First up at the 2019 NFL scouting combine are the running backs. The Baltimore Ravens could be looking to draft at the position, and these seven prospects can answer questions at the combine and help their draft stock.
Here are the running backs I think the Ravens should be paying close attention to at the combine and which drills will be the most important for them.
Running backs / Wide receivers / Offensive linemen
Josh Jacobs / Alabama:
Jacobs is generally thought to be the best running back in this draft class. But it’s unclear whether he’s a first-round prospect or not. Jacobs is battling a groin injury and will be limited at the combine. While it doesn’t sound major, Jacobs will have to be careful in whatever drills he ends up doing so he doesn’t injure it further.
Damien Harris / Alabama:
Harris is the other Alabama running back. With Jacobs out, Harris has an opportunity to prove he’s the one teams should choose first. Harris can really elevate his stock if he can run the 40-yard dash in the 4.4-second range, which he has a legitimate shot at doing. Beyond that, positive three-cone and shuttle drills will help scouts feel better about his ability to make defenders miss in space and as a receiver.
Bryce Love / Stanford:
Love is expected to be the fastest running back in this draft, but he won’t get the chance to prove it. After tearing an ACL in December, Love will not be taking part in workouts. For Love, the medical testing process will be the most important thing at the combine.
David Montgomery / Iowa State:
Montgomery runs hard and fights for extra yards, making him a good option for Baltimore’s backfield to compete with Gus Edwards in 2019. Montgomery might not have a ton of straight-line speed, but he’s one of the best receiving backs in this draft and a solid pass protector.
As long as Montgomery doesn’t have any awful drills, his game tape will be the go-to for general managers. I’d fully expect for Montgomery to impress in the three-cone drill given his balance and lateral-cut ability.
Mike Weber / Ohio State:
Weber is a late-round prospect who could make an immediate impact in a backfield rotation. Weber showcased solid hands in 2018 at Ohio State and has enough speed to pick up chunks of yards but doesn’t have anything that really sets him apart. The combine will be a great opportunity for Weber to impress and set elevate his draft stock.
While Weber isn’t known for his speed, the 40-yard dash could be surprising, especially if you can catch his 10-yard split that shows his acceleration from a dead stop. A big vertical jump number would also help to show he can deliver hits as a runner instead of taking them, something that some are concerned about.
Devin Singletary / Florida Atlantic:
Singletary is a prospect many analysts have been drooling over, but he’s going to have to answer some questions at the combine. He doesn’t have much speed on longer runs, which will limit his big-play ability in the NFL. The 40-yard dash will be massive for Singletary to prove he can pick up chunks of yards if he hits the second level.
Myles Gaskin / Washington:
At 5 feet 9 and now 205 pounds, there are questions about whether the additional weight will affect Gaskin’s already limited speed and his agility. That will make all the running drills important to watch for Gaskin. But with the extra weight and muscle, underperforming in the vertical jump or broad jump would be disappointing for the mid-round prospect.
