Bryce Love, Stanford: 2018 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Stanford’s Bryce Love is an undersized running back whose college career consisted of a lot of touches and production.

Bryce Love is an explosive athlete with the quick-twitch ability to get up to full speed in a hurry. This short-area bust allows him to pick his way through traffic while also remaining a big-play threat. Love also features an excellent second gear which gives him the ability to break off those long runs.

The fact that he’s a threat to score from anywhere on the field is what makes Love so dangerous. However, Love is also a patient runner who makes the most of every carry. He does a great job allowing his blockers to get into position before he makes a decision.

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His combination of explosiveness and patience makes Love a tough runner to defend. He also has the shiftiness to create when nothing is available. This helps him avoid tackles for loss and negative plays.

The concern with Love is that he lacks ideal size. His limited bulk will bring durability concerns at the next level. It also limits his ability to break tackles and pick up yards after contact. However, Love does keep his legs moving which gives him some extra yardage.

In the passing game, he struggles to hold up in pass protection. Love lacks the bulk and strength to anchor after contact. The bigger pass rushers in NFL won’t have much trouble running through Love’s block.

This is something he can improve if he works on his technique. It will be important for him to do a better job gaining a wide base and remaining balanced.

Stanford doesn’t use Love as a pass catcher. He has only 4 receptions on the year which is something he’ll need to do more of to stick in the NFL. Love shows the athleticism needed to be effective in the passing game, but the lack of experience is a concern.

Overall, Love has the breakaway speed and big play ability NFL offensive coordinators covet. His overall draft stock could depend on teams project him as a pass catcher and blocker. Otherwise he is sort of a one-dimensional prospect.