DeWayne McBride - RB - UAB
Welcome to the rookie profile for DeWayne McBride. UAB’s DeWayne McBride is a highly productive running back entering the NFL draft, boasting a combination of size, power, and instincts that allowed him to run all over Conference USA. McBride exhibits exceptional patience and vision as a runner, consistently finding gaps in the line of scrimmage and making the most of his opportunities.
Measurables
Height: 5′ 10″
Weight: 209 lbs
Age: 22
40-yard dash: DNP
3-cone drill: DNP
20-yard shuttle: DNP
Vertical Jump: DNP
Broad Jump: DNP
Bench Press: DNP
*age is at the start of player’s rookie year
College Stats
Notable Headlines
Scouting Report
Positives
Negatives
While DeWayne McBride has shown great potential as a running back, he does have a few areas that need improvement. While he is able to recognize and reach holes in the offensive line, he does not possess the necessary quickness to create separation for himself if these holes do not exist. McBride is more of a downhill runner who relies on his power and contact balance to keep him moving forward. While McBride is difficult to bring down in open space, it is not because of his agility or elusiveness. Rather, it is because of his ability to endure contact and keep his legs moving. He does not possess the lateral quickness or agility to consistently make defenders miss, which limits his effectiveness as a receiver out of the backfield.
Speaking of his receiving skills, this is an area that McBride struggles with significantly. While he has the size and strength to be a force in the passing game, he lacks the route-running ability and soft hands to be a reliable option for his quarterback. In contrast to the comparison to Le’Veon Bell, McBride is a far cry from Bell’s receiving prowess. And it is an area of his game that will need to be improved upon if he hopes to become a more complete back at the next level.
Pre Draft Analysis
Expected Draft Capital- Round 4/5
Landing Spots
When considering potential landing spots for McBride, teams that have a featured back in place, but are in need of a legitimate backup to carry the early down load, come to mind. The New Orleans Saints and the Carolina Panthers, for example, could be ideal fits. Both teams have established runners in Alvin Kamara and D’onta Foreman (if he returns) respectively, but lack a true backup that can handle a significant workload. If Kamara is forced to miss time for the Saints, McBride would do well to fit in the starting role for a short period. In the modern NFL, solo-backfield workhorses are things of the past, and McBride is a great cheap draft option to offer volume relief to a team’s RB group.
Post Draft Analysis
Minnesota Vikings - Round 7, Pick 5
Landing Spot
Dewayne McBride’s addition to the Minnesota Vikings presents an intriguing dynamic within their running back corps, particularly as the team faces potential changes in the offseason. With Dalvin Cook’s future with the franchise uncertain due to ongoing trade rumors, McBride joins a competitive backfield alongside Alexander Mattison and Kene Nwangwu. Mattison has already established himself as one of the NFL’s most effective backup running backs, and Nwangwu occupies the third spot on the depth chart. As McBride enters this environment, he has the opportunity to carve out a role for himself within the Vikings’ offense. While ESPN projects a 34.5% chance that McBride serves as a backup in the NFL, the potential shakeup in Minnesota’s running back room could present an opening for him to showcase his skills and make a case for increased playing time. McBride’s performance in training camp and preseason games will be crucial in determining his standing within the team and ultimately shaping his role in the Vikings’ backfield.
Fantasy Impact
Dewayne McBride’s fantasy outlook is one to keep an eye on as the Minnesota Vikings’ backfield situation develops. Although he is likely to go undrafted in most three-round rookie drafts, McBride still has the potential to make an impact, particularly if Dalvin Cook is traded. While Alexander Mattison is expected to take on the starting role and maintain his third-down duties, McBride could find opportunities to relieve Mattison on 1st and 2nd downs. Fantasy managers should closely monitor the Vikings’ backfield dynamics and McBride’s progress during training camp and preseason games. Even though his immediate fantasy value might not be significant, he could become a worthy waiver wire pickup or a late-round flier in deeper leagues if he manages to secure a relevant role in the Vikings’ offense.
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Author: Rod Aryan, Twitter
Image Credit: Ben Queen – USA TODAY Sport
