2011 NFL Draft Prospect Profile: Jordan Todman, RB, Connecticut

We can, and probably will, spend months arguing about what the New York Giants should do at the running back position. Try to keep both Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs? Keep one (which one?) and dump the other? Dump 'em both?

Nobody knows what will happen. Even if the Giants keep both there is a good chance they will look to supplement the position. For all his supposed talent, D.J. Ware has never really grabbed a real role with the Giants. The Giants, as we know, tried to supplement the running back position in 2009 by grabbing Andre Brown in the fourth round. Injury derailed that plan, though.

It should not surprise anyone if, at some point in the 2011 NFL Draft, General Manager Jerry Reese tries again to add some depth at the running back spot.

That brings me to Connecticut running back Jordan Todman, subject of today's 2011 NFL Draft prospect profile. Todman, 5-foot-9, 193 pounds, piled up 1,695 yards rushing as a junior at UConn in 2010, averaging 5.1 yards per carry. In his career he rushed for more than 3,100 yards in three seasons, and caught 42 passes. He has decent 4.45 40 speed and is a tough runner who can also catch the ball. Todman was named Big East Offensive Player of the Year in 2010.

By most accounts, Todman figures to be a mid- to late-round draft selection. Scouting reports after the jump.

Jordan Todman
RB, Connecticut
5-foot-9, 193 pounds

Scouting Reports

From the National Football Post:

A shorter, undersized back who lacks ideal size, but has better overall girth through his base and thighs than his frame would indicate. Runs with good forward lean, keeps his pad level down, doesn't give defenders much of an area to hit and plays a lot more physical than his frame would indicate. Isn't afraid to dish out some violence into contact. Exhibits solid vision and a good initial burst when asked to press the hole. Is patient waiting for blocks to set up inside, is able to fit his way through small creases inside and really accelerates quickly into the open field. Has a bit of a second gear to his game and can create toward daylight. Isn't overly explosive or dynamic, but has enough wiggle and burst to his game to create in space. Displays the speed to consistently reach the corner and runs with good footwork and balance, has the fluidity in his hips to cleanly side step defenders as a cutback runner and has some wiggle to his game inside as well.

Impression: Does everything well, but just lacks the kind of size to be a consistent every-down back in the NFL. Runs with good forward lean, has a feel inside, some wiggle and runs bigger then he is. Looks like a very solid rotational back at the next level who will run hard and give you a solid day's work every week.

From Sideline Scouting:

Positives: Above average speed, can beat defenders to the corner... Very shifty, has quick feet and routintely makes the first man miss... Good change of direction ability, changes his running pace constantly, makes him tough to track down... Good vision, does a great job finding the hole and would excel in a zone blocking system... Patient runner, waits for his blockers... Great receiver out of the backfield, can line up in the slot and run routes... Versatility will appeal to a lot of teams looking for a playmaker on offense... Connecticut has put some good running backs into the NFL over the past couple years (Donald Brown, Andre Dixon)... Elite production, ran for 1695 yards and 14 TD and 2010 and eclipsed 80 yards in every contest... Big East Offensive Player of the Year in 2010.

Negatives: Small, doesn't have a great frame, needs to add bulk... Not a great runner between the tackles, likes to bounce everything to the outside... Pass blocking ability is limited, lunges at defenders, doesn't have the size to be very effective as a blocker.