PFF scouting report: Alvin Kamara, HB, Tennessee

Name: Alvin Kamara

School: Tennessee

Position fit: Running back

Stats to know: Tied with Dalvin Cook for the highest elusive rating in the 2017 RB draft class. Forced 23 missed tackles on just 40 receptions, the highest rate in the draft class.

What he does best:

• Shifty runner, one of the better runners laterally in the draft class.
• Slips off tackles with ease.
• Strings together moves in the open field.
• Gets skinny through tight gaps very well.
• Was able to produce behind a bad offensive line that featured below-average run-blocking grades by all nine linemen with at least 30 run-blocking snaps.
• One of the best running backs after the catch coming out of the backfield in the draft class. Ranked third with 2.4 yards per route run.
• Forced 90 missed tackles on 284 touches over last two years, a strong rate of one every 3.2 touches.

Biggest concerns:

• Not overly powerful as a runner, won’t move piles often at his current weight.
• Did not have a big workload. Carried the ball 15-plus times in a game just five times in two years. 14 games with fewer than 10 carries. Can also be viewed as a positive.
• Not a lot of experience in pass pro with his utilization as a receiver, stayed in on less than 25 percent of passing plays.
• Allowed seven pressures on 93 snaps in pass protection.

Bottom line: Unlike the other top running backs in the draft class, Kamara doesn’t have nearly as much volume of production due to splitting playing time and a knee injury. When Kamara was given the ball though, he was nothing short of electric. He excels at making defenders miss, both in the open field and in tight spaces. He sets up downfield blocks and sees downfield cutback lanes, and shows the ability to actually make those cuts athletically. He had to deal with a poor offensive line to make the most out of what he had, and was still very productive as a runner. As a receiver, Kamara is excellent after the catch and still stands out in a strong class of receiving running backs. While he isn’t great at pass protection, at the very least he could step in immediately as a receiving back and make a significant contribution, but is also capable of being a No. 1 back right away as long as he can handle the increased workload.

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