Matt Waldman’s RSP Boiler room examines the route and receiving chops of 2023 NFL Draft prospect Deuce Vaugh, a diminutive but explosive running back at Kansas State.
Is Deuce Vaughn the next Darren Sproles? I’m not onboard with that comparison. From what I’ve seen thus far, Sproles was at least a notch higher than Vaughn when considering contact balance and strength.
He also possessed an uncommon control of his hips and legs that he shared with Marshawn Lynch. I called it, “Independent rear suspension.”
I'm a fan of running backs with "independent rear suspension." #MarshawnLynch and #DarrenSproles have this in common.
Here's Sproles… pic.twitter.com/BVZ7peDENQ
— Matt Waldman (@MattWaldman) July 4, 2018
Sproles also understood leverage at a level that allowed him to commit feats of football beyond his physical dimensions.
Although Sproles never got to be a true starter for a long period of time, his film portfolio in the NFL merits a firm stance against using him as a point of comparison liberally.
Where Vaughn has a chance of meeting the Sproles benchmark is the receiving game and the open field. This is where most Sproles comparisons hold up at the starting gate before they ultimately disappear far from the finish line.
It doesn’t mean Vaughn lacks NFL value. He’s a fine receiver who has what it takes to become an asset for an NFL passing game as a route runner and pass catcher. Vaughn also understands how to make the most of the space in front of him when the ball is secure in his hands.
If Vaughn can cut down on the clapping motion on targets away from his frame, he’ll make good on his pre-draft promise — at least like many of the pretenders to the crown that was Darren Sproles.
That’s still a good thing.
And of course, if you want to know about the rookies from this draft class, you will find the most in-depth analysis of offensive skill players available (QB, RB, WR, and TE), with the 2022 Rookie Scouting Portfolio for $21.95.
Matt’s new RSP Dynasty Rankings and Two-Year Projections Package is available for $24.95
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If you’re a fantasy owner and interested in purchasing past publications for $9.95 each, the 2012-2020 RSPs also have a Post-Draft Add-on that’s included at no additional charge.
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