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Buffalo Bills: 4 running backs to watch at NFL Combine

By Brandon Croce

TEMPE, ARIZONA - AUGUST 29: Running back Eno Benjamin #3 of the Arizona State Sun Devils rushes the football against safety Elvis Hines #8 of the Kent State Golden Flashes during the first half of the NCAAF game at Sun Devil Stadium on August 29, 2019 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
TEMPE, ARIZONA - AUGUST 29: Running back Eno Benjamin #3 of the Arizona State Sun Devils rushes the football against safety Elvis Hines #8 of the Kent State Golden Flashes during the first half of the NCAAF game at Sun Devil Stadium on August 29, 2019 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI GARDENS, FL – DECEMBER 30: Lamical Perine #2 of the Florida Gators celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Virginia Cavaliers at the Capital One Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium on December 30, 2019 in Miami Gardens, Florida. Florida defeated Virginia 36-28. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FL – DECEMBER 30: Lamical Perine #2 of the Florida Gators celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Virginia Cavaliers at the Capital One Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium on December 30, 2019 in Miami Gardens, Florida. Florida defeated Virginia 36-28. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images) /

LaMical Perine

After the top group of running backs, the next group all have some kind of question mark and this is where scouting and trusting evaluations will be key. One of those running backs is University of Florida’s LaMical Perine, who took a step backwards this past season.

In 2018, Perine was explosive and finished with an average yard per carry of 6.2 and finished the year with 826 rushing yards. However, this past season he saw those totals drop to 5.1 yards per carry, resulting in 150 fewer rushing yards on only two fewer carries. This past season he did have a 88-yard run and if that one carry is removed, his yards per carry drops all the way down to 4.5 yards.

However, the inefficiency carrying the ball could be attributed to a down year for the Florida Gators offensive line, who returned only one starter from 2018.

This past season wasn’t all lost though as Perine had his best season through the air with 40 receptions and this is something that will likely be closely examined at the NFL Combine.

Unlike with Dobbins, the coaching staff won’t feel the need to ensure Perine is part of the game plan. However, he has a skill set that he could be a valuable contributor as early as his rookie season.

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