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Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Donnel Pumphrey (San Diego St.) - 2017 NFL Draft Pick #132 by PHI

What The Experts Thought Before The Draft

Pre-Draft Analysis: Donnel Pumphrey

College: San Diego State University

Position: Running Back

Height: 5'9"
Weight: 180 lbs

Overview

Donnel Pumphrey was a standout running back at San Diego State, known for his remarkable agility, vision, and ability to break tackles. He left college as the NCAA's all-time leading rusher, which garnered significant attention heading into the 2017 NFL Draft.

Strengths

  • Vision: Pumphrey demonstrated excellent field vision, allowing him to find running lanes and exploit defenses effectively.
  • Elusiveness: His quickness and agility made him difficult to tackle, often leaving defenders grasping at air.
  • Pass-catching ability: He showcased reliable hands out of the backfield, making him a dual-threat option for offenses.
  • Work ethic: Pumphrey's dedication to improving his craft and conditioning was evident throughout his college career.

Weaknesses

  • Size: At 5'9" and 180 lbs, Pumphrey's small stature raised concerns about his ability to withstand the physicality of the NFL.
  • Injury history: His smaller frame led to questions about durability, particularly in a league known for its tough competition.
  • Blocking: While he showed flashes of potential, Pumphrey needed improvement in pass protection to handle blitzing linebackers and defensive backs.

Projected Draft Position

Many analysts projected Donnel Pumphrey to be selected in the mid to late rounds of the 2017 NFL Draft, with the possibility of being a valuable contributor as a change-of-pace back or a third-down option.

Pumphrey's impressive college career and record-breaking performances made him an intriguing option for NFL teams looking for a dynamic running back. However, concerns about his size and durability would ultimately play a significant role in his draft stock.