2019 NFL Scouting Combine Review: Running Backs

Rob Willette Posted On March 7, 2019

There were many lingering questions regarding the 2019 running back class heading into last week’s Combine in Indianapolis. With the events in our rearview mirror, many questions still remain. It was a largely disappointing week for the group, with most failing to separate in what is a tightly-packed class.

Regardless of how valuable you feel the Combine truly is, there is plenty to be gleaned from it. It is another data set to assist in making crucial long-term decisions. Below we will look at some of the notable running back performances, in order of the current DLF Rookie Rankings. Directly below is a table for full testing results.

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Josh Jacobs, Alabama

Despite a limited college resume, Jacobs has become the top-ranked running back for many. By sitting out Combine drills, Jacobs may have become a Combine “winner” by default. He sat back and watched his peers largely underwhelm, failing to force dynasty owners to look at their overall resume through a different lens. Jacobs did check-in at a solid 5’10” and 220 pounds, checking the box for feature back size.

Jacobs is scheduled to work out at his Pro Day, which generally offers more favorable conditions to the prospect. Even modest testing numbers should keep his stock high given his frame, tape, and skills in the passing game. While Round 1 hype is certainly abound, I am expecting Jacobs to settle in near the top of Round 2.

David Montgomery, Iowa State

Most did not expect elite testing numbers from Montgomery, and he proved them right with a modest 4.63 forty and 28.5” vertical. If you liked Montgomery before the Combine, these numbers should not deter you. His game is predicated on strength in tight spaces and versatility; he’s not the type of back who will hit home runs on a routine basis.

This could have put a small dent in his draft pedigree, however. A stronger day would have had Montgomery hearing his name early on day two. Testing as a limited athlete likely pushes him more to the back of day two, with day three a distinct possibility.

Darrell Henderson, Memphis

Henderson’s stock remains steady following his performance in Indianapolis. He put forth a quality 4.49 time in the forty and checked-in at a sturdy 208 pounds, giving him a solid BMI of 31.6. Henderson’s speed shows up on film and in conjunction with his quickness makes him a nightmare in the open field. Add in relaxed hands in the passing game, and Henderson is an excellent asset who could contribute from day one. I’d expect Henderson to comfortably land in Round 1, and he is personally my favorite back in the class.

Damien Harris, Alabama

Harris did what he always does: turn in a steady, no frills performance in Indianapolis. His 4.57 time in the forty is just fine at 216 pounds and strong performances in the Vertical Jump (37”) and Broad Jump (10’1”) show he is plenty athletic. Harris looks like a safe bet to be selected on day two, and while I don’t think he can lead a backfield by his lonesome, he should carve out a long and effective career as a 1A or 1B type.

Miles Sanders, Penn State

Saquon Barkley’s understudy may have had the best day of any runner from a draft stock perspective. After a strong junior campaign which saw him run for 1,274 yards, Sanders clocked a 4.49 time at 211 pounds and showed off his short-area quickness in the agility drills. The performance was enough to move Sanders into the Top 5 of DLF’s Rookie Rankings, and as we all know those rankings are infallible. A strong performance in Indianapolis has moved Sanders into the day two mix; he profiles as a mid-level starting RB at the NFL level.

Elijah Holyfield, Georgia

I believe the official term for this performance would be “oof.” Holyfield’s 4.78 forty yard dash time conjured up memories of De’Runnya Wilson and left even the most ardent Holyfield supporters mystified. Holyfield is certainly not a plodder on film, but this performance brings into question his ability to compete athletically at the NFL level, especially when you add in the fact his Vertical Jump and Broad Jump were both on the low-end for runners.

Holyfield will have a chance for redemption at his Pro Day. Poor testing results can sometimes be attributed to poor technique. However, it is going to take some magic to wash off the stench of this performance. He entered the week with a chance to work into the day mix and exits the week as a possible UDFA.

Benny Snell, Kentucky

Snell’s performance has left him with the unfortunate nickname of Benny Snail, which, as you can probably surmise, is not complimentary. His official time of 4.66 is actually far from a disaster at 224 pounds, and he posted adequate if pedestrian numbers in the key agility drills. Snell was never expected to test well, and if you’re still in his corner it is due to his ability to be workmanlike between the tackles.

Beyond being a middling athlete, Snell has concerns over his work in the passing game (29 receptions over three years) and his overall upside. Snell can still contribute in a Jordan Howard type of fashion, but those are not players you get excited about. Snell is a likely day three pick who has a lot of work ahead of him to become a fantasy mainstay.

Justice Hill, Oklahoma State

Hill was the rare runner who left Indianapolis in better shape than when he arrived. Hill checked-in close to 200 pounds – a good number for a back who looked 175 on a good day as a freshman – and showed his added weight did not curtail his athleticism. He blazed with a 4.40 forty time and dazzled in both the Vertical and Broad Jump. A top-shelf athlete with elite production and passing game chops, Hill has settled into the admittedly large mix of day two runners.

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