2020 NFL Draft: Top 5 running backs entering 2019 season

5. J.K. Dobbins, Ohio State

2018 games watched: TCU, Maryland, Nebraska

Height: 5-10
Weight: 214 pounds
Year: Junior

2018 statline:
1,053 yards rushing,10 rushing touchdowns, 4.6 yards per carry
26 catches, 263 yards receiving, 2 receiving touchdowns, 10.1 yards per reception

Strengths:
J.K. Dobbins plays with great pad level; he is already fairly stocky as it is, but his ability to garner a low center of gravity allows him to put all the strength in those thighs of his on full display and makes him a powerful runner.

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Once a hole develops, Dobbins shows great burst to hit the hole, but the problem is that he ran behind a sub-par Ohio State offensive line a year ago. His per-carry average dropped from 10 yards per carry as a freshman to 4.6 last season.

Ohio State ran a variety of gadget plays, attempting to get speedsters like Indianapolis Colts’ receiver Parris Campbell out on the edge. On plays like this, Dobbins showed the ability to be a willing blocker to help spring the ball carrier.

While it may not be the best in the class, Dobbins utilizes good footwork in order to make strong cuts towards running lanes and in the open field; while he may not be extremely elusive, having great power and a decent ability to cut is more than sufficient to break off of defensive backs in the second and third levels.

Dobbins has adept vision and decisiveness when it comes to seeing a hole and choosing to hit it. It was not often to see Dobbins choose a wrong lane rather than one that could lead to greener pastures.

Weaknesses:
While Dobbins has sufficient footwork, he does lose some steam on his acceleration when he does look to make a move, this allows him to be caught from behind on multiple occasions.

Dobbins is a grinder and downhill runner through the trenches, but lacks a certain pop to get to the edge and be an effective runner near the boundary. Dobbins does not have that wow factor that will account for a ton of explosive plays.

The junior running back could use a little more patience in order to let holes develop as he can be caught between studder steps at or near the line of scrimmage.

Pro Comparison: Mark Ingram (Baltimore Ravens)