Derrick Locke of Kentucky ~ 5.9/190
"A thin, undersized running back prospect who runs with an inconsistent pad level. Gets a bit upright at times when trying to break down and/or accelerate into the open field, and can easily be knocked off balance inside. Now, will lower his pad level through the line of scrimmage to protect his frame, but lacks the type of strength to consistently stay on his feet through contact. However, is at his best in space and on perimeter runs when he has the ability to press the corner. Is an absolute burner who never looks to be running hard, but consistently is able to outpace defenders, maintain explosion into daylight and easily turn the corner. Exhibits a real second gear to his game, running past angles in the open field and never looks to be straining himself once he gets to top-end speed.
Now, is a bit of a linear runner who struggles to consistently break down and make a man miss in tight quarters. Displays the ablity to plant his foot in the ground and simply use his burst to outrun defenders as a one-cut guy, but isn’t overly shifty. Lacks ideal instincts in tight quarters as well. Tries to be patient setting up blocks, but lacks the kind of vision to consistently pick out defenders attacking off his frame. Looks comfortable getting out into the pass game, isn’t a natural plucker but does a nice job setting up routes and seperating underneath in the pass game. Is also a willing blocker who takes good angles in blitz pick up. Obviously isn’t real physical, but works hard to initially get into his man.
Impression: His pure straight-line speed will allow him to find a niche as a third-down type option/special teams guy in the NFL, as he has the ability to hit a home run every time he gets his hands on the football. But he isn’t overly fluid or instinctive and seems to rely on his ability to simply outpace defenders toward the edge, something he won’t be able to get away with in the NFL. Needs to play in space in order to be effective."
Now, is a bit of a linear runner who struggles to consistently break down and make a man miss in tight quarters. Displays the ablity to plant his foot in the ground and simply use his burst to outrun defenders as a one-cut guy, but isn’t overly shifty. Lacks ideal instincts in tight quarters as well. Tries to be patient setting up blocks, but lacks the kind of vision to consistently pick out defenders attacking off his frame. Looks comfortable getting out into the pass game, isn’t a natural plucker but does a nice job setting up routes and seperating underneath in the pass game. Is also a willing blocker who takes good angles in blitz pick up. Obviously isn’t real physical, but works hard to initially get into his man.
Impression: His pure straight-line speed will allow him to find a niche as a third-down type option/special teams guy in the NFL, as he has the ability to hit a home run every time he gets his hands on the football. But he isn’t overly fluid or instinctive and seems to rely on his ability to simply outpace defenders toward the edge, something he won’t be able to get away with in the NFL. Needs to play in space in order to be effective."
"Locke has been an electrifying game-breaker for Kentucky during the past four years as a runner, receiver and kick returner. He's a slightly smaller version of Chris Johnson with a larger injury risk.
Given his success and talent as a receiver, some NFL teams may view Locke as a slot prospect, where he would project to take less pounding, force defenses to respect his speed as a deep threat lined up as a receiver and be available for creative plays such as reverses without being asked to do things like blitz pickup and pounding the ball up the middle that he really isn't well suited to do.
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Positives: Triple threat RB prospect has wheels comparable to Chris Johnson - track star fast, can cut and turn. Can break the long one as a runner, receiver and kickoff returner. Good vision to pick the right hole. Makes defenders miss in space. Can break arm tackles. Has soft natural hands and is well polished as a receiver. Can adjust to the thrown ball and snatch it with hands. Makes effort to secure ball. Finished senior year healthy.
Negatives: Small framed prospect has had serious injury issues, including tearing his MCL and ACL as a sophomore, and missed time in each of the past three seasons. While effort and technique are admirable, simply is not large enough to be expected to handle NFL feature back duty as a blocker. Production fluctuated, was shut down by some top opponents. Usually goes down on first contact. Does not have a lot of experience being a downfield receiver."
Given his success and talent as a receiver, some NFL teams may view Locke as a slot prospect, where he would project to take less pounding, force defenses to respect his speed as a deep threat lined up as a receiver and be available for creative plays such as reverses without being asked to do things like blitz pickup and pounding the ball up the middle that he really isn't well suited to do.
***
Positives: Triple threat RB prospect has wheels comparable to Chris Johnson - track star fast, can cut and turn. Can break the long one as a runner, receiver and kickoff returner. Good vision to pick the right hole. Makes defenders miss in space. Can break arm tackles. Has soft natural hands and is well polished as a receiver. Can adjust to the thrown ball and snatch it with hands. Makes effort to secure ball. Finished senior year healthy.
Negatives: Small framed prospect has had serious injury issues, including tearing his MCL and ACL as a sophomore, and missed time in each of the past three seasons. While effort and technique are admirable, simply is not large enough to be expected to handle NFL feature back duty as a blocker. Production fluctuated, was shut down by some top opponents. Usually goes down on first contact. Does not have a lot of experience being a downfield receiver."
"Bio: Two-year starter awarded all-Conference honors as a junior. Played in nine games as a senior posting 166/887/10 on the ground and adding 34/318 as a receiver. Struggled through the year with a shoulder injury that eventually sent him to the sidelines. Junior totals included ground numbers of 195/907/6 with 31/284/2 as a receiver. Also averaged 27.8 yards on 23 kick returns with one touchdown.
