Post by Purple Pain on May 10, 2023 15:56:09 GMT -6
wludford: Breaking Down DeWayne McBride
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Traits, stats, scouting reports, and plenty of college film at the link above. ^
Lance Zierlein, nfl.com
Overview
Productive runner with the physical/athletic attributes that could create an upward trajectory in the right situation. McBride is experienced and comfortable running in all blocking schemes. He’s smooth-hipped and runs with a good blend of shiftiness, and power. He would benefit from a quicker tempo and decisiveness inside. He must eliminate ball security issues or he could end up falling out of favor quickly. McBride’s lack of third down value could hurt his draft slotting, but his upside is worth a Day 3 selection.
Strengths
Ran for 120 or more yards in 10 of 11 games in 2022.
Looks comfortable running behind every blocking scheme.
Above average vision to find what the run is offering him.
Looks off tackler to buy time for his cuts.
Generates collision momentum up to second level.
Oily hips allow him to swivel and stride around tacklers.
Able to get to sharp, back-side cuts on inside zone runs.
Power and finesse at his disposal near goal line.
Weaknesses
Can be a little cautious as an inside runner.
Burst between the tackles is just average.
Can be a little inconsistent allowing blocks to develop.
Fumble woes will make him a target for defenses looking to punch the ball out.
Almost no pass-catching experience over three seasons.
Projection: 4th round
NFL Comparable: Marlon Mack
33rd Team
Positives:
He is a physical runner with balance and strength to break tackles and stay on his feet.
Excellent vision to see cutback lanes and surprising lateral agility to take advantage.
Physical in pass pro and always looking for work in that area.
Surprising wiggle and shake for his pad level and run style that you don’t normally see.
Ability to create chunk plays despite lack of top-end speed.
Defenders will feel his contact
Negatives:
Ball security history raises the question as to whether it will be an issue in the NFL.
Lacks natural hands to be productive in the passing game.
Lacks speed to pull away and complete house calls or big yardage plays.
Bottom Line:
McBride runs a little high in traffic, but he keeps churning his legs to push the pile or bounce off of contact. His high pad level and second effort can lead to some of his ball security issues. He has very good balance when he takes shots to his thighs, defenders are going to feel it when they tackle him. He has very good vision and run instincts and has surprising wiggle and shake for his run style and pad level. He often finds his way to space, and it is then that you see his lack of top-end speed.
McBride rarely pulls away from defenders and you even see them eat up his angle advantage. While he is not going to run away from defenders, he can still create his share of big plays at the next level with his vision, balance, wiggle and tackle-breaking ability. He shows that he can play under control in pass pro with feet, balance and pad level. He will strike rushers and is always looking for work to help. However, he doesn’t always show a great feel for the protection or when to release and give his quarterback space and an outlet. He will also look to strike and miss his target chipping or helping.
McBride’s stride and lack of burst doesn’t lend itself to being a receiving threat on anything other than check downs and screens, and his hands did not appear to be the most natural in limited exposure. He has starter-level NFL run skills and a physical play style that should help him contribute on special teams while he learns the nuances of NFL pass protection. His physical style and willingness to strike rushers should endear him to his quarterback. He should be a solid mid-round selection with the chance to develop into a starter.
Pro Comparison: Devontae Booker (New York Giants, 4th Round Draft Pick in 2016)
Overview
Productive runner with the physical/athletic attributes that could create an upward trajectory in the right situation. McBride is experienced and comfortable running in all blocking schemes. He’s smooth-hipped and runs with a good blend of shiftiness, and power. He would benefit from a quicker tempo and decisiveness inside. He must eliminate ball security issues or he could end up falling out of favor quickly. McBride’s lack of third down value could hurt his draft slotting, but his upside is worth a Day 3 selection.
Strengths
Ran for 120 or more yards in 10 of 11 games in 2022.
Looks comfortable running behind every blocking scheme.
