On today's episode of Ticket of the Draft podcast, we've got the top ten running backs. Well it's more like twelve thirteen, fourteen, because this running back class is super deep. We talk who's got the juice that speed those forties, those explosive runs, and who's got the power to run you over and who's got both? And we've got Omar and Hampton and Ash and gent Who's the real number one? Is it closer than people think? It all starts right now. Welcome in the Ticke of the Draft podcast. I'm Logan Paulson here with just the guy, Jason and Jason. It's so fun to be back in the seat talking more prospects. Man, how you doing.

On today's episode of Ticket of the Draft podcast, we've got the top ten running backs. Well it's more like twelve thirteen, fourteen, because this running back class is super deep. We talk who's got the juice that speed those forties, those explosive runs, and who's got the power to run you over and who's got both? And we've got Omar and Hampton and Ash and gent Who's the real number one? Is it closer than people think? It all starts right now. Welcome in the Ticke of the Draft podcast. I'm Logan Paulson here with just the guy, Jason and Jason. It's so fun to be back in the seat talking more prospects. Man, how you doing.

I'm doing great, especially because it's running back and running back like wide receiver like quarterback.

I'm doing great, especially because it's running back and running back like wide receiver like quarterback.

They're just fun to watch, right.

They're just fun to watch, right.

These are the these are the guys that have the crazy juke moves. They're bigger and runs. They're big and run super fast. Some of them are smaller and can run people over. It's just you get the contrasts and body types with what you expect and what they can and can't do.

These are the these are the guys that have the crazy juke moves. They're bigger and runs. They're big and run super fast. Some of them are smaller and can run people over. It's just you get the contrasts and body types with what you expect and what they can and can't do.

And it's a deep class.

And it's a deep class.

I think it is a deep class. It was. It was interesting though, like this is something I didn't talk to you about, but like it's so it's always a good reminder this class is deep and there will be starters in this class, a lot of starters and guys like rotational guys for sure, But I'm always reminded like they are Like running back, college running back is so different than NFL running back right now, so tell me about it. Yeah, So I think one of the things is there's only a couple of running backs that run in like pro style systems. It's all these kind of gun runs, like where there's a lot of space, light boxes. You got to make one guy miss, there's a ton of space. Because one of the things I've I evaluate in my process is like how well the running back does with like a bad look or a muddy look at the line of scrimmage, Like can you be creative and find those tight creases those tight gaps. And there's a couple guys on here that I downgraded actually because I felt like they couldn't do that. But it's just so hard to find clips of the mexicanting that at a high level, you know, And so I think that's something that's so different. So you're like, it feels like, you know, when you watch defensive end, when you watch an offensive linemen, when you watch receivers, you see transferable stuff like all the time. And with running backs. Yeah, it's great when you see someone hit a home run and it's mag exposive run, and obviously that's transferable because they're fast or explosive whatever it is. But it's the it's the nuance of the position, like the thing that separates b John Robinson from just another guy, or the thing that separates Derrick Henry from just another position. And why you know why Derek Henry is a good example actually why Derek Henry struggled early in his career because he had he had a hard time maximizing bad looks. And that's something that I think really takes a good running back and makes them great. And so I like to see an element of that when watching film. M'ch just hard to find because all these spread looks, all these light boxes, they don't get them as much.

I think it is a deep class. It was. It was interesting though, like this is something I didn't talk to you about, but like it's so it's always a good reminder this class is deep and there will be starters in this class, a lot of starters and guys like rotational guys for sure, But I'm always reminded like they are Like running back, college running back is so different than NFL running back right now, so tell me about it. Yeah, So I think one of the things is there's only a couple of running backs that run in like pro style systems. It's all these kind of gun runs, like where there's a lot of space, light boxes. You got to make one guy miss, there's a ton of space. Because one of the things I've I evaluate in my process is like how well the running back does with like a bad look or a muddy look at the line of scrimmage, Like can you be creative and find those tight creases those tight gaps. And there's a couple guys on here that I downgraded actually because I felt like they couldn't do that. But it's just so hard to find clips of the mexicanting that at a high level, you know, And so I think that's something that's so different. So you're like, it feels like, you know, when you watch defensive end, when you watch an offensive linemen, when you watch receivers, you see transferable stuff like all the time. And with running backs. Yeah, it's great when you see someone hit a home run and it's mag exposive run, and obviously that's transferable because they're fast or explosive whatever it is. But it's the it's the nuance of the position, like the thing that separates b John Robinson from just another guy, or the thing that separates Derrick Henry from just another position. And why you know why Derek Henry is a good example actually why Derek Henry struggled early in his career because he had he had a hard time maximizing bad looks. And that's something that I think really takes a good running back and makes them great. And so I like to see an element of that when watching film. M'ch just hard to find because all these spread looks, all these light boxes, they don't get them as much.

Yeah, absolutely, I actually want to dive into some terms because you threw a couple of them in there. But yeah, when evaluating a running back, one of the other things that I would say that like is hard to do because if you go look at a highlight tape where you just watch running plays, like a cutup of running plays, you're not really going to see how they do with in past block, which is really important past shanda, Right, So one of the things I would suggest if somebody is watching this is go on YouTube and finally cut up of all the passing plays from a game of theirs and see what they do, like are they getting physical or not? So like, those are the type of things, like you said, being in muddy situations, what do you do? And are you going to be in past protection because in the NFL, you're not going to be a starting running back, certainly not a three down back if you're not doing that.

Yeah, absolutely, I actually want to dive into some terms because you threw a couple of them in there. But yeah, when evaluating a running back, one of the other things that I would say that like is hard to do because if you go look at a highlight tape where you just watch running plays, like a cutup of running plays, you're not really going to see how they do with in past block, which is really important past shanda, Right, So one of the things I would suggest if somebody is watching this is go on YouTube and finally cut up of all the passing plays from a game of theirs and see what they do, like are they getting physical or not? So like, those are the type of things, like you said, being in muddy situations, what do you do? And are you going to be in past protection because in the NFL, you're not going to be a starting running back, certainly not a three down back if you're not doing that.

And it's funny because a lot of these guys project to that third that third down back type role. But then again, like you, then you watch them pastor and you're like, oh, this isn't exactly what I was hoping for here. You're like, you know, they're they're shifty, they're small, they're athletic, or even some of the bigger guys, right who can catch the football out of the backfield. We'll talk about some of them in a minute, but like they need to be able to do like the most important part of being a third down back, which is pass protect and I think that sometimes it doesn't always show up on film, and I got to remind myself to every year we watch this, I'm very very rarely and I'm like, oh, this guy's are really a pass protector because it's again in they're trying to get guys out routes or you're not.

And it's funny because a lot of these guys project to that third that third down back type role. But then again, like you, then you watch them pastor and you're like, oh, this isn't exactly what I was hoping for here. You're like, you know, they're they're shifty, they're small, they're athletic, or even some of the bigger guys, right who can catch the football out of the backfield. We'll talk about some of them in a minute, but like they need to be able to do like the most important part of being a third down back, which is pass protect and I think that sometimes it doesn't always show up on film, and I got to remind myself to every year we watch this, I'm very very rarely and I'm like, oh, this guy's are really a pass protector because it's again in they're trying to get guys out routes or you're not.

