This NFL draft has a lot of talent at the running back position. Many would say it is highlighted by Penn State's Saquon Barkley, however being overshadowed through out the process is college footballs leading rusher. Rashaad Penny from San Diego State ran for the most yards in all of Division 1, but is rarely mentioned among the likes of media darlings like Saquon. With that said, Penny still could end up being the best back to come out of this class thanks to his great field vision and speed in the open field.
Rashaad Penny checks in at 5'11 with a weight of 220 pounds. This is a good frame for a running back, and when you combine this with his 4.46 speed you create a very talented player. Watching Penny on tape you do not see a ton of flash in terms of spin moves or running over defenders, but what you do see is a player with good lateral movement who can navigate in traffic. Penny has the long speed to take it to the house from any where on the field and runs effortlessly with a gliding style. The San Diego State product can provide value on special teams as he has returned multiple kick offs for touchdowns and can not be taken down with an arm tackle. On top of that, Penny adds value as a pass catcher. I have seen the versatile back line up as a Receiver as well as catch passes out of the back field for touchdowns. The major question mark about Penny is the level of competition he faced, but he did run for 175 yards and a touchdown against Stanford.
Rashaad Penny is a late first round talent that might slip to the second or even the third similar to how Dalvin Cook did. My pro comparison for him would have to be Ladainian Tomlinson, but I have yet to see Penny utilize the stiff arm and spin movie that was a integral part of the Hall of Famer's game. College footballs leading rusher averaged 3.32 yards per carry when contacted at or behind the line of scrimmage, which is top in his class, and will surely be a tough tackle in the NFL.
Rashaad Penny checks in at 5'11 with a weight of 220 pounds. This is a good frame for a running back, and when you combine this with his 4.46 speed you create a very talented player. Watching Penny on tape you do not see a ton of flash in terms of spin moves or running over defenders, but what you do see is a player with good lateral movement who can navigate in traffic. Penny has the long speed to take it to the house from any where on the field and runs effortlessly with a gliding style. The San Diego State product can provide value on special teams as he has returned multiple kick offs for touchdowns and can not be taken down with an arm tackle. On top of that, Penny adds value as a pass catcher. I have seen the versatile back line up as a Receiver as well as catch passes out of the back field for touchdowns. The major question mark about Penny is the level of competition he faced, but he did run for 175 yards and a touchdown against Stanford.
Rashaad Penny is a late first round talent that might slip to the second or even the third similar to how Dalvin Cook did. My pro comparison for him would have to be Ladainian Tomlinson, but I have yet to see Penny utilize the stiff arm and spin movie that was a integral part of the Hall of Famer's game. College footballs leading rusher averaged 3.32 yards per carry when contacted at or behind the line of scrimmage, which is top in his class, and will surely be a tough tackle in the NFL.
