Jay Ajayi: 2015 NFL Draft Prospect Watch

The 2015 NFL Draft will feature a running back class that is stacked at the top. Jay Ajayi from Boise State isn’t at the very top of the prospect list at the moment, but he’s certainly a name to watch as we enter the 2014 college football season.

Here’s a breakdown of Ajayi’s game, including his full stat line from his previous seasons with the Boise State Broncos:

Jay Ajayi, RS Junior, 6’0″, 216lb.

STRENGTHS

• Has very good size – With the proper coaching, he can learn to use it to his advantage at the next level
• Long legs and long strides
• Has big play ability, something shown with his 19 total TDs last year
• Not afraid of contact – Isn’t a bruiser, but won’t shy away from taking a big hit
• Has shown ability to improvise on-field, something that is hard to coach – This should just improve with reps

WEAKNESSES

• Not an electric hole-hitter – Hasn’t shown a great burst at the line of scrimmage
• Speed isn’t elite – Can see him getting bottled up at the next level
• Fumble issues
• Hasn’t yet proven that he can match up toe to toe with speedy defenders

STATS FROM 2013

c/o Boise State official stats

249 rushes, 1425 yards, 5.7 yards per attempt, 18 touchdowns, 109.6 yards per game

In 2014, Ajayi is going to have to show an increase in burst at the line of scrimmage and the ability to out-run defenders with elite speed. If he can do that, he could potentially be graded as a mid-round back next winter. Currently, Melvin Gordon and Todd Gurley sit at the top of the prospect watch list at the running back spot.