Name: D’Onta Foreman
School: Texas
Position fit: Running back
Stats to know: His 64 missed tackles forced as a runner were fourth-most in the draft class in 2016.
What he does best:
- Given his size, moves very well laterally and able to change direction quickly in both the open field and in the backfield to hit cutback reads.
- Speed and burst is sufficient to break off big runs, even if he can’t outrun everyone.
- Uses subtle cuts in open spaces to make defenders miss, especially ones trying to hit him low.
- More of a finesse runner in a bigger frame.
- Has proven capable of handling a heavy workload.
- Possesses the size and strength to be capable of powering through defenders.
Biggest concerns:
- Needs to be more consistent on being the player to deliver contact as a runner, and moving piles.
- Ball security. Even though he had the third-most carries among the draft class, his seven fumbles still gave him one of the highest fumble rates.
- While he didn’t give up a sack and very few pressures in pass pro, he’s fairly untested in a Texas offensive system that limited how often he actually had to engage with defenders.
- Pass pro and limited use as a receiver (caught 13 passes in three years) could limit his role in an NFL offense.
Player comparison: Steven Jackson
Bottom line: Foreman is a bigger running back, but he runs with the finesse of a smaller back. Despite his size, he has very good lateral agility and can make defenders miss. He has good vision to find cutback lanes even if he’s not always patient. Foreman could improve on delivering contact to defenders instead of absorbing it so often, as well as moving piles better. He was an effective pass blocker in college but transitioning to NFL pass protection will be an adjustment. Between that and rarely being utilized as a receiver, he may just be an early-down player early in his career. If he can be a little more physical and aggressive with the ball in his hands, he could be a highly productive runner right away.
© 2024 PFF - all rights reserved.