Isaiah Crowell: Scouting the NFL Draft

Nov 2, 2013; Lexington, KY, USA; Alabama State Hornets running back Isaiah Crowell (1) runs the ball against the Kentucky Wildcats

at Commonwealth Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

Isaiah Crowell is under the spotlight this afternoon. I agree, it isn’t totally likely that the Jets will add to the stable of running backs during the NFL draft. The signing of Chris Johnson negates the real “need” at the position. However, there will always be competition in every position room on this team, and running back is no different.

With that, it is far from impossible that the Jets would add a running back. As such, we take a look at a guy that many fans are interested in, Isaiah Crowell.

Here are Crowell’s college stats to start us off:

Here are his receiving stats:

Crowell measures in at 5’11”, 224 pounds (per NFL combine profile). At the combine, he ran the 40 yard dash in 4.57 seconds, and led the combine at running back with 23 reps on the bench press. Crowell posted a 38 inch vertical jump and a 117 inch broad jump.

Here is some video, from a game Crowell played against Jackson State this past season:

PROS: Crowell runs strong for his size. He runs a lot bigger than a man of 5’11” stature. He is a strong North-South runner, no jump cuts that are unnecessary for Crowell. He gets to the second level quickly. Crowell has good hands as well, which would make him an asset coming out of this backfield.

CONS: Here are the weaknesses listed in the NFL profile:

Average balance and tackle-breaking power. Cannot make his own holes and goes down too easy on contact, especially inside. Minimal receiving production. Soft, disinterested pass protector. Lacks top finishing speed. Effort waned late in games. Beats to the tune of his own drummer. Extremely immature and has a history of off-field issues. Can be difficult to coach.

I would tend to agree with comments made. He doesn’t seem to break a lot of tackles, at least from the video. We need yards after contact, and Crowell is not good for a lot of them. He does go down easily on contact. If his effort is not consistent, that is a major concern as well. Crowell has had some documented all of the field issues as well.

The bottom line on this player is that he would be a project. Crowell would have to show that his head is on straight, and he is mature of enough to be a pro. If he can do that, Crowell might be worth a late round flyer.