2020 NFL Draft Profile: J.K. Dobbins

Although he shared the spotlight at Ohio State with a pair of Heisman Trophy finalists, J.K. Dobbins is one to watch in the upcoming 2020 NFL Draft. All the Buckeye running back did as a junior was top his touchdown production from his first two seasons combined while surpassing the 2,000-yard mark on the ground. Dobbins' skill set should help him find a home in the NFL but how soon can he expect to hear his name called?

J.K. Dobbins Draft Profile

College: Ohio State
Class: Jr.
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 216

Strong Points

He fell a little short of the Heisman hype, but Dobbins has the kind of well-rounded skill set that fits in the modern NFL. He’s excellent in the passing game, a natural receiver who can be a multifaceted weapon working out of the backfield or splitting out wide. He made strides as a runner last season. He’s strong between the tackles, patient with very good vision and with a burst once he decides to go. He shows wiggle and excellent feet picking his way through traffic, with the contact balance to bounce off tackles. At times, he’ll flash the quickness to get out on the perimeter. He runs behind his pads and will finish runs strong, getting his lick in on the defender. He’ll earn high marks for character and toughness; he played through a fairly severe in-game ankle injury against Clemson in the playoff.

Weak Points

Dobbins played in something of a more traditional (and probably more NFL-like) offense as a sophomore when Dwayne Haskins was under center for the Buckeyes and did not look good as a runner. How much did the presence of dual-threat QB Justin Fields aid Dobbins last season? He lacks a third gear when he does break through; there was a lack of big plays in his tape despite opportunities in what was an excellent offense that faced a lot of middling defenses in the Big Ten.

Summary

He has the all-around skill set to be a lead back in the NFL, though a lack of big-play ability prevents him from being a true star. Still, Dobbins should be a reliable early-down runner with the ability to add a dimension to the passing game.

Final Grade: 1st/2nd round