Part 4, RB: 'There’s nothing he can’t do'

Bijan Robinson headlines a deep running back class and draws HOF comparisons. History also tells us late-rounders will be starting, so who are the hidden gems? Scouts dissect them all right here.

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This is the 39^th year that Bob McGinn has written an NFL Draft Series. Previously, it appeared in the Green Bay Press-Gazette (1985-’91), the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (1992-’17), BobMcGinn Football (2018-’19), The Athletic (2020-’21) and, now, GoLongTD.com (2022-’23). Until 2014, many personnel people were quoted by name. The series reluctantly adopted an all-anonymous format in 2015 at the request of most scouts. The 12-minute, 50-question Wonderlic test no longer is administered at the NFL combine. Players generally took the test at spring 2022 timing days, all-star games and at pro days in March and April. The NFL average score is about 19.

Out of the woodwork they come, running backs from here, there and everywhere seeking fame and fortune in an industry that often turns a cold shoulder.

Since the drafts of 2013 and ’14, when nary a ball career earned a first-round call, running backs of all sizes and pedigrees have enjoyed the egalitarian approach. With teams hesitant to draft running backs early and, later, open the spigot on second contracts, the players at least can bank on a best-man-plays approach in training camp and beyond.

Bijan Robinson appears to be what NFL teams used to label a franchise back. Maybe the last of those was Adrian Peterson in 2007, a top-10 pick with speed and stature who conceivably could swing the balance of power within a division almost by himself. Some other top10ers in the last 40-plus years were LaDainian Tomlinson in 2001, Jamal Lewis in ’00, Edgerrin James in ‘00, Marshall Faulk in ‘94, Jerome Bettis in ‘93, Barry Sanders in ‘89, Bo Jackson in ‘86, Eric Dickerson in ‘83, Marcus Allen in ’82, George Rogers in ‘81 and Billy Sims in ‘80.

A Texas Longhorn, Robinson’s dominance in this draft was reflected by the results of my poll surveying 16 evaluators this month. He drew 15 first-place votes, and the outlier gave him a second.

Equally as dominant in the runner-up position was Jahmyr Gibbs with 15 second’s and one first.

As much as the scouts agreed that Robinson (79 points) was the best back and Gibbs was second best (65), they were all over the gridiron when it came to the rest of their 1-2-3-4-5 ballots. Twelve other runners gained at least one mention, testimony of the woodwork theory that teams just aren’t sure who might advance from nowhere to notoriety – and how long they might stay there.

Zach Charbonnet finished third with 24 points, followed by Kendre Miller (20), Devon Achane (17), Tyjae Spears (13 ½), Roschon Johnson (nine), Eric Gray (three), DeWayne McBride (three), Israel Abanikanda (two), Tank Bigsby (two), Kenny McIntosh (one), Deuce Vaughn (one) and Sean Tucker (one-half).

A scouting executive offered this glum assessment: “I feel like after the first two there’s a pretty big drop-off.”

Bring it on, many of his colleagues say. If a back really is a back is a back, the running back picture in the Age of Devaluation shows intruders from all nooks and crannies just cocky enough to think they might forge better careers than Robinson and Gibbs.

“Every time I watched a back I wasn’t disappointed,” an executive in personnel said. “This is a deep class of runners. I would say it’s 15 deep. You can get one in the fifth, sixth and seventh rounds. You don’t have to take one early unless you’re in love with one.”

Playing well early is the blueprint for running backs. “You don’t want to overcoach them,” an AFC personnel man said. “Just get them the ball and roll.”

One personnel man said running back probably was the easy position to play other than defensive tackle and defensive end. The ball is handed to them. The opponent isn’t right next to them. There is time to react before contact.

“Pass pro sometimes holds guys up,” one scout said. “Those guys are coming from spread teams where they aren’t asked to pass pro. It’s the easiest to transition to, just running the ball. That (pass blocking) is where the transition becomes tough.”

But, when a running back proves his chops toting the leather, deficiencies on third down often can be massaged. “If he can’t protect the passer or doesn’t know what to do, they get somebody else in there on third down,” said another executive.

The top 10 running backs this year could need more reps than some of the past lead groups. Their average score on the Wonderlic test was 12.1.

