FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Marshall running back Rasheen Ali.
2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Rasheen Ali
Rasheen Ali (RB – Marshall)
6’0″ – 209 lbs.
Background:
Two-star recruit who’s played sparingly in 2020 before taking over a starting role the following year and posting an incredible line of 250-1,401-23 (5.6) with another 46-342-1 (7.4) receiving. Stepped away from the team prior to the 2022 season and ended up being given a medical redshirt, finishing the year with just 47-273-1 (5.8), then bounced back this past season with 212-1,135-15 (5.4) rushing and 28-213-1 (7.6) receiving to conclude his college career.
Positives:
Highly productive two-year starter in an offense that was heavily zone-based in 2021 but became more balanced this season. Pretty big back who carried the load in both seasons he was healthy. Shows pretty good patience as a runner. Makes clean cuts in the backfield and does a nice job of recognizing opportunities to cut back or bounce runs outside. Some ability to weave through traffic and pick up solid gains between the tackles. Able to make defenders miss in space with his jump cuts. Has above-average burst and some build-up speed once he gets going. Pretty consistent about falling forward at the end of his runs, with adequate leg drive after contact. Was pretty heavily integrated into the passing game, mostly catching swing passes in the flats; has the type of elusiveness to make defenders miss near the sidelines. Took a few more snaps out of the slot or split out wide this past season. Has the frame to stay back in blitz pickup, and did a pretty good job of taking on opposing rushers during the games reviewed.
Negatives:
Played against a relatively low level of competition. Not the most physical or punishing rusher; runs a bit higher than you’d like, undermining his leverage and opening him up to punishment. Doesn’t break very many tackles. Can be a bit too prone to bouncing runs outside; would like to see more consistent discipline. Ball security is a major issue, with 12 career fumbles on under 600 touches (including one fumble on a reception). Also dropped seven career passes against 75 receptions. Average depth of target for his career was behind the line of scrimmage. Circumstances surrounding his 2022 campaign will require further investigation.
Summary:
A patient runner with above-average vision who makes nice cuts in the backfield. He carried the load offensively in 2021 and 2023 and put together two highly productive seasons. At the same time, it would be nice to see him run lower and with more physicality, plus clean up the ball security issues. Production is hard to ignore but looks more like a mid-to-late-rounder.
Projection: Round 5-6
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