RB Salvon Ahmed, Washington*

5’11” – 197 lbs. – 4.62

Carried the ball for 61-388-3 (6.4) as a freshman, then saw his role expand to 104-608-7 (5.8) the following year. Enjoyed his most productive year in 2019 following Myles Gaskin’s departure, rushing for 188-1,020-11 (5.4), then declared for the draft. Also has fifty career receptions over the three seasons. Ball security is about what you’d expect, with four fumbles on 423 career touches, including twenty kick returns. On the small size for a pro back and even last year didn’t have an incredibly heavy workload, so it’s likely he’ll be viewed as more of a rotational/committee back unless he gains at least ten or fifteen pounds.

Ran out of a lot of pro-style looks with the quarterback under center, often with a fullback joining him in the backfield. Quick, with good footwork to make jump cuts in the backfield and find open lanes; pretty patient when waiting for lanes to develop. Exhibits solid burst in the hole and doesn’t shy away from pounding it between the tackles despite his smaller frame; more willing to lower his shoulder and take on opponents than is typical for a back with his frame. However, doesn’t have much of a power element; won’t break many tackles and doesn’t have the lower-body strength to push the pile, although he does tend to fall forward at the end of his runs. More of a chunk runner, with only three games in which he broke a run longer than 22 yards; timed speed at the Combine was on the low end for his size, so he likely won’t be viewed as a threat to hit home-runs. That said, was fast enough to break off some solid runs off-tackle at the college level.

Also not a huge asset on passing downs, though he did often stay on the field on third down. Is willing to stick his nose in and take on blockers, but tends to try and cut their legs out, lacking the size and lower-body strength to take on rushers from his feet. Also ran your typical assortment of swings, flares, and delayed releases, although he wasn’t a high-volume receiver at the college level.

A likable prospect who put together a pretty nice season last year, running hard with nice footwork and cuts in the backfield and tending to fall forward at the end of his runs. However, as a smaller back without much power or major contributions as a blocker or receiver, might be more of a late-round candidate.

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