Matt Waldman shares key points from the film of De’Von Achane, Brian Robinson, Jr., and James Conner to explain why these NFL runners are producing well with excellent help from their offensive line and scheme.
The RSP Film Room: Approaching A Decade of Work
I deliver fantasy analysis of these players in my Gut Check column at Footballguys. I thought I’d also share the YouTube videos here. Visit and subscribe to my RSP Film Room Channel. You will find all my film room breakdowns of college and pro players as well as a lot of podcasts.
My first videos were pre-draft analyses of Melvin Gordon and Amari Cooper nearly a decade old. I had a fun range of guests who’ve seen their careers grow since those early days. Josh Norris was still at Rotoworld. SMU’s Director of Recruiting Alex Brown was working at Optimum Scouting as a media scout. Lance Zierlein was about to join NFL Network. Will Hewlett was already well-known in QB circles, but he’s now blowing up because of his work with Brock Purdy and Anthony Richardson. Turron Davenport is an ESPN reporter. Emory Hunt is everywhere, including CBS.
Next spring, I’ll probably sort this old channel into separate channels for college, pro, and podcasts.
Here are brief thoughts about each player in the videos below.
De’Vone Achane
- The Dolphins are creating gigantic creases that look like returner lanes thanks to how they leverage speed and late motion.
- Achane’s speed may be his calling card, but he’s not just a lucky recipient of great play design.
- Although the gaudy numbers of Achane’s debut are probably not sustainable long-term, expect Miami’s rushing production to remain strong.
Brian Robinson, Jr.
- Robinson’s skills remind me of LeGarrette Blount. If that sounds like an insult to you, then you could stand to learn more about RB play.
- Despite a healthy and functional line, Robinson creates his own yardage and gives his teammates chances to help him at the end of runs.
James Conner
- The Cardinals are using alignments that get heavy personnel on the field in creative ways.
- Rookie WR Michael Wilson’s blocking is an asset.
- Arizona found ways to neutralize Micah Parson’s disruption.
- Conner, like Robinson, has the feet and vision to set up blocks and work through contact.
- Conner’s receiving skills remain an asset.
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 2023 Rookie Scouting Portfolio for $21.95.
Matt’s new RSP Dynasty Rankings and Two-Year Projections Package is available for $24.95
If you’re a fantasy owner and interested in purchasing past publications for $9.95 each, the 2012-2022 RSPs also have a Post-Draft Add-on that’s included at no additional charge.
If you’re a fantasy owner and interested in purchasing past publications for $9.95 each, the 2012-2022 RSPs also have a Post-Draft Add-on that’s included at no additional charge.
Best yet, proceeds from sales are set aside for a year-end donation to Darkness to Light to combat the sexual abuse of children.