Asking him to do it.

Asking him to do it.

That's much, yeah, for sure. And I mean what de Q has said, uh he said it before here. If you're going to be a running back on this team for the Commanders, you're gonna you're gonna get in it. You're gonna mix it up with pass blocking. And that's one of the reasons that they brought in Austin Eckler because that's what he It's one of the things he loves to do. He will get in there and scrap and I wanted to bring that attitude and that energy into that running back room. So coaches look for that. It's not just EQ and the Commanders, I think almost all coaches look for that. You got to be an extra special player to not bring that to a team and see any time on the field. But I want to ask you real quickly about some terms. We do this every time of things that you're going to say. Here, you already said muddy. So a muddy run. What's the money run?

That's much, yeah, for sure. And I mean what de Q has said, uh he said it before here. If you're going to be a running back on this team for the Commanders, you're gonna you're gonna get in it. You're gonna mix it up with pass blocking. And that's one of the reasons that they brought in Austin Eckler because that's what he It's one of the things he loves to do. He will get in there and scrap and I wanted to bring that attitude and that energy into that running back room. So coaches look for that. It's not just EQ and the Commanders, I think almost all coaches look for that. You got to be an extra special player to not bring that to a team and see any time on the field. But I want to ask you real quickly about some terms. We do this every time of things that you're going to say. Here, you already said muddy. So a muddy run. What's the money run?

Yeah, somebody run. It's like, you know, you're running inside zone. There's not a lot of movement, there's maybe a free runner in the hole, Like, can you get back to the line of scrimmage? Can you make this? Like? Can you keep us on schedule? And there's guy in this class who, like I didn't, I don't really like love him as a prospect for a myriad of reasons. But he does that better than anybody I've seen the last couple of years. And that's why he's high on the list, you know what I mean, Because your ability to keep the offense on schedule. Hey, we didn't block the middle linebacker on this run through. But you make a miss, you break a tack, you fall forward, you find like this tight crease, you're able to cram it in there, and a run that should have been tackled for a loss of one is now a gain of three. And if you can do that matter, and if you look at like some of the stuff that happens around the NFL when you say, like, what makes this back special is their ability to keep you on schedule offensively, because I don't want to be in second and ten as an offensive coordinator if I call a first down run. So getting a back that again can elevate your offensive line and put you in the best position to be successful. Like, to me, that's that is I don't want to say the most important thing, but it's definitely like one A, one B with some other traits that I look for in running backs.

Yeah, somebody run. It's like, you know, you're running inside zone. There's not a lot of movement, there's maybe a free runner in the hole, Like, can you get back to the line of scrimmage? Can you make this? Like? Can you keep us on schedule? And there's guy in this class who, like I didn't, I don't really like love him as a prospect for a myriad of reasons. But he does that better than anybody I've seen the last couple of years. And that's why he's high on the list, you know what I mean, Because your ability to keep the offense on schedule. Hey, we didn't block the middle linebacker on this run through. But you make a miss, you break a tack, you fall forward, you find like this tight crease, you're able to cram it in there, and a run that should have been tackled for a loss of one is now a gain of three. And if you can do that matter, and if you look at like some of the stuff that happens around the NFL when you say, like, what makes this back special is their ability to keep you on schedule offensively, because I don't want to be in second and ten as an offensive coordinator if I call a first down run. So getting a back that again can elevate your offensive line and put you in the best position to be successful. Like, to me, that's that is I don't want to say the most important thing, but it's definitely like one A, one B with some other traits that I look for in running backs.

All Right, how do you determine the vision of a running back when evaluating.

All Right, how do you determine the vision of a running back when evaluating.

Yeah, so I think the thing is like probably because like we did so much stuff here with outside zone, gap team stuff with a myriad of teams that I that I played with, Right, is you kind of get a feel for where the ball should go, and then you've watched enough football to know that like if this happens, then this should happen, and if that happens, then this happens like ABC and then D option right, And so sometimes when you're watching a back run, like you can kind of feel the way the run is progressing, and they call it riding the wave right, So like first gaps closed, I got to bounce it back when more, second gas closed, got to bounce back when more, Oh this gaps open, put my foot in the ground and hit it hard, get downhill and drive and attack that line of scrimmage. And so that's kind of what I'm looking at. And when I see a back kind of run to darkness, like running to the back of the offensive line and I try to plow forward for four I'm like, you didn't read it out, your vision wasn't.

Yeah, so I think the thing is like probably because like we did so much stuff here with outside zone, gap team stuff with a myriad of teams that I that I played with, Right, is you kind of get a feel for where the ball should go, and then you've watched enough football to know that like if this happens, then this should happen, and if that happens, then this happens like ABC and then D option right, And so sometimes when you're watching a back run, like you can kind of feel the way the run is progressing, and they call it riding the wave right, So like first gaps closed, I got to bounce it back when more, second gas closed, got to bounce back when more, Oh this gaps open, put my foot in the ground and hit it hard, get downhill and drive and attack that line of scrimmage. And so that's kind of what I'm looking at. And when I see a back kind of run to darkness, like running to the back of the offensive line and I try to plow forward for four I'm like, you didn't read it out, your vision wasn't.

Or miss the whole, or it closes too quickly because it weren't decisive enough.

Or miss the whole, or it closes too quickly because it weren't decisive enough.

Yeah. I think that's a great way to put it.

Yeah. I think that's a great way to put it.

Up, because sometimes you get running backs that when they're working on their vision, it is like, like you said, like following a wave, okay, this is closed as close all right, foot in the ground off.

Up, because sometimes you get running backs that when they're working on their vision, it is like, like you said, like following a wave, okay, this is closed as close all right, foot in the ground off.

But then there's also times where they're too patient.

But then there's also times where they're too patient.

They're like, oh this is and by the time they that like, oh should I go, it's closed.

They're like, oh this is and by the time they that like, oh should I go, it's closed.

So it's hitting it.

So it's hitting it.

It's being patient, but also knowing as soon as that opens, you got to make a decision and go right.

It's being patient, but also knowing as soon as that opens, you got to make a decision and go right.

I think that's exactly right. And there's a couple of guys that do that really really well in this class.

I think that's exactly right. And there's a couple of guys that do that really really well in this class.

And the last one I want to talk to you about is contact balance because I felt like a lot of guys in this class have good contact balance, so we're gonna mention it a lot.

And the last one I want to talk to you about is contact balance because I felt like a lot of guys in this class have good contact balance, so we're gonna mention it a lot.

Yeah, contact balance, I think is another one of those traits. It's like sneaky underrated for a back because even as oh, can you make a guy miss, can you hit an explosive run, but contact balance is equally as important. There's a guy number nine on my list actually who I remember watching a game he had against Virginia and he just had terrible contact balance and like an arm tackle, you know, a defensive tackle be falling off, get an arm on him and he'd fall down. You're like, man, that's a fifteen yard run if you can get out of that arm tackle. And so the ability to like keep your balance, survive contact, stay on your feet is to me one of I don't again. Like we talked about muddy runs and they go. They work so well together. Muddy runs and contact balance are so closely tied. And honestly, muddy runs they have contact balance. It's got vision in there, right. All those things factor in, but it's a big part, especially for a bigger back. You better have good contact balance.

