Jonathan Dwyer: NFL Draft Profile

We’ll take a look at Georgia Tech running back Jonathan Dwyer as he enters the 2010 NFL Draft.  We’ll examine his strengths/weaknesses, college career and our expectations for his upcoming NFL career.

Strengths
•       Workhorse: Dwyer epitomizes the power rushing style that will be so valuable in the NFL.  While he is young and his legs still fresh, he will be able to take 25 carries per game taking pressure off the quarterback
•       Durability: Since Dwyer came on the scene in 2007, he has not missed a game.  Taking the pounding that a running back does, that is a tremendous accomplishment and that resiliency will be rewarded come draft day
•       Reliability: In three years and 517 carries at Georgia Tech, Dwyer has never fumbled the football.  An attribute such as this will serve him well in the pro game

Weaknesses

•       Lack of versatility:  At Georgia Tech, Dwyer was never relied upon to be a blocker while only hauling in 20 balls in three years.  In the NFL, it is an asset to have a running back that can catch the ball out of the backfield, but it isn’t imperative because teams have at least one other capable running back who can be a respectable receiver.  On the contrary, it is vital to be a reputable blocker.  With complex defensive schemes, a running back must have the wherewithal to zone in on a linebacker running free to the quarterback

(All statistical information obtained from ESPN.com & NFLDraftScout.com)

Dwyer’s freshman season was very successful while backing up senior Tashard Choice.  Dwyer quickly made a name for himself with his hard, tough rushing style as Choice battled leg injuries for part of the ’07 season.  For Dwyer’s efforts, he was named to the All ACC freshman team.

Dwyer’s sophomore season was where he emerged as one of the nation’s top running backs.  He ran for 1,395 yards on 200 carries and 208 receiving yards on eight receptions with 13 total touchdowns.  In 13 games, he had nine games with over 100 yards rushing, tying a school record, which made him one of the more feared running backs in the nation.

After his sophomore campaign, Dwyer accumulated a variety of achievements including:
•       First Team All ACC
•       ACC Player of the Year
•       His 1,831 all-purpose yards in 2008 ranked second in school history

After a sophomore season where he dominated the ACC, his time to cement his NFL draft stock would be his junior year and he didn’t disappoint.  He ran for 1,395 yards for the second straight year making him a candidate for conference MVP honors, but lost out to C.J. Spiller of Clemson.  Dwyer rushed for over 100 yards eight times, including two games in which he exceeded 185 yards.  After his junior year, Dwyer announced he would forgo his senior season and enter the NFL draft.

Dwyer is NFL ready.  His large frame (6’0, 235 lbs) will make defenders think twice before trying to tackle him.  His nickname “Diesel” is an appropriate moniker considering his hard-nosed running style.

Dwyer is a one-cut runner who takes it to defenders in the trenches, making him the perfect replica of Michael Turner.  They are similar in the sense that they both get skinny through the hole and have a great burst for players of their size.  His greatest asset as a runner, fittingly, is the ability to break tackles.  Dwyer essentially runs through defenders with his legs constantly churning not allowing them to get their arms around him.

Overall, Dwyer is a great running back who will be a star in the league.  The combination of durability and reliability makes him arguably the best running back coming out of the draft this year.  Where there are many questions marks with Jahvid Best and C.J. Spiller, Dwyer seems to be the most NFL ready out of the three.  He would be a great fit in a two back system with a quick running back to complement his power running style.

The rest of the league better take notice, this kid will make an immediate impact in the league and will be a force to be reckoned with for the next decade.