2018 NFL Draft: Notre Dame’s Josh Adams Scouting Report
By Jon Dove
Notre Dame’s Josh Adams is a 2018 NFL Draft running back prospect who brings size and some quickness to the field.
Josh Adams is a taller running back prospect who also features a solid build. He uses his size to move the pile and finish off runs. His commitment to keeping his pads down helps keep him from exposing too much of his frame.
Adams isn’t a quick-twitch athlete which limits his ability to press the line. It means that he isn’t someone who can squeeze through quick closing holes. His longer legs make him more of a long strider and require more room for him to gain full speed.
He also lacks great lateral quickness which limits his ability to create when there isn’t much running room. Luckily, Adams is more of a downhill runner who typically only makes one cut. His running style and size make his lack of lateral quickness not much of a factor.
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Adams isn’t a dynamic pass catcher, but does feature solid hands and sound route running. He has the feel needed to get himself in position to provide the quarterback with a check down option.
His pass protection skills are solid and led by his willingness to get involved in the action. Like most younger running backs, he does need to clean up his technique and do a better job using his hands at the point of attack.
It’s tough getting a feel where someone like Adams will fit in today’s NFL. His lack of explosiveness out of his stance limits his versatility. He is someone who likely needs to work out of a power running attack that creates a push off the line.
The likely scenario is that Adams finds a spot as a rotational running back who needs to also contribute on special teams.