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Jerick McKinnon, RB, Minnesota, 147.5 pSPARQ

Name HT WT AL 40 10 SS 3C BP VJ BJ pSPARQ simScore
Jerick McKinnon 5.72 209 30.25 4.37 1.52 4.12 6.83 34 40.5 11.00 147.5 N/A

No other running back has an athletic profile similar (i.e., over 80) to that of Jerick McKinnon. Backs with McKinnon’s speed, lower-body explosiveness and upper-body strength just don’t exist. He’s truly unique.

He’s also a freak. An average NFL skill position player will ring in at around a 110 pSPARQ, a good athlete at 120, and very good at 130. Elite is about 140, and the 150+ range is reserved for Calvin Johnson, Vernon Davis, and a select few others. McKinnon’s 147.5 is one of the top scores among all running backs over the last 16 years.

An option quarterback at Georgia Southern, there’s certainly a fair amount for McKinnon to learn at the NFL level to become a running back. The transition isn’t guaranteed. But out of 1000+ RBs, my database shows that only 56 have recorded a sub-4.4 40-yard-dash at either the combine or their pro day. The top 6 pSPARQs from those 56 are: Willis McGahee (tests taken pre-ACL), Chris Johnson, Edgerrin James, Jamal Lewis, Reggie Bush and Jerick McKinnon. When you’re the kind of freak McKinnon is, you tend to do pretty well in the NFL.

Mercy Percy wrote:This is awesome. I really like Mckinnon and think he can be a good RB in this league, Idk why people are saying he cant carry the load, hes extremely athletic I think his a lot bigger than most people think. Mckinnon is near 220 lbs... AD is also around 220 its just that Jerrick is 5'9

Cliff wrote: Because he hasn't proved that he can yet. He was injured during his first year after 113 attempts. One injury in one season doesn't mean a whole lot, but it makes some people more skeptical of his durability than others.

nightowl wrote: Wasn't it a weight room injury though? Should that count against his durability the same as a football injury? If I recall correctly didn't the Vikes just switch to a free weight based program, I recall a thread here debating the difference between free weights and machines. One thing I remember that someone said free weights can cause more injuries during training.

dead_poet wrote:I don't count it against him at all. This wasn't a "heat of battle" on-field injury and from my research I haven't found any previous college injury (despite playing heavy snaps in a multitude of roles.). Until he starts missing practice or games due to on-field injuries I'm chalking this up to meatheading out or spotter error at the gym. He has the bulk to handle 20 carries/game IMO.

Cliff wrote: That's why I don't weigh it very heavily ... but still, the guy had to have back surgery. I know it wasn't major, but you never know if that's the kind of thing that will flair back up.

Cliff wrote: That's why I don't weigh it very heavily ... but still, the guy had to have back surgery. I know it wasn't major, but you never know if that's the kind of thing that will flair back up.

Like the 2008 class, there will be a lot of analysts comparing Abdullah's size, strength, and speed to his peers in the same class, but it only matters when determining where these players will be drafted. When it comes to NFL readiness, peer comparison within the draft class isn't as meaningful as if those skills translate to the NFL.

The 2008 running back class had 27 runners drafted by teams, and 11 of those backs had at least one productive season as a starter -- including Peyton Hillis, Tim Hightower, and Steve Slaton. Tashard Choice, Ryan Torain, and Justin Forsett were NFL-caliber backups.

If the 2015 class even approaches the talent level of the 2008 group, Abdullah could get lost in the mix because he's not a special athlete at first glance. However, don't count him out as a potential long-term starter in the NFL, because true football players who transcend the position are hard to find.

DK Sweets wrote:Free weights hit more muscles and require more balance, but machines are safer. That's what I learned in High School, anyways.

Pseudo Everything wrote: Last year our new conditioning coach switched to free weights. Both Fusco and Loadholt tear their pectoral muscle. Coincidence?