FanPost

Meet Khalil Herbert


My Observations:

Not an Olympic track star, but has enough speed to turn the corner and go the distance, at least at the collegiate level. Will on occasion make people miss, especially with a stop-and-start move, and will also (less frequently) run through tackles, but most of his success comes courtesy of patience and vision. In that respect, he reminds me of Jordan Howard. Wasn't used much as a blocker, but I saw some potential there. Used even less as a receiver, which I guess is another similarity to Howard. Herbert is much faster, though Howard was much stronger. Overall, I'm pretty excited about Herbert; I think he will contribute this year, and he's got upside.



Game film links:

vs. UNC - some nice blocking in this one, along with a long TD run

vs. BC - nice TD reception, but also had a bad drop. Nice KO return. Caught from behind on a long run.

vs. Clemson - another nice KO return. Lowest rushing average of the season (4.6).

vs. Louisville - some of his best examples of running through contact. Lots of "he's got nowhere to go...oh, he found a crease" but also lots of "he's got nowhere to go...and he's toast."

vs. Duke - this whole game is one big Khalil Herbert highlight reel. Watch this one if you want to get fired up about this pick.

Scouting reports:

thedraftnetwork - "While he’s a good athlete, he isn’t overly dynamic—Herbert’s big plays come because of his decision making and how he sets up tacklers in space with smart cuts in addition to his sufficient burst."

profootballnetwork - Whole article seemed spot on to me. Realistic about both strengths and weaknesses.

cbssports - This guy is a big fan. Some interesting / mildly surprising stats:

19 carries of 15-plus yards -- sixth-most in the nation

782 yards after contact -- eighth-most in the nation

42 missed tackles forced -- 14th-most in the nation

bleacherreport - a tiny bit on the pessimistic side, but pretty consistent with other scouting reports.

nfl - contradicts himself multiple times.

This Fanpost was written by a Windy City Gridiron member and does not necessarily reflect the ideas or opinions of its staff or community.