Deuce Vaughn, RB, Kansas State: 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report
Deuce Vaughn is an explosive late-round running back option for a team looking for a complimentary piece. This scouting report details why his late-round grade may be too low, as the Kansas State star could be a diamond in the rough in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Profile
Name: Deuce Vaughn
Position: Running Back
School: Kansas State
Height: 5-foot-5
Weight: 179 pounds
Deuce Vaughn, RB, Kansas State: 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report
Background
Deuce Vaughn played high school football at Cedar Ridge, where he was ranked a three-star ESPN recruit. Vaughn committed to Kansas State directly after graduation to continue his playing career.
Vaughn had a stellar career at K-State from the moment he stepped on the field. During his time as a Wildcat , Vaughn tallied 3,604 yards and 34 touchdowns on 651 carries, averaging 5.5 yards per carry. He was no slouch in the receiving game either, with 1,280 yards and nine touchdowns on 116 receptions.
Strengths
Deuce Vaughn’s game thrives on his elite ball carrier vision. He excels at finding the holes in the defense, planting his foot, and bursting through them for devastating effect. Vaughn also has the patience to wait for those holes to open, allowing his blockers to establish themselves fully.
Vaughn also has excellent footwork. This allows him to make defenders miss in the open field and not lose himself in the rumble of the trenches.
Vaughn is an elite passing option. He runs routes better than most receivers and has natural hands, rarely using his body to catch the ball.
My favorite strength of all is his competitive nature. Despite his size, Vaughn isn’t afraid of anyone on the gridiron; he happily invites contact and always believes he will win.
Weaknesses
Vaughn’s biggest concern is his size. At 5-foot-5 and 179 pounds, he is small, even for a running back. As a result, he may be unable to work within the tackles and may be limited to more gadget plays and receiving work, thus limiting his value substantially.
Another area for improvement with Vaughn is that he is a liability for pass blocking. He can only utilize cut blocking on specific blitz packages, often exposing the quarterback to danger.
2023 NFL Draft Grade
Deuce Vaughn is an electric playmaker who will be a star for whoever drafts him. His outstanding vision and aggressive running will make fans fall in love with the K-State running back with a giant chip on his shoulder.
He would be an easy second-round pick if it weren’t for his size. However, I expect him to go early on day three.
Comparison: Darren Sproles