Draft Profile: A.J. Dillon

March 20, 2020 /
  • Height: 6’0″
  • Weight: 247lb
  • College: Boston College
  • Tape watched: Florida State, Notre Dame, NC State, Clemson
  • NFL Comparison: Jonathan Stewart

Pros

  • Vision
    A.J. Dillon could make his own instructional video for running backs based on his ability to understand blocking schemes. One of the silkiest runners at the line of scrimmage, Dillon flows with his offensive lineman better than anyone I’ve scouted so far. He doesn’t panic when the hole is slow to open, and he rarely (if ever), bounces runs prematurely. Watching Dillon seamlessly melt through the offensive line for a ten-yard run is way more exciting than it sounds. Trust me.
All-around great run by Dillon. Good patience for the kick-out block, one cut and he displays his ability to shed defenders and gain extra yards after contact.
  • Power/Athleticism
    Dillon’s calling card is his ability to completely wear out defenses throughout the game. Just watch the end of the 3rd quarter through the end of the NC State game. Dillon should show every NFL front office this tape and how he can completely put away games while erasing clock. Dillon has way more juice than your average near-250 pound running back, and can separate from linebackers and safeties.
This needs no explanation.
  • Contact Balance
    Dillon runs through arm tackles and bounces off shoulder blows. He creates momentum and excels in using it to his advantage. Very rarely is Dillon stopped behind the line of scrimmage.

Cons

  • Pass Protection
    Dillon has a great willingness to block and put his body on the line, however he can get exposed in pass protection. When he sets his anchor and stays low to absorb contact, he excels. When he tries to reach and is late to identify, he gets beat fairly easily. Just a matter of cleaning up a lot of the late identifications and poor technique for Dillon.
  • Lateral Agility/Evasiveness
    Dillon is as much a “One-cut” back as you’ll find in this draft class. While he isn’t a bruiser and plodder, he just won’t be an elusive back based on his size and skillset. He is great in space when he can make one guy miss, and then turn on his speed and punish defenders at the second and third levels with his power.
  • Receiving
    Dillon has good enough hands and focus to catch the ball, but lacks the usage and lateral agility to make a substantial impact in the passing game.

Overview

A.J. Dillon has the floor of being a back that is very productive in a role that has useful and opposite compliments to him. His ceiling is someone like Derrick Henry that just refuses to be tackled and can take over football games.

A model of consistency in college, with three straight seasons over 21 carries/game and 1,000 yards, Dillon will be a workhorse running back in the NFL. His combine was excellent enough to show the NFL that he could be closer to his ceiling than his floor.