2020 NFL Draft: Ohio State RB J.K. Dobbins scouting report

A complete scouting report for Ohio State running back J.K. Dobbins, one of the best backs in the 2020 NFL Draft.

The 2020 NFL Draft is going to be absolutely loaded with talent at the running back position. This is one of the best classes that we have seen at the position in many years with a deep stock of players who can provide huge short and long-term value. Ohio State’s J.K. Dobbins could be the best of the bunch.

Dobbins was a four-star prospect out of La Grange, Texas who was highly coveted by all the big programs around the nation. He chose to attend Ohio State and made an immediate impact on the field as a freshman.

Dobbins burst onto the scene in 2017, finishing with 1,403 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on 194 carries, leading to a ridiculous 7.2 yards per carry average. Dobbins set the Ohio State freshman rushing record and was named second-team All Big-Ten by both the coaches and media.

He was less impressive as a sophomore in 2018, but was still named second-team All-Big Ten by the coaches and was a threat to take it to the house at any time.

Dobbins’ athleticism immediate stands out on tape as he shows elite short-area quickness, impressive acceleration and good contact balance. He is an extremely elusive back who can make any defender miss in open space and has good long speed to take the ball to the house when he gets a lane.

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The Ohio State product is a smart runner who shows solid pre-snap awareness and very good natural instincts with the ball in his hands. He is a patient runner who shows top-notch ball carrier vision, especially on outside zone. Dobbins finds space extremely well and has the quickness to get where he needs to be.

Once he finds the hole, Dobbins shows great explosion and burst through the hole, consistently taking away angles from opposing linebackers. He is not the most physical back at the point of attack, but he consistently keeps his feet moving through contact and shows tremendous balance. His combination of quickness and balance makes him an extremely difficult player to bring down.

Dobbins also shows a lot of natural upside as a receiver. He was not asked to run a variety of routes at Ohio State, but showed natural separation ability and catches the ball well out of the backfield. Drops are not much of a concern and he shows the ability to adjust to the ball in the air and make difficult catches. When the ball is placed well, Dobbins does a great job of catching the ball in stride and getting up the field quickly.

Dobbins is not the most impressive pass protector, but he gets in position to protect the quarterback well and is a competitive blocker. He will be adequate in pass pro at the next level.

Overall, Dobbins is a dynamic athlete at the running back position who shows impressive elusiveness at the second level and in the open field. His lack of consistent production in 2018 is a bit of a concern, but the skills are still there.

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This guy has a chance to be special at the next level, especially in the modern NFL where teams are doing a great job of getting their playmakers in space. J.K. Dobbins has real first-round potential in the 2020 NFL Draft.

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