2014 NFL Combine Field Drills Recap: Running Backs

2014 NFL Combine Results - Weigh-Ins and 40 Times:
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2014 NFL Combine Stock Report:
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2014 NFL Combine Field Drills Recap:
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2014 NFL Combine Bench Recap:
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2014 NFL Combine Weigh-In Recap:
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This is the 2014 NFL Combine Field Drills Recap for the running backs. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.


2014 NFL Combine: Field Drills Recap – Running Backs
By Charlie Campbell – @draftcampbell

  • Kent State running back Dri Archer burned the track in the 40-yard dash with an official time of 4.26, which was faster than any player at last year’s Combine. That was only .02 away from tying Chris Johnson for the all-time fastest 40 at the Combine. Archer (5-8, 173) is undersized to be a full-time running back, but he can also work as a slot receiver. In the field drills, Archer showed nice fluid athletic ability with change-of-direction skills. He had loose hips to change direction on a dime. Archer gave NFL evaluators something to think about as a situational weapon on offense.

  • Georgia Southern running back Jerick McKinnon was tremendous at the Combine. He led the running backs in the bench press while also flying in the Combine field drills. McKinnon was second only to Archer in the 40-yard dash with a time of 4.41 seconds. He tied Archer for the fastest 10-yard split at 1.46 seconds. In the field drills, McKinnon continued to impress, as he ran well in the change of directions and looked good in the receiving drills. McKinnon really helped his cause as a mid-round pick.

  • It was a disappointing Combine for Ohio State running back Carlos Hyde, as he pulled a hamstring at the end of his first 40-yard dash attempt. Hyde ran it at 4.62 seconds, and the pulled muscle ended his day. Scouts were deprived of seeing Hyde in the running back drills, so he will have to wait for his pro day to show his receiving skills.



  • LSU running back Jeremy Hill had 40 times that were just OK, but the heavy back wasn’t expected to be a burner. Hill’s official 40 time of 4.66 wasn’t fast, but his 10-yard split was a nice mark of 1.56. Hill (6-5, 233) did well in the receiving drills. He had a nice over-the-shoulder hands catch on one route and looked fluid to make a nice reception on the wheel route.

  • Auburn running back Tre Mason had a solid 40 time of 4.50. It was around the expectations for him. Mason (5-8, 207) excelled in the running drills. His feet were phenomenal to help him weave and change direction with a burst. Mason has loose hips to flip around the cones and get upfield. He also looked pretty natural as a receiver, but he did drop a pass and needs more refinement. Mason had a solid day to help confirm a second-round grade.

  • There was a lot of big talk from Baylor running back Lache Seastrunk about challenging Chris Johnson’s Combine record. That turned out to be beyond-wishful thinking. Seastrunk (5-9, 201) ran the 40 in 4.51 seconds. There were a lot of questions about his receiving ability because Baylor didn’t use him in that role, but Seastrunk was a pleasant surprise there. He ran good routes and made a number of nice receptions. The 40 time was disappointing, but Seastrunk bounced back nicely in the receiving drills to have a mixed day.

  • Washington running back Bishop Sankey represented himself well. His 40 time of 4.49 was a good time for him, as he was expected to be in the 4.5-second range. Sankey made some nice catches in the receiving drills, but will need to work on his hands to get more natural for the NFL. Sankey did well to confirm a second-day grade.



  • Oregon running back De’Anthony Thomas (5-8, 174) had a big gap between his estimated 40 times. Thomas’ unofficial 40 was 4.34, while the official time was 4.50. He looked faster than 4.5, and it would be a surprise if his number wasn’t better at his pro day. Thomas did well in the receiving drills, but for the NFL, he will be a project as a situational back and slot receiver.

  • Florida State running back James Wilder, Jr. had two ugly times in the 40-yard dash. The unofficial time was 4.78. Wilder (6-3, 232) ran very upright in games and at the Combine. That causes him to be slowed down. In the receiving drills, Wilder looked tight hipped, and his routes were awkward. His Combine performance left a lot to be desired and will hurt his cause.

  • Another running back who had a disappointing performance was Boston College runner Andre Williams. The big, physical back did respectably in the 40-yard dash with a time of 4.56, but he really struggled in the receiving drills. Williams didn’t catch a pass during last season and has not shown the hands to be able to contribute immediately as receiver in the NFL. He also was a stiff route-runner. Williams’ receiving ability is going to need a lot of work, which is going to move him down draft boards due to the NFL’s passing-driven nature.





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    2014 NFL Combine Results - Weigh-Ins and 40 Times:
    QB | RB | WR | TE | OL | DL | LB | DB

    2014 NFL Combine Stock Report:
    QB | RB | WR | TE | OL | DL | LB | DB

    2014 NFL Combine Field Drills Recap:
    QB | RB | WR | TE | OL | DL | LB | DB

    2014 NFL Combine Bench Recap:
    RB | TE | OL | DL | LB | DB

    2014 NFL Combine Weigh-In Recap:
    QB | RB | WR | TE | OL | DL | LB | DB

    NFL Combine Rumors by Tony Pauline








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