NFL Draft Profiles: Running Backs To Keep An Eye On
By Ben Nielsen
Aug 31, 2013; Gainesville, FL, USA; Toledo Rockets running back David Fluellen (22) against the Florida Gators during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida Gators defeated the Toledo Rockets 24-6. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
DAVID FLUELLEN
HEIGHT: 5-11 WEIGHT: 224 COLLEGE: Toledo
40 TIME: 4.66 3-CONE: 6.90 BROAD: 10’0″
CAREER STATS: 3,336 yards, 5.9 ypc; 80 catches, 662 yards, 8.3 ypc; 30 TDs
David Fluellen is a potential undrafted free agent who could end up being a productive back for the Chiefs. An injury prone back at Toledo, Fluellen has the skills to be a successful in the Chiefs system when healthy.
Missouri fans should know this better than anyone. In a week two match, Fluellen went on the road and rushed for 111 yards on only 17 carries then caught an addition 10 passes for 100 yards. His speed played well against Missouri’s, and he looked like be belonged on an SEC field. The week before the Missouri game, Fluellen posted 88 total yards on 12 touches against a healthy Florida defense.
Injuries are a significant issue for him. He’s missed time with back, knee, and ankle injuries during his career, so it is unknown how much he could be counted on from week. With that said, we’re talking about a third running back here so there are not a lot of snaps for Fluellen to take. This could end up reducing the injury risk concern.
Here’s what Brugler had to say about Fluellen.
"After rushing for nearly 1,500 yards last year as a junior last season, Fluellen entered 2013 as one of the MAC’s top NFL prospects. But he faced a tough task to begin this season as Toledo (0-2) opened with a pair of SEC opponents, Florida and Missouri. Nonetheless, Fluellen has been the workhorse for the Rockets, both rushing and receiving. Against Missouri, Fluellen did a nice job sticking his foot in the ground to plant and let defenders over-pursue while he used his lateral quickness to reverse his path."
It’s easy to appreciate Fluellen’s style of football, which makes him appealing as an undrafted free agent.