(Editor's Note: While the start of the 2018 NFL Draft isn't until April 26, it's never too early to profile some of the key participants. The staff of DallasCowboys.com intends to preview the landscape of the draft's top prospect, with an emphasis on possible Cowboys draft picks – from the first round to the last. Today's featured player is Georgia's Nick Chubb.)
- Name: Nick Chubb
- Position: Running Back
- College:Georgia
- Height/Weight:6-0 / 189
- Honors: 2015 SEC Freshman of the Year and three-time All-SEC standout.
- Key Stat:Had three rushing seasons of at least 1,100 yards, including 1,547 with 14 TDs as a freshman in 2015. Chubb scored 48 touchdowns in his four years, with 44 on the ground.
Where He's Projected:
Chubb finds himself in the second-tier of running backs, but that doesn't exactly mean he will go in the second round. That's where most draft analysts are placing Chubb, although he could go into the third. While he played four seasons at Georgia, sometimes that can hurt running backs coming into the draft, knowing he has 758 carries under his belt. But he's a polished back who could step right in and help a team's rotation.
How He Helps The Cowboys:
Chubb would help the Cowboys because he'd be a fine backup to Ezekiel Elliott, who has a similar running style. While the Cowboys have often liked to compliment their No. 1 runner with a different type of back, Chubb would be more of a solid No. 2 who could give Zeke a rest and not have to change up the game plan. He's a power runner who could spell Zeke at the end of drives, or around the goal line, and not miss a beat. But he's just a short-yardage back. Chubb had three seasons of over 200 carries and finished his career with a 6.3 yard average. Having played with Sony Michel, Chubb obviously knows how to split time and reps and still be productive.
- Along with Sony Michel gave the Bulldogs a serious one-two punch.
- Is one of those backs that starts slowly then he explodes with the ball in his hands. Can easily run through arm tackles. Powerful runner.
- Has the vision to make cut back runs. Can take the ball inside then bounce it out. Bounce along until he finds a hole.
- Outstanding balance. Hard guy to knock off his feet. Will bounce off tacklers. Low center of gravity. Shows the ability to finish runs.
- Aggressive to attack the blitzer. Aware of who to pick up. Will need better technique to secure the block. Has shown to be hit and miss in this area. Doesn't get many opportunities to catch the ball out of the backfield but would not see receiving being a problem for him.
- Even though he split time, could see him being the lead back. Type of guy that wears you down the more he carries the ball due to his running style.
