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2020 NFL Draft: Ohio State RB J.K. Dobbins has first round talent

By Nicholas Perlich

PISCATAWAY, NEW JERSEY - NOVEMBER 16: J.K. Dobbins #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes runs the ball for a touchdown in the first quarter of their game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at SHI Stadium on November 16, 2019 in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
PISCATAWAY, NEW JERSEY - NOVEMBER 16: J.K. Dobbins #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes runs the ball for a touchdown in the first quarter of their game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at SHI Stadium on November 16, 2019 in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 28: J.K. Dobbins #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes drops a pass in the end zone against the Clemson Tigers in the first half during the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium on December 28, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. Where does he project in the 2020 NFL Draft? (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 28: J.K. Dobbins #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes drops a pass in the end zone against the Clemson Tigers in the first half during the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium on December 28, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. Where does he project in the 2020 NFL Draft? (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

After declaring his intention to enter the 2020 NFL Draft as a Junior, how does Ohio State Buckeye J.K. Dobbins project as a running back in the NFL?

There were many reasons for Ohio State being able to compete in the College Football Playoff this season. One of the more important pieces was the rushing ability of J.K. Dobbins. Recently, Dobbins declared his intention to enter the 2020 NFL Draft as a Junior. The running back class was already shaping up as a strong one in 2020 but just got even stronger with the declaration of Dobbins.

Dobbins has adequate height at 5-foot-9 combined with good weight and bulk at 217 pounds. He has a thick, strong, compact build that allows him to run with a low center of gravity and great power. He also has better quickness and explosiveness than expected from a guy of his size. Dobbins combined those skills to turn 2019 into a historically great season for him.

On the year, Dobbins had 301 rush attempts for 2,033 yards and 21 rushing touchdowns. That equates to an impressive 6.7 yards per attempt. Dobbins also contributed as a receiver out of the backfield with 23 catches for 247 yards and two more touchdowns. That was good enough to finish sixth in the Heisman voting this season.

In his career, Dobbins finished with over 1,000 yards in each of his three seasons. He finished his career with 4,459 rushing and 38 rushing touchdowns. That was good enough for him to finish second in Ohio State history in rushing yards behind only the great Archie Griffin. A couple of the notable names he surpassed in that category this season include Carlos Hyde, Eddie George, and Ezekiel Elliott.

So while he was obviously a great running back in college, how does Dobbins’ game translate to the NFL?

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