Yeah, contact balance, I think is another one of those traits. It's like sneaky underrated for a back because even as oh, can you make a guy miss, can you hit an explosive run, but contact balance is equally as important. There's a guy number nine on my list actually who I remember watching a game he had against Virginia and he just had terrible contact balance and like an arm tackle, you know, a defensive tackle be falling off, get an arm on him and he'd fall down. You're like, man, that's a fifteen yard run if you can get out of that arm tackle. And so the ability to like keep your balance, survive contact, stay on your feet is to me one of I don't again. Like we talked about muddy runs and they go. They work so well together. Muddy runs and contact balance are so closely tied. And honestly, muddy runs they have contact balance. It's got vision in there, right. All those things factor in, but it's a big part, especially for a bigger back. You better have good contact balance.

Yeah, and a lot of the times, like running backs very rarely don't get touched, like Saquon was like a freak this year because of that offensive line he had. He like led the league in most yardage before contact, which is insane that you have that end his athletic ability, right, So when that's one of the reasons he had such an amazing year. But most of the time, you're gonna not make someone juke out of their shoes where a defender is going to fall down on that put some sort of hand or something on you, so they're gonna hit you in some way or another.

Yeah, and a lot of the times, like running backs very rarely don't get touched, like Saquon was like a freak this year because of that offensive line he had. He like led the league in most yardage before contact, which is insane that you have that end his athletic ability, right, So when that's one of the reasons he had such an amazing year. But most of the time, you're gonna not make someone juke out of their shoes where a defender is going to fall down on that put some sort of hand or something on you, so they're gonna hit you in some way or another.

It's just can you knit.

It's just can you knit.

Negate that contact to be hard enough to knock you over and it's like I can absorb a little bit of that, like take that and keep moving, right, That's what you're looking.

Negate that contact to be hard enough to knock you over and it's like I can absorb a little bit of that, like take that and keep moving, right, That's what you're looking.

For one hundred percent. So I think those are actually some really good terms that you picked out there to kind of review because if you have these things, if you have contact, contact balance, open field creation, good vision, and you can survive money runs like you're good, you're good back.

For one hundred percent. So I think those are actually some really good terms that you picked out there to kind of review because if you have these things, if you have contact, contact balance, open field creation, good vision, and you can survive money runs like you're good, you're good back.

Yeah, And we have a lot of good ones. So let's start at number ten for you. It is out of UCF Central Florida.

Yeah, And we have a lot of good ones. So let's start at number ten for you. It is out of UCF Central Florida.

Yeah, RJ. Harvey. So he was a guy at the Senior Bowl, and really it's like a tie between him and DJ Giddon. So I guess we'll talk about both those guys right now, just to kind of clear it up.

Yeah, RJ. Harvey. So he was a guy at the Senior Bowl, and really it's like a tie between him and DJ Giddon. So I guess we'll talk about both those guys right now, just to kind of clear it up.

Okay, So R J.

Okay, So R J.

Harvey is a little undersized. He's like five nine two and nine pounds, but he is explosive. He is, he's a home run waiting to happen. You know. They run kind of this spread offenseentate uc They got a little speed option in there. If he gets to the perimeter, man, he is he's lightning in a bottle and he's got the juice. I think he ran a four. He was like the third fastest forty at the combine and it shows up on tape. He's a great accelerator. I love watching him accelerate through the hole. That's something to other. Another thing about backs that's kind of underrated. I don't really care about the top end speed as much, but I want to see you just burst through the hole. And I think he's got a good feel for that. I think he catches the ball pretty good out of the backfield and that's pretty exciting, and so I think he kind of fits in that mole of like and it's funny. After I did my list, I was like, man, I really thought about this from like a commander's perspective, like what would make the commander's offense better? And I do think he would make the offense better because he's an explosive playmaker that has really good feel as a runner. The reason he's ten on my list is because he's a little on the smaller side, and also I don't think he maximizes muddy runs very well. He runs hard, like it's not about a running hard thing. His visions to me a little bit sometimes I kind of like what you're talking about, Like he'll see the cut and he's so explosive and so twitchy, but he's a little late rush and so like at the NFL level, obviously that can get better, but catches the football well. I think it's going to be definitely a contributor in terms of the return game. Really like him, and then so I said to kind of ten a ten B here. DJ Gettings from Kansas State is the other one. And he is a guy that feels like could be a starting back in the NFL. Got really good vision, kind of sneaky speed, reminds me a little bit like Alvin Kamara, kind of this upright running style can make you miss. Like you talk about good contact ballos, good open field creation, pretty good in muddy run situations, good vision. The thing about him that again, I think he catches the ball well, like I really like him as a back. And it's crazy we're talking about two guys that I like a lot at ten here. But the thing about him is like there's times where I'm like, how hard are you running? Are you running? Like I didn't get the energy from him, if that makes sense, which is weird, which is weird to kind of talk about. But yeah, both those guys good football players, and I think, you know, would make the commander significantly better. But R. J. Harvey he's on the list because he's explosive, catches the ball well and brings the juice.

Harvey is a little undersized. He's like five nine two and nine pounds, but he is explosive. He is, he's a home run waiting to happen. You know. They run kind of this spread offenseentate uc They got a little speed option in there. If he gets to the perimeter, man, he is he's lightning in a bottle and he's got the juice. I think he ran a four. He was like the third fastest forty at the combine and it shows up on tape. He's a great accelerator. I love watching him accelerate through the hole. That's something to other. Another thing about backs that's kind of underrated. I don't really care about the top end speed as much, but I want to see you just burst through the hole. And I think he's got a good feel for that. I think he catches the ball pretty good out of the backfield and that's pretty exciting, and so I think he kind of fits in that mole of like and it's funny. After I did my list, I was like, man, I really thought about this from like a commander's perspective, like what would make the commander's offense better? And I do think he would make the offense better because he's an explosive playmaker that has really good feel as a runner. The reason he's ten on my list is because he's a little on the smaller side, and also I don't think he maximizes muddy runs very well. He runs hard, like it's not about a running hard thing. His visions to me a little bit sometimes I kind of like what you're talking about, Like he'll see the cut and he's so explosive and so twitchy, but he's a little late rush and so like at the NFL level, obviously that can get better, but catches the football well. I think it's going to be definitely a contributor in terms of the return game. Really like him, and then so I said to kind of ten a ten B here. DJ Gettings from Kansas State is the other one. And he is a guy that feels like could be a starting back in the NFL. Got really good vision, kind of sneaky speed, reminds me a little bit like Alvin Kamara, kind of this upright running style can make you miss. Like you talk about good contact ballos, good open field creation, pretty good in muddy run situations, good vision. The thing about him that again, I think he catches the ball well, like I really like him as a back. And it's crazy we're talking about two guys that I like a lot at ten here. But the thing about him is like there's times where I'm like, how hard are you running? Are you running? Like I didn't get the energy from him, if that makes sense, which is weird, which is weird to kind of talk about. But yeah, both those guys good football players, and I think, you know, would make the commander significantly better. But R. J. Harvey he's on the list because he's explosive, catches the ball well and brings the juice.

Man runs hard and Giddings is like right there for you.

Man runs hard and Giddings is like right there for you.

