[ISAIAH PEAD – DEREK WOLFE – ADRIEN ROBINSON – JOHN HUGHES – UDFA’S]
It’s NFL Draft week which means two things. First of all, there’s only one more week of hearing Todd McShay and Mel Kiper squawk at each other (hurray!) and secondly we get to finally get to see how many Cincinnati players will be drafted by pro teams. In 2011, UC narrowly avoided getting shut out when Jason Kelce was taken by the Philadelphia Eagles in the sixth round. He of course went on to earn the starting center position by the Fall. But by all accounts it should be a banner year for the Bearcats who could get at least four players drafted in the 2012 Draft.
The player most likely to go highest is Isaiah Pead. Derek Wolfe could certainly go first but I’m going to stick with Pead. Just think of them as 1a and 1b. Anyways, the Cincinnati runningback was a stallion in 2011 who carried the team on his back when Zach Collaros went down against West Virginia. He had been having a good season up to that point but that game proved that with or without Collaros, Isaiah Pead was the best player on UC’s roster. He finished the 2011 season with 1,259 rushing yards, 12 rushing touchdowns, 319 receiving yards, and 3 receiving touchdowns. His 3,288 career rushing yards puts him 3rd all-time in UC’s record books. I can’t wait to see how he looks on an NFL team.
STRENGTHS
- Vision
- Quick Feet
- Explosiveness
Gaps are smaller and windows close faster in the NFL which is why it is important for pro runningbacks to have good vision to see those holes. Isaiah Pead has always had a knack for slipping through the offensive line and breaking into the second level. Part of that is his quick feet that allows him to cut on a dime and break defenders’ ankles. They even seem to continue to churn when defenders are draped all over him. He’s simply a tough back to get a hold of and when defenders do manage to get a hand on him he doesn’t go down easily. Pead always seems to play with a chip on his shoulder and routinely turns what looks to be a 4 – 5 yd gain into a 10 yd gain simply because he keeps his feet moving and maintains his balance. But when he does get into the open field he can outrun most linebackers and defensive backs. Pead posted an official 4.47 40-time at the NFL combine which was the 5th fastest for prospective runningbacks. He certainly has disappointed Scouts this offseason.
WEAKNESSES
- Pass Blocking
- Size
- Small Hands
Really the biggest knocks on Isaiah Pead go hand in hand. He has never been the best blocker on passing plays partially because he tops out at around 200 lbs. Most college linebackers and defensive ends come it at North of 220 lbs. They simply muscled Pead out of the way and is a reason why UC brought in the much bigger George Winn to block when the quarterback was passing the ball. In addition, his size will make Pead more susceptible to injuries because of that size differential. Hopefully he can bulk up to 210-215 lbs to take those hits in the NFL. Also, Isaiah has been fumble-prone in his time at Cincinnati. He hands are on the smallish size which has caused him to drop passes and fumble the football in the past few years.
PROJECTED ROUND(S)/LIKELY TEAM(S)
- 2nd Round – 4th Round
- Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, San Fransisco 49ers, New York Giants, New England Patriots
Most mock NFL Drafts have Isaiah Pead being taken somewhere between the 2nd and 4th round. A second round selection is most likely but don’t be shocked if he slips into the 3rd or 4th rounds. Among the teams that are looking draft him are those with an established between-the-tackles runningback who are looking for an extra wrinkle out of the backfield and those in need of explosiveness on special teams. Now, I don’t pay that close attention to the NFL outside of fantasy football so I’m essentially spit-balling regarding what teams will take him. Those six teams are simply ones I’ve read who are rumored to be interested in drafting Pead. Know this, however, most NFL franchises will make room for him on their roster.