2017 NFL Draft Profile: Running Back Alvin Kamara

In this 2017 NFL Draft Profile, we take a close look at running back Alvin Kamara out of Tennessee.

Coming out of high school, Alvin Kamara was viewed as one of the top running backs in the country as he was on his way to play for Alabama. After a knee injury suffered in his freshman season and some behavioral issues, Kamara left Alabama and went to play at Hutchinson Community College before getting a chance to redeem himself at Tennessee.

With the Volunteers, Kamara put his behavioral issues behind him and played well in his two seasons there. He put up totals of 1,294 total rushing yards with an average of 6.2 yards per carry along with 392 total receiving yards and 23 all-purpose touchdowns in a running back by committee system. He stands at 5’10” and 214 pounds giving him very solid size.

STRENGTHS

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Good size. Very good athleticism and agility. Incredibly shifty and slippery with the ball in his hands. Regularly displays very good vision. Great explosiveness through the rushing lane. Difficult to tackle. Beyond adequate in short-yardage situations. Versatile and very skilled as a receiver. Excellent at getting yards after the catch. Runs routes very well for a running back.

WEAKNESSES

Didn’t see the typical work-load of a feature back at Alabama or Tennessee. Lacks top-flight speed, which limits his ability to break off big runs. Lacks strength and power. Makes too many poor decisions. Lacks patience in a lot of situations. Limited experience in pass protection. Needs mental and physical development in order to be reliable in pass protection in the NFL. Missed time with respective knee injuries at both Alabama and Tennessee.

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

DRAFT DAY PREDICTION

Kamara is a very talented and well-rounded back out of Tennessee. He has the tools to be a great rusher in the league, and he is easily a top two receiving back in the class as well. He does have a few downfalls and blips including a lack of speed, but overall he has the tools to be a feature back for years to come. I see him as an early to mid-second round pick.