2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Audric Estime

Prospect Summary:

While the NFL is a passing-driven league, there are still teams that like to run power, and Estime is a fit for them. In 2022, he averaged 5.9 yards per carry for 920 yards and 11 touchdowns. In 2023, he carried the Fighting Irish offense, averaging 6.4 yards per carry for 1,341 yards and 18 touchdowns. He also made 17 catches for 142 yards.

Estime is a hard-charging running back who could turn into force in the NFL if he has a good offensive line that can give him time to hit the hole. Estime lacks some first-step quickness, but when he gets past the line, he is a load. Estime is a physical runner with serious power from a strong build. Estime uses that strength to pick up yards after contact. He fights through tacklers and is capable of running through defenders to tack on more yardage. Estime has good contact balance, a strong stiff arm, and a powerful build that lets him run over blockers at the second level.

As a pro, Estime will need the right system that sets up his holes for him because he is not a creative runner who can make things happen on his own. Estime puts more pressure on his offensive line to make sure they give him lanes. He is not shifty and is not a make-you-miss back.

Estime has potential in the passing game, but he was not used in that role very much in college. He did a nice job of catching the ball in his limited opportunities. Estime has the size and physical ability to block, but he will need to get coached up. Estime won’t be a dynamic receiving contributor in the NFL, but he could become solid as an outlet receiver.

Estime could be a mid-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. He ran a very slow 40-yard dash of 4.72 seconds at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine, which could push him into Day 3.