Chris Warren, RB, Texas: 2018 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Texas has long been a hotbed for great running back talent. Is Chris Warren ready to further that legacy in the 2018 NFL draft?

Position:  RB

School:  Texas

Year:  Junior

Height:  6’3″

Weight:  250 lbs

STRENGTHS:

• Size immediately stands out. He’s very big for a running back and he understands how to use it to his advantage, particularly as a blocker.
• Doesn’t always give the extra effort but when he does he showcases considerable power to shrug off tacklers, making it hard to get him on the ground.
• Does a good job of protecting the football, keeping it tightly wrapped in his arms when heading into tight spaces and scrums.

This is what they call a “man” run. Everything in this play is what Warren does best. He gets north-south without hesitation, makes sure to get the football covered and then just starts churning those legs. His power element in both the lower and upper body shows up repeatedly with outstanding effort throughout.

• Never really got a fair shake in the offense. Was given 16 or more carries in a game just six times. He averaged 6.56 yards per carry and scored 10 touchdowns in those six games.
• Doesn’t seem to fear contact. Runs straight into the line of scrimmage and willingly throws his shoulder around ready for the first hit.
• A better receiver than he gets credit for. Was open in the flat and on screens several times but didn’t get thrown the ball much. Solid hands.

WEAKNESSES:

• Spent three years on the team but failed to ever become the permanent starter. He only started eight of the 21 total games he played.
• Tried to transfer out of Texas but was unable to due to academic issues. This forced him to declare for the draft early.
• Doesn’t show the greatest awareness at times. Has whiffed on a number of key blockers and also misses designed running lanes, showing poor vision.
• Attention to detail is lacking. Can often seem lackadaisical in his execution whenever the ball isn’t going to him, making it harder on his teammates.
• He’s not un-athletic but this isn’t a back known for his lateral agility or quickness. He’s going to be a north-south type of runner.
• Warren doesn’t have breakaway speed. Hitting the home run isn’t going to be his thing. This is why he’s a player who needs a heavy volume of carries.

Pro Comparison:  Matt Jones

Jones is also in that realm of a big, strong back who can move a pile and get 1st downs in short yardage. If you feed him consistently in a game behind a strong blocking effort, he can break the spirit of a defense. Problem is most teams aren’t willing to do that. Thus this is the likely role that will be waiting for Warren at the next level unless he shows more speed than he has to this point.

Projection:  6th Round

Not being able to distinguish himself to earn the starting job at Texas along with his lack of true speed is going to drop Warren down boards. His academic issues are sure to exacerbate that problem as well. Still, he’s talented enough to get drafted late. If he lands in the right scheme with a team that likes to run the football, he could develop into a quality rotational and short-yardage back.