries. Impressive, but also going to be a fear for some on how worn down he is. Ibrahim is not a star, just competent. Tough runner, decent enough hands, enough NFL speed. Useful, not a star talent.
Injured 2021, missed most of the season. Returned back fine in 2022.
NFL Comp? = Somewhere around Jaylen Warren and Devonta Freeman
RB Tiyon Evans, Louisville (pre-Combine grade: C-/D+)
2022: 83-525-6 rush, 6-13-0 rec. (8g)
5'11”/210
Projected 40-time: 4.45+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.0+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 150
Pre-Combine Comments:
A lot of juice in his legs…great acceleration after taking the hand-off. Not a bad receiver but didn't get many opportunities. Transfer from Tennessee. Never made it big at either college…looked like he was gonna be a star, but then would get hurt and miss games and never be a consistent performer. Has talent…lacks consistency. A sleeper, if he can get it together.
NFL Comp? = Jerome Ford, Cam Akers
RB Keaton Mitchell, East Carolina (pre-Combine grade: D+)
2022: 201-1,452-14 rush, 27-252-1 rec. (12g)
5'9”/188
Projected 40-time: 4.4+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.0+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 150
Pre-Combine Comments:
Small satellite back. Has good speed/acceleration (possible 4.3s runner) but is such a diminutive RB that he's going to have a tough time finding real NFL RB work. Not a frontline/main ballcarrier for the NFL but could do OK in an emergency. Can work in small doses or out in space.
NFL Comp? = Demetric Felton
RB SaRodorick Thompson, Texas Tech (pre-Combine grade: D+)
(Post-SB Grade: D+, Pre-SB Grade: n/a)
6'0”/213
Projected 40-time: 4.5+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.1 +/-
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 400
Post-SB comments:
Thompson was a late add to the roster. I thought Thompson showed a little juice/energy/hope for the NFL. He has decent size and runs/plays bigger. Has decent speed with his size with good cutback ability…he has pretty good feet for a guy his size. Not a superstar prospect, likely a UDFA, but he could scrap his way to the NFL in an emergency situation. Good speed/agility times at the NFL Combine could get him into the 6th-7th-round of the draft. There's some hope here.
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Post-SB comments:
n/a
NFL Comp? A more athletic Jermar Jefferson.
RB Travis Dye, USC (pre-Combine grade: D+)
2022: 145-884-9 rush, 21-202-0 rec. 10g)
5'10”/200
Projected 40-time: 4.55+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.1+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 300
Pre-Combine comments:
A solid enough grinder…OK interior runner, tough with average speed. Good blocker, good hands. He's a useful prospect, not a star potential one.
NFL Comp? = Jonathan Ward
RB Zach Evans, Ole Miss (pre-Combine grade: D+)
2022: 144-936-9 rush, 12-119-1 rec. (12g)
5'11”/195
Projected 40-time: 4.5+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.1+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 100
Pre-Combine Comments:
I mean, he's fine. Nothing special. Could hang in the NFL if he got the chance as an emergency starter, etc. Just nothing special about him. His size and lack of short space speed puts him as a satellite type back, but not one you want to build plays around to get him the ball in space to see some magic happen. 'College good' is his peak, it seems to me.
NFL Comp? = Lesser Tevin Coleman
RB Camerun Peoples, Appalachian St. (pre-Combine grade: D+/D)
(Post-SB Grade: D+/D, Pre-SB Grade: C-/D+)
2022: 101-593(5.9)-5 rush, 6-43-0 rec. (11g)
6'2”/215
Projected 40-time: 4.5+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.0 +/-
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 200
Post-SB comments:
Didn't help himself here because he really struggled catching the ball during practice week…and then dropped his first two targets in the actual game. He's a one-dimensional power runner…a Ronald Jones hope at absolute best.
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Pre-SB comments:
A tall, raw, wiry but strong 220-pound RB. His size and unbridled running style can get you excited, but there's also inconsistency for 'feel' for the position and questions on his vision in crowded spaces. He's a more 'run you over' RB than shifty one, but he looks more like a shifty body-type. Barely used in their passing game but shows some promise with his long arms and bigger hands.
Peoples will stand out among the RB group because of his size, but we'll see if he shows out in the drills/practices to back that up.
NFL Comp: Has a little Latavius Murray possible…a slower, worse hands version.
RB Devon Achane, Texas A&M (pre-Combine grade: D+/D)
2022: 196-1,102-8 rush, 36-196-3 rec. (10g)
5'9”/190
Projected 40-time: 4.4+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.2+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 75
Pre-Combine Comments:
I don't get this one at all. How is Achane a top 100 prospect? He's kinda fast but not a blazer. He is a weak inside runner at his size…is brought down way too easy on interior runs. He can get some yards with an open hole and/or space to roll…but more in a 'college good' kinda way. Didn't show me much allure for the NFL. He'd be a mediocre satellite back at best. A kick returner most likely.
He's a top track & field type sprinter, but I didn't see super breakaway speed on the tape I watched.
NFL Comp? = A little faster Ronnie Rivers
RB Evan Hull, Northwestern (pre-Combine grade: D+/D)
(Post-SB Grade: D+, Pre-SB Grade: D-)
5'10”/214
Projected 40-time: 4.6+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.2 +/-
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 250
Post-SB comments:
Had a nice run as the starter in the Senior Bowl game. He has good vision. Runs hard/tough. Can catch the ball. He'll make a team as a backup/emergency option RB. He's capable. Reminds me a bit of less-athletic Toby Gerhart.
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Pre-SB comments:
Solid college player but not enough of an athlete for a big career in the NFL. He's a grinder RB who is too small for his lack of speed to make it in the NFL. 4.1 yards per carry as the lead back for Northwestern in 2022. Is a hard worker and can catch the ball (55 catches in 2022) but not enough juice after he gets the ball.
NFL Comp? Unathletic Zach Zenner
RB Tank Bigsby, Auburn (pre-Combine grade: D)
2022: 179-970-10 rush, 30-180-0 rec. (12g)
6'0”/208
Projected 40-time: 4.6+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.0+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 100
Pre-Combine Comments:
Nothing special here, for the second time I've preview-scouted him. Not overly big, not overly fast, not great in the passing game…he's a 'good' college RB but a weak NFL prospect RB.
NFL Comp? = Kylin Hill
RB Deneric Prince, Tulsa (pre-Combine grade: D/D-)
2022: 126-729-5 rush., 9-84-1 rec. (8g)
6'1”/214
Projected 40-time: 4.55+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.1+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 300
Pre-Combine Comments:
He's an OK college RB but didn't show me much for translating to the pros. He's a run straight guy and little used in the passing game. Not sure why he got an early invite to the Combine.
NFL Comp? = lesser Jeff Wilson
