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

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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LINCOLN, NE – SEPTEMBER 28: Running back J.K. Dobbins #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes escapes the tackle of linebacker Mohamed Barry #7 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on September 28, 2019 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)
LINCOLN, NE – SEPTEMBER 28: Running back J.K. Dobbins #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes escapes the tackle of linebacker Mohamed Barry #7 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on September 28, 2019 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /

Critical Factors

Critical Factors are the traits that are evaluated on each prospect regardless of position.

Athletic Ability- Dobbins displays good athletic ability overall. He shows very good explosiveness and acceleration in the open field. He has good balance to stay up and keep his feet through contact. He displays adequate agility to change directions as he can be a little herky-jerky and awkward when making those movements.

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Mental Processing- He displays good mental processing as a rusher with good football instincts. Dobbins is able to read the defense and help set up blocking angles for his offensive linemen especially on outside runs. He just has a good overall feel for the game.

Competitive Toughness- Dobbins had the most carries in Ohio State’s biggest games in 2019 while also having his best statistical games against the toughest competition. He showed good physical toughness when returning the College Football Playoff game versus Clemson after a nasty ankle injury.

Play Speed- Dobbins has much better speed than given credit for. He can beat the defense to the edge on outside runs. He also has the ability to run away from defenders and does not get caught from behind on long runs. Dobbins is reported to run the 40-yard dash in an incredible 4.3 seconds.

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Play Strength- He is as strong as his build would indicate. You can tell he puts in a lot of time in the weight room. Dobbins uses the strength that he has built over his career well to bounce off of hard hits consistently with the ability to flat out run over some smaller defenders. He always seems to finish his runs by falling forward through contact.