Draft Profile Series: Carlos Hyde
- Updated: April 30, 2014
As we approach the deepest NFL Draft in recent memory, I’ll give my breakdown and analysis of 75 top prospects in this year’s class. At the conclusion of this series, I will include my final overall and positional rankings, as well as a mock draft.
Carlos Hyde, RB, 6-0, 235, Ohio State
Key stats: Had 1,668 total yards and 18 touchdowns in 2013.
Strengths: Very good all-around back. … Thick, sturdy build. … Has good vision and runs with power and surprising burst for a big man. … Has elusiveness and power after he gets through the hole and punishes tacklers. … Is a natural pass catcher, who can be a big factor on screens and swing passes. … Is physical and doesn’t shy from contact. … Has powerful leg drive and ability to bounce off tackles for big runs. … When Hyde plants and heads upfield, he is scary, as he brings speed and power that not many defensive backs are going to want to deal with.
Weaknesses: Runs a little too upright, especially through the hole, and takes too long to get going. … He also needs to become better in his pass protections. … Was his production due to the Buckeyes being able to dominate most opponents physically? … Didn’t play in pro-style offense. … Hyde was suspended for the first three games in 2013 due to a bar altercation. Has had some issues with maturity and work ethic early in career.
Conclusion: Good all-around back, who doesn’t have many major weaknesses. He also runs a little upright, which will open him up to big hits. … If this was five or ten years ago, Hyde would likely be a lock as a first-round pick, but, as the game has gone to more two- and three-back rotations, the urgency to find running backs has decreased. … I still expect Hyde to either be a featured back or find a place in a rotation early on in his career.
NFL comparison: Jamal Lewis/Le’Veon Bell.
Draft projection: Second Round.
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