Alvin Kamara, RB, Tennessee: 2017 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Alvin Kamara used the predraft process to his advantage going into April. Does his scouting report reflect a running back ready to take off?

Position:   RB

School:   Tennessee

Year:  RS Junior

Height:  5’10”

Weight:  214 lbs

STRENGTHS:

• Solid acceleration. Able to reach his top speed after just a few steps, which shows in how he’s able to hit the holes before they close.
• Not a burner but shows the quickness and speed necessary to bounce runs to the outside or become a major factor in screen or swing passes.
• When he’s able to maintain his balance he shows an ability to shrug off tacklers, especially in the open field. Will keep the legs churning when he smells the end zone.

This is where Kamara will make his money. If you get him in space with his solid speed and ability to break arm tackles, it’s going to create some big plays. Here he execute the screen fake perfectly and then it’s all about effort and vision. He keeps his feet despite numerous tackle attempts and reads where the creases are to eventually find his way into the end zone.

• Strong hands for making the catch. Doesn’t always use his body. Also able to run limited routes when flanked out wide as a receiver.
• Not a dancer. A one-cut-and-go type of runner. He observes the line of scrimmage, makes his decision and then gets downhill quickly.
• Does a good job of always falling forward. Despite being undersized he’s rarely driven backwards when he gets even a little head of steam.

WEAKNESSES:

• Very average blocker in pass protection. Doesn’t use good technique and tends to throw his shoulder. Often gets caught completely whiffing on some.
• Never really had to carry head workloads. He had 210 total rushing attempts during his college career. It’s impossible to know if he can handle being a starter.
• Size isn’t a deal breaker but it is noteworthy. Appears shorter than ideal for that position. Would explain his limited touches. Fear he can’t handle the constant hits.
• At his best when given clear lanes to run through or put in space by designs. Not the type of runner who can create for himself.

Pro Comparison:  Lamar Miller

In terms of body type and skill set the two share a lot in common. Miller is probably a bit faster on the field but Kamara makes up for it with extra power. One other thing they share in common? Teams unwilling to feed them the football for fear of injury. It’s a big reason why Miller left Miami. He’s rushed for 1,000 yards twice in his five-year career and 1,000-yards from scrimmage three times.

Projection:  2nd Round

The lack of proven workloads is going to scare teams away. They won’t gamble a top 32 pick on a player who was more of a specialty weapon than a focal point in the offense. That being said the skill set speaks for itself. Kamara looks like a guy ready to go solo, preferably in a creative scheme that will know how to get him in space where he’ll wreck defenses.