Although the NFL Draft may be over, the prep for rookie drafts continues. Utilizing information from the PlayerProfiler Data Analysis Tool and the Dynasty League Dominator Guide, I will attempt to identify several running backs worth drafting and stashing in the final rounds of your rookie draft.
Tarik Cohen, Chicago Bears
Despite standing at 5-6, and weighing 179-pounds, Tarik Cohen is one of the most productive running backs at the FCS level. Cohen ended his career as the MEAC’s all-time leading rusher, as shown by his 40.8-percent (87th-percentile) College Dominator Rating. He carved up the competition, rushing for over 5,600 yards and 56 touchdowns and catching 98 balls for 945 yards and three touchdowns.
Tarik Cohen ran a 4.42 40-yard dash, one of the fastest times among NFL draft prospects. Given his smaller size, his 93.8 Speed Score is good for only the 37th percentile, and his 112.6 Burst Score puts him in the 18th percentile among all NFL running backs. Despite his extremely efficient college production, Cohen’s diminutive size and 28.9 (22nd-percentile) BMI indicates he’s likely to only play as a third-down specialist for Chicago. Cohen’s receiving ability and top end speed makes him worthy of a stash on your dynasty taxi squad.
Tarik Cohen Advanced Stats & Metrics Profile
De’Angelo Henderson, Denver Broncos
De’Angelo Henderson is the oldest and heaviest of the three running backs profiled in this piece. He stands at 5-7 and weighs in at 209-pounds, his 32.6 BMI puts him in the 94th-percentile among all NFL running backs. Similar to Tarik Cohen, Henderson dominated the weaker FCS competition and boasts a 45.4-percent (94th-percentile) College Dominator Rating. He totaled over 5,500 yards and 60 touchdowns from scrimmage over his four years at Coastal Carolina.
DeAngelo Henderson Advanced Stats & Metrics Profile
Although De’Angelo Henderson’s 103.3 Speed Score of puts him in the 71st-percentile among all running backs, his below average 117.8 (42nd-percentile) Burst Score and poor 11.83 (7th-percentile) Agility Score limits his potential as an NFL caliber workhorse. He is likely to slot in as the third running back on the Denver Broncos. Henderson may not look the part of a traditional passing down running back but showcased excellent receiving skills in college (97 catches for 921 yards and six touchdowns). His sturdy, low center of gravity frame may help him carve out additional duties in pass protection, and hopefully, help him see some time on the field his rookie year.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JoxwaKMdWY&t=2s
Donnel Pumphrey, Philadelphia Eagles
Donnel Pumphrey is the second running back in this draft class to be utilized as a workhorse by his college team despite his slight frame (5-8, 176-pounds). He posted eye-popping numbers at San Diego State and ended his collegiate career with over 7,400 yards and 67 touchdowns from scrimmage. Pumphrey’s College Dominator Rating of 48.7-percent is one of the highest in the PlayerProfiler database.
Donnel Pumphrey Advanced Stats & Metrics Profile
Unfortunately, Donnel Pumphrey underwhelmed at the NFL Combine, despite running a 4.48 40-yard dash (81st percentile). Pumphrey’s testing indicated that he is a below average NFL caliber athlete given his 87.4 (15th percentile) Speed Score and 115.5 (31st percentile) Burst Score. Much like the previously mentioned Tarik Cohen, Donnel Pumphrey’s role for the Eagles appears to be that of a passing down specialist. Although he’s not a perfect replacement for Darren Sproles, Pumphrey should be productive as a change of pace back. He did showcase impressive receiving skills in college, catching 99 balls for 1,039 yards over his four-year career. Pumphrey should see work on special teams and in a limited third down capacity later this season.