Mean, they're the same. It just depends on schematically, like what you're looking at. If you're looking for more like a bell cow like first and second down guy with some third down upside. I think Giddens is excellent. And think about Gidding's again, like there's certain like and this is probably me just being like a hard oh like traditionalist, like I want to see you finish runs and sometimes like he's stepping out of bounds, he's kind of taking a knee and you're like, why are we doing that? You know what I mean? Everything else on this run was great, let's let's finish with violence and kind of set the tone here. But a good player.

Mean, they're the same. It just depends on schematically, like what you're looking at. If you're looking for more like a bell cow like first and second down guy with some third down upside. I think Giddens is excellent. And think about Gidding's again, like there's certain like and this is probably me just being like a hard oh like traditionalist, like I want to see you finish runs and sometimes like he's stepping out of bounds, he's kind of taking a knee and you're like, why are we doing that? You know what I mean? Everything else on this run was great, let's let's finish with violence and kind of set the tone here. But a good player.

Yeah. So with RJ.

Yeah. So with RJ.

Harvey, one of the things I think I noticed to your explosiveness that like I really liked about him and I didn't like it was something that I wasn't looking for. It just kind of popped up and I went, oh, I should look for this more across all positions. But it just popped up with him is that he varies his speed really well while running. So what I mean by that is like he'll explode and hit the hole and he'll start going, and then he'll see that defenders are setting up angles on him, so he'll pull back the throttle just to hear and then go and then back and then go. It was really hard for defenders to ever line them up because he was never unless he was in open field and he was just out running everybody. If there were people coming towards him, he was constantly it was almost like foot tapping on the gas every now and then to give like it put defenders off balance for them and couldn't line up angles. And I was like, that's really smart. That's just smart running. And he did it extremely well. I personally really loved with my Jack guys Giddins.

Harvey, one of the things I think I noticed to your explosiveness that like I really liked about him and I didn't like it was something that I wasn't looking for. It just kind of popped up and I went, oh, I should look for this more across all positions. But it just popped up with him is that he varies his speed really well while running. So what I mean by that is like he'll explode and hit the hole and he'll start going, and then he'll see that defenders are setting up angles on him, so he'll pull back the throttle just to hear and then go and then back and then go. It was really hard for defenders to ever line them up because he was never unless he was in open field and he was just out running everybody. If there were people coming towards him, he was constantly it was almost like foot tapping on the gas every now and then to give like it put defenders off balance for them and couldn't line up angles. And I was like, that's really smart. That's just smart running. And he did it extremely well. I personally really loved with my Jack guys Giddins.

I think this guy is a sleeper in the draft class.

I think this guy is a sleeper in the draft class.

Know if he's a sleeper, I mean yeah, but.

Know if he's a sleeper, I mean yeah, but.

I think I think, I think he's really good.

I think I think, I think he's really good.

And I think that's why it's weird talking about him, because like obviously R. J. Harvey for the Commanders would be a better fit potentially, you know, in terms of playmaking, pass catching upside potentially, But if you're looking for someone to kind of come in and maybe share the load with b Rob or you know, kind of work out that first and second down back, Giddens would be more of a fit. Does that make sense?

And I think that's why it's weird talking about him, because like obviously R. J. Harvey for the Commanders would be a better fit potentially, you know, in terms of playmaking, pass catching upside potentially, But if you're looking for someone to kind of come in and maybe share the load with b Rob or you know, kind of work out that first and second down back, Giddens would be more of a fit. Does that make sense?

Right?

Right?

Like he's because again, like he's like I said, I just compared Malvin Kamara, like he does some really.

Like he's because again, like he's like I said, I just compared Malvin Kamara, like he does some really.

Really special stuff, you know.

Really special stuff, you know.

But I think it's he's a guy that we talk about this every show like that I would need to get an interview with right to get a feel for, like how are you actually wired? Are you competitive? Are you? It's really the competitiveness.

But I think it's he's a guy that we talk about this every show like that I would need to get an interview with right to get a feel for, like how are you actually wired? Are you competitive? Are you? It's really the competitiveness.

So let me say this to you. Then, because I really liked him, I did a little more research on him. That tends to be what I do. So, Like, first off, holy moly, this dude can juke. Like when we're talking about like making people miss, like it's hard for defenders to just get their hands on them, and like heard, contact isn't enough for him, It ignores it. You've got to wrap him up or he's going to keep going. But here's what I really liked about about him, other than like that smooth, gliding jukie running style. He started playing high school or started playing football in his senior year of high school, really and he was a walk on for Kansas State. So that's why he wasn't high.

So let me say this to you. Then, because I really liked him, I did a little more research on him. That tends to be what I do. So, Like, first off, holy moly, this dude can juke. Like when we're talking about like making people miss, like it's hard for defenders to just get their hands on them, and like heard, contact isn't enough for him, It ignores it. You've got to wrap him up or he's going to keep going. But here's what I really liked about about him, other than like that smooth, gliding jukie running style. He started playing high school or started playing football in his senior year of high school, really and he was a walk on for Kansas State. So that's why he wasn't high.

I don't.

I don't.

I think that's why he's not high on people's board right now because he's kind of under.

I think that's why he's not high on people's board right now because he's kind of under.

He's like the tenth back, like he's gonna go.

He's like the tenth back, like he's gonna go.

To he's going to be higher than I think he's I think he's going to end up being like I think I sent you my list, Like he's going to be up there in this draft class, I think, And I think it's a lot of this, Like he's still raw and he is a grinder and a worker. This just feels like a commander to me. Like I'm not saying we should take him or we need to take him. What I'm talking about is like the the the mentality. It just feels like I just started playing football. I kind of like this, I'm gonna put work in, I'm gonna walk on. I'm like nothing's going to be given to me, and I'm gonna go take.

To he's going to be higher than I think he's I think he's going to end up being like I think I sent you my list, Like he's going to be up there in this draft class, I think, And I think it's a lot of this, Like he's still raw and he is a grinder and a worker. This just feels like a commander to me. Like I'm not saying we should take him or we need to take him. What I'm talking about is like the the the mentality. It just feels like I just started playing football. I kind of like this, I'm gonna put work in, I'm gonna walk on. I'm like nothing's going to be given to me, and I'm gonna go take.

It on your list.

It on your list.

Yeah, So like I don't know, that's what I really like about him. I like all these bags, by the way, Like there's not one that I'm gonna be upset with.

Yeah, So like I don't know, that's what I really like about him. I like all these bags, by the way, Like there's not one that I'm gonna be upset with.

I think that's the other thing too. It's just kind of like what's your flavor kind of like with receiver, it's like what's your flavor? What are you looking for? And that's the thing that's really hard to determine for a team like the Washington Commanders because this Giddings could he be a starting caliber back in the NFL. Yeah, I think so. Could R J. Harvey be a kind of a difference making third down darren Sprolls esque type of guy, like just as the archetype of that position. Yeah, it just depends on what your what your vision is for the offense and how they think he's gonna fit. But I think he's a He's a fun player to watch again, Like I want to see him finish runs a little bit more violently, but makes people miss good good vision can maximize money runs. Like he's a really good football player. And the fact we're talking about him for me at ten, for you at five is interesting. And he always like watching the Todd McShay show. He has him at fourteen, so obviously, like.

