NFL Combine Review: Running Backs

With the NFL Combine now complete, dynasty fantasy footballers now have one more piece of data to use in their analysis of the incoming rookie class. That is what the weekend in Indy should be by the way, one more piece to the puzzle, not a defining moment for any of these players we’ve studied the past few months, or even years.

In this four-part series, I’ll review the key offensive fantasy positions, looking at players who may have helped themselves, along with some who might see their stock drop after a disappointing performance at the NFL Combine.

In this edition, the focus turns to the running back position. Here’s the data collected this weekend at the NFL Combine.

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Key Players

Dalvin Cook, Florida State

Florida State’s Dalvin Cook entered the Combine as the trendy choice to be the 1.01 rookie pick in dynasty leagues and left it with fading stock due to his all-around disappointing performance in the majority of the drills. Cook jumped only 30.5 inches in the vertical jump and then managed a solid but unspectacular 4.49 in the 40. Some of Cook’s other numbers, specifically his 7.27 second three cone drill, gave dynasty owners cause for concern. Cook’s SPARQ score places him in the ninth percentile of running backs. While Cook’s performance was underwhelming, his in-game performance speaks volumes and he should certainly remain as a top dynasty rookie pick.

Leonard Fournette, LSU

LSU star back Leonard Fournette got off to a terrible start at the Combine with a 28.5 inch vertical jump, but redeemed himself with an impressive 4.51 40. Factoring in his 240 pound weigh in, that gives Fournette a speed score of 116.0, the fourth best score among running backs since 1999. While he was drawing a ton of criticism from dynasty owners leading up to the Combine, it is hard to doubt him after that performance, along with what he showed on the field during his time at LSU. According a post-Combine Twitter poll I conducted, Fournette is now the favorite to be the top overall choice in dynasty rookie drafts.

Christian McCaffrey, Stanford

Among the running backs, the biggest winner of the weekend might have been Stanford’s Christian McCaffrey. While he posted competitive numbers in most categories, his 6.57 three cone time was easily the best at his position and among the best of the past fifteen years. This resulted in a top four SPARQ score for McCaffrey. One reporter mentioned he had not spoken to a single scout who expected McCaffrey to slip out of the first round. Dynasty owners have been valuing McCaffrey in the second tier of this class, but it might be time to consider him in the same group as Cook and Fournette.

Joe Mixon, Oklahoma

Obviously, former Okalahoma back Joe Mixon was not invited to the NFL Combine due to his off-field history involving a violent offense against a female. Some have argued though that Mixon’s NFL Draft and, as a result, dynasty fantasy stock improved this weekend due to the falters of some of the other top runners. Instead, Mixon will work out for scouts later this week at the Sooners’ pro day. As has been said many times before, most of Mixon’s dynasty value rests on how early of a pick an NFL team chooses to invest in him on draft weekend. That will tell us all we need to know. For now, Mixon is still considered a top six pick in dynasty rookie drafts.

Others to Watch

D’Onta Foreman, Texas

During the stringent medical tests at the Combine, a stress fracture was found in D’Onta Foreman’s foot, putting an early end to his weekend. This was a disappointment for the high producing Longhorn who had things to prove. That will have to wait until his March 28th pro day and Foreman has already said he’ll be ready to work out at that time.

Wayne Gallman, Clemson

I have considered Clemson running back Wayne Gallman as a player who is solid at all aspects of the position, but fails to stand out in any area – that matches up with what we saw this weekend. Gallman not only finished in the middle of the pack in most drills, but that also resulted in slightly below average SPARQ and speed scores. He should still be viewed as a third-tier dynasty prospect who would be a good target in the early second round.

Kareem Hunt, Toledo

Small school back Kareem Hunt was becoming a trendy favorite among many fantasy analysts as the Combine approached, but his performance this weekend was disappointing. While he had some big-time production for Toledo and has the looks of an every down back, his 40 yard time of 4.62 second was a bit of a letdown. While Hunt was not a complete flop, he failed to stand out and looks like a mid-second round dynasty rookie pick.

Alvin Kamara, Tennessee

After Jalen Hurd left Tennessee, Alvin Kamara got his chance at extensive playing time and he made the most of it. He not only carried the ball, but excelled as a pass-catcher. While his market share for carries and other rushing stats are far below what we’d like to see, Kamara has the upside dynasty owners covet. He had a solid all-around Combine performance, which led him to the highest SPARQ score of all running backs. Kamara still resides in the late first/early second round range for rookie drafts, but if the projections that list him as a first round NFL Draft pick come to fruition, his dynasty stock will jump.

Samaje Perine, Oklahoma

Oklahoma’s Samaje Perine has been somewhat overshadowed by his teammate Mixon, but he has plenty of production on his resume. No one expected Perine to be a speedster and his 4.65 40 is the type of speed he displayed in game action as well. He certainly fits the mold of the bigger, power back (he boasted 30 reps at the bench) in a committee attack and should still draw consideration late in the first round of dynasty rookie drafts.

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Ryan McDowell

Contributor at Dynasty League Football

In addition to his senior leadership role here at DLF, Ryan is also a husband, father of three and PE teacher. Ryan is the commissioner of multiple dynasty leagues, most notably the Kitchen Sink Dynasty Leagues. Here at DLF, Ryan’s focus is on identifying, monitoring and analyzing player value.

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