2012 NFL Draft Prospect Profile: Isaiah Pead, RB, Cincinnati

Today's 2012 NFL Draft Prospect Profile is a post that, in a way, kills two birds with one stone. Not only is it our daily 'Prospect Profile,' it is also a 'Big Blue View mailbag' post as a request to profile this player was e-mailed to me recently.

The player in the crosshairs today is another of the many running backs we have looked at -- Isaiah Pead of Cincinnati. Pead is considered to be a middle-round type selection and a player who might be more of a change of pace or third-down back than a guy who can run between the tackles. Still, if the Giants don't grab Doug Martin of Boise State or one of the other top tier running backs Pead could draw consideration from general manager Jerry Reese toward the middle of the draft.

So, let's take a closer look at the 5-foot-11, 200-pound Pead.

From Wes Bunting of the National Football Post:

An explosive running back with the initial burst to press space quickly, put his foot in the ground and side step a defender. However, isn't natural inside between the tackles and isn't going to create on his own if there isn't a big hole there. A space runner who will be looked at as more of a zone guy or third down back to most teams.

Draft Tek says:

Pead has great athleticism and explosion through the hole. He is elusive in the open field and can definitely break some big gains in the NFL. However, as a pass blocker, he is absolutely horrid. He also does not break a lot of tackles despite his great speed: once hit, he falls down most times. Pead is big enough to be a change of pace back, but he probably cannot play every down.

Pead, at the very least, should be a capable third down back in the NFL. Best case, he finds some Jamaal Charles mojo and becomes an elite change of pace guy. I could also see him become a wide receiver/flex option, like C.J. Spiller, due to his hands and ability in the passing game.

The NFL.com analysis of Pead seems more enthusiastic than most scouting reports on the Cincinnati running back. It read in part:

Pead is an electrifying running back who has produced in all areas. He can catch the ball out of the backfield, make a guy miss and turn upfield for a score, or run inside the tackles. He uses his vision and athletic ability to find a hole. There are few question marks about Pead's skill set; some may worry about his play transferring to the next level, as he has shown the tendency to disappear at time. Pead should be one of the first three backs taken in the draft, with second-round value.

Draft Countdown says:

Strengths:

• Top notch athletic ability
• Great change of direction ability
• Polished as a receiver out of the back field
• Above average vision to find holes
• Shown ability as a return man

Weaknesses:

• Rarely decides to run up the middle
• Frail frame could lead to injuries
• Gets eaten alive rushing between tackles
• Very little upside as a blocker

Isaiah Pead Profile

Height: 5-foot-10
Weight: 197
School: Cincinnati
40 time: 4.47
2011 Stats: 237 carries, 1,259 yards, 5.3 yards per carry, 12 TDs, 39 receptions, 313 yards, 3 TDs

(E-mail Ed at bigblueview@gmail.com | Follow Big Blue View on Twitter | 'Like' Big Blue View on Facebook.)