Blogging The Boys
The Cowboys will have a lot of options at running back in the NFL Draft.
As we get closer to the draft and finding out who the Dallas Cowboys select at pick 12, let’s look at the top weapon and biggest weakness of the the top running backs in this year’s draft.
Best: Contact Balance
An important trait for any running back coming into the NFL is contact balance. The better a running back is at absorbing blows and bouncing off tackles the more punishing he can be and impose his will against the defense. Jeanty has elite levels of contact balance which is seen consistently on tape.
Worst: Snap Count
In three seasons playing at Boise State, Jeanty has racked up over 1,600 offensive snaps, that’s an insane amount. Running backs coming out college with a high snap count usually carry a high risk of injury or peak really early in their NFL careers. Saquon Barkley’s time in New York was very troublesome due to his injury history, he came out college having played over 1,900 offensive snaps.
Best: Downhill Running
Hampton has the best combination of strength, toughness and compact frame. This gives him an exceptional ability to gain extra yards after contact and makes him very difficult to tackle. His ability to break through arm tackles and gain tough yards sets him apart as the best physical, workhorse-style running back in this class. His ability to fall forward for those few extra yards after getting tackled makes him an incredible downhill runner.
Worst: Creativity
You’re not going to see Hampton as flashy or making the highlight reel by dancing between defenders and snapping ankles. All too often Hampton goes actively looking for contact on the field. This can end impactful runs early or sees him getting wrapped up by defenders coming in from the side.
Best: Burst
Henderson is a guy who can hit a home run at any moment. As soon as he gets that ball he’s off the mark and hits the hole quickly. This puts defenders immediately on the back foot and constantly trying to play catchup. He has rare burst and acceleration, allowing him to hit top speed quickly and break off long runs.
Worst: Vision
His great burst and speed comes at the cost of him misreading blocks or getting into the wrong running lane, which immediately kills the play. Instead of taking what the defense gives him, he’s always looking for the big play and gets bottled up as a result.
Best: Patience
Judkins has an exceptional ability to read blocks, wait for the right hole to open, and then burst through with power. His ability to set up defenders and make sharp cuts allows him to consistently gain yardage, even in tight spaces. His contact balance is very good as well.
Worst: Long Speed
While Judkins has...
