2018 Rookie Profile: Nyheim Hines, RB NC State
The hybrid running back has become a feature of the NFL offense. So much so that they have begun to blur the lines between the two positions at the edges. Nyheim Hines is someone who could well fit into that mold, but it could also be overlooked that some of his best production was as a running back rather than as a receiver in college. Having impressed at the NFL Scouting Combine, he could well be the third round pick who pays off in dynasty rookie drafts this off-season.
The Stats
Statistics from sports-reference.com
Hines came out of high school as a highly-rated prospect with several yardage records to his name. As such it seems notable that he played such a small role in his freshman and sophomore years. But, in context, Hines was a true freshman in 2015 behind Matthew Dayes and a running quarterback in Jacoby Brissett. But he still got the ball 48 times and managed 9.2% of the team’s rushing yards and handled what works out to 9% of the teams rushing attempts.
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Between his freshman and sophomore years, he ran track in the 4x100m relay and received All-ACC honors. As a sophomore, he played in 12 games but started six of them as a wide receiver, accounting for 16% of the team’s receptions and 15% of the teams receiving yards. Though he did drop off to 2.6% of the rushing attempts and 2% of rushing yards.
As Mathew Dayes went off to live in the depth chart of the Cleveland Browns, Hines finally took over the lead role and made 47.8% of the team’s rushing yards on 40% of attempts. His receiving role dropped off that year but he still finished averaging just under 30 receptions a year.
The Film
One of the main things I take away from Hines on the field is that he really does look like a more natural runner than a receiver. At this level of competition, it’s clear his athleticism is doing a lot for him. He struggles with consistency as a pass catcher as both his routes and hands seem raw.
Even so, there is a progression in his skills from year one to year three. That’s a positive sign for a player who will likely start behind others on the depth chart. An ability and willingness to learn and improve will be essential for him.
Also, he fast.
Measurables
Nyheim Hines’ 4.38 second 40-yard dash time is in the 95th percentile. His size will be a complaint as it has been with so many dual-threat running backs over the years. He ranks in the 12th and 13th percentile in height and weight respectively and both his jumps were mediocre – landing him in the 58th percentile for the broad jump and the 64th for the vertical. As such, his physical comps do not lend him a lot of hope with the likes of Ronnie Hillman and T.J. Logan topping the bill with close to an 80% comparison.
Dynasty Value
DLF ADP is available for every player on their player page.
As of March, Hines’ ADP is 170.67 in startup drafts and he is ranked 30th overall in DLF’s rookie rankings. In dynasty ADP, he places just behind more established third down back James White (168.50 ADP) and even not yet established players like Corey Clement (166.67 ADP). Interestingly he is ranked ahead of dominant running backs falling due to their age like DeMarco Murray, and some solid wide receivers like Rishard Matthews (177.17 ADP). This likely says a lot more about what drafters think of Matthews and Murray then it does Hines.
In terms of this rookie class, Hines is still behind other similar players like Justin Jackson (ranked 31st rookie overall) and later round receivers like Auden Tate (29) and Anthony Miller (28).
Conclusion
Hines is a good athlete who is undersized for a full time role in the NFL. He is a better runner then a receiver, but will take time to develop his game in both areas because of his limited early use in college and an ability to rely on his natural athleticism which won’t take him as far at the next level. He has also shown that he can improve and has an as yet undefined ceiling.
In the right landing spot, I think he could become another member of the “not of just a third down back” role player. A dual threat weapon who blurs the lines between two positions. Since this is not a move every NFL team would make, look for him potentially get stuck on a depth chart that simply won’t put him in a position to succeed.
His range of outcomes in a more stunted landing spot is between T.J. Logan and Danny Woodhead, passing through the likes of Jalen Richard in between. But should he luck into a more creative offense, I think his range of outcomes could be anywhere from T.J. Logan all the way to Tyreek Hill – passing through Dion Lewis and Ty Montgomery in the middle. I don’t think he’s as natural of a pass catcher as Duke Johnson, which makes me worry his Woodhead ceiling is almost impossible. But I could genuinely see a role for him as a multi-dimensional weapon on the right team. It’s a thin needle to thread, but easily worth his current third round pick value in a dynasty rookie drafts.
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UDFA's matter | British ex-pat | Writer of things
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