Bo Scarbrough faces tough road to being a first round pick
Alabama Crimson Tide running back Bo Scarbrough faces a tough battle toward becoming a first round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft…
Alabama running back Bo Scarbrough is one of the most interesting prospects at his position in the nation heading into the 2017 season.
Scarbrough is built like a Greek god, and has the speed and athleticism to go along with his imposing physique. He’s an ideal combination of elusiveness and power, as evidenced by this statistic from last season:
Bama's Bo Scarbrough edged out teammate Joshua Jacob, averaging 4.75 yards after contact, per carry in 2016 - tops among returning SEC RBs. pic.twitter.com/EsbTfE7Q75
— PFF College (@PFF_College) June 29, 2017
Following in the footsteps of Derrick Henry — another running back with the athleticism of a wide receiver and the size of a defensive end — can Scarbrough do what Henry could not and become a first round pick in the NFL Draft?
Despite his physical prowess, becoming a first round pick seems unlikely, even this early in the process for Scarbrough.
Henry was a Heisman Trophy winner and showed off a high level of productivity, even in a shared backfield at Alabama. Scarbrough has yet to eclipse 1,000 yards, which he very well could in 2017. However, the challenge for Scarbrough in passing that 1,000 yard mark is not necessarily a matter of his on-field ability, but his ability to stay on the field.
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Scarbrough has struggled significantly with injuries, including a broken leg in the National Championship game against the Clemson Tigers.
There’s nothing as scary for an NFL scout or talent evaluator to take a risk on high in the draft as an injury prone running back. Though teams will certainly be interested in bringing Scarbrough into the fold come next Spring, he may have to wait until at least day two to hear his name called.
Add in the fact that Scarbrough was suspended back at the start of his Freshman season, and teams will have to do some significant digging on this guy as far as medical and even some off-field questions.
There’s no doubt about Scarbrough’s talent. He’ll have the ability as a junior to prove why he should be a first round pick, but injuries could very likely prevent that from happening.