2013 NFL Draft Prospects: Running Back Christine Michael Scouting Profile

Another prospect who has interested the Broncos is Texas A&M running back Christine Michael (pronounced Kris-tin). Michael who's 5'10, 221 pound figures to be a second day selection in the upcoming NFL Draft in April. According to CBSSports.com Michael ranks as the 8th overall running back and 108th overall prospect in the NFL draft. Michael's pre-combine 40 time has been clocked at 4.49. Not bad for a 220 lb. back.

Bio:

Michael played 4 seasons at Texas A&M and had a decent career. During his 4 years there he totaled 2791 yards rushing, 34 TD's and 44 receptions for 323 yards and 1 TD. His best season was his Junior season when he totaled 899 yards rushing, 8 TD's and added 8 receptions for 35 yards and 1 touchdown.

#33 Christine Michael

2009 Walter Payton Trophy

2009 Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year

2011:

Was well on his way to a 1,000-yard rushing season before a knee injury against Oklahoma ended his year … had rushed for 899 yards and eight touchdowns on 149 carries in the first nine games of the season (with six starts) … rushed for a career-high 230 yards and three TDs on 32 carries against Arkansas, which tied for the third-largest single game rushing total in school history … also logged 100-yard games against Baylor (21-105), Iowa State (18-142) and Missouri (21-104) … his 99.9 rushing yards per game ranked No. 3 in the Big 12 (No. 24 nationally) entering the bowl season … also had eight catches for 35 yards and a touchdown.

2010:

Michael's sophomore season was cut short when he broke his leg in the Aggies' win over Texas Tech and was lost for the season … had gained 631 yards on 126 carries with four touchdowns in the first eight games, which included six starts … also had 13 catches for 174 yards … opened the season with three straight 100 yard rushing games -- had 22-105 vs. Stephen F. Austin, 14-107 vs. Louisiana Tech and 21-119 vs. FIU … had a season-long run of 67 against Louisiana Tech.

2009:

Named the Big 12's Offensive Freshman of the Year by both the league's head coaches and The Dallas Morning News ... was The Oklahoman's Big 12 Freshman of the Year ... named to collegefootballnews. com's Freshman All-America third team and ESPN.com's Big 12 All-Freshman team ... played in 12 games, starting four ... led the team with 844 rushing yards and 10 TDs ... had two 100-yard rushing games and a pair of two-TD efforts ... set a school record with a 97-yard TD run in win over Baylor ... finished the game with a game-high 116 yards and two scores ... posted first career 100-yard rushing game in win at Texas Tech, totaling 121 yards on 22 carries ... totaled 238 all-purpose yards against Utah State ... had top debut rushing game by true freshman since 1987 with a 93-yard, 11-carry effort in win over New Mexico.

Via: aggieathletics.com

Draft Profile:

NFL.Coms Scouting Report on Christine Michael:

OVERVIEW:

He started his career with a bang, leading the team in rushing (844 yards, 10 touchdowns) and being named Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year by league coaches while forming a strong backfield duo with Gray in 2009. Michael started his sophomore season with three 100-yard games, but his production tailed off a bit, and then the season ended prematurely after breaking his right tibia (leg) against Texas Tech in the eighth game of the year. He finished with 631 rushing yards and four touchdowns. Michael worked himself back onto the field to start his junior year, and broke out with a 230-yard, three-touchdown outing in A&M’s disappointing loss to Arkansas at Cowboys Stadium. He continued his strong play for another five weeks (finishing the year with 899 yards and eight scores) before once again seeing his season end before its time. He suffered a torn left ACL against Oklahoma in November.

ANALYSIS:

STRENGTHS:

Low center of gravity back with good thickness throughout his frame to take and give out punishment. North-south runner who uses his strong legs to burst out of the hole to eat up six or seven yards in a hurry. More speed in the open field than you’d expect given his size, sets up defenders in the open field for a dangerous cut on the run. Capable of strong cuts on stretch plays, runs with lean and balance to blast or step through arm tackles near the line. Also willing to spin off tackles to free himself in space or stretch for an extra yard inside. Takes out blitzers with cut blocks in pass protection, also defenders at the second level as a lead blocker.

WEAKNESSES:

Missed the end of both his sophomore and junior seasons due to injury. Not elite in his change of direction ability, will round some cuts and gets tripped up trying to change field. Will spin away from situations instead of taking what he can get. Ball security can be an issue, will run with the ball away from his frame (three fumbles in 2011). Not often targeted in the passing game, must prove he can be a reliable receiver. Whiffs too often when trying to land a punch in pass protection, and gets pushed back too easily when man-up.

NFL COMPARISON: Chris Ivory

BOTTOM LINE:

Scouts like Michael’s blend of low-center of gravity power and speed in exactly the same way that opposing defense don’t; but he must stay healthy to fulfill his promise after managing to play in just 13 games (with an impressive 1,530 yards and 12 touchdowns in that span) over the last two seasons due to a broken right leg in 2010 and a torn left ACL in 2011. A healthy senior year should translate into at least a top 50 draft slot, if not higher.

Via: NFL.com

Videos:

Ultimate Christine Michael Texas A&M Highlights

Texas A&M Football 2012

Texas A&M vs Arkansas 2012 Highlights

My Take:

I like the idea of adding Michael in the draft. He probably ends up being a mid to late third round selection, but has the potential to move up into the second round. He has a good blend of size and speed which the Broncos need in the backfield. He does have some injury and character concerns that teams will question. I'm more concerned about his injury history than his character concerns personally. If he checks out medically and puts up a solid Combine performance, I could see him rise up team draft boards. I think the Broncos will have interest in him. Fox does like having a big back in his stable, and with McGahee getting older, Michael could be a nice replacement for him.