I think that's the other thing too. It's just kind of like what's your flavor kind of like with receiver, it's like what's your flavor? What are you looking for? And that's the thing that's really hard to determine for a team like the Washington Commanders because this Giddings could he be a starting caliber back in the NFL. Yeah, I think so. Could R J. Harvey be a kind of a difference making third down darren Sprolls esque type of guy, like just as the archetype of that position. Yeah, it just depends on what your what your vision is for the offense and how they think he's gonna fit. But I think he's a He's a fun player to watch again, Like I want to see him finish runs a little bit more violently, but makes people miss good good vision can maximize money runs. Like he's a really good football player. And the fact we're talking about him for me at ten, for you at five is interesting. And he always like watching the Todd McShay show. He has him at fourteen, so obviously, like.

That's what I mean. He's kind of all over the place. I mean, I'm just a guy that watches.

That's what I mean. He's kind of all over the place. I mean, I'm just a guy that watches.

But what I'm saying this to your point though, is the difference between five and fourteen in this class is not that much because it's because it's stylistically what are you looking for? And I think this is like I did a draft show for my other podcast recently and everyone was freaking out about something and we're doing the show off of my evaluations that I do on this show, right, And if you disagree with that, that's part of the draft process, right, Like if we were in a meeting and and you're the running back coach, you say, Man, I love Gettin's as the GM. I'm going to put him up the board a little bit because I know you're excited to work with him. I know you're excited for the skill set, and I also think it fits. So like that's where like the subjectivity of the draft is like at the forefront.

But what I'm saying this to your point though, is the difference between five and fourteen in this class is not that much because it's because it's stylistically what are you looking for? And I think this is like I did a draft show for my other podcast recently and everyone was freaking out about something and we're doing the show off of my evaluations that I do on this show, right, And if you disagree with that, that's part of the draft process, right, Like if we were in a meeting and and you're the running back coach, you say, Man, I love Gettin's as the GM. I'm going to put him up the board a little bit because I know you're excited to work with him. I know you're excited for the skill set, and I also think it fits. So like that's where like the subjectivity of the draft is like at the forefront.

All right, so let's stay in kind of the Well, it's a little bit outside the DMV area, but I bet they are Virginia Tech fans around. So number nine for you, who is it?

All right, so let's stay in kind of the Well, it's a little bit outside the DMV area, but I bet they are Virginia Tech fans around. So number nine for you, who is it?

Basil Tutin from Virginia Tech. And this one was an interesting watch for me because like he's he ran the fastest forty at the combine. He had crazy jump numbers, Like he is an explosive dude. I watched the game against Virginia and I was a little disappointed, and so came out of it and I was like, man, he's trying to bounce every run. He's not got great contact balance, Like what's going on? And I kind of got away from it, and then I went and watched the game he had against Miami, and I watched the game out against Florida State, and I was like, this dude is an absolute maniac. And it was really weird to see just the total difference in thought. Because you watch him against Florida State, he's breaking context. You see the lower half strength. Obviously, the four to two shows up at every time he touches the football. You're like holding your breath like he's like everyone says, Oh, he doesn't like you've heard this before, Like he doesn't play that fast, Like he for sure plays that fast. Right, So he's an explosive. He's got a track background, and so I thought again, like if you're looking to add juice to an offense in the same kind of mold, he's not this player, not this player, but like you think about what Jamior Gibbs did for the Troy Lions, he's got that ability. He's not as big, his acceleration's not as good, but I think when he's at his best, he's got good lower half.

Basil Tutin from Virginia Tech. And this one was an interesting watch for me because like he's he ran the fastest forty at the combine. He had crazy jump numbers, Like he is an explosive dude. I watched the game against Virginia and I was a little disappointed, and so came out of it and I was like, man, he's trying to bounce every run. He's not got great contact balance, Like what's going on? And I kind of got away from it, and then I went and watched the game he had against Miami, and I watched the game out against Florida State, and I was like, this dude is an absolute maniac. And it was really weird to see just the total difference in thought. Because you watch him against Florida State, he's breaking context. You see the lower half strength. Obviously, the four to two shows up at every time he touches the football. You're like holding your breath like he's like everyone says, Oh, he doesn't like you've heard this before, Like he doesn't play that fast, Like he for sure plays that fast. Right, So he's an explosive. He's got a track background, and so I thought again, like if you're looking to add juice to an offense in the same kind of mold, he's not this player, not this player, but like you think about what Jamior Gibbs did for the Troy Lions, he's got that ability. He's not as big, his acceleration's not as good, but I think when he's at his best, he's got good lower half.

Tree're talking about that type of role, that type of role right.

Tree're talking about that type of role, that type of role right.

Right, like where it's like you got like a bell cow guy, and here's your change up pitch, and it is a fastball right down the middle, and no one can touch it because he's so damn fast. So I think that's the way I view him as a player. And again, when you watch the Miami game, breaking tackles, finishing, runs square, and his pads up, maximizing muney runs in that game, which is something he didn't do in the Virginia game. So I almost didn't have my list. Go back and watch these two games, I'm like, Okay, he feels like a guy that can make a difference in an NFL offense.

Right, like where it's like you got like a bell cow guy, and here's your change up pitch, and it is a fastball right down the middle, and no one can touch it because he's so damn fast. So I think that's the way I view him as a player. And again, when you watch the Miami game, breaking tackles, finishing, runs square, and his pads up, maximizing muney runs in that game, which is something he didn't do in the Virginia game. So I almost didn't have my list. Go back and watch these two games, I'm like, Okay, he feels like a guy that can make a difference in an NFL offense.

Yeah. And he's like built, dense and thick in the lower en yeah.

Yeah. And he's like built, dense and thick in the lower en yeah.

Yeah, Like on film he looks sick at the combine. When we saw him, didn't look that way, but on film he looks like a little bit like a muscle hamster kind of guy.

Yeah, Like on film he looks sick at the combine. When we saw him, didn't look that way, but on film he looks like a little bit like a muscle hamster kind of guy.

All Right, So number eight for you.

All Right, So number eight for you.

Yeah for me, is this is maybe maybe my favorite running back in the entire class.

Yeah for me, is this is maybe maybe my favorite running back in the entire class.

Okay, So why at number eight.

Okay, So why at number eight.

Then, Smith Smu I think partially because it's like role. It's like where he goes is gonna be really important. So he's a converted wide receiver from SMU and I love his like slashing style, like you get in the football inside zone, Like there's certain guys you get in the ball and it's like you don't you don't hold your breath, you know. Like even though R. J. Harvey is really fast, I'm not like like with him because of how he hits the hole, how he gets downhill, how he crosses lines, and how he can get make people miss. The next level, I'm like, oh my gosh, I can't wait for this guy to touch the football.

Then, Smith Smu I think partially because it's like role. It's like where he goes is gonna be really important. So he's a converted wide receiver from SMU and I love his like slashing style, like you get in the football inside zone, Like there's certain guys you get in the ball and it's like you don't you don't hold your breath, you know. Like even though R. J. Harvey is really fast, I'm not like like with him because of how he hits the hole, how he gets downhill, how he crosses lines, and how he can get make people miss. The next level, I'm like, oh my gosh, I can't wait for this guy to touch the football.

