Draft Notes Vol. IV: Go For Run
Follow The Fan: Facebook | Twitter
I'm a believer that Demarco Murray is going to be with the Cowboys, I think he likes it here, I think the Cowboys like him here, but they have to be creative with the contract in order to keep him around.
I'm not afraid of the production dip, because of the threat. People know he's a threat. Opponents know he can grind all day and get you 6 yards on first down and eat up a clock. So they key in on the run game. That opens up the passing game for Tony Romo and Dez Bryant to let it fly.
However, one thing I don't like about Murray is that he doesn't blow it open that often. Maybe that's the job of another back and his job is to set the tone and be physical, but there are a few backs in the draft I think can provide you that type of service, for a cheaper price and who may be able to be game breakers.
Melvin Gordon RB–Wisconsin– Height: 6-1 Weight: 207
A lot of people keep tossing out the Jamaal Charles comparison, and I can understand that. Gordon has breakaway speed, hits the gap with fire behind him, can catch out of the backfield and is all-in-all a game-breaking back. However, he also has 3-inches and 10-lbs on Charles.
I keep trying to convince myself he's not Tatum Bell and that there is more to him than straight line running, which there is.
The kid has a 'juke' button like crazy, if he hits the second level he's gone and he can run inside and outside.
I keep looking at the past running backs that have come out of Wisconsin though and I'm trying to figure out which ones I like. The thing about the Badgers is they produce great offensive linemen (i.e. Travis Frederick). And when you watch the blocking in front of Gordon it's almost unfair how easy he has it. When running backs from Wisconsin get into the pro's are they ready for the beating the NFL game has to offer? Usually it's smooth sailing. Now, that's not Gordon's fault and one of the things I think he gains from that is the vision and trust it takes to hit the hole with confidence.
That being said, I love this kids handles, his quickness and overall game and would love to see him behind the Cowboys offensive line. Also need to see more out of his pass protection.
Todd Gurley– RB –Georgia– Height: 6-1 Weight: 226
Again, another running back who is gaining comparisons to another stud NFL back. Gurley is drawing Marshawn Lynch comparisons. I see that.
But just like with Gordon, Gurley has about 3-inches and 10-lbs on Lynch. He's as physical as I have seen so far, plowing through linebackers and dragging linemen, and he also has pretty good breakaway speed. I'd probably lean a little more toward Eddie Lacy here.
The thing I love is his nastiness. He has a chip on his shoulder and plays with an attitude you want, not too flashy just gets the work in. He has a great pad level especially through the line, and I think one of the things that easily compares to Lynch is how he can get stuff behind the line of scrimmage and still gain yards. That's something you see a number of times from him.
At the point of attack, I wouldn't want to be an opposing linebacker trying to stop him. If you are going to ask me him or Gordon, I say do you like Hamburgers or Pizza, because they're both good.
Jay Ajayai – RB –Boise State– Height: 6-0 Weight: 216
Good speed. But not a game-breaker like Gordon. Doesn't get very physical and moves toward the sideline frequently instead of battling inside.
Love his pad level through the line, but would like to see him battle a little more. Doesn't look flexible, but makes strong moves once he decides to cut and turns quickly up-field, soft hands in the passing game.
He looks as steady as it goes for a running back but the ball just kind of floats out there in his hands a lot, often when he's coming through the line or on the outside edge, and that looks like it could lead to a fumbling issue, and you know how much people can't stand what Murray did this year fumbling.
I'm not looking to replace Murray's leadership with Ajayai, but he would definitely be a worthwhile pick in the second or third round if you landed the defensive player you wanted.
Duke Johnson – RB- Miami – Height: 5-9 Weight: 206
Short legs, long stride and great cuts inside of small spaces. Has a long torso and looks taller than his 5-foot-9 listing.
Something about him reminds me of Marshall Faulk, on a much different level because clearly Faulk's game was pretty amazing, but it's the body build and his ability to be a force in the passing game.
He runs routes like a receiver and had no problem blasting a streak pass for 50 yards. Impressive short burst acceleration. Light on the ground and can cut so quickly you don't realize he went from one side of the field to the other before he's gone.
Special teams ability is a plus because he is a kick-returner and punt returner. Not a physical back. More likely to run around you than over you, and lacks the consistent pass protection I'd like to commit a high pick to him.
TJ Yeldon –RB– Alabama – Height: 6-2 Weight: 221
Runs upright high pad level, but has height to see down-field which helps his vision for open running lanes at the second level.
You see him bait safeties to committing inside to stop him as he is running through the line, then he'll break it outside. On other times, he'll draw them in while he's still behind the line before bolting for the edge. Love his size and physicality, but could probably stand to see him play a little more physical for his size. Very agile with good upper and lower body strength.
Knack for crossing the line when he's near the end-zone. Understands competition having played alongside Derrick Henry and sharing carries.
I like that he played for Nick Saban considering Jason Garrett's relationship with the Bama coach, and I like that he might be available in the third or fourth round.
Give me a "get off the bus" intimidating running back of Yeldon's stature and I can work with that.
*Disclaimer: I'm not a scout or personnel by any means, I leave that to the greatness of guys like Will McClay and Bryan Broaddus. I do, however, want to exercise my scouting brain. I'll watch as many players as I can and use my basic understanding of football to tell you who I like after seeing the players with my own eyes.
I feel like when I watch something, then I can truly give an opinion on a guy based on otherwise I'm going off speculation and what I read. I'd rather not just give you somebody else's opinion though.
Also, reserve the right to readjust based on combine structure where you find out if a guy is actually as strong or fast as he looks on film.
Cory Mageors is Co-Host of the K&C Masterpiece 7-11 weeknights on 105.3 The Fan.
Follow him @inthemageors
(©2015 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)