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Bargain RB’s: Attack of the Smurfs.

TC : 4/17/2018 11:07 am
The simplest way to have a great team is to have it composed of only 1st round picks. Or at least that’s what the focus suggests. But since I’m convinced that irrespective which way the Giants go with their 1st pick they’re going to get a great player, I’m even more interested in how the Giants might improve from the rest of the prospects available.

I love RB’s. They fascinate me. I’ve played with them and against them. And I’ve watched them for a long time. And I’ve watched drafts for a long time. In this draft there appears to be a larger than average group of good RB’s. And among that group you have several who may well be 1st round picks, enough middle round prospects and still plenty left over who will likely be late round picks or UDFA’s.

Among that last group there is sometimes a player who performed very well, but is smaller and played against lesser competition. Historically they’re long shots to make it in the NFL. But this year there isn’t just one, there are several. And they didn’t just perform well; they pop off the screen when you watch them!

Measureables like those the Combine generate don’t tell the whole story, and can even be misleading. But one thing they can be very useful for is to help assess the ability of players who play against lesser competition. Is he just a big fish in a little pond, or is there something special going on? If he’s exceptional on the field, and you learn his numbers back up that performance when compared to prospects from tougher divisions, the possibility increases that he may be able to play in the NFL.

Why should you be interested in any of these guys? Because the Giants are. They’re reported to have already met with several of them. Irrespective of whether you also draft a RB high, when the opportunity presents itself to add RB talent as UDFA’s that you’d normally have to spend a pick on, it could be smart to bring one into camp. RB’s typically don’t have a long shelf life, you need options.

I believe I’ve already dealt with most of these RB’s previously, and won’t duplicate all that information though I can provide videos and other information if requested. But I’ll summarize why I feel each should be of interest, and offer new information that has become available.

Chase Edmonds, Fordham, 5’9” 205, 4.55 40, 19 BP, 34 Vert., 6.79 3 cone.

Workhorse for Fordham, all around RB, exceptional vision, balance and agility. Very athletic and elusive. Can also block and catch.

Philip Lindsay, Colorado, 5’7” 184, 4.39 40, 14BP, 35.5 Vert.

Nicknamed the Tasmanian Devil for his frenetic playing style. Despite small size is an excellent inside runner with great burst, vision and instincts, but can also break runs outside and take it the distance. Excellent receiver out of the backfield and can pick up blitzes too. Can run by, through and under defenders.

Ito Smith, Southern Mississippi., 5’8.5”, 200, 4.45 40, 22BP, 36.5 Vert., 7.22 3 cone.

Just an all-around good little RB. Stronger than he looks he can run inside and out. While not a power RB, he doesn’t go down easily. Superb vision and balance, follows blocks patiently and then hits the crease in a blink. A very smart RB who has natural hands and can pick up blitzes surprisingly well for his size.

Boston Scott, Louisiana Tech, 5’6” 195, 4.40 40, 21BP, 38.5 Vert., 6.66 3 cone.

If comparing Scott’s pro day numbers to RB’s at the Combine, he would be tied for the second fastest 40 with Barkley, among the top 10 in all categories and 1st in the 3 cone.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen a RB like Boston Scott. The closest thing I’ve seen is Charlie Tolar who played full back for the old Houston Oilers in the AFL and who was also 5’6” and weighed 199. Except that Scott is much, much faster and more agile.

Scott looks like a little kid on the field, even smaller than his size. That’s because while he’s a very strong little man, he has an unusually large head. And this proportion makes him look almost fragile. You worry about him. And then you notice when he’s not running by or around someone, he may be running over them. And not just DB’s, LB’s get the same treatment, and you find yourself wondering, how’s he doing that? His style of running also reminds me of Tolar in that it is both darting and gliding. He takes odd angles and just squirts by defenders.

So what can’t he do? While I haven’t seen him try, one report I found said he can’t block worth a lick. Which is odd, but that’s football. And that is a problem. But to atone for his sin, he’s a very effective receiver out of the backfield who can get separation on a LB and has sure natural hands. The other thing his fine hands and agility do is make him an excellent and successful kick returner, which he did throughout his school career averaging 21.8 yards per return.

Boston Scott Highlights - ( New Window )
you're wrong  
Rocky369 : 4/17/2018 11:20 am : link
only read the top line and still don't know what "the focus" is, but you're still wrong.
Good thread TC  
idiotsavant : 4/17/2018 11:37 am : link
Here's the thing. For some RBs, low center of gravity translates not only into hard to grab, but also instant change of direction ability, cut ability.

If that's matched by decent burst then not only does that help you get past the line of scrimmage when they have the ball...but also obviously:

-when they don't have the ball (some of ) these players similarly cut on pass routes much -more effectivly- than many or most of the larger or taller RBs do.

Making them a serious mis match vs lbs, even vs some safeties and corners - when it comes to getting open to receive. It's an obvious and well known type why not field it?
Not player specific  
idiotsavant : 4/17/2018 11:40 am : link
But Ito does look good as well as the blue chippers. Don't know your Scott maybe too small that one.
I'm admittedly biased,  
Section331 : 4/17/2018 11:45 am : link
being a Fordham grad who has seen Chase play 25+ times, but I'd love to see him on the Giants. Terrific player and an impressive young man. He won't be an every down back in the NFL, but he can get tough yards, is a terrific receiver, and has a nose for the end zone (74 TD's in 44 games).
RE: I'm admittedly biased,  
TC : 4/17/2018 12:29 pm : link
In comment 13917368 Section331 said:
Quote:
being a Fordham grad who has seen Chase play 25+ times, but I'd love to see him on the Giants. Terrific player and an impressive young man. He won't be an every down back in the NFL, but he can get tough yards, is a terrific receiver, and has a nose for the end zone (74 TD's in 44 games).

