Running Back

Oregon State

5-7 193

40 time (projected): 4.35

Draft board overall prospect rank: #85

Draft board running back rank: #6

Overall rating: 71 (Mid 3rd)

7/20/10: Jacquizz Rodgers is a smaller running back, at 193 pounds, and because of the lack of elite running backs in the NFL that weigh less than 200 pounds, that may look like cause for concern for some people. I don’t really see it that way. Rodgers is also 5-7 so 193 is actually fairly bulky and as we’ve seen with running backs like Ray Rice, Danny Woodhead, and Maurice Jones Drew, lack of height doesn’t really hurt you as a running back in the NFL.

In fact, in the case of Rodgers, Woodhead, Rice, and MJD, their short stocky stature helps them both be elusive and break tackles. Ray Rice measured in at 5-8 199 at his combine, Woodhead is listed at 5-8 193, and Maurice Jones Drew at 5-7 208 so I’m not too concerned with Rodgers’ size.

He is a good in between the tackles runner, with his elusiveness and his decent bulk, in addition to an explosive outside the tackles runner. He has legitimate 4.3 speed and can break a big gain at any time. Take a look at his numbers for yourself and you’ll see that this is someone who can get the job done, at least at the college level.

As a sophomore 2 years ago, he actually probably should have been a Heisman candidate. With 1440 yards rushing, 21 rushing touchdowns, along with 522 yards receiving and a receiving touchdowns, this guy was simply an explosive playmaker. As a freshman he had 1500 total yards and 12 total touchdowns. He has the potential to be this type of explosive playmaker once he’s in the NFL as well.

His numbers took a hit junior year and he fell into the pack of 3rd round backs in this class, with 1471 total yards and 17 total touchdowns. However, I still have him as a 3rd round prospect. He’s a great pass catcher and as I’ve said before, any time you put the ball in his hands, something amazing could happen. 

NFL Comparison: Danny Woodhead