2014 NFL Draft Profile: Carlos Hyde, RB Ohio State
By Adam Carlson
Jan 3, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Carlos Hyde (34) runs with the ball against the Clemson Tigers in the second half of the 2014 Orange Bowl college football game at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
Ohio State running back Carlos Hyde is making a strong case to be the top running back selected in this year’s draft.
He stands 6′ tall and weighs in at 230 pounds. He knows how to use his weight and force in the running game to create yards after contact. He is a powerful runner who isn’t afraid to push a pile to get a first down. Still, he has the acceleration and speed to break away from the pack once he gets going.
Hyde does have some question marks surrounding him. A major one is his off the field issues. He was given a three game suspension last year as a result of his actions at a Columbus night club. When on the field, he lacks a lot of the elusiveness, but makes up for that as being a powerful straight line runner.
There are times he seemed unusually fatigued in games as well, which makes you wonder if he would do better in a rotational role rather than a feature one.
Here are his statistics over four seasons at Ohio State:
Feb 21, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Carlos Hyde speaks to the media in a press conference during the 2014 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
41 games played
523 carries
3198 rushing yards
37 rushing touchdowns
34 catches
271 receiving yards
4 touchdowns caught
Strengths
- Strong frame
- Powerful runner
- Good acceleration
- Excellent top speed
Weaknesses
- Not super elusive
- Conditioning is questioned
- Off-field issues
Fit For The Vikings
Minnesota will be looking to add a running back to back up Adrian Peterson.
My Take
While adding competition for a backup running back will happen in this year’s draft, I don’t see it happening in the first two rounds of the draft. And that is most likely where we’ll see Carlos Hyde come off the board.