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Interesting Late Round/UDFA RB/FB Prospect

TC : 3/12/2018 2:49 pm
Ryan Nall, Oregon State. 6'2" 234 Stats: Productive as a RB 5.8 yards per attempt. I wouldn't draft him to use him just as a RB because he lacks the initial quickness, (Though he has quick feet.) lateral agility and balance I would want in a RB. He's billed as a power RB, but that's only so-so. But he's a big body who can run a little, has decent vision, is tough and has decent yards after contact.

What's more interesting is that he began as a TE and he's a quality, natural receiver who can block. I.e., he's a big body with a useful combination of skills that're more significant as a whole than each is individually. Players like this have found their way into the NFL, and smart teams have found ways to make them a weapon.

Since he won't cost much as a pick, if any at all, he might be interesting to consider for camp.

Game plays in videos below -

Video - ( New Window )
When you say block  
idiotsavant : 3/12/2018 3:01 pm : link
Without watching the video here. Whrn yoy say 'block ,

Do you mean pass protect, including seeing what's happening on a pro level, blitz wise?

Do you mean fullback run Lane clearing?

Those things are important, he's not all THAT big, and IMO those things take some balance and body control in addition to seeing what's going on around him.

Great receiver or just OK?
RE: When you say block  
TC : 3/12/2018 3:29 pm : link
In comment 13860182 idiotsavant said:
Quote:
Without watching the video here. Whrn yoy say 'block ,

Do you mean pass protect, including seeing what's happening on a pro level, blitz wise?

Do you mean fullback run Lane clearing?

Those things are important, he's not all THAT big, and IMO those things take some balance and body control in addition to seeing what's going on around him.

Great receiver or just OK?

Since the videos focus mainly on his carries, I've only seen him picking up blitzes, at which he was so-so. But he's billed as blocker also, which I'm taking on faith until proven otherwise. But from the little I've seen, I don't think he's going to be used to blow LB's out of the hole. I.e., looks like he can do SOME blocking.

OK receiver. If he was a great receiver, blocker and runner, he'd be going a lot sooner. He's jack of all trades, master of none. If a particular team can use his whole package in their scheme, he may stick.
No shot Nall goes undrafted  
The_Taxman : 3/12/2018 3:57 pm : link
He had a good combine and has a combo of versatility and size at RB. I think he'll go in the early 6th round and maybe as high as the 5th. I wouldn't draft him at our pick in the 5th. And we don't have a 6th so unless we make some deals, I can't see us getting him, although I like him and wouldn't mind taking him in the 6th.
RE: No shot Nall goes undrafted  
TC : 3/12/2018 4:09 pm : link
In comment 13860315 The_Taxman said:
Quote:
He had a good combine and has a combo of versatility and size at RB. I think he'll go in the early 6th round and maybe as high as the 5th. I wouldn't draft him at our pick in the 5th. And we don't have a 6th so unless we make some deals, I can't see us getting him, although I like him and wouldn't mind taking him in the 6th.

I'm really more interested in a short yardage specialist. And while Nall can serve, I think they're better choices for the Giants, two of whom might already be on the roster in Watson and Simmons. Among late rookie prospects, I like Chunn for that role.

But I think Nall will be in somebody's camp.
234 pounds  
lugnut : 3/12/2018 5:03 pm : link
is not a "big body" at FB in the modern NFL. That's 1 pound more than the guy he could potentially be blocking for (please, please).
Nall is very underrated.  
AdamBrag : 3/12/2018 5:59 pm : link
He takes some time to build up speed, but he's a physical runner who is pretty elusive. He is a very good pass blocker and a good receiver out of the backfield. He played for a bad Oregon St. team and didn't get a lot of carries because they were always behind.
Always try to raise the bar for the.nfl  
idiotsavant : 3/12/2018 6:22 pm : link
Remember. What....there are each year, like 5,000 eligible college kids who played football? Not just the 300 combine attendees.

other sport conversion prospects, alrhough much harder to.measure.

literally -millions- of 21 year olds, world wide, who have athletic skills but whom have never played football.

All possible to fit into the relatively very small group called NFL.rosters. so:

Always attempt to maximise.

That may lead to guards at center , giant NDTs at 3 tech.. Or insane DEs in there...., speedsters everywhere.

So, for a "pass protector first, run and catch second. clear holes third run inside for three yards 4", you want a truly devastating pass protector, very good receiver and who can actually play fullback the old way...etc

other wise it's very hard to.rationalize a roster spot.

Unless they get 3.5 each and every time. That's worth something. Not as an average though. Averages can be very deceiving.

Linebackers...are you big enough.to. contend with an offensive tackle? Are you fast enough.to cover a quick RB? Quick and instinctive enough to zone defend the pass? If neither? no thanks.

Even within " football players" you can look to DEs and DBs for those who can.

Work the numbers.
For example  
idiotsavant : 3/12/2018 6:34 pm : link
The "pure edge rusher". Weird concept. Your saying that this kid cannot play in space, cannot stop the run, but only pass rushes ..and in college had many sacks.

You say ' getting to the passer is worth it in the nfl'.

OK. If you say so...and it is worth a lot.

BUT...if that same player is only 235lbs...even maxed at 245lbs?

You think that works over time in the NFL? With the quality of Tackles that exist today? Remember, the OT need not square up, no need, one hand ..one...hand puts that rusher on the ground.

If you are coming in maxed out at 245 you better be able to zone defend the pass or cover the receiver.

Otherwise there are DE/OLBs with great power (and quickness balance and more leverage ) that can attack past an OT much more effectively ..being healthily naturally country atong at 265lbs. Or more
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