Multiple Teams Grade Carlos Hyde as a First-Round Prospect
Updated March 19, 2014
By Charlie Campbell - @draftcampbell
A 50-year streak of running backs being selected in the first round snapped in 2013, as no halfbacks were selected Thursday night. Many expect this new trend to continue, but we learned that a running back is being graded out as a first-rounder this year. That player is Ohio State's Carlos Hyde.
League contacts say that Hyde is a difference-maker and worthy of a top 32-pick based on his talent. They love his combination of power and quickness. They feel that he is a power back who can control a game from start to finish and can remake an NFL offense.
Multiple teams we've spoken to are giving Hyde a first-round grade, but that doesn't mean he'll be a first-round pick. Over the past few years, the running back position has been devalued in the first round. Running backs have been flaming out quickly in the NFL, and many teams have changed to run a running-back-by-committee approach. Plus, Hyde's off-the-field issues could work against him.
Some teams we've spoken to picking at the top of the second round believe that Hyde could get to their pick, and they feel he's worthy of going in Round 1. Sources believe that as a second-rounder, Hyde could be one of the steals of the 2014 NFL Draft.
Hyde (5-11, 230) is a one-cut downhill runner who can pick up yards after contact by running over defenders. He fits a man or zone blocking scheme. He was suspended for the first three games of the 2013 season, but after that, he dominated the Big Ten. He averaged 7.3 yards per carry for 1,521 yards with 15 touchdowns. Hyde also had 16 receptions for 147 yards and three scores through the air. Evaluators we've talked to feel that he has nice receiving ability for a big back.
http://walterfootball.com/nfldraftrumormill.php
This is big news for Carlos. Walter Football has a good reputation, so I wouldn't be surprised to see Carlos end up in the first round.