Football people know full well what has entered the league from under the cracks. Recent history adds urgency to their evaluations. Last season, nine of the 26 running backs (35%) that gained at least 1,000 yards from scrimmage entered the league either drafted after the first three rounds or as a free agent. Three of the nine were free agents. The Chargers’ Austin Ekeler was signed in 2017 after 29 backs were drafted. The Dolphins’ Raheem Mostert was signed in 2015 after 23 backs were drafted. The Dolphins’ Jeff Wilson was signed in 2018 after 22 backs were drafted.

Six of the nine were drafted beyond the third round, including the Patriots’ Rhamondre Stevenson, the Cowboys’ Tony Pollard, the Lions’ Jamaal Williams (now with the Saints) and the Texans’ Dameon Pierce in the fourth, and the Packers’ Aaron Jones and the Falcons’ Tyler Allgeier in the fifth.

Ten of the 25 leading rushers in 2022 weren’t drafted in the first three rounds. That list included the Chiefs’ Isiah Pacheco, a seventh-round choice.

“Everybody looks at it a little bit different,” an AFC evaluator said. “Height-weight-speed stuff is easy to determine. Third-down ability is definitely part of it. I really like guys, and it’s hard to find in college, that will press bodies on inside zone. Get in there tight. But so many of these kids in college are running through these massive holes because there’s so much air.

“With running backs and receivers, you can have five different guys look at them and get five completely different orders.”

Using my records from combine and pro days, the average height-weight-speed of the aforementioned nine unheralded players that gained 1,000 or more yards from scrimmage last season was 5-10 ½, 212, 4.54.

In the last decade, five backs that entered the league after the third round or as free agents have been voted to the Pro Bowl; injury replacements were not considered. The list includes the Texans’ Arian Foster (6-0 ½, 224, 4.71), a four-time selection; the Falcons’ Devonta Freeman (5-8, 205, 4.54), a two-time selection; the Broncos’ Phillip Lindsay (5-7, 184, 4.48), the Packers’ Jones (5-9 ½, 208, 4.58) and the Cowboys’ Pollard (5-11 ½, 209, 4.42).

Suspects fitting those descriptions are out there in this draft. That we know. And the best scouts working for the best teams will uncover them.

Below are the extensive scouting reports and rankings from McGinn — packed with analysis from scouts and personnel men across the NFL. Miss a prior post? They’re also linked here.

• Part 3, QB: Bryce Young has the 'S2' advantage

• Part 2, OL: Buyer Beware

• Part 1, WR/TE: Hallelujah, it's the Year of the Tight End

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RUNNING BACKS

1. BIJAN ROBINSON, Texas (5-11, 215, 4.45, 1): Third-year junior. “That would be blasphemy to put him in the same class as Barry Sanders and all that,” one scout said. “He is definitely in the top percentile of running backs that I’ve seen because he’s big and he has sprinter speed and he can catch. I feel confident saying he’s as good as Todd Gurley. (Same) for Edgerrin James. Saquon Barkley would be more recent. I’m not saying he’s Bo Jackson but think that size, that explosiveness but yet that speed. He’s not as fast as Bo but he’s in that class of a speed back that’s not finesse. He can run it up in there and be a power back when it’s needed, and also juke you out of your shoes.”

Rushed 539 times for 3,410 yards (6.3-yard average) and 33 touchdowns to go with 60 receptions and eight TDs. “He has a little bit of Christian McCaffrey in his ability to run a route and catch the ball,” a second scout said. “This guy could almost play receiver. He’s tremendous in the pass game, and in today’s NFL that’s a huge thing. Watch him against Alabama this year. He looked like he was a real, legitimate receiver down the field making plays. Oh, man, really impressive.” Scored 14 on the Wonderlic test. “There’s nothing he can’t do, and I’m talking about blitz pickup, too,” said a third scout. “He’s the most complete back in this draft, and maybe one of the top three players in this draft. Great kid. All good.” From Tucson, Ariz. “People are making him out to be the greatest running back of all time,” a fourth scout said. “He’s not. He’s good — really, really good. But he is not some generational talent. Is he better than Josh Jacobs? Probably so. But he’s not overly explosive and he’s not an overly tough, grinding pounder. He gets some extra yardage because guys bounce off him but he’s isn’t a real forceful runner. He reminded me of Le’Veon Bell, which is good. He’ll be a good player. I don’t see him as a difference-maker in the league. No running backs are, anyway.”

