Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Carlos Hyde (Ohio St.) - 2014 NFL Draft Pick #57 by SF

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Carlos Hyde (2014 NFL Draft)

College: Ohio State

Position: Running Back

Overview

Carlos Hyde was a standout running back at Ohio State, showcasing his ability to be a powerful and versatile offensive weapon. His performance during his collegiate career positioned him as one of the top running backs entering the 2014 NFL Draft.

Strengths

• Power and Size: At 6'0" and around 235 pounds, Hyde possesses a strong, compact frame that allows him to break tackles and gain tough yards.
• Vision: Hyde demonstrated excellent field vision, allowing him to find running lanes and make effective cuts, which contributed to his success running between the tackles.
• Balance: His ability to maintain balance through contact makes him a difficult player to bring down, often allowing him to gain additional yards after contact.
• Pass Protection: Hyde showed proficiency in pass protection, which is a valuable skill for running backs in the NFL, helping to protect the quarterback.
• Receiving Ability: While primarily known for his running skills, Hyde also displayed the capability to catch passes out of the backfield, adding to his versatility as an offensive player.

Weaknesses

• Speed: While effective in short bursts, Hyde's long speed was questioned, especially in comparison to other top running backs in the draft.
• Injury History: Concerns about his durability and past injuries could affect his draft stock and long-term viability in the NFL.
• Limited Experience: Although he had a solid college career, he did not carry the ball as often as some of his peers, which could raise questions about his workload capacity at the pro level.

Draft Projection

Hyde was projected to be selected in the early to mid rounds of the 2014 NFL Draft, potentially as one of the top running backs available. His blend of size, power, and versatility made him an attractive option for teams seeking to bolster their backfield.

Conclusion

Carlos Hyde was regarded as a talented running back with the potential to make an immediate impact at the professional level. Teams looking for a strong, physical runner who could also contribute in the passing game would likely have him high on their draft boards.