Dallas Cowboys Draft: 10 Running Back Prospects To Know

Justice Hill, Oklahoma State

What’s Good: Tackle Breaking, Speed
What Ain’t Good: Pass Protection, Indecisiveness

In theory, Hill might be the perfect addition to this team. He came from an offense that passed entirely too much, yet he still posted solid production in his three years in Stillwater. According to Sports Reference, in three seasons he never ran for fewer than 900 yards per season and an average of 5.5 yards per carry. (He only played 10 games in 2018, otherwise he could’ve had 3 1000 yard seasons)

In addition to his production, he ran the fastest 40 yard dash for running backs at the combine at 4.40 seconds according to NFL.com and he showed an uncanny ability to break tackles at his size of 5’10” and 198 lbs. Hill has the traits to become a quality runner and pass catcher in this league.

But, he did play at Oklahoma State. Mike Gundy is known for getting crazy production out of players who falter at the next level. Fortunately for Hill, running back’s have an easier time transitioning to the NFL but some bad parts of his game can be attributed to what he was asked to do at Oklahoma State.

For starters, his pass blocking his not very good. I can’t say I expect someone who weighs less than 200 pounds to be exceptional but Hill is just not good in that area. He’ll whiff on making contact at the point of attack and doesn’t have the technique to hit others when he does make contact.

Next, the spacing of offensive linemen allow for running backs to run through bigger holes because they stand so far apart. It wasn’t as difficult for Hill to read the holes in the lines compared to his other class mates. This does bring up a weird part to Hill’s game.

Hill is very good at changing direction, but his willingness to do so earlier than he should causes his runs to be less effective than they are. Instead of searching and hitting a hole, he’ll hide behind his blocker and wait long enough to where the defender comes and tackles him or he simply trips onto the ground. For someone of his size and speed, being decisive and hitting the holes his offensive line create for him will make it harder for teams to stop him.

Could he be a Cowboy?:

Yes. Hill is an ideal Day 3 prospect and has the skill set that pairs well with Zeke. The Cowboys would feel inclined to use him as a receiver out of the backfield on second and third down situations, for he will help move the ball down the field. He’s agile and fast, two traits that make it hard for linebackers when covering running backs.

In a division with generally good inside linebacker play, Hill could be another weapon the Cowboys use with the hope of making things uncomfortable for the opposing teams front seven.