2014 NFL Combine Preview: Five Running Backs to Watch
By Ben Nielsen
Sep 21, 2013; Mount Pleasant, MI, USA; Toledo Rockets running back David Fluellen (22) runs the ball without a helmet against the Central Michigan Chippewas during the fourth quarter at Kelly/Shorts Stadium. Rockets beat the Chippewas 38-17. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
School: Toledo
Watch to Watch: 40-Time, Medicals, Height and Weight
2013 Stats: 166 carries, 1,114 yards, 10 touchdowns; 27 receptions, 222 yards
Met with Chiefs: No
This is a guy I am really interested to see at the combine.
Fluellen was a one-man wrecking crew for Toledo in their game against Missouri in September. In said game, Fluellen rushed for 111 yards on 17 carries and caught 10 passes for 100 yards. Missouri really didn’t have an answer for him on the field, and Fluellen looked like he was fast and big enough to play in the SEC.
The week before the Missouri game, Fluellen averaged 5.1 yards per carry and caught three passes for 42 yards against a then healthy Florida team. The guy was very productive against top competition.
He’s also a big dude, listed at 6-0, 215 pounds. There is a build and a production level that could end up making him a Knile Davis-type back for the Chiefs. Now, Fluellen is probably not going to run in the 4.3s or lead all running backs in the bench press, but he could post something similar.
Fluellen also has a history of returning kicks for Toledo, but he was not their primary option in the return game. Whoever ends up being the Chiefs third-string running back is going to need to be able to contribute on special teams in some way. Fluellen may be the best suited to do so as either a blocker or returner.
Should Fluellen post a 4.4 number in the 40, prove he is healthy, and come in close to the 6-0, 215 height weight numbers, he could be a back the Chiefs simply cannot pass on.