He's a quality RB, and one of those with whom the Giants met. He went from being off the radar, to possibly predicted going in the 5th round, though I think he may still wind up as an UDFA just because of the way things tend to play out.

Among these four, it's hard to say which I like best, probably the Colorado back because of his combination of speed and toughness. Scott's a wild card, off the charts in so many ways. Definitely a long shot.

But the idea is you get a test drive with these guys in camp, and all you have to give up is camp spot when you need RB bodies anyway. If one catches fire, you're in luck!
RE: I'm admittedly biased,  
Pep22 : 4/17/2018 1:22 pm : link
In comment 13917368 Section331 said:
Quote:
being a Fordham grad who has seen Chase play 25+ times, but I'd love to see him on the Giants. Terrific player and an impressive young man. He won't be an every down back in the NFL, but he can get tough yards, is a terrific receiver, and has a nose for the end zone (74 TD's in 44 games).


Are you a recent grad? My son is leaning toward committing to Fordham (kicker). I wonder if I can tap into your opinion on the school. My email is wjpepe@gmail.com and cell is 914-522-2559 if you don't mind reaching out to me.
Been watching some more Boston Scott.  
TC : 4/17/2018 4:17 pm : link
I think I want him in camp. Displaying GREAT vision, a wicked jump and always gets yards after contact, with tacklers often bouncing off him. He's a freak, at 5'6" dragging tacklers who outweigh him by 30 pounds down the field.

Want another comp? Joe Morris.

Boston Scott Video - ( New Window )
I'd take Martez Carter over any of the guys  
jlukes : 4/17/2018 4:26 pm : link
you've listed
RE: RE: I'm admittedly biased,  
Brown Recluse : 4/17/2018 4:26 pm : link
In comment 13917532 Pep22 said:
Quote:
In comment 13917368 Section331 said:


Quote:


being a Fordham grad who has seen Chase play 25+ times, but I'd love to see him on the Giants. Terrific player and an impressive young man. He won't be an every down back in the NFL, but he can get tough yards, is a terrific receiver, and has a nose for the end zone (74 TD's in 44 games).



Are you a recent grad? My son is leaning toward committing to Fordham (kicker). I wonder if I can tap into your opinion on the school. My email is wjpepe@gmail.com and cell is 914-522-2559 if you don't mind reaching out to me.


You really shouldn't give your phone number out on here :)
RE: RE: I'm admittedly biased,  
Section331 : 4/17/2018 4:42 pm : link
In comment 13917532 Pep22 said:
Quote:

Are you a recent grad? My son is leaning toward committing to Fordham (kicker). I wonder if I can tap into your opinion on the school. My email is wjpepe@gmail.com and cell is 914-522-2559 if you don't mind reaching out to me.


Unless you consider 1983 recent? ;-)

I'll shoot you an email.
Boston Scott squatting 625!  
TC : 4/17/2018 4:52 pm : link
With a LITTLE help from his friends. ;-)

Video - ( New Window )
I am  
YANKEE28 : 4/17/2018 4:55 pm : link
rooting for Boston !!!!
Scott benching 425.  
TC : 4/17/2018 4:58 pm : link
.
Video - ( New Window )
RE: I am  
TC : 4/17/2018 5:10 pm : link
In comment 13917839 YANKEE28 said:
Quote:
rooting for Boston !!!!

Scott is the kind of player that Belichick will see can do some things very well and put him into a position to do them where he'll bedevil the league for years to come.
A man that small  
chopperhatch : 4/17/2018 5:14 pm : link
Moving weight like that is impressive.
great post  
V.I.G. : 4/17/2018 5:14 pm : link
thank you
Ito Smith fan  
NYG27 : 4/17/2018 7:22 pm : link
Reminds me a lot of Dave Meggett in his prime. Smallish RB but has the power to run inside, great vision and very good hands.
Smallish backs  
Dan Blue : 4/17/2018 9:39 pm : link
Are interesting but reality sinks in quickly. Very few have the speed and power to make it in the NFL. All of these guys on the list were outstanding college back but the League is totally different. I have seen Ito Smith twice and he’s a fun guy to watch. Might see on of these guys in the Fall camp as a FA.
RE: Smallish backs  
TC : 4/18/2018 12:08 am : link
In comment 13918205 Dan Blue said:
Quote:
Are interesting but reality sinks in quickly. Very few have the speed and power to make it in the NFL. All of these guys on the list were outstanding college back but the League is totally different. I have seen Ito Smith twice and he’s a fun guy to watch. Might see on of these guys in the Fall camp as a FA.

That's what I'm hoping. A little guy who can run a 4.4 40, has a 38.5 vertical and can squat 625 HAS both speed and power!
Comparison of Scott to Joe Morris.  
TC : 4/18/2018 12:14 am : link
Joe was listed as 5'7", 190. At his pro day, Boston Scott measured in at 5' 6.6", and weighed 195.
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