Jalen Hurd, RB, Tennessee: 2017 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Jalen Hurd is entering his junior year with the Volunteers, and has been a consistent starter throughout his collegiate career. He played in all games as a freshman, nine of which were starts. He eventually started every game as a sophomore, and received almost 20+ carries in nearly every game last season.

In 2015, Hurd had six 100+ yard rushing games, including three against conference opponents, and one versus Northwestern in the Outback Bowl. Hurd was named the 2016 Outback Bowl MVP and is a two-time 2016 Preseason First Team All-SEC.

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Hurd has been making noise since before his arrival at Tennessee. He was rated a five-star recruit coming out of high school by 247Sports and Rivals.

Measurables

Height: 6″ 4′

Weight: 240 lbs

Strengths

Hurd doesn’t go down off initial contact. It generally takes more than one defender to stop him because he’s strong and always keeps his body moving. When gang tackled, the pile is usually moving forward and not backwards.

He sells play fakes and blocks until the whistle, fairly efficiently for that matter. He cuts on a dime and makes defenders miss would-be open-field tackles.

Hurd is a reliable pass target, reeling in 57 receptions in his first two years at Tennessee.

Hurd has great vision and accelerates through holes. He’s constantly breaking tackles, and is able to scrap that extra yard or two, especially when needed.

Arguably, one of Tennessee’s toughest opponents in 2015 (or any season) was then #8 Alabama. Hurd recorded 92 yards on 18 carries that game, and had a couple impressive runs.

Weaknesses

Hurd has a tendency to cut back three or four yards when running toward the sideline, setting-up tackles in the backfield. Being 6″ 4′, some may consider Hurd too big to play running back. The average height of an NFL running back is around 5″ 10. I feel this would be an asset to his pass block and receiving game so is his size really a bad thing?

Hurd is on the roster as a running back but obviously running isn’t the only thing he does on the field.

Final Thoughts

Hurd seems to be on the field for every play. The fact he played in all games as a freshman and started every game the following year shows the support Hurd has received from the Volunteer coaching staff.

The kid has passion and, by now, probably all the confidence in the world. He looks like someone who loves the game of football because he doesn’t quit on any play.

I look for Hurd to average at least one touchdown per game for Tennessee in 2016.

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