By Charlie Campbell
Weaknesses:
Summary: At the NFL Scouting Combine, two NFL running backs coaches told me that Weber was one of the backs who impressed them the most there. He put up a fast 40, ran well in the bag drills, and showed skill as a receiver. He could be a steal in the 2019 NFL Draft because he has three-down starting potential with a good skill set of size and speed.
In a group of a highly recruited and talented running backs, Weber won the starting job to replace Ezekiel Elliott, and Weber had an impressive debut in 2016, averaging six yards per carry for 1,096 yards and nine touchdowns. He had 23 receptions for 91 yards as well.
Weber missed a few games in 2017 with a hamstring injury and was limited in others. That led to Ohio State going to freshman running back J.K. Dobbins as the starter. For 2017, Webb took 96 carries for 608 yards – 6.3 average – with 10 touchdowns. He also had nine catches for 78 yards.
In 2018, Weber averaged 5.5 yards per carry for 954 yards with five touchdowns. He had 21 receptions for 112 yards and a touchdown as well. Ohio State also split the carries among Weber, J.K. Dobbins, and other backs.
For the NFL, Weber could become a three-down starter because he has a thick build alongside strength, quickness and instincts. His compact build makes him tough to get a hold of. He uses his build, strength, knee bend, and ability to run behind his pads to pick up yards after contact. Weber is a quick downhill runner who displays impressive lateral quickness. Weber has good vision that allows him to see openings and dart through holes. With good feel and instincts, Weber lets plays develop and often uses his lateral quickness to get in position to bolt downhill. He is a strong, tough runner.
Ohio State did not feature its backs a lot in the passing game, but at the combine, Weber showed some skills in his route-running, movement in the open field, and hands to catch the ball. In the NFL, he could become a nice check-down receiver, plus he has the size and strength to be a pass protector. Like all college backs going to the NFL, Weber will need development for blitz protection.
Weber does not have the elite speed or power to be a first-round caliber prospect, but he has good skill set with the potential to be a three-down starter. In the 2019 NFL Draft, Weber could be a second-day pick. If he slips to Day 3, Weber should get selected rather than fall to the undrafted ranks.
Player Comparison: Ray Rice. Weber reminds me of Rice. Rice (5-8, 206) was a compact runner who had strength and quickness. He was a second-round pick in 2008, and Weber could go on Day 2 this year.
NFL Matches: Oakland, Miami, Washington, Carolina, Houston, Kansas City, Philadelphia
There are a few teams that could consider taking Weber on the second day of the 2019 NFL Draft. Perhaps the highest that Weber could hope to go would be to Oakland with 34th overall pick. The Raiders need a running back of the future, and Weber would be a good scheme fit for Jon Gruden.
Miami needs to replace Frank Gore, and Weber could form an excellent tandem with the brittle Kenyan Drake.
Washington could consider Weber. The Redskins have Adrian Peterson returning, but with Derrius Guice coming off a serious injury and having character issues, they could consider another back. Weber could be in play for one of Washington’s third-round picks.
Carolina could use some running back depth behind Christian McCaffrey. If Weber gets to the third round, he could be an option for the Panthers.
A trio of playoff teams have a pair of second-round picks, and Weber could be a fit for any of those three teams. Houston needs to upgrade its running back talent, and Weber would be a really good value for the Texans if he fell to one of their second-round picks. The Eagles need a No. 1 running back, and Weber would be a good scheme fit for them. He also would provide nice bang for the buck with one of their second-round picks. At the end of the second round, Weber could be in play for Kansas City which needs a replacement for Kareem Hunt. With their original pick or the one they have from the Rams, Weber could be in play for the Chiefs.
RELATED LINKS:
2019 NFL Mock Draft: Charlie’s | Walt’s
2019 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings
2019 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
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2025 NFL Mock Draft - Oct. 2
Fantasy Football Rankings - Sept. 4
NFL Power Rankings - Aug. 28