Blocking - When scouting running backs, don’t just watch the plays in which they carry the ball. Watch what they do without the ball. Of course for fullbacks, you’ve got to analyze their blocking ability on running plays, but any back’s ability to pass protect is so important. Many a talented runner has had a tough time staying on an NFL football field as an every-down player because they couldn’t get the job done when asked to help stop the pass rush.
Picking up the blitz is critical for a running back. Missing assignments, failing to stop pass rushers, and not finding where the blitz is coming from and intercepting it are definite red flags. The good news is blocking can be taught at the NFL level, but it certainly adds to a guy’s value to have that skill coming out of college.
Reading Blocks - Some backs just seem to have an innate ability to find the hole in a defense, while others are hit and miss. Look for guys that wait for the blocking to develop, spot their hole, and hit it. Avoid guys that consistently outrun their blocking, don’t follow their blocks, or simply run into the backs of their blockers.
Vision - Vision is something all the great backs have. The ability to see their blocks developing and knowing where the hole is going to be, and seeing it open are so important. Keep an eye on the decisions a back makes as he looks for a hole. Does he find a hole more often than not, or does he oftem miss the opening or not recognize it soon enough to hit it.
Handling the Ball Last, but certainly not least, is handling the football. Turnovers can, and often do, change the momentum of a football game. For some running backs, fumbling can be like a disease. Once they start, they can’t stop. And to compound things, once a player gets a reputation as a fumbler, the defense will relentlessly try to strip the player every time he carries the ball.
Having big, strong hands is a plus, but knowing the proper way to carry the ball is more important. Watch to see that the back has the ball tucked under his arm, not holding it out in his hand or hands. A good back will also switch the ball to the arm opposite a closing defender if he has time to safely move it before getting hit. A good back is also always aware of the ball. He keeps it protected at all times.
That concludes Lesson Four of this six-part series. Now get out some video tape, check out the above skills, jot down your thoughts, and you’ve got yourself a scouting report on an NFL Draft prospect.
