With the Senior Bowl on the horizon, many players will be looking to improve their draft stock. Among them is Arizona State running back Rachaad White. Going from the Pac-12 after dark to the NFL, check out his scouting report below.Â
Background
Rachaad White was a two-year contributor for the Arizona Sun Devils at the running back position. While he was solid in 2020, he broke out in a big way in 2021. Finishing the season with 182 carries for 1,006 yards and fifteen touchdowns on the ground, he complimented this with 43 catches for 456 yards and another score. White is big for his position and he sticks out at six-foot-two and 210 pounds. While at ASU, head coach Herm Edwards said that White reminded him of Hall of Famer Marcus Allen.
Strengths
White is an unbelievably smooth runner. Effortlessly gliding through defenses, he is capable of making moves without ever appearing to slow down. The moves at his disposal are bountiful as well, as he is a consistently creative runner who will juke, spin, hurdle, and stiff-arm his way around defenders. White is also capable of finding that “second gear,” and when he does, he is basically impossible to catch in the open field. NFL teams will love his receiving ability as well. While he was not asked to run a wide variety of routes at Arizona State, he proved himself to be a valuable check-down option. His natural hands and playmaking ability will give him an immediate role in the NFL. White has great vision as well and does a good job of getting skinny through the hole.
How we feelin about Rachaad White? pic.twitter.com/XNSQrJ1EwP
— JWack (@JaredWackerlyFF) November 18, 2021
Weaknesses
While he is a more than willing blocker and will deliver big blows, he is also prone to missing. In order to become a true three-down back, he will need to be more in control on these reps. Additionally, while he does have good vision, he doesn’t always burst through holes the way you would expect him to. He also possesses a very upright running style that will leave him open to some big hits in the NFL. Alas, he never lost a fumble in his career at ASU, so he is still protecting the ball.
NFL Projection
I was very pleasantly surprised by White’s tape. A nearly complete running back, his draft stock will certainly rise throughout the process. The first chance for this will be at the 2022 Senior Bowl, where his athleticism should lend itself to a good week. Currently, I see White as one of the top running backs in this class and would be more than comfortable electing him on day two. For a team such as Miami or Buffalo, he should be a great fit very early in his career.
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*Top Photo: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports