There has been a lot of controversy regarding whether Maurice Drew is an NFL starting RB because of his height. I say yes, and he will be a very good one at that. Let's a closer look.
Size: 5'7" and 205 lbs. That's way bigger than Darren Sproles and many other 3rd down RBs who is an inch shorter and only 180-185 lbs. It's big enough to get it done and he reminds me of Joe Morris, the Giants pro-bowl RB who was also only 5'7". Or Brian Westbrook.
Speed/Quickness: Solid. Drew ran a 4.41 40-yard dash and is very quick in drills and in games.
Running Ability: Great moves and vision. He can make people miss and is a threat to go the distance every time he touches the ball.
Hands: Drew is a great receiver and this will help keep him on the football field. He caught 31 passes for a 14.6 yards/catch average which is pretty good for a RB.
Blocking: He might struggle here and this could hurt his playing time, but he does not appear afraid to take on blockers.
Attitude: I just saw Drew's interview on the NFL network. It's clear to me that this kid get's it. He understands that he's coming in as a "freshman" all over again and that he'll have to work hard to earn the respect of his team. He noted he will never take a play off and he can't wait to learn an NFL playbook. Grandfather was a huge influence in Drew's life and there are no known character issues with him.
Bottom Line: I think he's a player who is a talent that will slip on draft day because of his height. In a few years we'll look back and find that Drew was the steal of our dynasty rookie drafts. Kind of like Clinton Portis was years ago. From a dynasty league perspective, most owners will view him as a 3rd down back only. So, if you can scoop him up in a rookie draft cheaply, I would do it in a heartbeat and stash this kid on your roster.
Size: 5'7" and 205 lbs. That's way bigger than Darren Sproles and many other 3rd down RBs who is an inch shorter and only 180-185 lbs. It's big enough to get it done and he reminds me of Joe Morris, the Giants pro-bowl RB who was also only 5'7". Or Brian Westbrook.
Speed/Quickness: Solid. Drew ran a 4.41 40-yard dash and is very quick in drills and in games.
Running Ability: Great moves and vision. He can make people miss and is a threat to go the distance every time he touches the ball.
Hands: Drew is a great receiver and this will help keep him on the football field. He caught 31 passes for a 14.6 yards/catch average which is pretty good for a RB.
Blocking: He might struggle here and this could hurt his playing time, but he does not appear afraid to take on blockers.
Attitude: I just saw Drew's interview on the NFL network. It's clear to me that this kid get's it. He understands that he's coming in as a "freshman" all over again and that he'll have to work hard to earn the respect of his team. He noted he will never take a play off and he can't wait to learn an NFL playbook. Grandfather was a huge influence in Drew's life and there are no known character issues with him.
Bottom Line: I think he's a player who is a talent that will slip on draft day because of his height. In a few years we'll look back and find that Drew was the steal of our dynasty rookie drafts. Kind of like Clinton Portis was years ago. From a dynasty league perspective, most owners will view him as a 3rd down back only. So, if you can scoop him up in a rookie draft cheaply, I would do it in a heartbeat and stash this kid on your roster.
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