2014 NFL Draft: Running Back Prospects You Should Know

Dec. 15, 2012; Albuquerque, NM, USA; Arizona Wildcats running back Ka

Ka’Deem Carey – 5’10 207lbs – Arizona University

Carey started his career in 2011 as a back up garnering 425 yards and six touchdowns on the ground with 15 receptions for 203 yards and two touchdowns through the air. Not anything to write home about but in 2012, Carey exploded onto the college football scene to lead the nation with 1,929 yards and 23 touchdowns. He averaged 6.4 yards per carry and caught 36 passes for 303 yards and a touchdown. There are three things a running back needs to be successful in the NFL. First and most obvious, you must be able to run the ball consistently. Second, you have to be able to catch the ball out of the backfield. Third and perhaps most overlooked, you absolutely must be able to block for your quarterback. Carey is the perfect height to be able to get under a rusher’s pads and if he can add 10-15lbs in the offseason, he could be excellent in all three phases. So far this year, Carey has run for 569 yards on 94 attempts with five touchdowns. Carey was suspended for the first game of the season this year and now that Arizona has a dual threat quarterback, he’s unlikely to repeat as the rushing champion. Carey has good burst and yards after contact, but he’s not the fastest back in the draft and he can be caught from behind on occasion. I believe Carey will be chosen in the mid to late second round.