RB C.J. Spiller, Clemson | |||||
Pos. Rank: 1 | Grade: 1st Round | Height: 5-10 1/2 | Weight: 196 | 40: 4.31 | Year: 4-Sr. |
The Good: Explosive ball-carrier with the ability to be a true game breaker. Displays tremendous quickness, speed, and is fast in every direction of the field. Easily beats defenders around the corner, darts through the small openings on the interior, and creates yardage when seemingly none is available. Runs with good lean and underneath his pads. Can turn it on in one step, has a burst, and beats defenders into the open field, then runs to daylight. Sets up several defenders over the course of a single run, makes them miss, and easily bounces around piles, losing no speed or momentum when he must immediately change direction. Effortlessly cuts back against the grain, incredibly elusive handling the ball, and positively impacts games as a return specialist. Can score from any point on the field and is a threat to take it the distance whenever the ball is in his hands. Terrific pass catcher who makes the reception away from his frame with his hands.
Neg:Does not work runs hard, easily brought down by the first defender and gathers into tackles. All too often finishes plays by running out of bounds rather than trying to pick up extra yardage. Gives poor attempt blocking.
The Verdict: Spiller has been a dynamic skill player at Clemson the past three seasons and possesses the physical and football skills to immediately produced in the NFL. He plays soft and displays minimal toughness in his game, which will prevent him from ever becoming a featured ball-carrier in the NFL. Spiller possesses the skills to be a productive NFL player for years to come if he turns up the intensity a bit.