FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Troy running back Kimani Vidal.
2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Kimani Vidal
Kimani Vidal (RB – Troy)
5’8″ – 218 lbs.
Background:
Georgia native who has been the team’s leading rusher for the past four years. The team had a heavily zone-based running game for his first two seasons there, 2020 and 2021, years in which he posted 101-511-4 (5.1) and 153-699-5 (4.6), respectively. Production has really taken a leap forward since then, with the team integrating more gap-based concepts; rushed 231-1,127-10 (4.9) as a junior and was even more productive this season, finishing with 295-1,661-14 (5.6). Has also averaged 23-173 receiving over the past four seasons, with a receiving touchdown this year as well.
Positives:
Highly productive runner with escalating output. Has a very compact frame and has shown that he can carry the load offensively. Runs with good knee bend and a low center of gravity. Quick feet with some burst in the hole. No-nonsense between-the-tackles runner who executes the play as called, minimizing negative-yardage plays; many attempts where he’s burrowing up the middle out of pistol looks for three or four yards at a time. Physical runner who gets behind his pads, delivering some punishment at the end of his runs to finish with authority and wear down defenses. Shows some ability to weave through congestion, and is able to make it through arm tackles once he gets a head of steam going. Good leg drive after contact to fight for additional yardage. Ball security has been solid, with eight fumbles (including one on a reception) against well over 800 career touches. Willing pass protector who shows above-average contact balance and engages with form.
Negatives:
Production came against a relatively low level of competition. Could use just a touch more vision and patience, as there are some snaps where he’ll run into a wall of defenders for little to no gain. Not the most elusive back; gets what’s blocked but isn’t going to make a ton of defenders miss and salvage something out of nothing. Wasn’t very highly integrated into the passing game, and doesn’t present the biggest target; pretty much a pure safety valve who releases into the flats off of play-action.
Summary:
A short, compact runner with a no-nonsense approach and a physical style, his natural leverage and knee-bend give him a low center of gravity that lets him finish runs well and wear down defenses over the course of the game. While he isn’t the most creative back, he minimizes negative yardage runs, protects the football and shows good willingness and contact balance in pass protection. Those traits should endear him to a team’s coaching staff and help him find a spot on the third day of the draft, likely for a gap/power-based offense.
Projection: Round 5-6
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