Kenny Irons (Auburn) - 2007 NFL Draft Pick #49 by CIN
What The Experts Thought Before The Draft
Kenny Irons - Pre-Draft Analysis (2007 NFL Draft)
College: Auburn University
Position: Running Back
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 210 lbs
Projected Round: 2nd - 3rd Round
Overview:
Kenny Irons was a standout running back at Auburn, known for his speed, agility, and ability to break tackles. After a successful college career, he entered the 2007 NFL Draft with high expectations.
Strengths:
- Speed: Irons possesses excellent straight-line speed, allowing him to stretch the field and outrun defenders.
- Vision: He demonstrates good field vision, enabling him to find running lanes and make quick decisions.
- Balance: Irons has a low center of gravity which helps him maintain balance while navigating through traffic.
- Pass-Catching Ability: He is proficient in catching passes out of the backfield, making him a dual-threat option.
Weaknesses:
- Injury History: Irons had some injury concerns during his time at Auburn, which raised questions about his durability.
- Blocking Skills: While capable, he needs to improve his pass-blocking to be an effective three-down back in the NFL.
- Consistent Production: Although he had flashes of brilliance, there were times when he struggled to maintain consistent production against tougher defenses.
Overall Assessment:
Kenny Irons was viewed as a promising prospect entering the 2007 NFL Draft. His combination of speed, agility, and receiving ability made him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their backfield. However, concerns regarding his injury history and pass protection skills could impact his draft stock. Teams that prioritized explosive playmakers might consider him in the second or third round, hoping he could develop into a reliable starter in the league.
Comparison:
Many analysts compared Irons to NFL running backs known for their speed and versatility, suggesting he could carve out a role similar to players like
Kevin Faulk or
Reggie Bush if he could stay healthy and improve his blocking skills.