Player Spotlight; Ray Rice

If people look at Ray Rice of Rutgers as a liability being just under 5-9 and under 200 pounds and think he can’t stand up to everyday life in the NFL then they haven’t seen him play.

Ray Rice                                             Running Back                       Rutgers
Junior                                                  5-9                                           195 
 
Strengths: Runs with a low center of gravity and doesn’t give defenders a lot to hit
Weaknesses: Open field speed

Statline: Very consistent performer who logged 2,069 yards as a senior on the ground. Had 5,053 yards in three seasons at Rutgers.

Technique: Amazing consistency and a running back who can pick you apart and wear down a defense. High touchdown rate for a running back who stands just under 5-9.

Known Injuries:   One of the most durable backs in the country over the last three years logging over 900 carries in the span, very durable.

Combine / Workout Assessment: 4.48 in the 40 yard dash which was a bit faster than many expected. 44 rushing touchdowns over the last two seasons says it all.

DJ Boyer's Analysis: If people look at Ray Rice as a liability being just under 5-9 and under 200 pounds and think he can’t stand up to everyday life in the NFL then they haven’t seen him play. Rice is a smaller back but he runs so low to the ground that he gives a defense very little to hit and he can frustrate you because you never seem to hit him with a big tackle. The fact that Rice logged nearly 400 carries this year and proved he could catch the football out of the backfield after the departure of Brian Leonard made him the perfect candidate to leave Rutgers early. Isn’t known as a top end speed guy but he can bounce outside and get around the edge of a defense, not just an inside runner. One of those running backs who not only logs a lot of carries but seems to get stronger as the game goes on and wears out a defense from by running with a punishing style. Needs to improve as a blocker if he wants to be a third down option in the NFL, needs to improve his technique so he isn’t a liability. With other faster backs available Rice will likely slip into the second round but he has what it takes to be a starter at the NFL level.

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