In case you missed it, an article was released a few days ago previewing what would be a new series here called The Future 40, and the second edition is here! The segment will run every other day for the next 2 months as we provide you with in-depth scouting reports of some 2010 NFL Draft prospects, giving you information key to understanding some of the players’ strengths, weaknesses, projected round of selection, possibility of being picked by the Eagles, and much more! And because the Draft is an important event for the entire league, some of the top-ranked players not expected to go to Philadelphia will also be reported on. In the first look at a prospect, we evaluated Nebraska’s DT Ndamukong Suh, who many consider to be the best player in the entire rookie class. This time, however, we will flip to the offensive side of the ball, and examine the second of The Future 40…Jonathan Dwyer:

  • Prospect Name: Jonathan Dwyer
  • Position: Running Back
  • College: Georgia Tech
  • Height/Weight: 6′0″, 235 pounds
  • Age: 20 years
  • Class Status: Junior

Summary: Although he is not considered to be the best available runner in this April’s Draft, his college performances are sure supportive of the fact that he is listed by many to be among the 5 best rookie ball-carriers. Recruited with high regards out of Kell High School in Marietta, Georgia, Dwyer was immediately incorporated into the offensive system of the Yellow Jackets (which ironically happens to be the same name of the team the Eagles used to play under prior to their movement to Philadelphia). In his rookie campaign, the powering Running Back received 82 carries (quite good for a guy who initially played behind other talented runners like Tashard Choice, who now plays for the Dallas Cowboys). With those touches, Dwyer managed to finish his freshman season with 436 yards and 9 touchdowns. His abilities were on full display in 2008 when he became Georgia Tech’s starter in the backfield, and ended the year with 1,395 rushing yards, 13 total scores, and 201 receiving yards. His success led to him being named the ACC division’s player of the year, as well as mention in some early Heisman Trophy talks. Listed as “college football’s best pure option runner in a decade” by the Sports Illustrated magazine, Dwyer may have been a serious candidate for more awards if he would have had a bit better yards-per-carry average, but he had another great season, nonetheless. Gaining roughly 1,400 total offensive yards and scoring 14 times, the Running Back chose to forgo his senior season after experiencing a pair of consecutive 1,000-yard rushing performances and declare for the 2010 Draft. His explosiveness combined with a large frame is what has made so many NFL teams at least consider him, and he is clearly one of the best rushers available, though probably able to be taken by just about any professional club because of some downsides.

Notable Achievements/Awards:

  • ACC All-Freshman Honors (2007)
  • Humanitarium Bowl MVP (2007)
  • ACC Player of the Year (2008)
  • ACC All-American Honors (2008)
  • Finalist for the Doak Walker Award (2008)
  • All-ACC Honors (2009)

Strengths:

  • Makes rapid decisions while running
  • Can plow through line on short-yardage situations
  • Uses big frame and body mass to his advantage
  • Has awfully quick moves for a larger Running Back
  • Has enough patience to let plays develop
  • Can block effectively when asked to do so
  • Contains great lower-body strength for pushing the ball forward
  • Has an overall upside to style of play

Weaknesses:

  • Despite large frame, tends to keep away from consistent contact
  • Lacks elite pass-catching skills
  • Tends to keep the ball inside the field even if outside running lanes are open
  • Has little elusiveness once near by defenders
  • Does not have the open-field speed or “big-play ability” a starting RB typically has
  • Occasionally becomes lets weight slip up/loses strong conditioning ethic

Projected Round of Selection: 1-2

NFL Player Comparison: Chris “Beanie” Wells, Arizona Cardinals

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We hope that everyone enjoyed the second report for The Future 40 prospect segment, and urge you to keep checking back for more scouting analysis as the series continues all the way up until the Draft! Also, remember that we will happily take and consider requests from our fans for this series!

(picture source)



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