Positive: Hard-charging, elusive ball carrier with the ability to create yardage whenever he handles the football. Plays tough football, quickly turns up the field, and loses no momentum when he must change direction. Able to make several defenders miss over the course of a single run, quickly cuts back against the grain, and will avoid piles. Runs with good lean, displays the speed to get around tackle, and carries the ball with an aggressive style. Keeps plays inbounds, throws his shoulders into defenders, and works to pick up positive yardage. Solid receiver out of the backfield who easily adjusts to the errant throw and makes the reception away from his frame. Picks up blocking assignments and gives effort to stop the blitz.
Negative: Not a strong or sturdy ball handler. Must be more aware of ball security. Hard running style could lead to injuries at the next level.
Analysis: Locke was an effective and versatile skill player. He possesses the athleticism and speed to be successful in the NFL. He projects as a third-down back/situational ball carrier who can also be used as a receiver out of the backfield and as a return specialist. Locke plays a tough brand of football and should produce on the next level if he can stay healthy."
Positive: Hard-charging, elusive ball carrier with the ability to create yardage whenever he handles the football. Plays tough football, quickly turns up the field, and loses no momentum when he must change direction. Able to make several defenders miss over the course of a single run, quickly cuts back against the grain, and will avoid piles. Runs with good lean, displays the speed to get around tackle, and carries the ball with an aggressive style. Keeps plays inbounds, throws his shoulders into defenders, and works to pick up positive yardage. Solid receiver out of the backfield who easily adjusts to the errant throw and makes the reception away from his frame. Picks up blocking assignments and gives effort to stop the blitz.
Negative: Not a strong or sturdy ball handler. Must be more aware of ball security. Hard running style could lead to injuries at the next level.
Analysis: Locke was an effective and versatile skill player. He possesses the athleticism and speed to be successful in the NFL. He projects as a third-down back/situational ball carrier who can also be used as a receiver out of the backfield and as a return specialist. Locke plays a tough brand of football and should produce on the next level if he can stay healthy."
"Positives: One of the fastest running backs in the country, will put on a show at the combine, was a heralded track athlete in high school... Quick when gets to the second level, can make the first man miss... Runs hard between the tackles, really packs a punch for his size, likes to punish defenders... Great route runner, has lined up in the slot and has good hands... Dangerous in the return game, can return kicks at the NFL level... Versatile, can contribute as a runner, receiver and returner... Ran a 10.6 second 100-meter dash as a senior in high school.
Negatives: Rather small, will not be able to carry the load, has never carried the ball over 200 times... Suffered a bad knee injury in 2008... Never put up great numbers, doesn't have a 1,000 yard season at the collegiate level... Simply doesn't have the size to break tackles in the NFL... Will be a third down back, not much more... Limited upside... Missed four games this year due to a shoulder injury"
Negatives: Rather small, will not be able to carry the load, has never carried the ball over 200 times... Suffered a bad knee injury in 2008... Never put up great numbers, doesn't have a 1,000 yard season at the collegiate level... Simply doesn't have the size to break tackles in the NFL... Will be a third down back, not much more... Limited upside... Missed four games this year due to a shoulder injury"
"Strengths: Speed and strength for his size. Home run threat, and runs hard. Can catch the ball out of the backfield. Has proved it at the nation's highest collegiate level. Runs the middle like he thinks he is 245 pounds. Leads by example. Can return kicks. Plays with as a chip on his shoulder. Versatile and resilient.
Weaknesses: Runs the middle too hard and takes a beating. Has not been able to stay healthy and his running style is better suited to a much bigger back. Lacks elite moves, and is not much of a vision back. Lots of miles already on these tires. May have read his own press clippings too much. May have a tad of an entitlement feeling. Below average size for the position. Not a blocker and not a true 3rd-down back.
Projection: 7th rounder, who could go higher if he checks out medically and has a great post-season. Speed can't be taught, and he has plenty of that."
Weaknesses: Runs the middle too hard and takes a beating. Has not been able to stay healthy and his running style is better suited to a much bigger back. Lacks elite moves, and is not much of a vision back. Lots of miles already on these tires. May have read his own press clippings too much. May have a tad of an entitlement feeling. Below average size for the position. Not a blocker and not a true 3rd-down back.
Projection: 7th rounder, who could go higher if he checks out medically and has a great post-season. Speed can't be taught, and he has plenty of that."
Fanatical FootBall Fiend on Derrick Locke
Built like a Slasher. Plays like a Masher.
Locke doesn't have the greatest Fluidity or Lateral Agility, but he can blast the AfterBurners in the blink of an eye.
Can defininitely offer an Home Run Threat, but not particularly reliable. He's projected to go in the late Rounds, and that is equitable, from my perspective.
As always, the preceding thoughts were regurgitated, derivative tripe, adding no value whatsoever, while in fact obliterating intelligent thought and offending the spirit of all decent men. You are now stupider for having read it, and are encouraged, in the strongest possible language, never to expose your eyes to this Site again.
Locke doesn't have the greatest Fluidity or Lateral Agility, but he can blast the AfterBurners in the blink of an eye.
Can defininitely offer an Home Run Threat, but not particularly reliable. He's projected to go in the late Rounds, and that is equitable, from my perspective.
As always, the preceding thoughts were regurgitated, derivative tripe, adding no value whatsoever, while in fact obliterating intelligent thought and offending the spirit of all decent men. You are now stupider for having read it, and are encouraged, in the strongest possible language, never to expose your eyes to this Site again.
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