Ravens add to backfield with J.K. Dobbins in 2nd round

The Baltimore Ravens selected running back J.K. Dobbins out of Ohio State in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, 55th overall.

A three-down running back with the Buckeyes, Dobbins ran for over 2,000 yards and 21 touchdowns last year, adding 247 yards and a pair of touchdowns as a receiver.

He will join a Ravens backfield that also includes veteran Mark Ingram, power runner Gus Edwards, and sophomore Justice Hill. Ingram is signed through 2021, while Edwards is on track to become a restricted free agent after the 2020 campaign.

Prospect Profile

School: Ohio State
Height: 5-9
Weight: 209 lbs

Positives

• Very productive college career - averaged 6.2 yards per carry and scored 43 touchdowns across three seasons
• Excellent athlete for the position
• Compact, strong lower body which results in excellent contact balance
• Possesses ideal breakaway speed and burst
• Powerful in short-yardage situations and always keeps his feet moving
• Good vision - finds the backdoor cut when the initial gap isn't open
• Very smooth feet and maintains speed through cuts
• Fluid hips and able to contort to avoid tackles
• Smooth hands as an outlet receiver

Negatives

• Not the best pass-protector - lacks awareness and the strength to knock defenders off their path
• Route-running out of the backfield appears stiff and needs polish
• Aided by Ohio State's scheme and excellent run blocking

Bottom line

If you're looking for the perfect running back for an outside-zone scheme, Dobbins is your guy. The 2019 first-team All-American is arguably the most explosive runner in his class and will be a nightmare for defenses when his gap opens. His elite contact balance often makes him more difficult to tackle in closed quarters than in the open field. While he'll likely never develop into a top-tier receiver out of the backfield, Dobbins possesses every other tool NFL teams require in a lead tailback.