Miles Sanders (Penn St.) - 2019 NFL Draft Pick #53 by PHI
What The Experts Thought Before The Draft
Pre-Draft Analysis for Miles Sanders (2019 NFL Draft)
Miles Sanders, a running back from Penn State, entered the 2019 NFL Draft with a compelling skill set and a strong college career. Here are some key points from his pre-draft evaluation:
- College Performance:
- Sanders had a breakout season in 2018 after taking over as the primary running back following Saquon Barkley's departure to the NFL.
- He rushed for over 1,200 yards and scored 9 touchdowns in his final season, showcasing his ability to be a feature back.
- Physical Attributes:
- Height: 5'11"
- Weight: 211 lbs
- Speed: Known for his quick acceleration and breakaway speed, he was projected to run in the 4.4 range in the 40-yard dash.
- Running Style:
- Sanders displayed excellent vision and patience, allowing him to find holes in the offensive line.
- He possesses good balance and agility, enabling him to make defenders miss in the open field.
- His ability to catch passes out of the backfield added to his value as a versatile weapon.
- Areas for Improvement:
- Sanders had limited experience as a starter, with only one season of significant carries, raising questions about his durability and consistency.
- He needed to improve his pass protection skills to be a three-down back at the next level.
- Overall Projection:
- Scouts projected Sanders to be selected in the second or third round of the draft, with potential to develop into a lead back.
- His combination of speed, agility, and pass-catching ability made him an attractive option for teams looking to enhance their backfield.
Miles Sanders was seen as a talented running back prospect with the potential to make an immediate impact in the NFL.