By Charlie Campbell
Weaknesses:
Summary: The Oklahoma program has been known in part for producing top quarterback prospects, with three signal-callers going No. 1 overall in the last dozen years. The Sooners have typically featured a tough rushing offense as well, and they leaned on that more in the past two years when they had a limited passer in Jalen Hurts in 2019 and were breaking in a new quarterback in 2020. Stevenson flashed real ability as part of a backfield rotation in 2019, averaging 8.0 yards per carry for 515 yards with six touchdowns over only 64 carries. He added 10 receptions for 87 yards through the air.
Stevenson started out 2020 on an NCAA suspension, but after his return, he excelled against Texas Tech, Oklahoma State, Iowa State, and Florida. Stevenson averaged 6.6 yards per carry for his 2020 on his way to 655 yards and seven touchdowns. He snagged 18 receptions for 211 yards as well. Stevenson only saw 165 carries over the past two years, so he will enter the next level with fresh legs and little wear-and-tear.
For the NFL, Stevenson is a physical downhill runner who will power through tackles and is really tough for defenders to get on the ground. Stevenson has a strong, thick build with lower body strength to run through defenders and pick up yards after contact. Thanks to good balance and lateral quickness, Stevenson can make one cut and then get North-South, running downhill and charging into the secondary. As a pro, he will be an asset in short-yardage and goal-line situations.
Along with his power, Stevenson has the quickness to hit the hole and a second gear to accelerate to the second level. He is not a burner, but he has good speed for a big back and is capable of ripping off yards in chunks. Stevenson lacks elite speed and gets caught from behind, but he has enough quickness to be effective.
In the passing game, Stevenson is dangerous on swings to the flat and screens. He has soft enough hands to make the catch, and he is dangerous in the open field, rolling like a bowling ball through the secondary. Stevenson has some athletic limitations as a route-runner and won’t be a candidate to run routes out of the slot. He also won’t provide a dynamic mismatch weapon as a receiving back, but he could contribute as a blocker. With his big build, he can take on defenders, and he shows a willing attitude in blocking. Stevenson needs some additional development in that area, but he has the potential to become a good pass protector.
Some teams have Stevensons graded as a third- to fourth-round pick. He could be a solid rotational back who brings some size and power to the backfield. As a backup or platoon back, Stevenson could also be a core special teams contributor because he has the key traits of speed, toughness and instincts to play on those units.
Player Comparison: LeGarrette Blount. Stevenson’s running style reminds me of Blount. Both were big power backs who had good quickness for their size. They also entered the NFL with fresh legs and little wear and tear from college.
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