Shrine Game: Players to Watch (Offense)
RB Elijah McGuire, Louisiana-Lafayette (5’11 | 220 | 4.50) – One of the best receiving backs in the draft this year with 124 career catches and an average of over 10 yards per reception. McGuire wasn’t just catching screen passes, he can run the whole NFL route tree and shows a natural ability to attack the ball on downfield passes.
He isn’t just a receiving back either; McGuire is tough between the tackles with a low pad level and forward lean that makes him a very effective short-yardage runner. He had 41 rushing TDs in three-plus seasons and is a legit red-zone weapon as both a runner and receiver. one of
McGuire is projected as a third-down back by most draft sites, but I think he’s one of the more complete backs in this year’s draft. I’ve already mentioned his receiving and short-yardage skills, but McGuire can also take the ball to the house when he gets outside. He’s been clocked anywhere from 4.4-4.5 and his power and quick feet make him difficult for defensive backs to bring down in the open field.
There isn’t much not to like about McGuire. His yards per carry has gone down from 8.4 as a freshman to 4.8 this season, but he is the heart of the Rajun Cajuns offense and the focus of defense’s game plans.
At the next level, McGuire could play all three downs or fill any specialty role. He could be a value pick on day three and an ideal complement to Jordan Howard. I think McGuire would be an upgrade over Jeremy Langford as early as 2017.
RB I’Tavius Mathers (5’11 | 197 | 4.47) – After being a rotation back at Ole Miss (189 carries in three years), Mathers transferred to MTSU and has had a dominant 2016 season. He finished the season with 2,093 yards from scrimmage and 19 touchdowns.
Mathers finished 11th in the FBS with 1,504 rushing yards on 6.8 ypc in 2016 and also added 62 catches for 589 yards. He’s a balanced back with the ability to run between the tackles or be a third-down receiver at the next level.
He’s slightly undersized, but runs with authority and has shown the ability to both make people miss and break tackles in the open field. MTSU doesn’t play many top squads, but they did play an SEC opponent in Missouri and Mathers had one of his best games of the year with 263 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns.
At the NFL level, Mathers is probably best suited as a third-down back and he has the potential to excel in that role. His explosiveness through the hole, reliable hands, elusiveness in the open field, and enough toughness to run through contact, could make him a valuable weapon on passing downs.
The Bears are deep at running back, but Jeremy Langford’s disappointing season and Ka’Deem Carey’s inability to stay healthy could force the Bears to add some more depth at the position. Mathers should be available at some point on day three and could be a steal that late.