The New Orleans Saints want to seek out some assist at operating again this offseason. Whether or not that’s by way of the NFL Draft or free company, I don’t know, however getting one other contributor within the room goes to be necessary.
When you have finished any analysis into this 12 months’s NFL Draft, you’ll know that this operating again class is completely stacked with expertise. Ashton Jeanty and Omarion Hampton headline the category, however there may be actual expertise to be discovered within the mid to late rounds.
At the moment, we’re going to have a look at some mid to late spherical mix standouts that the Saints may goal on this 12 months’s NFL Draft.
Bhayshul Tuten, Virginia Tech
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One of many greatest mix standouts on the operating again place was former Virginia Tech standout, Bhayshul Tuten. The previous Hokie ran a blazing 4.32 40-yard sprint, which was the quickest amongst RBs and fifth quickest total, with a 1.49 10-yard cut up, which was tied for one of the best of anybody on the mix. On high of that, Tuten recorded a 40.5-inch vertical (greatest amongst RBs, T-Sixth total) and a ten’10” broad leap (T-2nd amongst RBs, T-Tenth total). His 82-athleticism rating ranks Eighth amongst RBs.
In two years at VT, Tuten rushed for two,022 yards and 25 touchdowns behind a 5.7 common whereas including 320 yards and 4 scores by way of the air. There have been issues about his catching skill, however he had an awesome efficiency in receiving drills as properly.
Tuten’s title has skyrocketed up draft boards, however with the quantity of expertise at RB this 12 months, he ought to nonetheless be out there later within the draft. He has actual expertise, and whoever selects him will probably be getting a burner on the RB place.
TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State
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One other man who had a stable day on the NFL Mix is former Ohio State RB, TreVeyon Henderson. The previous Buckeye is predicted to be one of many earlier RBs taken off the board however ought to nonetheless be out there on day two.
Henderson is one in every of my favourite RB prospects on this 12 months’s draft, and he confirmed why on the mix. He ran a 4.43 40-yard sprint (T-Sixth amongst RBs) with a 1.52 10-yard cut up (T-Fifth). His 38.5-inch vertical and 10’8” broad leap additionally confirmed off simply how explosive he could be. His 92-athleticism rating ranked 1st amongst all RBs on the mix.
In 4 years in Columbus, Henderson totaled over 4,614 yards and 48 touchdowns. He is among the most explosive RBs within the class and has the power to be an Alvin Kamara-esque expertise.
Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State
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Quinshon Judkins was Henderson’s counterpart at Ohio State and is predicted to be drafted barely later than his former teammate. The previous Buckeye examined almost identically to Henderson on the mix.
Judkins ran a 4.48 40-yard sprint with a 1.51 10-yard cut up. A bit slower total, however faster out the gates then Henderson. He then matched Henderson’s 38.5-inch vertical and beat his 10’8” broad leap with an 11’0” leap. His 92-athleticism rating tied Henderson for the very best amongst RBs.
Judkins has produced each single season he’s been on the soccer area. As a freshman in 2022, he ran for 1,567 yards and 16 touchdowns at Ole Miss. He then adopted that up with a 1,158-yard, 15-touchdown season in 2023 earlier than transferring to Ohio State the place he ran for 1,060 yards and 14 scores en path to a nationwide championship. He’s additionally posted over 130 receiving yards each season.
Judkins is presently ESPN’s Eighth-ranked operating again on this class, however I feel he finally ends up being a high 5 RB drafted.
Jaydon Blue, Texas
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Former Texas RB, Jaydon Blue, is a projected day three choose within the NFL Draft, however had himself an enormous day on the NFL Mix. He solely examined within the 40-yard sprint however ran a 4.38 with a 1.52 10-yard cut up. Each of these rank within the high 5 amongst RBs. His 85-athleticism rating ranks Fifth amongst RBs.
After testing, Blue participated in some on-field drills the place he excelled, particularly as a cross catcher. His fundamental promoting level is that he can run and catch the soccer, and he put his abilities on full show this previous week.
Blue doesn’t have a ton of school manufacturing, which is why he’s considered as a late-round choose, however he generally is a dwelling run hitter out of the backfield. He ran for 730 yards and eight scores behind a 5.4 common whereas catching 42 passes for 368 yards and 6 scores in 2024. He has arguably one of many highest upsides of any day three RB prospect.
Woody Marks, USC
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Former USC RB, Woody Marks, didn’t check nice on the mix, operating a 4.54 40-yard sprint with a 1.57 10-yard cut up and a 35-inch vertical, however he was the most effective performers throughout their on-field drills.
Marks is considered as the most effective cross catchers within the class, however he actually excelled in speeding drills, which ought to have answered some query marks groups might have had. In his lone season at USC, Marks rushed for 1,133 yards and 9 scores whereas catching 47 balls for 321 yards.
He’s projected to be a day three choose in the mean time and is somebody the New Orleans Saints may goal if they need one other cross catcher out the backfield.
Trevor Etienne, Georgia
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The ultimate man we’re going to focus on as we speak is Trevor Etienne. The previous Georgia RB had fairly the day on the NFL Mix, which may have solidified himself as a day two choose.
Etienne ran a 4.42 40-yard sprint with a 1.51 10-yard cut up. He additionally recorded a 35-inch vertical and hit 15 reps on the bench press, which helped earn him a 90-athleticism rating, which is fourth amongst all RBs. Etienne displayed elite footwork and cross catching skill in on-field drills as properly.
After two seasons at Florida, Etienne transferred to Georgia the place he ran for 609 yards and 9 touchdowns whereas catching 32 balls for 194 yards. He has some harm issues which can trigger him to slide a bit, however he seemed actually good on the mix.