2023 NFL Scouting Combine: Running Back Notes
We’re finally done! Running backs close out the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine. No need to waste more time. Let’s go over those notes!
Side note: Very glad running backs are the last group. It’s been a long week. It’s a deep draft and a lot of these guys are going late anyway. Plus Rich Eisen makes this day about himself in an event nobody cares about so if you’re going to cut one position group short it’s this one. Also, they had the guys run routes and catch more than they had them do RB drills. Make of that what you will.
Devon Achane has next level speed. Something that was obvious if you watch the combine. His time of (4.32) wasn’t surprising. Not just little guy fast. Freak level burst. Quick feet. Zooming out there. Confident in the bag drills. eyes up. Receiving ability will be there. Great hands catcher.
Tank Bigsby had some cuts that wowed. Bigger back too. Not a dancer but can juice. Big fan of his cuts. There’s something about his ferocity. It’s an angry juke but with juice. I like him a lot and probably more than others. 4.56 is something Im all good way. Mostly cause I know he’s got power too. The fact that he caught the ball well the whole time just adds to it.
Elite jumping numbers for Chase Brown. We know at minimum he cares. Jacked and testing numbers were great. Can run too. So bad at Senior Bowl, however, I don’t know how you look past it.
Zach Charbonnet is a big mystery for me. Actually thought he moved and ran alright. Surprised by how quick he is. Confident. Eyes up. He may be readjusting how I initially felt about him. Really good workout. 4.53 is no complaints. He’s not twitchy but he’s moving out there.
Jahmyr Gibbs has fast and quick feet. Little Kamara to him. Cuts are gross in a good way. It’s a cut that covers ground but takes no time. Might be faster than I thought. 4.36 is damn good.
No 40 for Eric Gray which sucks. Quickness no issues with. Did botch the Duce Staley drill. Quick but it’s not elite. Better in receiving routes compared to running.
Evan Hull much faster than I thought (4.47). Has some wiggle but stumbled on Duce Staley. Kinda like the fact that he has to run to the end zone on every rep. The pure twitch no thanks.
Mohamed Ibrahim didn’t run and that’s my concern so I’m not going to take anything he does here seriously. I know he can’t run so I’m not wasting my time. Have fun drafting a guy who gets his two yard runs of nothing. I’m so out. He literally couldn’t catch up to throws by a scout on a wheel route. Only one that couldn’t do it.
Daniel Jeremiah says Roschon Johnson will be a starting running back in the NFL. Would love to take that bet with him because there’s no chance that happens. He’s not good. Totally stinks. Has no adaptation. Has his one cut and that’s all you’re getting. Slow reactions. What’s here?
Kenny McIntosh quicker than fast. 40 time doesn’t bother me cause it wasn’t surprising (). Difference between him and Mitchell short area isn’t big. Natural catching the ball and running routes.
Keaton Mitchell has some real burner traits. Speed is real. Will be home run hitter. 4.37 is who he is. When he finds a lane forget it.
Cam Peoples way too upright. Bad at the Senior Bowl. Terrible footwork. Stepped on the bag six times during Duce drill. Horrendous.
Bijan Robinson looked fantastic. Have to give it to him. For his size he moves really well. Jacked. Speed and jumping numbers good (4.46). More confident hands than I expected. Route running a tick below that.
Elite jumping numbers for Tyjae Spears. Didn’t run but in this case I don’t care. Special at the Senior Bowl. Cuts are filthy. Just has a gear. Knee bend is terrific. I just love his feet.
Tavion Thomas is slow as dirt (). Have already declared I’m so out. No on field which just makes no sense for him cause that’s what he should be doing.
Don’t have much on SaRodorick Thomas. Was just kinda there. No serious red flags but no real juice. Feels like he decelerates too much without a wow.
Deuce Vaughn didn’t run. Dumb on his part. Already tiny so what are you doing? I’m leaning towards out but I get it if you like him.
Vendetta Sports Post 2023 NFL Scouting Combine Rankings
1. Bijan Robinson (Texas)
2. Tank Bigsby (Auburn)
3. Devon Achane (Texas A&M)
4. Jahmyr Gibbs (Alabama)
5. Tyjae Spears (Tulane)
