As the NFL season winds down, FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL draft scouting reports before the combine in March. Here’s a look at Chris Rodriguez Jr.
Check out all of our 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Reports & Prospect Profiles 
2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Chris Rodriguez Jr. (RB – Kentucky)
Chris Rodriguez Jr. (RB – Kentucky)
5’11” – 224 lbs.
Background:
Three-star recruit who redshirted after three appearances in 2018, then rushed 71 times for 533 yards and six touchdowns in 2019. Put together a 119-785-11 (6.6) line in the 2020 season, splitting carries with Asim Rose and quarterback Terry Wilson, then became the team’s feature back for 2021, finishing with 225-1,378-10 (6.1). Was suspended for four games this past season after being arrested for driving under the influence, but still led the team with a 175-904-6 (5.2) line on the ground.
Positives:
Thickly-built downhill runner who has shown the ability to carry a full load. Footwork and backfield cuts are impressive for a back with his size. Doesn’t waste time getting upfield, showing adequate burst in the hole. Consistently runs behind his pads to protect his torso from big blows. Has impressive contact balance to absorb hits and stay upright; pinballs off of opponents and keeps going. Runs through arm tackles with ease, even before he has a full head of steam going. Able to fall forward at the end of runs on a consistent basis. Solid leg drive after contact. Has shown himself to be a strong finisher near the goal line. Can occasionally make defenders miss in space. Able to withstand contact against bigger defenders in blitz pickup.
Negatives:
Senior-year arrest raises questions about his character. Efficiency dipped a bit this past season. Lack of ideal explosiveness and top-end speed will likely limit him to being more of a consistent gainer and occasional chunk runner at the next level. Typically ran right up the middle and may struggle to win the edge on outside attempts against pro defenders. Has nine career fumbles on just over six-hundred touches, so ball security is a concern. Caught just 20 passes in school, with three drops. Doesn’t consistently engage with technique in blitz pickup, although his size gives him solid potential in that area.
Summary:
A throwback-style power back who wastes no time getting upfield, runs through arm tackles and glancing blows, and fights his way forward for additional yardage after contact to finish strong, but who is closer to an average athlete for the position and doesn’t offer much value in the passing game, limitations which may cause him to end up as, at best, the power-back in a running back committee, or, potentially, as more of a short-yardage or goal-line specialist. Will probably end up in the mid-rounds if teams are comfortable with his character.
Projection: Round 5
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