Cheap Thrills: 3 Sleeper RB’s.

Barkley and Guice are two exceptionally talented, well-rounded, and multi-purpose, feature RB’s who do just about everything well and may likely go in the 1st round. And there are other fine RB prospects that will go early as well. THESE AREN’T THOSE GUYS! These are players who can either be had later in the draft, or as UDFA’s.

I don’t have access to film breakdowns, and don’t rely upon anyone’s reviews or primarily on stats for my opinions. I watch what video I can find, both highlight reels and whole games such as those on Draft Breakdown, and form my own judgments. It’s easy to find the flaws in these prospects games, or identify their physical limitations. But if you focus solely on those and ignore what they CAN do well, and how those abilities MAY allow them to play specific roles in an NFL offense, you can miss a potentially valuable player. Players of this type come into NFL camps every summer. Many get weeded out, but some stick and become significant contributors.

These 3 RB’s are among those who’ve caught my eye. The reason they interest me is because each can do SOME things very well. And the level at which they perform them may allow each to become a ROLE contributor in the NFL. If they can, the significance of their contribution depends on matching their abilities to the needs of the team and the role they’re asked to play.

Two of these 3 RB’s could be described as scat backs as they’re smaller and quick. The other isn’t either. One got a Combine invitation, and two didn’t. I was a little surprised that those two didn’t get an invitation as while they marginally qualify as sleepers, they’re not unknown. But since the intent is to get a “look” at such players in camp, it’s actually beneficial as it increases the possibility that they’ll be UDFA’s.

I’ve seen that many posters are passionate about drafting this or that RB early. Disregarding whether that’s desirable, it doesn’t preclude looking at any of these guys. They’re likely going to be role players if they get a shot in the NFL.

NYHEIM HINES, N.C. State – Listed at 5’9, 197. AKA, Rocket Man, and the sole Combine invitee. Hines is fast! Ran the 100 and 4X100 relay for his school. But he’s not just a track star, he’s also a football player. He runs, he catches and returns punts and kick offs. While smaller, he’s not afraid to stick his nose in, plus he’s elusive with excellent agility, vision and balance.

In 2017 he rushed for 1,112 yards and 12 touchdowns on 197 carries. He caught 26 passes for 152 yards, returned 11 punts for 135 yards and a score, and brought back 21 kickoffs for 469 yards.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=taKEoX7tXQM

ITO SMITH, Southern Mississippi – Listed at 5’9”, 195. AKA, Barry Sanders on a Budget. Smith was the featured RB for S. Miss., but will likely be best suited as a change of pace scat back in the NFL, though he’s surprisingly complete for a smaller RB. He runs and he catches, but it’s his sometimes spectacular running that deserves the most attention. Though he’s also one of the most willing and surprisingly successful smaller RB’s at picking up blitzers. Of course he can be overwhelmed by LB’s, but will routinely stand up DB’s.

While he has good speed, it’s his instant burst that’s most noticeable. He has excellent vision and is very patient following blocks. But when he does see a crease, he’s gone. He also has EXCEPTIONAL balance. And he’s hard to get a hand on, with great lateral agility. A surprise is that he’s surprisingly strong for his size, showing some power, and is entirely willing to stick his nose into contact and drive for what yards he can.

In 2017 he ran for 1,425 yards on 248 attempts averaging 5.7 yards a carry. And caught 40 passes for another 396 yards.

Barry Sanders he’s not, but he’s a surprisingly good little back for a smaller school. Watch his run at 2:20 on the video below -

JORDAN CHUNN, listed at 6’1”, 235. AKA, The Big Boy from Troy, AKA, Megachunn. I’ve long wanted the Giants to have a reliable short yardage RB. Perhaps Watson will fill the bill . . . don’t know. I started looking at prospects to see if there was any help there. And Chunn looked like he might have potential in that role.

I’ve included his most often listed height and weight for each player, but there are differences. One has Chunn listed at 5’11”, and his listed weight of 230 is likely closer to his freshman weight. I’d bet he’s about 6’ ½” and somewhere between 235 and 240, though he may be dieting for his pro day. He’s thick bodied and long armed and may tend to carry a little extra weight.

He’s been a very successful feature RB for Troy. But I don’t think he’ll be able to play that role in the NFL. Some think he may become a FB, but I think his best role is as a short yardage RB. Though I think he’s one that will occasionally deliver a bit more. The first few times I watched him I was about to dismiss him, but noticed he was consistently successful and began to study what he was doing more carefully.

Despite not having a quick initial burst, he gets to the hole quickly because he has excellent vision and is fluid with no wasted motion. He’s not going to dance or attempt to juke tacklers; he picks his line, hits the hole accelerating, and if a defender gets in front of him, that’s THEIR problem.

I was also troubled at first because he didn’t look overly violent compared to some power backs. But what is happening on the other end is defenders having to give way, and sometimes being dragged along with him. You see, Jordan isn’t a gym-body; he’s what I know of as “country strong.” And I noticed by the end of games some DB’s would just sort of nod at him as he freight-trained by them. AND I LOVED IT!

If I’ve made him sound like some oaf, he isn’t. He’s actually pretty athletic for a guy his size and body type. And he will stretch out and add speed after the first 10 yards, though I expect he won’t have a very good 40 because he doesn’t fire out from a standstill. And like most, larger power backs that don’t start fast, penetration can stop him before he gets started, but that true of almost all RB’s.

He’s got natural, soft hands and is adept at catching check downs and swing passes. He’s a natural at picking up blitzes with the power to take on LB’S. But he could use some coaching on technique. He’s got the ability and willingness to be a good blockier. I think he could make a great 3rd and short back, and I’ve already had fantasies of him in a 2 TE set with Engram and Ellison. There’s lot of stuff you could do from that trio.

In selecting a video to showcase him, I’m including the one which shows his touchdowns. I did this because I think it best highlights the role he’s best suited for in the NFL.

Hinds Video - ( New Window )