Everything you need from a running back? Maybe…

Walking off the bus, 6’1” 249 pound D’onta Foreman looks like the kind of back who can do everything on a football field. Considering that Foreman’s name was on a list of the most elusive running backs in the Big 12 after some news outlet polled folks in the conference  should tell you that the Texas runner has left an impression.

The boiler room features analysis that I would share with NFL decision makers if they asked for a handful of plays that illustrates the talent, skills, limitations, or developmental upside of an NFL prospect.

In a previous Boiler Room episode, I showed a play where Foreman’s reach exceeded his grasp when he bounced a play outside despite having a crease to hit up the middle exactly as the play was designed. But as you can see from these highlights, there’s a reason Foreman’s eyes get big when he sees open field at the edge. When you have the speed to turn the corner and outrun major college defense backs in the open field, you’re going to bounce more plays on Saturdays than the average big fella. It won’t become a bigger issue until he’s trying to play on Sunday.

This episode examines three plays of Foreman’s performance against Cal that illustrates things I like about his game as he prepares for a Sunday career. Things that matter more than a height, weight, 40-time, and college production: balance, footwork, quickness, reacting to penetration, and fluid change of direction.

For analysis of skill players in the 2017 draft class, pre-order a login for the 2017 Rookie Scouting Portfolio – early-bird purchase discount for April 1 download available now through January 6, 2017. Better yet, if you’re a fantasy owner the Post-Draft Add-on comes with the 2012 – 2017 RSPs at no additional charge. Best, yet, 10 percent of every sale is donated to Darkness to Light to combat sexual abuse. You can purchase past editions of Matt Waldman’s Rookie Scouting Portfolio for just $9.95 apiece.