Jahvid Best: NFL Draft Profile

We will take a look at California running back Jahvid Best as he has decided to forgo his senior season and declare for the 2010 NFL Draft.  We’ll examine his college career and our expectations for his upcoming NFL career.

Strengths

•       Acceleration
•       Breakaway speed
•       Quickness
•       Vision

Weaknesses

•       Injury prone
•       Short Yardage ability
•       Average stats against quality defenses
•       Liability in pass protection because of his size (5-10, 185)

Potential destinations

•       Seattle:  Learn behind Justin Forsett as he did at Cal.
•       New England: Looking for a new face at the running back position.
•       New York Giants:  A change of pace to Brandon Jacobs.

At California, Best has been an impact player since his freshman season in 2007.  While backing up Justin Forsett, Best ran only 29 times, gaining 221 yards and scoring twice.  Best’s versatility was his main weapon as a true freshman catching 13 passes for 174 yards and a touchdown; he was also elected as the team’s most valuable special teams player (J. Scott Duncan award).  California finished the season a substandard 7-6.

Best broke out in his sophomore year leading California to a record of 9-4.  This is the year we knew that Best was poised for an NFL career where superstardom might follow.  He finished the year with 1,580 yards rushing, 8.1 YPC and 15 touchdowns.  Best beat out Jacquizz Rodgers for the Pac-10 rushing title after a performance against Washington that netted him 311 yards, setting a Cal record.  Best also set the record for most all-purpose yards in a single season with 2,247.  Best earned MVP honors in California’s 24-17 win in the Emerald Bowl after rushing for 186 yards and two touchdowns.

After a phenomenal sophomore season, Best took a step back in his junior year; not because of poor play on the field, but because of concussions he endured in consecutive weeks.  After a mild concussion he suffered against Arizona State, Best suffered another concussion against Oregon State after he hurdled a cornerback and was subsequently pushed in mid-air by the free safety causing him to land on the back of his head.  Best was forced to miss the final four games of the regular season because of precautionary measures taken by the team.  Best’s most impressive game in his junior year was achieved against Minnesota where he ran for 131 yards and five touchdowns (modern-day school record).  Best finished with 841 yards rushing on 141 carries (6.1 YPC), 12 touchdowns; 22 receptions for 213 yards, four touchdowns.  California finished with a record of 8-4.

Best finished his college career with 364 carries, 2,668 yards, 29 touchdowns.

Best enters the 2010 NFL Draft with many question marks regarding his size and durability, but has the potential to be an NFL superstar.  ESPN’s Todd McShay has Best at #22 overall and the second rated running back behind Clemson’s C.J. Spiller.  The speed that he consistently put on display at California is what every running back envies.  It wouldn’t be a stretch to liken Best to Chris Johnson of the Tennessee Titans; the innate ability to cut precisely while running at full speed will have defensive coordinators reeling on a weekly basis.

There is no question that Best is the most explosive player in the 2010 draft, but he may slip to the second round because of his injury concerns.  At this point, Best seems to be a player that may emulate Reggie Bush in the sense that he may not be an every down back; a player that would be better suited for the running back by committee approach.  If Best can bulk up, stay healthy and be more of an impact blocker on passing downs, then his NFL career will be a success.