2020 NFL Scouting Combine Winners and Losers: Running Backs

Dwight Peebles Posted On February 29, 2020

As the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine provides us with more information about this year’s draft prospects, we are taking a position-by-position look at the winners and losers from Indianapolis.

WINNERS

Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin

He answered any questions anyone would have had about his speed, running the fastest 40-yard dash among running backs with a time of 4.39 seconds. Taylor’s three-cone drill time of 7.01 seconds was fourth among running backs. His broad jump measured 123” and vertical jump was 36” – both scores in the middle of the running backs tested.

He looked solid in the drills, not quite as smooth at pass-catching as some of the other backs, but showcased good hands catching. Taylor is in the running to be the top back drafted. He had insane college production and now the athletic testing backs up what we have seen on tape. Taylor can get to the second level and when he does, he has the home-run speed to score on every play.

Cam Akers, Florida State

A five-star recruit who never seemed to fully reach his potential at Florida State, Akers showcased his physical prowess last night in Indianapolis. His time of 4.47 seconds in the 40-yard dash was the fifth fastest among the running backs. The scores of his jumps and bench press were also in the middle among running backs.

The footwork 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 https://t.co/t8fLpRd8Hi

— Ray G (@RayGQue) February 29, 2020

Where he showcased his strengths was in the drills. He was phenomenal in the pass-catching drills and his footwork was on full display. He has quick feet and his precision in movement is ridiculous.

AJ Dillon, Boston College

Dillon is a big back, he measured 6’0” and 247 pounds, and he had an overall impressive showing – especially at his size. His 4.53 seconds in the 40-yard dash was tenth, and one of the most surprising of the night. His 41” vertical and 131” broad jumps were each top among running backs. He put up 23 reps on the bench press, ranking fifth among running backs.

He may profile as a two-down back in the NFL, as he didn’t have any pass-catching production to speak of in college.

The numbers and athleticism at his size are crazy. Dillon earned himself some money at the NFL Combine.

Darrynton Evans, Appalachian State

Evans is a small school guy with huge production and used the Combine to get his name some more recognition. He ran the second fastest 40-yard dash at 4.41 seconds. His vertical jump of 37” and broad jump of 125” were each in the upper third of running backs and better than Taylor’s.

He finished his junior season with 1,480 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns, and also caught 21 passes. He garnered some well-deserved attention this week, and could have vaulted into day two draft talk.

LOSERS

JK Dobbins, Ohio State

All the talk of the winners in the draft and Dobbins is hard to put as a loser – but not participating in the drills hurt him in this running back class. With the players above showcasing their athletic ability, it would have been beneficial to see how the Ohio State back measured up. He is still recovering from an ankle injury against Clemson in December. He will likely be a high draft pick, one of the first five running backs drafted, but he could have helped his stock by participating in more drills.

Zach Moss, Utah

If you have watched Moss’ film, you know his game is not predicated on skill and elite athleticism. His 4.65 40-yard dash time was fourth-lowest among running backs. His vertical jump of 33” was one of the lowest ten scores among running backs. He did not participate in the broad jump or the three-cone drill. Moss is a solid overall running back and will play in the NFL, but his draft stock might have taken a small tumble after his combine showing.