He looks like a wide receiver running the ball, not in his build, but in like the way like you said, hard cuts.

He looks like a wide receiver running the ball, not in his build, but in like the way like you said, hard cuts.

Hard cuts, gets downhill, can make people miss, and I just like, this is what you want in an offense that spreads people out. This is a playmaker. This is a playmaker, right And the other thing that I loved about him, absolutely loved about him, was he's a converted wide receiver. So you put him in the slot. You can run a fade, you can run a double move, you can run a post and go. He's got the hands run a choice, and he tracks the football. One I thought, just from an offensive personnel standpoint, a player like this is a total nightmare to game plan for because like we can be an empty personnel shoot even here for the commanders, like we could have Deebo Samuel on the field. He can be on the field that we could be in that could be that could be twenty one personnel pony twenty one personnel for us, or we could be an empty And now you've got to match up with all these really good playmatages, like if he's in a Kyle Shanahan offense, that kind of tree, if he's here with Cliff someone that knows how to use that skill set, that is a devastating weapon because how he tracks the football.

Hard cuts, gets downhill, can make people miss, and I just like, this is what you want in an offense that spreads people out. This is a playmaker. This is a playmaker, right And the other thing that I loved about him, absolutely loved about him, was he's a converted wide receiver. So you put him in the slot. You can run a fade, you can run a double move, you can run a post and go. He's got the hands run a choice, and he tracks the football. One I thought, just from an offensive personnel standpoint, a player like this is a total nightmare to game plan for because like we can be an empty personnel shoot even here for the commanders, like we could have Deebo Samuel on the field. He can be on the field that we could be in that could be that could be twenty one personnel pony twenty one personnel for us, or we could be an empty And now you've got to match up with all these really good playmatages, like if he's in a Kyle Shanahan offense, that kind of tree, if he's here with Cliff someone that knows how to use that skill set, that is a devastating weapon because how he tracks the football.

That's so funny you said that. My last thing I put on here was my God, could you imagine in the field with Jayden, b Rob and Deebo it would be because defense is how do you don't how do you match up with that? There's so many options that can come out of that. Yeah, man, he is Joe a dynamic weapon. He also has speed that looks like you know in Fast and Furious when they push that little knas button. He's a competitive extra juice it there, like man, he goes And.

That's so funny you said that. My last thing I put on here was my God, could you imagine in the field with Jayden, b Rob and Deebo it would be because defense is how do you don't how do you match up with that? There's so many options that can come out of that. Yeah, man, he is Joe a dynamic weapon. He also has speed that looks like you know in Fast and Furious when they push that little knas button. He's a competitive extra juice it there, like man, he goes And.

It's funny because even though Basil twone ran a faster forty. There's times on film where I feel like Brishard Smith. It just ye, it's like he gets a little competitive, you know, and he's just out running angles. And the reason he's eight on my list is I do feel like he's a little bit situational. Like we talked about all the things he can be. He's he's a little up and down in protection. He Yeah, I think he does it okay with money runs, but he doesn't maximize Muney runs because he's not the biggest guy. You know, he's six foot, he's one hundred and ninety five pounds, you know. But I dude, I I love him. I love I love what he could bring to an offense just because yeah, like watching it, like again, this is he's we're not talking about receivers here, but like he ran like a little like box fade and like mosses the linebacker, And I'm like, running backs can't do that. They're not built to do that. So to get that skill set and offense would be tremendous.

It's funny because even though Basil twone ran a faster forty. There's times on film where I feel like Brishard Smith. It just ye, it's like he gets a little competitive, you know, and he's just out running angles. And the reason he's eight on my list is I do feel like he's a little bit situational. Like we talked about all the things he can be. He's he's a little up and down in protection. He Yeah, I think he does it okay with money runs, but he doesn't maximize Muney runs because he's not the biggest guy. You know, he's six foot, he's one hundred and ninety five pounds, you know. But I dude, I I love him. I love I love what he could bring to an offense just because yeah, like watching it, like again, this is he's we're not talking about receivers here, but like he ran like a little like box fade and like mosses the linebacker, And I'm like, running backs can't do that. They're not built to do that. So to get that skill set and offense would be tremendous.

Yeah, he's like I don't want to say a luxury pick, but like I'm not I don't think anyone's drafting him, going Okay, we're gonna groom this guy into be an every down.

Yeah, he's like I don't want to say a luxury pick, but like I'm not I don't think anyone's drafting him, going Okay, we're gonna groom this guy into be an every down.

Back for us.

Back for us.

Maybe he gets here in his career, but it's like, okay, how can we put pressure on defenses and just putting this guy on the field. And let me tell you another thing. I think he'll be a special team star, immediately return guy. Immediately he'll do yeah.

Maybe he gets here in his career, but it's like, okay, how can we put pressure on defenses and just putting this guy on the field. And let me tell you another thing. I think he'll be a special team star, immediately return guy. Immediately he'll do yeah.

Because he is, like I will say, like for a guy who's going to urt a receiver, he runs hard. Yeah, he runs. He reminds me a little bit of Debo in that way, like he's a receiver, but he's like gonna square his pads up, he's gonna try and run you over. And again he's more of a shiftier guy, but he runs with good pad like he's got a bunch of goal line runs on tape where he gets his pad square and like you know, it's able to find the crease and cramming in there. So I really like what I like the thought of him. Again, situation is really important. Usage is really important. And again, like you said it kind of a luxury. I think that's really good. Uh like analysis like kind of a luxury. Like he's not gonna be your starting running back, not right away?

Because he is, like I will say, like for a guy who's going to urt a receiver, he runs hard. Yeah, he runs. He reminds me a little bit of Debo in that way, like he's a receiver, but he's like gonna square his pads up, he's gonna try and run you over. And again he's more of a shiftier guy, but he runs with good pad like he's got a bunch of goal line runs on tape where he gets his pad square and like you know, it's able to find the crease and cramming in there. So I really like what I like the thought of him. Again, situation is really important. Usage is really important. And again, like you said it kind of a luxury. I think that's really good. Uh like analysis like kind of a luxury. Like he's not gonna be your starting running back, not right away?

Yeah, yeah, all right, So let's go down to Tennessee and talk about Dylan Sampson Number Tennessee.

Yeah, yeah, all right, So let's go down to Tennessee and talk about Dylan Sampson Number Tennessee.

Yeah, he's a lot of people I know really enjoy watching his film, and he's a guy that I didn't love on first cut because what I did this for the running backs. I watched the highlight and then I went and watched the film, Okay, and I felt like the film was a lot better than the highlight because again, when you watch the Tennessee tape, they're in this like spreadout offense. There's light boxes like you've got to make they really don't have to make anybody miss because they're playing in these soft coverage shells, and you're like, how good is this? But then you watch the film and you're like, oh, like, here's a guy running through the A gap, he makes a miss, he finds the hole. That's a five yard run. They should have been a three yard loss. Kind of like that thing I was talking about with Muddy Runs. I felt like there was a lot of really good feel for Muddy runs, and he's got some explosive high home run ability to him. You know, I think he's okay in pass protection right, which is why he's ahead of some of those other guys. And I do feel like he could project to a bigger role in an offense, maybe not like maybe not every down, but definitely like a rotational guy in first down. Like it's interesting, Like I kind of looking back on it, I probably should DJ Giddens higher because I think he could be a starting caliber running back, like be your guy, So he probably should have been higher. But Dylan Smith, I think has that kind of the ability to do something really explosive but also do the hard stuff. Well, I just worry about his body size at the next level, but really like the player, really like very just very solid film I felt like.

