Running Back

Kentucky

5-8 188

Draft Board Overall Prospect Rank: #94

Draft Board Overall Running Back Rank: #9

Rating: 69 (Late 3rd)

40 time: 4.46

2/19/11: At 186 pounds, Derrick Locke is not going to be an every down runner in the NFL. However, I think he can hold up as a 3^rd down back, a la Darren Sproles. Locke was one of the most explosive runners on the college level last year. It didn’t take a lot to bring him down, but with his initial burst and good leverage and elite shiftiness, he’s also tough to find. His 40 time is going to be one of the fastest, but if you look at his first 5 or 10 yards, he might be the fastest player at the Combine. His initial burst is that good.

He also catches passes well, with 88 catches in his last 3 seasons, and anytime you put the ball in his hands, he’s a threat to go the distance. He also returned kickoffs for Kentucky, returned 2 to the house in 3 seasons and putting up a solid average in the process. His high at Kentucky in carries is 195 and I doubt he ever breaks that in the pros, but he’s certainly got late 3^rd round value as a luxury pick and a cool weapon. With so many RBBCs in the league right now, Locke has a place in the league.

NFL Comparison: Darren Sproles