STRENGTHS
Devin is a big running back in a small running backs body. He came into the combine 5’ 7” 203 lbs and when you see him on film he looks 5’ 10” 220 and runs like he is that big. He has excellent balance, vision and will break tackles because of his ability to go north/south. He has this slippery way of not taking a full hit when he gets tackled and he has a high Football IQ. Devin has a good lateral burst and excellent ability to get up to his full speed, two steps after he is handed the ball. He can catch the ball down the field as good as any receiver and he is a willing blocker, coming out of the backfield, as well as pass blocking for his quarterback. He is a natural running back with natural instincts to push the line of scrimmage, setting up his blocks for his offensive lineman and then waiting for his blocks, exploding into the second level. Devin could be a very special running back for the team that selects him.
CONCERNS
The biggest concern is that his size does not come close to fitting his style of running. He doesn’t time fast but on film he has a unique burst seen only in the top running backs who play the game. Basically, Devin is a contradiction and because of his size he will not be seen as an every down back unless, somehow, he proves it at the next level.
TALENT BOARD ROUND 2.89
Like I stated, Devin is a contradiction. He’s a big back in a little body and every one including me struggles with seeing him impacting at the next level as he has been at the college level. Nevertheless, I’m not convinced he won’t impact at then next level either. I mean you talk about being on the fence! I admit it…I am. There was no one more surprised than me when Devin was measured and weighed at the combine. You have to remember I do everything by film and on film I look at Devin and see a running back who break tackles, has the quickness too reverses his field and burst past players who are at their full speed, like they are standing still. When I see Devin on film I see a big back who runs in the 4.5 to 4.6 range. Not once did I think this kid was my size and runs as fast as me and that is not fast enough. So, do I believe my eyes or do I believe the facts and those facts are, Devin is not big enough to be an every down back and not fast enough or big enough to be a third down back. Do my eyes deceive me or, is Devin an exception in spite of being a contradiction? I think selecting Devin at some point in this draft would be a smart thing because I do think he is a contradiction and an exception and I do believe my eyes. Look at Rob’s board to see what round Devin is mostly likely to be selected in because the team that selects him just might be getting a special running back.