Yeah, he's a lot of people I know really enjoy watching his film, and he's a guy that I didn't love on first cut because what I did this for the running backs. I watched the highlight and then I went and watched the film, Okay, and I felt like the film was a lot better than the highlight because again, when you watch the Tennessee tape, they're in this like spreadout offense. There's light boxes like you've got to make they really don't have to make anybody miss because they're playing in these soft coverage shells, and you're like, how good is this? But then you watch the film and you're like, oh, like, here's a guy running through the A gap, he makes a miss, he finds the hole. That's a five yard run. They should have been a three yard loss. Kind of like that thing I was talking about with Muddy Runs. I felt like there was a lot of really good feel for Muddy runs, and he's got some explosive high home run ability to him. You know, I think he's okay in pass protection right, which is why he's ahead of some of those other guys. And I do feel like he could project to a bigger role in an offense, maybe not like maybe not every down, but definitely like a rotational guy in first down. Like it's interesting, Like I kind of looking back on it, I probably should DJ Giddens higher because I think he could be a starting caliber running back, like be your guy, So he probably should have been higher. But Dylan Smith, I think has that kind of the ability to do something really explosive but also do the hard stuff. Well, I just worry about his body size at the next level, but really like the player, really like very just very solid film I felt like.

And speaking of his body size, here's the thing that translates that I'm going to bring up a couple of times because unfortunately it pops up in this class. He had four fumbles lost this past season, has a little bit of trouble holding on to the ball.

And speaking of his body size, here's the thing that translates that I'm going to bring up a couple of times because unfortunately it pops up in this class. He had four fumbles lost this past season, has a little bit of trouble holding on to the ball.

I think that's.

I think that's.

Because of his size, and like you were talking about, he doesn't mind the muddy runs and that you mentioned this before. Maybe it's a mentality thing with him that can get kind of cleaned up where it's like take the yards that are given to you because sometimes fighting for that extra yard is that extra time for that and other defender to come and he yanked that ball out from you. But if he cleans that up, I agree with you and everything.

Because of his size, and like you were talking about, he doesn't mind the muddy runs and that you mentioned this before. Maybe it's a mentality thing with him that can get kind of cleaned up where it's like take the yards that are given to you because sometimes fighting for that extra yard is that extra time for that and other defender to come and he yanked that ball out from you. But if he cleans that up, I agree with you and everything.

Again, you know, we talked about, you know, Basil Tuten's pass pro or r. J. Harvey's pass pro. Dylan Simpson, there's times where he looks totally lost in passpor like lost in passpor And again I was trying to remember which game was maybe Alabama or Georgia game, right, And Georgia does some complicated stuff with their pressures, more complicated stuff than that sm you saw the entire year, right, So to compare them is tough. But there's times where I'm like where your eyes, Like what are you looking at? And you know, like with Rishard Smith, Basil twon, r J. Harvey, like they're going to cut you down. They're not the biggest guys in the world. But I'm talking Dylan Simpson's like not going to the right guy sometimes. So yeah, getting that cleared up, I think is going to be a big deal for him. But really just in terms of the muddy runs, ability to maximize good contact balance, like all those things we talked about. The top good vision. I feel like he showed me the more film I watched in a big game against Georgia an NFL running style.

Again, you know, we talked about, you know, Basil Tuten's pass pro or r. J. Harvey's pass pro. Dylan Simpson, there's times where he looks totally lost in passpor like lost in passpor And again I was trying to remember which game was maybe Alabama or Georgia game, right, And Georgia does some complicated stuff with their pressures, more complicated stuff than that sm you saw the entire year, right, So to compare them is tough. But there's times where I'm like where your eyes, Like what are you looking at? And you know, like with Rishard Smith, Basil twon, r J. Harvey, like they're going to cut you down. They're not the biggest guys in the world. But I'm talking Dylan Simpson's like not going to the right guy sometimes. So yeah, getting that cleared up, I think is going to be a big deal for him. But really just in terms of the muddy runs, ability to maximize good contact balance, like all those things we talked about. The top good vision. I feel like he showed me the more film I watched in a big game against Georgia an NFL running style.

Your number six is probably my favorite.

Your number six is probably my favorite.

He's a fun guy to watch.

He's a fun guy to watch.

He's my favorite.

He's my favorite.

He's so like, so let's oh no, let's talk about Cam Skataboo from Arizona State.

He's so like, so let's oh no, let's talk about Cam Skataboo from Arizona State.

I want to get his name in there.

I want to get his name in there.

Yeah, and the same way that Vishard Smith is like my favorite because of what he can be like when you're just watching the film. Cam Skattaboo is a ton of fun to watch. And he's got great contact balance. He understands how to break tackles, he knows how to maximize money runs. He's got very solid vision, he's got a great feel. He catches the ball well, like really does a great job with that stuff. So why don't you Why is he number six on my list? The thing I'm worried about is he's not a big frame. You know, he waged two nineteen one of the heavier backs, So pretty big guy, right, But he takes so many impossibly hard shots. I'm like, how long can you do that? The NFL level? Like I played it with a guy here named Robert Kelly, and maybe some fans remember him, who ran like an absolute maniac, and I just said, man, I was I remember I went to the Bears right afterwards and said, man, I really enjoyed playing with Rob because he runs so hard. And the scout was like, well, how many years can he do that for? And I was like, I never really thought of that. And Rob was out of the league in two years because of injury related stuff because he just ran so hard. It was the same thing with Ivory from you know, New Orleans. He just when you run like that, when you run with like seeking that contact, taking those shots, and you don't have a Derrick Henry, you know, tyle frame, I just worry like you're going to have him for three years and it's gonna be like, man, that was awesome three years, but he's done so again contact balance, like watching him against Texas, So Texas they've got Collins, they've got all these great defensive linemen. They're in the backfield. He's making guys, he's fine an angles, making guys miss like literally every run, he's fighting for his life. And that's cool to see a guy do that. And I have a lot of respect for him as a player, but I'm just like, I want a guy, if I'm going to take him in the second or third round, to be a part of me building forward. And if you run like that. He hasn't had an issue in college. He's not very injury prone, but it just seems very unlikely with how our people hit and how well people tackle the next level.

