Though the 2016 NFL draft doesn’t appear as rich in running back talent as last year, there are still plenty of solid options that will be available. Is Josh Ferguson of Illinois among them? Here is his updated scouting report.
Position: RB
School: Illinois
Year: Senior
Height: 5’9″
Weight: 200 lbs
History:
A homegrown product for the in-state Illini (Naperville), Ferguson will immediately draw critical eyes from scouts and coaches for the simple fact that he’s short at just 5’9″. However, history shows shorter running backs can be very effective in the pros if they have the talent.
Ferguson turned himself into a starter at Illinois with all-around capabilities. Last season he posted 735 yards rushing (5.0 per carry) and 427 receiving with nine total touchdowns. He developed a reputation for big plays, regularly posting runs or receptions of 20+ yards.
STRENGTHS:
- Size can be an advantage behind big offensive lines, causing defenses to lose track of him.
- Seems to have sufficient bulk, allowing him to absorb contact well and break tackles to create YAC.
- Vocal on the field, willing to fire up teammates and challenge them to be better.
- Natural, soft hands that allow him to make catches with almost boring regularity.
- Excellent vision. Follows his blockers very well and knows where and when the holes are going to be. Unafraid to cut back into the middle of the field.
- Good, smooth acceleration once the ball is in his hands.
WEAKNESSES:
- Can be a little indecisive at times, relying too much on blocking and not enough on his own improvisation.
- Recent shoulder injury points to questions about his ability to endure starter-level carries through a full season.
- Lack of size and length makes him a difficult sell as a short-yardage option, especially behind weaker offensive lines.
Pro Comparison: Giovani Bernard
He’s the same size as the Cincinnati Bengals standout, with a similar versatile skill set. Bernard can run between the tackles, off tackle, and catch passes out of the backfield. Josh Ferguson is less proven than Bernard was at North Carolina by the time he declared for the draft, but the similarities are striking.
Projection: 2nd to 4th rounds
Ferguson is somewhat of a mystery in that he looks like he could handle the lion share of the carries but durability is a concern for backs at his size. No doubt he would do so much more damage if he was sharing carries with someone else in the backfield, allowing him to stay fresh and more dangerous thanks to his versatility.