Cincinnati
Ht. 5-11 Wt. 200
Inside Running: Pead runs too upright to be an effective runner between the tackles. He much prefers to use his acceleration and burst to get the edge. He looks impatient to the hole on inside runs but has the quickness to hit it before it truly develops. Pead will not earn his living running between the tackles in the NFL.
Outside Running: Pead is a much more accomplished runner on the edge. His speed, burst, and vision allow him to find the edge in a blur and break off big runs. Pead should run in the low 4.4’s and has the quickness to pull away from defenders.
Hands: Pead may be one of the top pass catchers in this draft amongst the running backs. He has soft hands and runs solid routes. Because of his speed he is a mismatch on linebackers and safeties. Pead should find the field early in passing downs.
Blocking/Durability: Pead is a willing blocker despite not possessing great strength. He also has good instincts in terms of picking up blitzers. Aside from a few minor injuries, Pead has held up well in his career.
Bottom Line: Pead is somewhat limited by the fact that he won’t be an inside runner in the NFL. His combination of speed, vision, and catching ability should get him drafted in round 3. He’s not a No. 1 back at this point in his career but he could develop over time.
Draft Projection: Pead should go in round 3, round 4 at the latest.