Yeah, and the same way that Vishard Smith is like my favorite because of what he can be like when you're just watching the film. Cam Skattaboo is a ton of fun to watch. And he's got great contact balance. He understands how to break tackles, he knows how to maximize money runs. He's got very solid vision, he's got a great feel. He catches the ball well, like really does a great job with that stuff. So why don't you Why is he number six on my list? The thing I'm worried about is he's not a big frame. You know, he waged two nineteen one of the heavier backs, So pretty big guy, right, But he takes so many impossibly hard shots. I'm like, how long can you do that? The NFL level? Like I played it with a guy here named Robert Kelly, and maybe some fans remember him, who ran like an absolute maniac, and I just said, man, I was I remember I went to the Bears right afterwards and said, man, I really enjoyed playing with Rob because he runs so hard. And the scout was like, well, how many years can he do that for? And I was like, I never really thought of that. And Rob was out of the league in two years because of injury related stuff because he just ran so hard. It was the same thing with Ivory from you know, New Orleans. He just when you run like that, when you run with like seeking that contact, taking those shots, and you don't have a Derrick Henry, you know, tyle frame, I just worry like you're going to have him for three years and it's gonna be like, man, that was awesome three years, but he's done so again contact balance, like watching him against Texas, So Texas they've got Collins, they've got all these great defensive linemen. They're in the backfield. He's making guys, he's fine an angles, making guys miss like literally every run, he's fighting for his life. And that's cool to see a guy do that. And I have a lot of respect for him as a player, but I'm just like, I want a guy, if I'm going to take him in the second or third round, to be a part of me building forward. And if you run like that. He hasn't had an issue in college. He's not very injury prone, but it just seems very unlikely with how our people hit and how well people tackle the next level.

Yeah, he definitely lives off the contact like. I don't see him ever eliminating that from his game. It's part of his mentality, it's part of who he is, it's part of what makes him great. He is a smaller guy. Hey, look the fumbles are back again. He has ten since is twenty twenty two season. That's a lot of fumbles. But it makes sense with the way he runs and how it like. But here's the thing, all right, one draft night, Cam Skataboo is going to go higher than anyone expects.

Yeah, he definitely lives off the contact like. I don't see him ever eliminating that from his game. It's part of his mentality, it's part of who he is, it's part of what makes him great. He is a smaller guy. Hey, look the fumbles are back again. He has ten since is twenty twenty two season. That's a lot of fumbles. But it makes sense with the way he runs and how it like. But here's the thing, all right, one draft night, Cam Skataboo is going to go higher than anyone expects.

A team is going to fall in love with this.

A team is going to fall in love with this.

Guy, and he because of how he plays and because of what he can do and all the positives that come with it. And I hear what you're saying about like the longevity of this, But there are other players that I've found that play like him that had pretty solid careers. So when I watched him run, he looks like Austin Eckler to me, same size, same type of frame, same mentality he And here's the thing, man, he has weird loose hips even though he's not juke anybody. Right, there's a nice clip where the uh we were able to get the end zone look like the tight end zone look from the TV broadcast where he's running straight and his feet don't.

Guy, and he because of how he plays and because of what he can do and all the positives that come with it. And I hear what you're saying about like the longevity of this, But there are other players that I've found that play like him that had pretty solid careers. So when I watched him run, he looks like Austin Eckler to me, same size, same type of frame, same mentality he And here's the thing, man, he has weird loose hips even though he's not juke anybody. Right, there's a nice clip where the uh we were able to get the end zone look like the tight end zone look from the TV broadcast where he's running straight and his feet don't.

Move, they say on the same line, but his.

Move, they say on the same line, but his.

Hips just shift and a guy just whiffs right, Like it's that sort of thing.

Hips just shift and a guy just whiffs right, Like it's that sort of thing.

That way he can wiggle and run. And then at the end of that play, he.

That way he can wiggle and run. And then at the end of that play, he.

Lowers his shoulder and runs a guy over for another two yards, right, Like that's who he is, and some team's going to see that.

Lowers his shoulder and runs a guy over for another two yards, right, Like that's who he is, and some team's going to see that.

And go whoa, Yeah, I think again, like the stuff he does is special and the other so worry about the longevity. And also I worry about his top end vertical speed. You know, that's something else I worry about too.

And go whoa, Yeah, I think again, like the stuff he does is special and the other so worry about the longevity. And also I worry about his top end vertical speed. You know, that's something else I worry about too.

I don't know that it matters for him, to be honest.

I don't know that it matters for him, to be honest.

But again, like there's times where he's in the open field and you're like, unhook the trailer man. Let's get running. And so I think maybe I'll say this is my own bias as a talent evaluator. I like to be able to like, this is the bucket you're going in. You're a scat back, You're an explosive piece. You're a first and second down back, right, I like to be able to say that about people. You know, I don't know what he is at the next level. Is he a third down back? Is her first and second down back? You know, like talking about here in Washington. I think he'd be a great fit for some of his zone read stuff because he can maximize muddy looks. But do you want to be living with him doing that all the time or is he part of a first and second down two back rotation, which you're probably fine, But again, like that's where I get like, you got to save him from himself a little bit, and he's not gonna be playing all the time because of that. So, like, what's his actually? Is he a good player? Yeah? Absolutely? Is he fun to watch? Absolutely? Can he catch a football, maximize money runs, good vision, good contact, bounce. Yes, it lacks the top end explosiveness, But I worry about role and that's that's the only concern I have.

But again, like there's times where he's in the open field and you're like, unhook the trailer man. Let's get running. And so I think maybe I'll say this is my own bias as a talent evaluator. I like to be able to like, this is the bucket you're going in. You're a scat back, You're an explosive piece. You're a first and second down back, right, I like to be able to say that about people. You know, I don't know what he is at the next level. Is he a third down back? Is her first and second down back? You know, like talking about here in Washington. I think he'd be a great fit for some of his zone read stuff because he can maximize muddy looks. But do you want to be living with him doing that all the time or is he part of a first and second down two back rotation, which you're probably fine, But again, like that's where I get like, you got to save him from himself a little bit, and he's not gonna be playing all the time because of that. So, like, what's his actually? Is he a good player? Yeah? Absolutely? Is he fun to watch? Absolutely? Can he catch a football, maximize money runs, good vision, good contact, bounce. Yes, it lacks the top end explosiveness, But I worry about role and that's that's the only concern I have.

His role over one more thing I'm bringing up not to be just to be Devil's advocate, I guess a little bit, but I want to hear your take on this. Is last year we talked a lot about Jaye and Daniels and the types of hits he took and the types of ways he ran. And you're like, man, we got to clean that up because you cannot do that in the NFL.

His role over one more thing I'm bringing up not to be just to be Devil's advocate, I guess a little bit, but I want to hear your take on this. Is last year we talked a lot about Jaye and Daniels and the types of hits he took and the types of ways he ran. And you're like, man, we got to clean that up because you cannot do that in the NFL.

And he cleaned it.

And he cleaned it.

Up, and like it's competitiveness, and he says, I'm going to put my body on the line in certain situations where.

Up, and like it's competitiveness, and he says, I'm going to put my body on the line in certain situations where.

It's needed running back. You can't really do that, right, So out of him a little bit, or do you even want to?

It's needed running back. You can't really do that, right, So out of him a little bit, or do you even want to?

Do you want to? I think that's the thing with him is like I never want to go to Camp Scataboo and be like, don't do that, because that's what makes him special. Like he's like a crash test dummy that like has a million lives and he runs like a maniac. He's got great balance. And again, his ability to take a lost run, break a tackle, make a guy miss, get you back to two is literally incredible, Like it's incredible to watch. It's but like I was watching who they were playing Arizona and he took one of the hardest hits I've ever seen on like a four yard game, and I'm just like, god, man, like, you don't need to be living like that all the time. But that's who he is and that's why you love him. It's just what does that look like? Is that as who else took that hit? The defender?