Scouting Combine: Running Backs

David Wilson – Virginia Tech (5’10″ 206 lbs.).

The most impressive Sunday performer in the group of running back group was Va Tech RB David Wilson.  A smooth cutter in route running drills and made natural hand catches away from his body. He was both agile laterally and nimble. Couple a 4.49 time in the 40-yard dash with an explosive 41″ vertical jump and you have yourself a top to bottom great workout. A late 1st round talent who may have pushed himself up RB ratings after being the third best on my most recent list.

Lamar Miller – Miami (FL) (5’10″ 212 lbs.)

Ran the fastest 40-yard time of any running back, posting a 4.40 flat. A size + speed combo athlete with very, very notable acceleration and long-speed. Cuts nicely, but hesitates a bit when going through the hole. Overall workout was good. Carries his weight well and athleticism isn’t a problem. A 1st round talent, but projects to go in the early portion of round 2.

Ronnie Hillman – San Diego State (5’9″ 200 lbs.),

One of three players tied for the second fastest 40-yard dash time. He was smooth and displayed some good agility, but more importantly, showed that he has a second gear.

LaMichael James – Oregon (5’8″ 194 lbs.)

Moved good and ran routes pretty well. His hands were good and he’s bulked up his frame but was able to maintain solid speed and short-area burst.

Chris Rainey – Florida (5’8″ 180)

Continued to flash speed when running + cutting and never slowed down when making catches in the flats.

Tauren Poole – Tennessee (5’10″ 205 lbs.)

Displayed nice overall ability and has the look of a solid complimentary contributor. May not have overall explosive ability, but he has solid hands, quick feet, can turn pretty smoothly and he lowers his pad level when making cuts. Poole’s a nice later-mid round value.

Chris Polk – Washington (5’10″ 215 lbs.)

Didn’t flash too much in workouts but that wasn’t to be expected, in my opinion. Polk is more of a gamer, but he did keep a low pad level when hitting the simulated hole in drills and refrained from much hesitation in doing so. I liked his patience as well. A 2nd-3rd round value.

Doug Martin – Boise State  (5’9″ 223 lbs.),

Another riser, Martin looks to be a complete runner that’s capable of running in or outside the tackles. He flashed quality hands today and has quick-cut, route-running ability. For someone as physically thick and built as Martin, he’s not very stiff and can move well at his size. 2nd round projection.

Robert Turbin – Utah State (5’10″ 222 lbs.).

The most physically imposing runner and is built like a super-hero. He tied Doug Martin for the most bench press reps with 28  after having 2 taken off his total for improper lifts. He was stiff in route running and doesn’t have a true second gear, but did exhibit nice, natural hands while catching the ball away from his body. He could drop his shoulders a bit more when running through the hole, but he squares nicely and looks notably formidable between the tackles. He should land in 4th round range.

Isaiah Pead – Cincinnati (5’10″ 197 lbs.)

Is a smooth and athletic player. Makes good of open space when he gets it and keeps his feet moving well while playing at a a faster pace. When route running, he maintains speed through his stem and doesn’t slow down when locating and adjusting to the football. He has an indefinite second gear and burst. He’ll make a nice addition for a team seeking a pass catcher with some explosiveness in round 3, possibly late 2.

Bradie Ewing – Wisconsin  (6’0″ 239 lbs.)

Put up a mere 13 reps on the bench press and looked average overall athletically which includes his equally average body shape. That being said, he can play. A nice ball carrier with some sneaky athleticism as a route runner and makes some nice off-body catches. While I don’t see Peyton Hillis, I see a solid west-coast offense style fullback with some shades of John Kuhn.

Bernard Pierce -Temple (6’0″ 218 lbs.)

Looked compact and carried his size well. Nice short area quickness, stays low and squares up. I liked his quick feet and he translated it to his route running, where he appeared controlled and comfortable moving vertically & laterally. A nice receiver out of the backfield, he’s capable of being a screen-play RB in the passing game who can create with space.