Above average vision to find what the run is offering him.
Looks off tackler to buy time for his cuts.
Generates collision momentum up to second level.
Oily hips allow him to swivel and stride around tacklers.
Able to get to sharp, back-side cuts on inside zone runs.
Power and finesse at his disposal near goal line.
Weaknesses
Can be a little cautious as an inside runner.
Burst between the tackles is just average.
Can be a little inconsistent allowing blocks to develop.
Fumble woes will make him a target for defenses looking to punch the ball out.
Almost no pass-catching experience over three seasons.
Projection: 4th round
NFL Comparable: Marlon Mack
33rd Team
Positives:
He is a physical runner with balance and strength to break tackles and stay on his feet.
Excellent vision to see cutback lanes and surprising lateral agility to take advantage.
Physical in pass pro and always looking for work in that area.
Surprising wiggle and shake for his pad level and run style that you don’t normally see.
Ability to create chunk plays despite lack of top-end speed.
Defenders will feel his contact
Negatives:
Ball security history raises the question as to whether it will be an issue in the NFL.
Lacks natural hands to be productive in the passing game.
Lacks speed to pull away and complete house calls or big yardage plays.
Bottom Line:
McBride runs a little high in traffic, but he keeps churning his legs to push the pile or bounce off of contact. His high pad level and second effort can lead to some of his ball security issues. He has very good balance when he takes shots to his thighs, defenders are going to feel it when they tackle him. He has very good vision and run instincts and has surprising wiggle and shake for his run style and pad level. He often finds his way to space, and it is then that you see his lack of top-end speed.
McBride rarely pulls away from defenders and you even see them eat up his angle advantage. While he is not going to run away from defenders, he can still create his share of big plays at the next level with his vision, balance, wiggle and tackle-breaking ability. He shows that he can play under control in pass pro with feet, balance and pad level. He will strike rushers and is always looking for work to help. However, he doesn’t always show a great feel for the protection or when to release and give his quarterback space and an outlet. He will also look to strike and miss his target chipping or helping.
McBride’s stride and lack of burst doesn’t lend itself to being a receiving threat on anything other than check downs and screens, and his hands did not appear to be the most natural in limited exposure. He has starter-level NFL run skills and a physical play style that should help him contribute on special teams while he learns the nuances of NFL pass protection. His physical style and willingness to strike rushers should endear him to his quarterback. He should be a solid mid-round selection with the chance to develop into a starter.
Pro Comparison: Devontae Booker (New York Giants, 4th Round Draft Pick in 2016)
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DeWayne McBride’s Fit with the Vikings
McBride will likely begin his career with the Vikings as the 4th back on the depth chart (assuming the Vikings part ways with Dalvin Cook) and the backup power back to Alexander Mattison. Although wildly productive in Conference USA, McBride will need to develop in a few areas while he’s a backup. Lowering his pad level (he has an upright running style that may not translate well in the league) and improving ball security will be two aspects of his running game to improve. Apart from that, he’ll also need to develop as a receiver and blocker, and as a special teamer, to see the field and maximize his chances to earn a roster spot.
Making the roster and becoming a good special teamer would be a successful rookie season for McBride- along with showing well in practice and in pre-season games.
McBride will likely begin his career with the Vikings as the 4th back on the depth chart (assuming the Vikings part ways with Dalvin Cook) and the backup power back to Alexander Mattison. Although wildly productive in Conference USA, McBride will need to develop in a few areas while he’s a backup. Lowering his pad level (he has an upright running style that may not translate well in the league) and improving ball security will be two aspects of his running game to improve. Apart from that, he’ll also need to develop as a receiver and blocker, and as a special teamer, to see the field and maximize his chances to earn a roster spot.
Making the roster and becoming a good special teamer would be a successful rookie season for McBride- along with showing well in practice and in pre-season games.
Traits, stats, scouting reports, and plenty of college film at the link above. ^