Continuing this series, where I highlight my top ten favorite running backs from the upcoming NFL draft class, the current or former pro they remind me of most, and whether
I see them as a fit for Ben Johnson’s offense this season for the Chicago Bears. Remember, these are NOT fantasy rankings or even who I think will get drafted in order but simply my top backs based on tape, measurables, production and my own personal taste.#7: Noah Whittington – Oregon- WORKHORSE
Noah Whittington wins this year’s award for most unsung prospect in this series.
He wasn’t even on my radar for my top 20 until I gave him some extra look after the season. If you are anything like me, you likely have not seen enough of Noah Whittington during the season, unless, of course, you are our resident Oregonian Duck WCG member. Buy boy am I excited about this kid.
Though he led his team in carries and rushing yards as a Senior, Whittington ceded nearly 300 carries to four other RBs. As a Junior, Whittingon backed up current San Francisco 49er Jordan James and the year prior both James and current Tampa Bay Buccaneer Bucky Irving led the Duck backfield – so clearly he has shared the rock with talented players. When all is said and done, I actually think Whittington could be the best of the bunch – and that is quite the statement considering how strong of a season Irving had in Tampa his first year as a pro.
Well-built at 5’8”, 205lb, Whittington is tough to bring down as he runs fearless with a nice forward lean upon contact. He has great vision and pacing – setting up his cuts and bursting through seams and arm tackles. Though he wasn’t timed at the combine, he has been reported to run in the low 4.4s, which shows up on tape as he consistently reaches the corner and outruns DBs and LBs. He is also a more than capable receiver, which is no surprise considering he played wide receiver in high school. Additionally, Whittington has excellent ball security, with zero fumbles as a senior and only 3 throughout his collegiate career. To top it off, the former Duck is a willing and solid pass-blocker who should not be a liability in that regard as a pro. An all-around impressive game very similar to my pro comp for him.
Pro Comp: Alvin Kamara
Whittington: 5’8”, 205lb, 4.41 forty, 29 1/8” arms, 8 1/4” hands, 24 bench
Kamara: 5’10”, 214lb, 4.56 forty, 32 3/4”arms, 9 1/4” hands, 15 bench
He may not be in his prime anymore, but at his best, Alvin Kamara was as lethal as any RB in the league. His vision, contact balance, route running and hands made him a threat on any down and distance when he was on the field. I always marveled at how he seemed to stay up despite taking multiple hits from all angles and somehow finding a way to break free or fall forward for extra yardage when he seemed stopped. These same things pop to me when I see Whittington play.
Though Kamara is a couple inches taller and nearly 10lb heavier, they share a similar build and lean when they run – punishing defenders who attempt to bring them down. But my favorite similarity is the way they are both lethal in the passing game even though Whittington still hasn’t scratched the surface yet, in my opinion. But option routes and swings aren’t the only weapons in this RBs arsenals and you see plenty of catches with their hands away from their bodies throughout their tape.
While Kamara burst onto the scene as a rookie out of the 3rd round from Tennessee with 13 total TDs (5 receiving) and over 1,500 total yards (826 receiving) I do not expect that to be the case for Whittington. I certainly value him as a 3rd round back, but seem to be much higher on him than the consensus and expect him to be a day 3 pick. That said, do not be surprised if he makes his way onto the field as a rookie and earns more and more playing time throughout the season or if he steals the job outright from the RB1 at some point during the season.
Here are some clips of each.
Fit for Bears? Yes.
Whittington could come in right away and make the Pro Bowl as a kick returner for Chicago. He could also spell Swift and Monangai with a play-style that is more of a combination of the two of them than either one individually. But his ability to consistently gain tough yards, take it the distance from anywhere on the field, catch the ball out of the backfield, pass block and hold onto the ball make him a fit in almost any scheme. He easily has the burst, vision and patience to thrive in our outside zone scheme as well. With so many needs on defense and in the trenches, we likely won’t be taking an RB until day 3 this year and I would be absolutely thrilled if Whittington lands in Chicago.
