4 sleeper running backs in the upcoming 2020 NFL Draft

TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - NOVEMBER 09: Clyde Edwards-Helaire #22 of the LSU Tigers celebrates scoring a 7-yard touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the game at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 09, 2019 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - NOVEMBER 09: Clyde Edwards-Helaire #22 of the LSU Tigers celebrates scoring a 7-yard touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the game at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 09, 2019 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – NOVEMBER 11: Zack Moss #2 of the Utah Utes holds the ball after scoring a touchdown during their game against the Washington State Cougars at Rice-Eccles Stadium on November 11, 2017 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – NOVEMBER 11: Zack Moss #2 of the Utah Utes holds the ball after scoring a touchdown during their game against the Washington State Cougars at Rice-Eccles Stadium on November 11, 2017 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images) /

2

Zack Moss RB

Utah Utes Football
Utah Utes Football /

Scouting Report

One of the more seasoned runners in this 2020 NFL Draft class of running backs is Utah’s senior back Zack Moss. Listed at 5-10 and 222 pounds, Moss is known as more of a between-the-tackles back, but has shown the versatility to be a solid contributor as a receiver out of the backfield as well.

On pace for this third straight 1,000 yard season, Moss has tallied nearly 3,500 yards rushing throughout his four year career at Utah and has scored a massive 34 times in his career on the ground; he has averaged 5.7 yards per carry throughout his career for the Utes as well. This year, Moss is averaging six yards per carry as he has run for 828 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns thus far.

Moss displays great patience behind the line of scrimmage as he waits for running lanes to develop, and has the necessary vision to see the hole as it develops. Excelling at making himself small through the hole, Moss has a great pad level, which allows him to thrive after contact and keep balance to pick up additional yardage; he shows a nice jump cut to knife through running lanes as well.

Moss does, however, lack elite burst and top end speed, making for a potentially tough transition to the NFL. He is strictly a downhill runner who would rather lower his head for extra yards rather than showcase an open field move.