Name: RB Jordan Todman
School: UConn
Size: 5'9, 203 lbs
Expected Round: 2nd-3rd
40 Time: 4.40s
Career Stats: Click Here.
Player Previews: CBS; Walter Football; NFL Combinee [If you would like your website included, please e-mail me!]
Strengths: Todman is a quick player who has the explosion and burst to turn the corner and get into the open field. He doesn't dance in the backfield and knows how to hit the holes to gain yards on every down. He can catch the ball and he can run the ball, which means that he is a potential 3 down running back, which the Patriots are in the market for. He's not afraid of contact and will lower his shoulder in order to gain the extra yards. He's a tough player with a lot of college production to go with his solid physical body.
Weaknesses: He's a little small, which could lead to injury in the NFL. His small height may prevent him from being anything more than a chip-blocker, which lowers his every-down value. He does a lot of things very well, but he doesn't have an "elite" quality that puts him over the top as a prospect. May not be able to get yardage on obvious short yards to go plays due to his size.
Why and Why Not the Patriots after the jump, and my final verdict!
Why the Patriots?: The Patriots are definitely in the market for a running back and Todman is my favorite in the draft. He's a blend of explosion, speed, vision and receiving abilities that would make him dangerous in the offense. He has college production, which Belichick loves, and he does his job. He'll go for the yards and, while he'll be patient for his blockers, he won't dance in the backfield. He needs to be coached on how to block, but there are no strong pass blockers out of the draftable running backs. His size, which could prevent him from being an every down back, seems perfect for the change-of-pace back in the committee and I believe he complements both BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Danny Woodhead, giving the Patriots a three headed monster in the backfield. Also, since when did the Patriots care about small players?
Why Not the Patriots?: The Patriots don't have to draft running backs. They seem to be able to find running backs in free agency and, as long as there's an offensive line, they'll gain the yards of a solid running back. While an elite running back might take the offense to the next level, it doesn't seem imperative as the offense functioned without a star running back. Todman, for all of his positives, might not be needed by the Patriots, just because they don't want to draft a running back.
Verdict: I think that Todman would fit really well with the Patriots. If they're willing to use a draft pick on a running back, Todman would be a great choice at #60 or #74- but don't be surprised if they don't draft a running back at all. I feel like the Patriots will either go big, or they won't go at all, when it comes to drafting a running back.
Courtesy of DocHolidaze