DeMarco Murray & Other Runningback notes: 2011 Draft

Runningback notes for the 2011 Draft


RB: Roy Helu (Nebraska) – 5113, 216. Demonstrated some burst and extra
gear to get around the corner. Generally he gets what’s blocked. Not a creative
runner. Good vision. Has a “give you a leg and take it away” move. Will dip
in and out with his shoulder. Lower body power and good vision between the
tackles. Hands are average. Kendall Hunter (Oklahoma State) – 5072,
199. Compact build with good contact balance and vision. Has a sudden burst
to the line of scrimmage and squirts out the other end. An undersized but
willing blocker in drills. Not a short yardage back. Makes the quick cut in the
open field. Owen Marecic (Stanford) – 6003, 246. A smart, tough player
who you want on your team. Will contribute on special teams. The projected
top fullback in the 2011 Draft. Struggled at times in drills with a blitzing Greg
Jones. He improved as the week wore on. His role on the next level will be
that of a lead blocker, special teams core player, and an occasional ball
carrier and receiver. DeMarco Murray (Oklahoma) – 6000, 214. Is a
consistent hand catcher with good running skills. An all purpose player who
can weave through the defense. Flashed explosiveness in practice and good
leg drive between the tackles. May be the best receiver of all the backs in the
Draft. He understands the passing game and how to run routes. Murray needs
to improve his pass protection skills. Da’Rel Scott (Maryland) – 5107,
205. Was added to the North roster after a good week at the Shrine Bowl
practices. Runs with lower body power and strength. Gains yards after first
contact. Has a burst to hit the holes quickly. Shows some pick and acceleration.
His strengths are quickness, speed, and good hands. Anthony Allen (Georgia
Tech) – 5116, 223. An inside power runner between the tackles with good
vision. More straight line but can see the cut back lanes. During one practice
session he flashed a burst around the corner and beat the first tackler. Charles
Clay (Tulsa) – 6031, 239. A big H-back type back and receiver. Consistent
hands. Good base and balance in his run blocking and pass protection. Can
adjust on the run. Noel Devine (West Virginia) – 5070, 160. The smallest
running back at the Senior Bowl. Was used as a space player at West Virginia
to use his speed and elusiveness to make big plays. His tools in practice
included his quickness, speed, vision, and the ability to catch the ball. His
size, strength, and blocking ability are below average. Derrick Locke
(Kentucky) – 5081, 186. Is an explosive and undersized back who has agility
in traffic and quickness. He caught the ball out of the backfield with natural
hands and has a burst to turn the corner. A nifty footed back with good vision
and shake and bake moves. A third down back who is dangerous in space.
Bilai Powell (Louisville) – 5103, 204. Had an impressive week of practice and
showcased his hard running ability in the game. Finished his runs with good leg
drive. Good inside vision and cut back ability. A downhill one cut runner.