2018 NFL Draft: Akrum Wadley Scouting Report
By Jon Dove
Iowa’s Akrum Wadley is an explosive 2018 NFL Draft running back prospect.
Akrum Wadley has enjoyed a highly productive career at Iowa. He now enters the 2018 NFL Draft pool as one of the more elusive runners in the draft. Wadley isn’t getting as much attention as other prospects in this draft, but has plenty of upside.
He features a quick burst with the ability to press the line of scrimmage. This quickness allows him to fire through quickly closing running lanes. It also gives him the potential to break off long runs.
Wadley runs with a great combination of patience and aggressiveness. He knows when to slow play a run and wait for his blocks to set up. However, he also makes good reads on when to attack and quickly get up field.
One of his better attributes is his lateral quickness. Wadley features a good jump cut which makes him an elusive runner.
More from With the First Pick
- 2024 NFL Draft: Prospect Viewing Guide for Week 0
- 2024 NFL Draft: All Eyes On NFL Draft Defensive Prospects
- Player Spotlight: USC Safety Calen Bullock
- 2024 Senior Bowl Watchlist Announced
- 2024 NFL Draft: Florida State is Loaded with Prospect in 2023
This isn’€™t a powerful runner who will move the pile. However, he can work between the tackles because he can squeeze through tight spaces. Wadley also has the balance to break arm tackles, but you won€’t see him run defenders over.
His ability to contribute in the passing game is as a receiver out of the backfield.
Wadley routinely plucks the ball with his hands and is a major run after the catch threat. The biggest concern here is that he struggles in pass protection.
Wadley needs to do a better job gaining a wide base and holding up after contact. He doesn’€™t have the thickest of frames which will always limit his pass protection skills.
Overall, Wadley is an explosive weapon who can pick up big chucks of yards in a hurry.
He’€™s someone who can contribute in the passing game as well as be the team’s main running threat.