:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/54172963/GettyImages-619118950.0.jpg)
One prospect who the Denver Broncos have been showing interest in and may consider in the middle rounds of the 2017 NFL Draft is former Texas Longhorns running back D'Onta Foreman. He is a 6'0", 233lb running back who is considered one of the better second tier running backs in this year's draft. Foreman is ranked as the 142nd overall prospect in the 2017 NFL Draft according to CBS Sports and is ranked as the 10th best running back in this year's class.
Foreman played three seasons at Texas and is coming off a dominant 2016 season for the Longhorns. During his three-year career, he totaled 2,774 yards(6.4 YPC) and 20 touchdowns. This past season, Foreman rushed for 2,028 yards(6.3 YPC) and totaled 15 touchdowns. Foreman won consensus All-American honors for his performance in 2016 and also won the Doak Walker Award as the nation's best back for that season.
D'Onta Foreman
Running back, Junior, Texas
Height: 6'0" Weight: 234lbs 40 time: 4.45(Pro Day)
Arm length: 31 3/8" Hands: 10 1/8"
Bench Press: 18 reps Vertical Jump: 33 inches
Film Room
Scouting Report
Strengths:
- Well built running back
- Broad shoulder, thick thighs, and looks the part of a big running back
- Great athleticism for a man of his size (4.45 speed)
- Balanced runner
- Agile runner with good feet
- Hits the hole and explodes through it
- A downhill, north/south runner
- Arm tackles do not bring him down
- Picks up speed as he goes
- Makes great cuts
- Good pass blocker
- Proved he can be a workhorse back last season
- Converted plenty of short yardage situations
Weaknesses:
- Not as powerful as you would assume
- More finesse than power
- Not as physical between the tackles as you would expect
- Doesn't have the stop and go speed
- Hasn't proven to be a reliable pass catcher(only 13 career catches)
- Had 6 fumbles in 2016
- Basically a big scat back
Does D'Onta Foreman make sense for the Denver Broncos?
On day three, maybe.
Foreman is an odd prospect to evaluate. If you just look at his size and speed, you think this guy is a monster, but then you watch his tape. His production at Texas was great, don't get me wrong, but I have a hard time seeing him being a full-time starter in the NFL.
He's basically a big scat back.
If some coach can get him to run for physically and lower his shoulder some more, then you may have a steal here. If not? He's like that change of pace back.
This is the type of back the Broncos need and probably why they met with him at the Combine, but I'm not sure if he's the right option. Scat backs need to be pass catchers as well and he really hasn't shown he can do that. He did show soft hands at his Pro Day, so maybe he can, but hasn't proven he can do it during game action, yet.
I would start considering him in the fourth round. I don't think he lasts all that long on day 3 and even could sneak into late day 2, but he could be on the Broncos radar.
I wouldn't be against this selection. He looks the part, but his actual play is pretty underwhelming when you look at it. Maybe Studesville can bring out a more physical Foreman, but hard to say.