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2. JAHMYR GIBBS, Alabama (5-9, 199, 4.40. 1): Third-year junior. “I could see him being paired up with a back like Derrick Henry,” one scout said. “Have the big back and then you bring him in as kind of the speed back and catch the ball out of the backfield. He’s your 1b. Alvin Kamara is bigger and stronger but he’s kind of in that mold, how Kamara is used in the screen game. D’Andre Swift is a good comp.” Started for two seasons at Georgia Tech, gaining 763 yards from scrimmage in 2020 and 1,216 as a sophomore. He entered the transfer portal and chose Alabama, where he gained 1,370 yards from scrimmage. “He’s my favorite,” said the scout who voted for him over Robinson. “Very, very similar to Kamara. That slick sort of movement and balance. Multi-talented, catches, runs. He’s got all that, man. His skill-set will play well in the league. You could make that comparison (with Aaron Jones), but Aaron is a little straightlinish. This guy has a little bit more movement.” Lightly used in three seasons. Carried 383 times for 2,132 (5.6) and 15 TDs to go with 104 receptions and eight TDs. Wonderlic of 10. “Gets to top speed quickly,” said a third scout. “Runs hard. Got vision. Can get the corner. He’s been through a lot in his life. Kind of had a rough upbringing … really overcome a lot. Really, really a good kid.” From Dalton, Ga.

3. ZACH CHARBONNET, UCLA (6-0 ½, 218, 4.49, 2): Played 2019-’20 at Michigan, 2021-’22 for the Bruins. “He’s so subtle and smooth and effective and athletic,” said one scout. “Just got great feet. Knows how to run the football. Smart. Catches the ball. He’s going to be undervalued. This guy’s way more athletic than AJ Dillon.” Averaged 7.0 as a senior, leading the Pac-12. Finished with 565 rushes for 3,346 (5.9) and 39 TDs to go with 75 receptions and no TDs. “He’s been kind of the heartbeat of that team for the last two years,” said a second scout. “He had a really good game two years ago when they beat LSU (38-27). He’s done really, really well for himself. He fits any scheme. Not the fastest guy but a good, patient runner. He’s powerful. What will hurt him a little bit is he’s not a huge threat in the passing game, but I think he's good enough. He probably gets drafted lower than he should. His production was obvious. He's got a lot to offer.” Wonderlic of 14. Departed Michigan after Hassan Haskins assumed some of his playing time in 2020. “Late pick,” a third scout said. “Straight-line speed, vision, tough, gritty. Stiff in change of direction. Upright runner. Does run hard but with less power because he’s too stiff and upright. Non-elusive. He’s not as good as Hassan Haskins was in a similar kind of role. Haskins was a better athlete.” From Camarillo, Calif.

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4. KENDRE MILLER, Texas Christian (5-11, 217, no 40, 2-3): Third-year junior started 18 of 33 games. “He’s wiry looking but he’s got deceptive strength,” said one scout. “Good speed. No wasted motion. He needs some polish as a route runner. Not a real push-the-pile guy. His tackle-breaking is more in space. They don’t use him as a blocker so you’re completely projecting that part. If he can block, he could play on all three downs. At worst, he’s going third round but he’s got potential to be top-50.” His stock was damaged by a knee injury (MCL) after being injured in the national semifinals. Had surgery in January and has seen sidelined since. Finished with 361 carries for 2,410 (6.7) and 26 TDs to go with 29 receptions and one TD. “Reminded me of Emmitt Smith with his great balance, but I think he’s faster,” a second scout said. “Explosive with big-play ability.” From Mount Enterprise, Texas. “Really determined inside runner,” a third scout said. “Has feel, power, speed.”

5. DEVON ACHANE, Texas A&M (5-8 ½, 189, 4.30, 2-3): Third-year junior. “Quick, tough, aggressive,” said one scout. “Has really good hands. He will step up and chip block and stick his nose in there, but he gets run over a lot. Has open-field elusiveness.” Posted 19 on the Wonderlic, the best score among the top 10 backs. “He’s a small back that runs like a big back,” a second scout said. “He is as fast as they come. Got contact balance. A lot of these small backs that are as fast as he is have a tendency to bounce everything outside. This guy, for a small back, puts his foot in the ground and gets it up inside the tackles. He’s not always trying to outrun the edge; he’s going forward. A rotational guy. He’s not too far behind the Alabama kid (Gibbs).” Finished with 369 carries for 2,376 (6.4) and 21 TDs plus 65 receptions and 5 TDs. “Pure gimmick speed guy,” said a third scout. “Can catch the ball out of the backfield. Everybody likes him because he ran so fast but he’s a gimmick guy. He’s not a real runner. He’s a midget. This is the National Football League.” From Missouri City, Texas.

