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RBs to note (Draft Prospects)

davos

By davos,
in Carolina Panthers

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davos Grand Master

davos

Posted
Posted

Let's talk RBs.  

Barkley, Guice, and  the UGA boys are being heavily advertised but this is a nice overall RB class; there's some really good prospects beyond that top echelon.  would have course love Guice or Chubb but let's look a little further.  I think it's likely we'll come out of this draft with a new RB if we're focused on getting more playmakers on offense.

The guys that catch my interest beyond the top tier:

John Kelly - Tennessee - RB - 5'9 205 

Quote

Watch one minute of a John Kelly cut-up and you will quickly understand why he was a fan favorite during his time at Tennessee. Kelly’s effort and toughness will never be questioned. His power, agility and burst make him a nightmare to bring down in the open field.

Kelly never reached his full potential during his time at Tennessee. The former three star recruit was initially buried behind Jalen Hurd and Alvin Kamara on the depth chart. He got his break when Hurd opted to leave the program in 2016.

To be frank, Tennessee got an upgrade subbing in Kelly and Kamara for Hurd. Kelly’s talent was obvious from the get-go. He just ran with a different style and attitude. The guy just ran angry all the time.

Kelly’s best trait is his ability to maximize runs, squeezing out every ounce of yardage possible. His never-ending leg churn helps him continue to go forward through contact.

I like Kelly.  There's nothing that is out of this world with his game but he comes across as a tough runner who gets the job done.  Just seems balanced, a decent cutter, and is not shy of contact.  He could be a really strong pick for us.  

Nice scouting report (per blurb quoted above): https://www.rockytoptalk.com/2018/2/11/17001604/2018-nfl-draft-tennessee-running-back-john-kelly-scouting-report

 

Roc Thomas RB Jacksonville State 5'11 193

I'm learning about this kid and I'm liking what I've been finding.

Quote

STRENGTHS:

  • A natural athlete in space. Runs with a good flow and fluidity, showcasing a nasty jump cut ability that can often make defenders look foolish.
  • Tremendous vision. Can see the holes develop and making a snap-quick decision on where they’ll be when he hits the contact point.
  • Good speed and acceleration. Consistently able to fit through the small creases before they’re closed to reach the second level.
  • Demonstrates solid pass catching ability. Doesn’t let the ball into his body, using proper hand technique. No bobbling on most of his receptions.

Creative offensive coordinators are going to love Thomas. He didn’t catch a lot of passes in college but he tended to do big things when he did. This screen pass demonstrates that promise. He catches the pass solidly with his hands and doesn’t hesitate to turn it upfield. He weaves through the traffic, showing vision in following the blocks and then when there’s nowhere to go he becomes an athlete with an excellent spin move to shake a tackle.

  • Stronger than he gets credit for. He’s not a power runner but he has shown the lower body strength to carry defenders for extra yardage.
  • Got a lot of bang for his buck at JSU with 1,000 yards and 13 touchdowns on just 178 rushing attempts in 12 games.
  • Highly proficient in the run-pass option style offense. Does a lot of his damage running out of the shotgun formation, increasing his value.
  • Has that never-die-easy running style that coaches are going to love. Makes the defenders earn it before going to the ground.

WEAKNESSES:

  • Might need to pack on a couple pounds. His body would be considered somewhat on the thinner side at the NFL level. His injury issues offer evidence of this.
  • Failed to make headway in a crowded backfield at Auburn so he transferred out. Unproven at this stage against the top level competition.
  • Didn’t have to work too hard for a lot of his production. Got good blocking from his offensive line most of the past season.
  • Not a true home run hitter. He can pop the long run from time to time but he won’t be the guy that houses it against NFL defenses.

 

Mark Walton RB Miami 5'10 188

Walton jumps out because he's a little but more on the home run side of things but plays with a certain authority.  He's also a very strong pass-blocker which we always seem to have a soft spot for.  He does have a tendency to just run to the sidelines to beat guys but he has had flashes of running through the line well.  He could be a decent grab as a 5th/6th rounder.  

Write-up: https://withthefirstpick.com/2018/02/26/2018-nfl-draft-mark-walton-scouting-report/

 

 

So this is a start.  I wanted to highlight some guys that look like interesting fits and may add on.  Feel free to share who you've got as your faves in the mid to late rounds. Just sniffing around this class at the moment.  

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t96 Grand Master

t96

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13 minutes ago, davos said:

This is some next level Ron Mexico

well it makes sense kind of but doesn't apply to what you were trying to say. I would've done something, shouldn't be would  of done something but would have done something so that's why. But I would, of course, have done something gets edited even though it shouldn't. If someone wants to look stupid by writing would  of instead of would've or would have then it shouldn't keep them from doing so...

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davos Grand Master

davos

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11 minutes ago, thomas96 said:

well it makes sense kind of but doesn't apply to what you were trying to say. I would've done something, shouldn't be would  of done something but would have done something so that's why. But I would, of course, have done something gets edited even though it shouldn't. If someone wants to look stupid by writing would  of instead of would've or would have then it shouldn't keep them from doing so...

okie dokie....

back to RBs...

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