Ohio State fans know what type of player J.K. Dobbins is and were probably more surprised than anyone at how far he dropped in the 2020 NFL Draft. I mean, how in the world do four running backs get taken before a guy that has a rare blend of speed, power, vision, and burst?
If there was one knock on Dobbins, it was that he wasn’t featured that much in the passing game out of the backfield. Somehow the one drop he had in the Fiesta Bowl (though a tough lunging play) seemed to set the narrative on improvement needed in that aspect of his game for today’s NFL.
So far though, Dobbins has done nothing but draw rave reviews during the first-half of Ravens’ preseason camp. He’s made outlandish catches (take that) to go with his game-breaking ability on handoffs.
In fact, the all-time single-season rushing record holder at Ohio State made the list at the top nine players that have stood out during preseason camp according to Ravens Wire.
Several onlookers have taken notice of the unbelievable skill set the former Buckeye star possesses.
Ravens training camp early thoughts 2: J.K. Dobbins is a wow. He has explosive lateral movement, vertical burst, and looks silly smooth out of the backfield in the passing game. First round talent that the Ravens nabbed with a second round pick.
— Gerry Sandusky (@GerrySandusky) August 17, 2020
Next … What Ravens Wire says about Dobbins
On J.K. Dobbins’ impressive showing so far
What Ravens Wire says
“Dobbins was the Ravens’ shocking second-round draft pick in the 2020 draft. Few expected Baltimore to select a running back so early with Mark Ingram, Gus Edwards, and Justice Hill on the roster, but he was too talented of a player to pass up. So far he’s lived up to his draft slot, earning high praise from those in attendance at training camp.”
“Despite how crowded the Ravens running back room is, Dobbins is expected to contribute a lot during the 2020 season. He rushed for over 2,000 yards in his final year at Ohio State and also is a good pass catcher. He’s the eventual heir to the Baltimore backfield once Mark Ingram retires, and so far he’s off to a great start.”
What we say
I still can’t believe Dobbins went later in the second round. Kudos for Baltimore for having the guts to take him, even with a loaded backfield already. It makes you wonder how NFL scouts and executives can turn on game film and still think there were four backs better suited for their draft needs than Dobbins.
He may not break out in 2020 because of the glut of rushing options on Baltimore’s team, but he’s impressed enough to show that he deserves some playing time. Give him a year or so to battle through the depth chart and roster attrition, and he could very well be an All-Pro back soon.
That’s before we even touch on his character which is almost flawless.
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