6. ROSCHON JOHNSON, Texas (6-0, 222, 4.55, 3-4): Comes highly recommended by scouts and staff. “Great kid, leader, phenomenal intangibles,” one scout said. “Played behind Bijan Robinson. Hell of a football player. He can play on three downs. Core special-teams player. Oh, he’s a damn good special-teams player. Just not fast.” Started five of 47 games from 2019-’22, finishing with 392 carries for 2,190 (5.6) and 23 TDs to go with 56 receptions and three TDs. “He is as big or bigger than Robinson,” a second scout said. “He’s going to be a good back. He doesn’t have a lot of (wear) on his tires. Could be a starter. Second round.” Wonderlic of 17. “He’s a try-hard, between-the-tackles plugger,” a third scout said. “He’s got decent vision for what they do. More straight-line. He’s not a big, tough, physical guy. He tries to run hard but he gets chopped down real easy. Lacks good balance. He’s a backup-special teamer.” From Port Arthur, Texas.

7. ISRAEL ABANIKANDA, Pittsburgh (5-10, 217, 4.45, 3-4): Third-year junior. “He reminded me of Tevin Coleman, the kid that came out of Indiana a few years ago,” one scout said. “Straight-line speed guy. Almost a little bit like (Isiah) Pacheco of Kansas City.” Tremendous combine workout. Led the position in the vertical jump (41 inches) and broad jump (10-8). “Like an old-school Denver scheme (runner),” said a second scout. “Zone runner, one cut and go. He can f--king go. He didn’t run quite as fast on the clock as I thought he would based on how fast he is on film. You give this guy a lane and he can hit it. He will run into a brick wall, good or bad. The problem is, he’s stiff and he’s upright. Has little or no value in the passing game. They actually had to pull him off the field at the end of the year because they didn’t trust him in pass pro. Nice kid, not very smart. Below average worker. He wasn’t even starting at the beginning of the year, then a couple guys got hurt and he started carrying the load. He had 300 and some yards (320) and six TDs against Virginia Tech, which is like a bad I-AA team. You’ve got to give the guy credit, but then people started getting into his ear. ‘Hey, you’ve got to come out.’ He’s not well-rounded enough right now.” Led FBS in touchdowns (21) last season. Finished with 390 caries for 2,177 (5.6) and 28 TDs plus just 38 receptions and three TDs. “I like him but at a certain price,” said a third scout. “He’s not one to create on his own but if he gets a hole he’s gone. He probably put too much weight on at 217 (at pro day). I’d want him in the 207-208 range and then he maybe even could break 4.4.”  From Brooklyn, N.Y. His hands were a tiny 8 ¼.

8. TANK BIGSBY, Auburn (5-11 ½, 213, 4.50, 3-4): Three-year junior, three-year starter. “He’s a ballsy player,” said one scout. “Runs hard.” SEC Freshman of the Year in 2020 after an 834-yard season on the ground. “His real name is Cartavious,” said a second scout. “That’s why he goes by Tank. I think I’d go by Tank, too.” Finished with 540 carries for 2,903 (5.4) and 25 TDs in addition to 62 receptions and no TDs. “I’m kind of intrigued with him,” said a third scout. “He’s a big back that’s fast, runs hard and was very productive with a very average offensive line. Great contact balance. Has enough speed to hit the home run. He runs violent. Can catch the ball.” From Atlanta. “I wouldn’t put him in the category of a big back,” a fourth scout said. “He’s got solid size. Big-play (potential), runs really hard. He can run zone and a gap scheme.” Added a fifth scout: “He’s a get-what’s-blocked guy.”

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9. TYJAE SPEARS, Tulane (5-9 ½, 200, 4.57, 4-6): According to several team sources, he doesn’t have an ACL in one of his knees after a pair of surgeries and cartilage damage as well. He missed most of 2020 after suffering the injury but started all 14 games in ’22. “The medical will drop him,” said one scout. “But he is the third-best back.” Stood out throughout Senior Bowl week with his acceleration and the ability to make tacklers miss. “When you watch the guy’s cutting ability you wouldn’t think you were watching a guy who has a bad knee,” said a second scout. Fourth-year junior, three-year starter. “He put on a show in the (Senior) bowl game,” a third scout said. “He will try to run over you. He never got knocked back on a tackle. Not that he’s playing great competition. He does have good hands, he will block and all that. I thought he was a nice college running back. I didn’t see anything special in terms of quickness or speed.” Finished with 427 carries for 2,910 (6.8) and 31 TDs plus 48 receptions and three TDs. “He’ll be really good as a No. 2,” said a fourth scout. “He’s got three-down ability. He’d be a better complement than a lead horse.” From Ponchatoula, La.

