NFL Draft Profile

In an ever changing world also known as the NFL, nothing tomorrow is the same as yesterday. Values of a particular player, coach, or individual position are always going up and down depending on the newest scheme or formation. In a league that was once dominated by the running back, it’s a position that has now taking the wayside. In a draft class in which we are likely to not see one running back selected in the first round, it’s important you do not underestimate the talent that waits. Carlos Hyde is going to be one of the top three selected in 2014 and will be a benefit to whoever calls his name.

Carlos Hyde is best described as the bull in a China shop. Here stands a bruising back at 5’11” weighing in at 230 pounds. At the combine his arms measured at 32” and hands 9 5/8”. His ability to use his fame and combine that with pronounced ball carrier vision made him a top collegiate back. As soon as he possesses the handoff he is able to find a hole accelerate through and hit the next level. His power allows him to mimic a wrecking ball lowering his shoulders through defenders. Hyde is what you would consider an “Old-School Running Back” who refuses to run out of bounds and always falls forward. His skill set allowed Ohio St. to consistently attack the defense hand off after hand off.

There is no such thing as a flawless prospect and there are blemishes NFL scouts will continue to point out. While he has the vision to make it through the defensive line, he lacks the coveted breakaway speed. With a chance to shed some doubt, he ran a disappointing 4.66 40 yard dash only confirming this fault. While he will get into open field time to time he lacks the speed to avoid being brought down from behind. Analysts will want to point at his disciplinary issues after missing the first three games of his senior season way of suspension. Although he came on strong not missing a step it’s hard to shake the dreaded “off-field issues” label.

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Carlos Hyde took over duties as the Buckeyes starting running back in 2012. He amassed a large portion of carries finishing his career with 3,198 yards rushing and 37 touchdowns. After returning from suspension he was able to finish 2013 with nine straight games rushing over 100 yards. After four seasons he was able to finish with an average of 5.9 yards a carry. Although he shared not only carries but star power with his Heisman hopeful QB Braxton Miller, he showed he could take over a game all by himself. Playing Northwester on the road under the lights trailing, Miller was knocked out of the game with the offense struggling. Hyde sensing the team needed him he put the offense on his shoulders to come from behind and win. Wrapping up his senior season he was named first team All Big Ten as well as Big Ten Running Back of the year.

While the idea of selecting Hyde as a possible sleeper in fantasy drafts may be intriguing to many, do not expect him to get many receptions and receiving yards Such as Charles or Spiller. In standard leagues he could make a great pickup for backup or possibly starter; he may not be as beneficial in PPR. However with his ability to attack and run through the tackles he will get great opportunities on the goal line as well as third downs. Scouts will need to watch many games before coming across a play in which he is stuffed behind the line of scrimmage for a loss of yards. Hyde rarely coughs up the ball so fantasy owners can also remove any fears regarding fumblitis.

Showing up to combine in hopes to raise his stock, he may have done just the opposite. Prior to the combine he was viewed as the top back in the draft. Prior to the forty he competed in drills such as bench (19 reps), vertical (34.5”), and broad (114.0”) ensuing average results. Due to his speed scaring teams away from first round consideration, the dash was no doubt the most significant drill. After finishing with a disappointing 4.66 mentioned earlier he pulled up with a hamstring issue and was unable to run for a second time.

Fantasy owners who are not familiar with this soon to be back, or who are weary of taking rookies may find comfort in this comparison. Hyde is closely related to last season’s rooking running back from Green Bay Eddie Lacy. Lacy is a 5’11” 230 lb. running back that was selected last season in second round 61st overall. A big back that didn’t show world class speed slipped and outperformed his draft location. Fantasy owners did not pursue Lacy however those who took a chance found great value in this sleeper. Hyde not only resembles his frame but style of play. Hyde could land anywhere from Cleveland at the 37th pick, to Tennessee at the 44th pick. This is a back whose fantasy numbers will greatly elevate if given a chance to start. His style of play best resembles the physicality of the AFC North (Cleveland, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Baltimore).

In my opinion this back would make a great back to use as your number three to closely evaluated. If he is given a chance in a system that fits, you my friend have a fantastic steal for the 2014 season. Just watch him run (video below)

Carlos Hyde 2013-14 Highlights

Attended Akron University and took two years of English as well as sports communication. Grew up a die hard Ohio State fan born and bred in the Buckeye state. I am a fan of all Cleveland sports regardless of the endless losing. Fantasy football college football NFL Draft Recruiting Friday Night High School Football I love it all! I

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