2016 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Running Backs

by Cortez Grayson · April 26, 2016

Scouting Report: Running backs

Ezekiel Elliot

Height: 6’ 0”
Weight: 225
College: Ohio State
Class: Senior

Elliot is NFL ready and could be the first running back taken out of the draft. Had a great resume in college, was very consistent and averaged back to back 200-yard rushing games in the Big Ten Championship Game, Sugar Bowl, and National Championship game. Also has won offensive MVP honors in the final two games of this past season. In the 2014 season he rushed for 1,878 yards. That was a record at Ohio State which is second in school history, and he ran for a total of 18 touchdowns. Also at the NFL combine, he ran a 4.47 second 40yard dash. He needs to work on being a better receiver coming out of the backfield, but overall has no weaknesses.

Why he would fit with the Browns. Definitely has a better running ability than combined talents of Isaiah Crowell and Duke Johnson, and can make a huge impact as soon as possible. Very versatile, and has a great footwork and know how to hit the holes and explode through the gaps. Also runs with ease, and has a great balance, able to bounce off tackles and get extra yards.

Derrick Henry

Height: 6’ 3”
Weight: 247
College: Alabama
Class: Junior

Derrick is pretty much right where Elliot is. Henry is a more of powerful runner than Elliot. In college he was the Crimson Tide’s leading rusher and averaged 5.8 yards a carry in 2014. In the SEC, he really excelled and set a new record in rushing yards with 2,219 and a total of 28 touchdowns. Also, he won the 2015 Heisman Trophy. He has improved as a receiver and blocker, and rarely fumbles the ball. He had the size for the position but struggles to maintain his balance while running, and is sometimes inconsistent on some runs.

Why he would fit with the Browns. Could make a huge impact and score touchdowns in a hurry for the team, able to find holes and find an opening and get instant offense something the Browns need desperately.

Devontae Booker

Height: 5’ 11”
Weight: 219
College: Utah
Class: Senior

Booker is a bit short but that doesn’t matter, he has game and should get drafted. His best season by far was in 2014, where he rushed for 1,512 yards and 10 TD’s. With Utah, he averaged around 133.3 yards per game and was acknowledged by all of the Pac-12 coaches as the conference’s top running back. Has the ability to break tackles, knows when to run and makes great decisions. Booker can make unbelievable cuts and runs the ball with ease. Sometimes his speed lacks, and NFL defenders could easily tackle him in the backfield.

Why he would fit with the Browns: He could be someone the Browns can rely on for a big play and for a 3^rd down. Has decent ball control, and can be someone the quarterback can throw to for flat and screen plays.

Kenneth Dixon

Height: 5’ 10”
Weight: 215
College: Louisiana Tech
Class: Senior

Dixon is definitely an NFL prospect and has soon as he’s drafted he will help out an NFL team extremely. He is one of the best NCAA running backs in the game. He started playing the game when he was in high school, he was very talented and was a three-star recruit out of Strong High School in Arkansas. His senior year at Louisiana Tech was by far his best, he ran for 19 touchdowns, rushed for 1,070 and also recorded 467 yards and seven TD’s as a receiver. Dixon is very strong and can easily take hits, and he is able to maintain his balance and run quickly on the field. Overall a decent runner, but sometimes dances a lot and tries to go to east-west too much and doesn’t gain any yards. Also inconsistent at times, has had an ankle injury in the past.

Why he would fit with the Browns: The Browns need a running back that can take hits and can bounce off of them. Dixon is the perfect fit for them because he could be someone they could use for the tough runs up the middle. Also, he’s a good decision maker and would know what to do if the Browns need a big play.

Kenyan Drake

Height: 6’ 1”
Weight: 210
College: Alabama
Class: Senior

Drake is much smaller than Derrick Henry, who he played alongside with at Alabama. Drake has talent though and has talent and it ready for the NFL. At the combine, he ran a 4.45 second for the 40-yard dash. He has the resume at Alabama, and his best season by far was in 2013, where he rushed for 694 yards on 92 carries and was able to get in the end zone 8 times. Also, recorded 135 yards on 12 receptions. He is very talented and is one of the top SEC running backs, has good vision, and the ability to find the hole and create positive plays. Also, he is able to run really fast at any given time and likes to bounce to the outside for some of his runs. He has to stay injury free and take care of his body, has already suffered an arm and leg injury in college.

Why he would fit with the Browns. Definitely could be a huge upgrade, for the Browns, he has all the abilities the Browns need in a running back. He is very explosive and as soon as he inserted into the lineup he will make a huge impact.