10. DeWAYNE McBRIDE, Alabama-Birmingham (5-10 ½, 212, no 40, 4-5): Third-year junior. Attended three high schools. “He’s not a burner but he’s fast enough,” one scout said. “If that Elijah Mitchell (of the 49ers) can go in the fifth round … this guy’s a better player than him. His contact balance is as good as you’ll ever see. Hard to knock off his feet. Played with good blocking but made some yardage on his own. He’s sort of been riding under the radar. He has had some fumbles (nine in 2021-’22). That scares people.” Led FBS in rushing yards (1,713 in 11 games) and average per carry (7.4) in 2022. “I can see why he wound up at UAB with all that talent,” said a second scout. “I couldn’t sell myself on the kid.” Wonderlic of 10. “Not very smart,” said a third scout. Finished with 442 carries for 3,268 (7.4) and 35 TDs and a mere five receptions. “I’ve never seen him catch a ball,” said a fourth scout. “That’s part of the game, too. First- and second-down back.” From Starke, Fla. “He runs hard but he just can’t protect his legs,” a fifth scout said. “Not very athletic, not elusive. Never in on passing downs. You’ve got a limited, between-the-tackles guy that you’ve got to get off the field. He goes fifth round.”

11. ERIC GRAY, Oklahoma (5-9 ½, 205, 4.62, 4-5): After two seasons at Tennessee, he departed along with disgraced coach Jeremy Pruitt and wound up in Norman. “Nice little player,” one scout said. “This guy runs hard. Decisive one-cut guy. He maxes out all the talent that he has. Really good out of the backfield. Catches really well.” Ran a disappointing 40. Did post the fastest short shuttle (4.10) at the position. “One of the best make-miss guys in the draft,” a second scout said. “Three-down guy.” Started 24 of 47 games for the Volunteers and Sooners, finishing with 549 carries for 3,089 (5.6) and 21 TDs plus 99 receptions and five TDs. “I don’t know if there’s anything special about him other than maybe who he is, which is a high-level person,” said a third scout. “Just a good all-around player. He certainly will maximize everything he has.” From Memphis. “Doesn’t have a tremendous amount of talent,” a fourth scout said. “He’s tough. Protects the ball. Not a home-run guy. Not a match-up issue as a receiver. He’s fourth round if you like him, fifth if you’re a realist. You’ll definitely hit the home run on his makeup.” Wonderlic of 23 paced the top 14 backs.

12. CHASE BROWN, Illinois (5-9 ½, 209, 4.41, 5): After playing in a rotation as a freshman at Western Michigan, he played four years for the Fighting Illini and finished as its second leading rusher. “I had no idea he could run 4.41,” said one scout. “I estimated 4.55 to 4.6. He isn’t explosive. He does have good hands and is a good pass blocker. He’s a guy that takes punishment, too. I mean, he runs hard and takes some blows. How long he’ll last — I don’t know the way he takes hits.” Finished with 676 carries for 3,558 (5.3) and 18 TDs plus 58 receptions and three TDs. “Absolute stud of a human being,” said a third scout. “So is his brother (Sydney, a draft-eligible safety). He’s compact, hard to get on the ground. Has to get better in pass protection, but as a first- and second-down, change-of-pace runner, man, he’s a good player. He’s really similar to the Michigan kid, (Blake) Corum.” Wonderlic of 19. ”He’s a grinder,” said a fourth scout. “’Here’s the hole downhill and I’m going to run as hard as I can into it and go down.’ I don’t see that (4.41) at all.” From London, Ontario. His 25 reps on the bench press paced the position.

OTHERS: Sean Tucker, Syracuse; Kenny McIntosh, Georgia; Evan Hull, Northwestern; Deuce Vaughn, Kansas State; Zach Evans, Mississippi; Deneric Prince, Tulsa; Keaton Mitchell, East Carolina; Chris Rodriguez, Kentucky; Mohamed Ibrahim, Minnesota; SaRodorick Thompson, Texas Tech; Lew Nichols, Central Michigan; Emari Demercado, Texas Christian.

