Which potentially undrafted Running Back would interest you most?

[BoomerFan]

Assuming the Bengals have not selected an RB with one of their six picks, which of these three running backs would you like them to sign as a UDFA?

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/tahj-brooks/32004252-4f16-8325-38e7-d7fab363c600

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/raheim-sanders/32005341-4e45-5028-b876-e95fddcc551a

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/lequint-allen/3200414c-4c55-7062-57ec-48f10a8ed2dc

Quote:TAHJ BROOKS - TEXAS TECH
HEIGHT 5’ 9’’ WEIGHT 214 lbs
40-Yard Dash 4.52

Stout runner and workhorse who handled a whopping 633 touches for Texas Tech’s offense over the last two seasons. Brooks runs low to the ground with a powerful base and instant cut quickness to shake tacklers or elude them in tight quarters. He can keep a run alive but doesn’t have the stride length or acceleration to create space and run away from a rally-hard defense, which could turn him into more of a try-hard grinder. He plays on third downs but hasn’t been all that explosive out of the backfield. Brooks’ productivity and ability to force missed tackles give him a chance to become an NFL backup.

Strengths

• Rushed for 100-plus yards in 19 of his last 22 games.
• Runs with bounding feet and quality rhythm.
• Sets up tacklers and stacks cuts at sharp angles.
• Stature and base strength cause tacklers to slide off and over the top.
• Will catch everything thrown into his frame.
• Puts funk into contact on blitz pickup and chip blocks.
  

Weaknesses

• Will overthink runs instead of playing fast.
• Lacks ideal getaway burst beyond second level.
• Absorbed violent collisions across 633 touches since 2023.
• Not very explosive as a pass-catching option.
• Inconsistent recognition in blitz protections.
  

Quote:RAHEIM SANDERS - SOUTH CAROLINA
HEIGHT 6’ 0’’ WEIGHT 217 lbs
40-Yard Dash 4.46

When healthy, Sanders has been a productive three-down back at two SEC spots. He’s a big rusher with pop behind his pads. He runs with timing and tempo as a one-cut runner. He creates yards with vision and cut quickness, but he can fall into the trap of trying to be a hero instead of taking yards that are there and moving on. His speed won’t prohibit him from outside runs, but his living will be made inside the tackles. He’s rarely stopped on “gotta have it” downs and is capable out of the backfield. Fumbles and inconsistent pass protection might land him in the doghouse, but he has the size and talent to become a committee runner.

Strengths

• Feels block development and hits gas when he sees an opening.
• Tempo changes on outside runs upset the timing of pursuit.
• Follows blocks and cuts it tight off the blocker’s hip.
• Elusive in tight quarters with sudden plant-and-cut.
• Impressive success rate on short-yardage and goal-line carries.
• Moves the sticks as a checkdown option out of the backfield.
  

Weaknesses

• Below-average acceleration on one-cut runs.
• Can be clunky and upright maneuvering through run lanes.
• Has moments where he will get too cute with runs.
• Doesn’t always run with expected finishing power.
• Pressure rate runs too high when he’s protecting the pocket.
  

Quote:LEQUINT ALLEN - SYRACUSE
HEIGHT 6’ 0’’ WEIGHT 204 lbs
40-Yard Dash 4.59-second (Syracuse pro day)

Allen is a versatile back with adequate size and speed. He’s decisive and gets what he can on most carries but lacks burst, imagination and contact force to create on his own. He’s a reliable pass-catching option with natural hands and an ability to run routes and find yards after the catch. His pass-protection willingness and execution stands out against others in this class. Allen’s ability to cover kicks and return punts adds to his value as a potential Day 3 pick who could compete for a role as a third-down option.

Strengths

• Operates in both phases with good decisiveness.
• Smooth tempo getting through his cuts.
• Presses the line and follows his blocks.
• Disguises screen plays and recognizes hot routes.
• Good separation burst in routes out of the backfield.
• Takes pass pro seriously and helps soak up leakage.
  

Weaknesses

• Runs too upright getting through the line.
• Below-average burst to race away from tacklers.
• Lacks size and play strength for interior runs.
• Generates average momentum into contact.
• Makes focus drops on swing passes.
  

[BoomerFan]

Feel like this deserves a bump because we just took Tahj Brooks. Dunno if he makes the 53 but he is definitely an intriguing player.

[*Nate (formerly eliminate08)*]

(04-26-2025, 06:36 PM)BoomerFan Wrote: Feel like this deserves a bump because we just took Tahj Brooks. Dunno if he makes the 53 but he is definitely an intriguing player.

Cool bud, missed this the first time you posted this thread. Before the Draft I liked Lequint Allen in the 6th as he is a good pass protector with 
Returner experience and I didn't expect Tahj to be there in the 6th. I like Rocket Sanders as well, so you picked 3 guys that I wanted in stripes.

I am happy with Tahj and think we picked the right one, he can pass protect well just like Allen and I like his cutback ability and hands and think
he is the best overall back of the 3 and was the best value in the 6th round.

[*ochocincos*]

I never voted because I had mocked both Brooks and Sanders to Bengals in Rd 5/6, but I'm happy with the Brooks selection.
I think he can be a really good complement to Chase Brown, and Perine and Moss give some 1-year insurance to cover if Brooks need a season to build up the chops.
But he runs hard, can catch, and he puts in effort to block.
He's short too like Gio Bernard, but bigger.
His testing scores were poor on just height and bench, but he has elite agility, solid speed, and solid explosion.

Honestly, Brooks might be my favorite pick of this draft class, and he ended up being the last pick.

[*Nate (formerly eliminate08)*]

(04-30-2025, 06:16 PM)ochocincos Wrote: I never voted because I had mocked both Brooks and Sanders to Bengals in Rd 5/6, but I'm happy with the Brooks selection.
I think he can be a really good complement to Chase Brown, and Perine and Moss give some 1-year insurance to cover if Brooks need a season to build up the chops.
But he runs hard, can catch, and he puts in effort to block.
He's short too like Gio Bernard, but bigger.
His testing scores were poor on just height and bench, but he has elite agility, solid speed, and solid explosion.

Honestly, Brooks might be my favorite pick of this draft class, and he ended up being the last pick.

Yeah, Shemar Stewart and Tahj Brooks are my favorite picks of the Draft.