2018 Raiders Draft Prospect: RB Josh Adams

2018 Raiders Draft Prospect Profile

Name: Josh Adams

School: Notre Dame

Position: RB

Height: 6’2”

Weight: 225 pounds

Stats

Run Style

At times, Adams runs with high pads. Yet, when he contacts a defender, those pads .will drop. In the open field, Adams uses an elongated stride to cover ground. Between the tackles, you will see him make that one cut and go. When a defender draws a bead on him, Adams will use either balance or a quick, jabbing stiff-arm to free himself. Either way, he makes sure to churn forward.

Agility

For his size, Adams possesses good, but not outstanding elusiveness. That is to say, he can make a defender miss. However, he will not string together a succession of moves that dazzle defenders and will show up on highlight film. Adams brings a shorter jump cut into action. If you notice, his legs will not expand too far. As a result, this propels him upfield faster. To his credit, Adams knows his limitation and will not try to mimic Barry Sanders.

Speed

Adams shows above average top speed. While his 40 time may not stun anyone, Adams shows the ability to run away from defenders. For instance, this 98-yard run opens eyes. At the next level, he will not break that type of run. Nevertheless, count on him to rip off chunk yardage.

Hands

During his career in South Bend, Adams served as a dump pass magnet. The offense did not require him to learn an intricate route tree. At the next level, Adams must run a varied route r=tree. When he did catch passes, the ball looked secure and Adams tucked it in.

Raiders Fit

After 2,623 touches, Marshawn Lynch enters the twilight of his career. Granted, Lynch should not receive 20-25 carries per game. However, the Raiders do not appear to have a succession plan. De Andre Washington is not the workhorse back that Jon Gruden requires. In addition, Jalen Richard’s skillset is not of a bellcow.

Due to Adams’ size, coupled with his downhill approach could force Washington into a third-down role. Honestly, he could force Gruden to release one of his backs. Furthermore, Adams is a clean slate. He is not holdover from the mess that Jack Del Rio left. More importantly, he is a Day 3 prospect.