FULLBACKS

1. HUNTER LUEPKE, North Dakota State (6-1, 234, 4.60, 5-6): Played RB in a rotation for the Bison but projects to FB. “He went 49-0 wrestling (in high school),” one scout said. “Not a mismatch in the passing game but he’ll compete and play physical with or without the ball. I wouldn’t draft him, but for the teams that need a fullback he could get by.” Scored 25 on the Wonderlic and posted a vertical jump of 36 ½. “I don’t see him like a down-and-dirty, knock-your-head-off fullback,” said a second scout. “But he’s got really good hands, runs well and blocks well enough. He’s half tight end, half fullback, half slot receiver.” Finished with 274 carries for 1,665 (6.1) and 24 TDs to go with 28 receptions and nine TDs. “He was, hands down, the best fullback in this class,” a third scout said. “He’s probably the closest thing to a Pro Bowl fullback that’s come out in a few years. You can throw it to him. He’ll be a really valuable piece for somebody.” From Spencer, Wis.

2. ELIJAH HIGGINS, Stanford (6-3, 239, 4.51, 5-6): Started 23 games as a slot WR but projects better to TE or FB/H-back in the NFL. “On the hoof, he looks like an ideal zone-scheme fullback,” one scout said. “He’s a big slot or an F move tight end-fullback. Not the most physical guy. I think (Brayden) Willis is much tougher.” Weighed 228 at the Senior Bowl, 235 at the combine and 239 at pro day. “He really helped himself during Senior Bowl week,” a second scout said. “He looked almost tight endish. How filled out he was. Biggest knock on him is he doesn’t always play to his size. First play of the UCLA game they had him come in and block the edge on a run play, something you don’t normally ask your wide receivers to do. He did that. Other times, when the ball’s in the air, you’d like to see him be a little bit more physical snatching it away from guys.” Finished with 119 receptions for 1,380 (11.6) and six TDs. Wonderlic of 25. From Austin, Texas.

3. BRAYDEN WILLIS, Oklahoma (6-3 ½, 242, no 40, 6): Started 25 of 58 games over five seasons. “He’s a physical kid,” one scout said. “He tries to block. Higgins is a better athlete. Willis will fall off some blocks and he’s a little bit tight. He plays with more urgency than Higgins. He’s a better football player.” Used as a tight end, fullback and wildcat quarterback, he finished with75 receptions for 998 (13.3) and 13 TDs. From Arlington, Texas.

OTHERS: Jack Colletto, Oregon State; Tavion Thomas, Utah.

THE SKINNY

UNSUNG HERO

Deuce Vaughn, RB, Kansas State: Played just three seasons but still joined Darren Sproles and Tyler Lockett as the only Wildcats to surpass 5,000 all-purpose yards. Just 5-5, he weighed 179 at the combine and then ran a disappointing 4.60 at pro day. “He’s 5-5 but he is an explosive little shit,” said one scout. “Man, this kid is so quick and tough and fast. Before you know it, he’ll be one of those guys that plays 10 years and has a pretty dang good career.”

SCOUTS’ NIGHTMARE

Sean Tucker, RB, Syracuse: Rushed for a school-record 1,496 yards in 2021, joining Jim Brown, Ernie Davis and Floyd Little as the Orange’s only All-America RBs. Wasn’t as effective in 2022, irritating one scout who said he ran out of bounds all the time. Has the size (5-9, 207) and the speed to be a third-round pick. Because of an ongoing heart issue that was revealed at the combine, his football future is in jeopardy. “This sounds like it’s not going away,” said one team executive. “Essentially, he could be done.”

SCOUT TO REMEMBER

Floyd Reese: For 21 years he worked for the Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans, most notably as their general manager during the Super Bowl run of 1999. That team was led by QB Steve McNair and RB Eddie George, two of Reese’s greatest draft choices. His contract wasn’t renewed after the 2006 season, his 13th as GM. Reese completed his NFL career working in personnel for the Patriots under Bill Belichick. An All-America LB at UCLA, Reese coached in high school, college and the NFL before succeeding Mike Holovak as the Oilers’ GM. He died of cancer in August 2021 at age 73.

QUOTE TO NOTE

AFC personnel executive: “It’s this new era. These guys think they don’t have to go through the workouts anymore. Just pick what you want to do and you’re good and that’s about it. It’s like he’s not going to do well in something so his agent told him not to do it.” (Without question, more players than ever before have blanks in their testing numbers because they refused to do certain drills)

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