AJ Dillon | Running Back | Boston College | 6'0" - 247 lbs.

 

Overview
Built like a minibus but possessing enough vision and finesse to avoid being pigeon-holed as just a pure power back. Dillon is capable of handling heavy workloads and wearing down defenses, but there is a concern from evaluators that it's taken a physical toll on him. He's a disciplined runner who trusts his blocking scheme and follows his rush track. He's a good one-cut runner with below-average wiggle but natural power to create yards after contact. Dillon will find more space as he faces fewer loaded boxes as a pro, but dropping weight and adding quickness could be the difference between a future as a committee back or starter.

Strengths
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Carries weight easily on big, well-proportioned frame

Above-average athletic traits for such a big runner

Went for 150-plus rushing yards in almost 42 percent of his career starts

Finds paydirt, with 39 career rushing touchdowns

Can move piles or leap over them

Absorbs contact like a big linebacker

Trusts the process and follows design of the rush track

Reads block development and acts decisively

Has grind-it-out mentality, but pitch plays and outside zone suits him

Stiff-arm cleans up the angles on the perimeter

Able to sort the rush and find his protection most of the time

Size to square and slow charging linebackers

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Weaknesses
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May need to play lighter for increased quickness

Ran odometer high through rough terrain in BC offense

Scouts concerned about long-term durability

Not much creativity to elude sudden traffic in his face

One-cuts when deeper press of the line is needed

Burst to second level is just OK

Needs to square and accelerate into contact more consistently

Not a natural pass-catcher

[*]Feet get stagnant taking on moving targets against blitz[/list]

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I think this dude is going to destroy teams. I would like to see him get early carries and then get Aaron Jones more touches. Let the big man wear them down and then let Jones outrun/maneuver them.

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I have seen analysts and pundits describing Dillon as "unique." Everyone seems to think he's going to be a great player. Their only objection seems to be to how early he was taken. But I can see Gutekunst's rationale: Given that you never truly know what another team is thinking, why stand on principle and insist on "getting value," only to take the risk of losing a player you really like to another team? How many teams have lost out on players they wanted because they were stuck in the rut of waiting for value?

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It didn't go how I thought it would this season, but, but, but, maybe the Titans game is a sign of things to come!?!?!?

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And how many of us wanted a wide out or DL, or OL instead of Dillon?

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The WRs I liked were gone by our pick in round one, but I was pulling for Higgins instead of Love. As for the Dillon pick? Ignorance is bliss. I knew nothing about anyone at that spot so I had no pulling thoughts. I thought the fast WR would help on the return game as a rookie and would be blended into the office as a gadget guy.

I like Dillon pick at the time though. But, I can't say I was hoping they'd pick him, ya know?

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