From now until the 2019 NFL Draft takes place, we hope to showcase as many prospects as possible and examine both their strengths and weaknesses. Most of these profiles will feature individuals that the Pittsburgh Steelers are likely to have an interest in, while a few others will be top-ranked players. If there is a player you would like us to analyze, let us know in the comments below.
# 5 Darwin Thompson/RB Utah State – 5’8” 200 lbs
The Good
- Absurd contact balance his size
- Leg Churn is impeccable, will never go down
- Fantastic power for a 5’8’ RB, can run guys right over
- Natural hands, does not body catch the ball
- Dynamic in the open field, as elusive as they come
- Footwork is efficient, cuts extremely well and takes advantage of size
- Presses line well
- Insane athleticism, world caliber athlete
- Great short area burst
- Great pass protector for his size due to incredible strength
The Bad
- Too hasty hitting the hole at times, needs to be more patient and work off his line
- Can have spotty vision at times
- Good but not great long speed
- Needs to learn how to read defensive flow and mess with angles
Bio
- 2018 (and D1 Career): 153 rushes, 1044 yards, 14 TD, 23 receptions, 351 yards, 2 TD
- Former JUCO product
- Had no offers out of high school
- Nicknamed “DTRAIN”
- Track and Field athlete in High School
- Can Back Squat 750+ pounds
As a 5’8” running back, Darwin Thompson would most likely, at first glance, be thought of as a shifty running back akin to that of Tarik Cohen.