Derrius Guice 2018 NFL Draft scouting report: Marshawn Lynch 2.0?

Derrius Guice, RB, LSU

Measurables

5’10”, 224 lbs

40-yd Dash: 4.49

Bench Press: 15 reps

Vertical Jump: 31.5”

Stats

2017: 1,251 YDS (5.3 AVG), 11 TD, 124 REC YDS

2016: 1,387 YDS (7.6 AVG), 15 TD, 106 REC YDS

2015: 436 YDS (8.5), 3 TD, 20 REC YDS

Awards

2017 Second Team All-SEC 2016 Citrus Bowl MVP 2016 First Team All-America

2016 First Team All-SEC

2015 SEC All-Freshman Team

Strengths

Prototypical size and speed for an NFL running back, but what separates him from the rest of this class is how hard he runs. He is a powerful running back that refuses to go down on first-contact and would rather lower his shoulder and truck a defender than run out of bounds. Watching Guice and his angry running style brings reminiscence of Marshawn Lynch. One of the most underrated aspects of his game is his vision and how well he sets up blocks. Guice also displays great balance which helps him stay on his feet after arm tackles. He thrives between the tackles due to his vision, power, and balance. In 2016 when he was healthy, among draft eligible running backs, Guice had the highest percentage of his carries go for 15 or more yards at 12.9 percent according to Pro Football Focus.

Weaknesses

He struggled with a nagging ankle injury the entire 2017 season, and it showed on tape. While he still somehow managed to rush for over 1,200 yards, his yards per carry dropped by 2.0. It was apparent that Guice lacked the explosiveness and speed he showed during his Sophomore season in 2016 when he was fully healthy. And while Guice has the ability to make defenders miss with juke moves and cuts, by no means is his elusiveness on the level of other running backs such as Saquon Barkley or Ronald Jones.

Verdict

Derrius Guice is one of the most exciting players to watch because of his furious running style. He has an impressive size, speed, and power combination that will allow him to be an effective workhorse as long as he stays healthy. Saquon Barkley is viewed as the crown jewel in the 2017 running back class, but Derrius Guice is also a top-ten caliber talent.

Pro Comparison

Marshawn Lynch

Fit with Raiders

If the Raiders decide to release Marshawn Lynch, Guice could step in on day one and fill his role as a punishing running back complemented by Jalen Richard and DeAndre Washington. But even if the Raiders bring Lynch back, pairing ‘Beastmode’ with Guice would make for an exciting one-two punch.

Guice himself said at the combine that he sees a lot of Marshawn Lynch in his running style.