Jay Ajayi: Boise State RB 2015 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Boise State RB Jay Ajayi broke out during the 2015 season, showing NFL teams needing a back in the 2015 NFL Draft that he’ll be worthy of a Day Two pick once the Draft rolls around.

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Below, you’ll find a full scouting report with tape from our great friends over at Draft Breakdown.

MEET THE PROSPECT

Let’s start with a quick look at Ajayi. Here’s an early game against Ole Miss that showcases everything he does well. Note his hole-hitting ability early and often with impressive burst.

Note the impressive ability to catch the ball here. NFL teams certainly value versatility in the passing game, something Ajayi provides. He had a 50/535/4 line receiving in 2014.

STRENGTHS

Ajayi had a monster Junior season largely in-part to his improved burst at the line of scrimmage. He often made his yardage at the beginning of a play, a trait that is highly under-rated in a running back.

With his hole-hitting ability, Ajayi uses his creative power to earn yards after contact. I call his power “creative” because he isn’t exactly a bruiser. He’s a large back, but doesn’t have a “put the shoulder down and roll” type of style. Don’t be fooled, though — he isn’t afraid of contact by any defender.

As hinted earlier, Ajayi is a true all-around back. He does the little things well in the running game and his hands can be a big factor in the passing game. Teams love versatility, and they’ll get that with Ajayi.

Other “pluses” here include cutting ability and positive upside at the goal-line.

WEAKNESSES

Ajayi is too often exposed in the pass-blocking area. He fails to engage and pack the punch that above-average pass blockers should. It’s tough to say this will knock him down much, but it should be something of note.

Two wild-card notes to watch here: workload and ball security issues. He was relied on heavily in the last two seasons, picking up almost 800 touches in two years. With the fumbles, the tape doesn’t lie. He has a bad habit of coughing it up, something that NFL teams will undoubtedly mark during the scouting process.

DRAFT STOCK

All things considered, I wouldn’t be shocked to see Ajayi receive a 2nd-3rd round grade from the majority of NFL teams. He has the tools — teams will simply have to fight the downsides and look towards a potential future of a strong NFL running back.