2020 Raiders Draft Prospect: RB Javon Leake

2020 Raiders Draft Prospect Profile

Name: Javon Leake

Position: Running Back

School: The University of Maryland

Height: 6 feet

Weight: 215 pounds

Stats

Run Style

Despite his frame, Leake runs with a bit more wiggle than you’d expect. First, while he profiles as a quicker-than-fast back, Yet, if you look closely, Leake brings a nuanced power aspect. Granted, lowering the shoulder isn’t a tool in his arsenal. However, the power of his lower body, helps Leake break swatting tackling attempts. Furthermore, observe the contact balance. While Leake isn’t plowing defenders over, he keeps his feet and heads downfield. Additionally, the guide arm acts either range finder or suitable stiff arm.

Speed

Ignore the 4.65 Combine time. Leake’s acceleration is better than what the stopwatch proclaims. His running style, after the initial cut, sends him north/south. As a result, he gains the corner on perimeter plays with ease. Meanwhile, he explodes, if he finds the smallest seam. While he doesn’t enjoy homerun speed, Leake’s ability netted him 7.9 a carry and 20 combined touchdowns.

Agility

After taking many snaps in shotgun, Leake needed to win with his feet, before he crossed the line of scrimmage. The first bounce cut, gains him separation. From there, Leake picks up speed in the open field. Patiently, he sets strings together the cuts, throwing would-be tacklers off-balance.

Hands

Leake endured subpar quarterback play. During his last year in College Park, Maryland completed 50.3 percent of their passes. Under those circumstances, when called upon, Leake needed to adjust to poorly-thrown balls, when targeted. yet, he flashed competent hands, making grabs away from his body.

Team Fit

First, if anything happens to Josh Jacobs, do you trust Jalen Richard to grab the starting spot, in case of an emergency? Leake gives the running game a new wrin more kle. While he does not bring the burst and hard-running of Jacobs, his quick feet and vision give him the nod. Despite Jon Gruden’s offensive mindset, the offense lacks talented depth. Plus, Leake’s three kick return touchdowns add value to his roster spot claim.

When you watch Javon Leake, a reasonable round playmaker sits there for the drafting. The Las Vegas Raiders don’t need to move up, sacrifice further draft capital. If you watched the draft in the past decade or so, you know that Day Three is Mike Mayock’s favorite team. A player like Javon Leake gives the Raiders’ offense another dynamic aspect that they lack. On top of that, much like Josh Jacobs, Leake still has plenty of tread on the tire. With only 155 touches from scrimmage, the Las Vegas Raiders could draft him to shoulder some of the carries.