FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Alabama running back Jase McClellan.
2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Jase McClellan
Jase McClellan (RB – Alabama)
5’11” – 212 lbs.
Background:
Jase McClellan was a four-star recruit who played sparingly for his first two seasons (63 total carries combined). He tore his ACL five games into the 2021 season before seeing his role expand a bit in 2022. Started four games out of 13 played that year, finishing with 112-655-7 (5.8) rushing and 14-174-3 (12.4) receiving. Became the team’s starter in 2023, ending up with 166-803-6 (4.8) and adding 13 catches.
Positives:
Has two years of pretty good production for a major program, playing in a balanced rushing attack. Pretty well-built back who runs with good knee bend. Makes clean cuts in the backfield. Fairly decisive runner who is capable of getting downhill and picking up decent gains between the tackles with an above-average burst in the hole. Shows some ability to make defenders miss in the backfield and salvage poorly-blocked plays. Smooth accelerator on outside runs. Does a pretty good job of weaving through congestion. Can be elusive when he gets out in space. Flashes above-average contact balance. Knows when to lower the shoulder and deliver punishment at the end of his runs. Fights well after contact to grind out tough yardage. Ball security is excellent with just one career fumble on over 400 total touches. Offers a pretty reliable pair of hands in the passing game, albeit on a limited sample size. Shows good effort and toughness as a blocker.
Negatives:
Speed, suddenness and explosiveness are closer to adequate. May struggle to consistently win the edge at the next level. Probably more of a chunk runner who has just one run of over forty yards in the past two seasons. Runs through arm tackles but isn’t a steamroller who physically dominates defenders between the tackles. Was not very well integrated into the passing game; basically a low-volume safety valve running swings and releasing into the flats. Effectiveness in pass protection has been an issue. ACL tear from back in 2021 will be looked at during the pre-draft process.
Summary:
A pretty well-rounded back who has a solid frame, makes smooth cuts and shows good competitiveness to fight for additional yardage and finish his runs. Athleticism is closer to adequate. Doesn’t have a ton of value on passing downs. Because of those limitations he profiles as more of a reserve/rotational back who can protect the football and provide some tough running as an early-down option in a backfield committee.
Projection: Round 6/Round 7
More 2024 NFL Draft Prospects
Running Backs
- Trey Benson (RB – Florida State)
- MarShawn Lloyd (RB – USC)
- Braelon Allen (RB – Wisconsin)
- Ray Davis (RB – Kentucky)
- Audric Estimé (RB – Notre Dame)
- Will Shipley (RB – Clemson)
- Blake Corum (RB – Michigan)
- Bucky Irving (RB – Oregon)
- Jonathon Brooks (RB – Texas)
- Jaylen Wright (RB – Tennessee)
- Kimani Vidal (RB – Troy)
- Rasheen Ali (RB – Marshall)
- Cody Schrader (RB – Missouri)
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