It’s always an accomplishment when a player can lead the nation in one of the top stats. This season, UAB RB DeWayne McBride lead the nation in rushing yards with 1,713. Additionally, he was named a semifinalist for the Doak Walker Award, as well as the Maxwell Award. In this 2023 NFL Draft scouting report, we’ll breakdown what makes DeWayne McBride a special prospect, as well as a 40 time, injury history, full scouting report, and we’ll predict his NFL future.
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DeWayne McBride 40 Time
I have UAB RB DeWayne McBride poised for a 4.56 40 time at the 2023 NFL Combine. This predicted 40 time would be solid as it’s very close to the league average. On game film, DeWayne McBride displays solid burst at the line of scrimmage, but really lacks a competitive top gear. rather, he’s more of a patient runner that wins with his physicality.
DeWayne McBride Injury History
DeWayne McBride missed the season opener this year against Alabama A&M, although that was due to an illness. In 2021, in the game against UTEP, McBride injured his ankle and finished the game with just seven carries. However, he was able to return for the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl against BYU, in which he ran for 183 yards on 28 carries.
DeWayne McBride Scouting Report
Pros
- Very Good Contact Balance To Remain Upright In Traffic
- Excellent Vision To Find Space At The Second-Level
- Able To Get North-To-South Quickly
Cons
- History Of Fumbles Over Last Two Seasons
- Struggles With Change Of Direction At The Point Of Attack
- Lacks An Elite-Level Top Gear
DeWayne McBride is a two-year starter for the UAB Blazers. He finished the 2022 regular season as the nation’s leading rusher, finishing with 1,713 on 233 carries, along with 19 touchdowns. Named a Doak Walker Award and Maxwell Award semifinalist. He possesses solid height and weight for the running back position in the NFL when compared to the league average. His predicted 40 time of 4.56 is also solid and falls in line with the average.
McBride has a solid ability to create and find lanes in traffic at the line of scrimmage. Displays a solid ability to bounce runs outside at the line to pickup positive yardage. Possesses good vision to find open lanes at the second-level. Has a solid ability to hit his top speed quickly and burst through gaps at the line of scrimmage. Maintains a good contact balance to remain upright in traffic. When he’s asked to be a lead blocker out in space, his ability to attack defenders and create space is solid.
However, DeWayne McBride lacks top-tier burst and explosiveness at the line of scrimmage once he’s through the hole. There are times where he struggles with change of direction. His top gear is enough to get him to intermediate range, but he’s typically unable to separate from defenders downfield. He has benefited from wide running lanes, but has been much less successful when those lanes are reduced in size. Finally, he does have a handful of fumbles over each of the last two seasons, which he’ll need to fix.
DeWayne McBride NFL Draft Projection
Ultimately, if he declares for the 2023 NFL Draft, I think DeWayne McBride is a really intriguing running back. He has the level of production that NFL scouts and front office personnel want to see. He’s had a lot of success during his time at UAB, although he hasn’t been asked to contribute in the passing game or pass protection.
In the NFL, McBride might struggle early as he’s acclimated to the speed of the game. Early in his career, he might be limited to first or second down. I see McBride as a one-cut runner that needs to get north-to-south quickly to be successful. Splitting his time with a veteran back would be the most beneficial for his development, in my opinion.
In terms of NFL teams that could select DeWayne McBride in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers could be one of them. They have a sixth and seventh-round pick, along with a need at running back depth behind Najee Harris. The New Orleans Saints also make a lot of sense for DeWayne McBride. With a fourth, fifth, and two seventh-round picks on the table, one of those could be used for depth behind Alvin Kamara, a position currently held by Mark Ingram, who is in the last year of his contract.
