Running backs Seahawks should target late in the 2020 NFL Draft

AJ Dillon: Junior RB, Boston College

When you think of a running back you likely think of someone around 5’8”-5’11” and somewhere around 210-220lbs. When you see AJ Dillon, you will realize that that stereotype clearly does not fit. Dillion stands at 6’0” and weighs in at 250lbs. He looks more like a linebacker than a running back. If I had to use one word to describe him, it would be “powerful.”

Dillon plays with good field vision and can adequately break down the plays in front of him and seek the gap. He plays with exceptional downhill power, partially due to his size. He is like a locomotive to stop once he gets rolling. He works best playing deep in the backfield and gaining steam before being given the rock. His true bread and butter is running right up the middle of the field. Perfect for goal-line play calling.

In pass protection he has the build, however, he doesn’t have a lot of experience in this. This would be something that the coaching staff would need to focus on when working with him. Another draw would be that he is neither sudden nor explosive. He again is like a locomotive, it takes time to build up speed but once it gets there it’s hard to stop. This can cause issues when running draw plays where there isn’t much room to build up.

I would consider moving him to full-back. He has the build to excel in this role, he just needs coaching. Teach him how to block effectively, then let his massive frame do the rest. Plus imagine the fullback runs on 3rd and 1. It would be very difficult to stop.

If the transition was made to full-back, The most similar player profile I could come up with would be Jerome Felton. Both players stand at 6’0” and 250lbs. Both coming out of college had very limited experience in the blocking game. Both are very physical players who excel in running downhill. Felton is one of the best full-backs of the 2000s, I’m not saying Dillon is on his level. At least not yet. But the potential is there if he were to embrace the change of position.

Player comparison: Jerome Felton
Draft projection: 6th round