Would Penn State running back Miles Sanders fit as a mid-round pick for the Chicago Bears?
The Chicago Bears may be looking for a running back in the mid rounds. Miles Sanders is an intriguing prospect as he sat behind Saquon Barkley for his first two seasons to learn.
He exploded onto the scene as a junior catching passes and running behind the line. Could the Chicago Bears find a steal with low mileage on him with Miles Sanders?
Strengths
Miles Sanders is elusive. He does an excellent job of planting his foot in the ground and accelerate forward. Sanders can get skinny and string multiple moves together while maintaining speed. He may not have the best breakaway speed, but this ability has him shoot runs into the open field.
Sanders was also a strong pass catcher who even motioned into the slot to run routes. With added pass protection he is a running back who can get on the field for all three downs.
Weakness
Miles Sanders fumbles the ball way too much for anyones liking. When he starts crafting moves together his whole body is in motion but that can lead to carrying the ball away from his body. Fumbles will easily be the biggest hinderance to Sanders getting on the NFL field.
Like his predecessor Barkley, Sanders can also make his mind up too quick and get caught going for the home run ball. It can lead to stellar plays and big runs, but keeps him in check with losses, and running into his line .
Pro Comparison: LeSean McCoy
It was tough to watch Sanders and not see a LeSean McCoy comparison in their ability to string lateral moves together, but also consistently accelerate down the field.
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Both could be labeled as more finesse runners but will work between the tackles, and will show value in pass protection, and of course in the passing game.
Even the way McCoy handles the ball and presents fumbles questions can speak to the comparison. There is a lot of upside in what Sanders too with some obvious draw backs as well. That is what is known with McCoy and his style as well.
The Skinny
The combination of upside, athleticism and elusiveness to spring runs makes Sanders extremely intriguing in the middle rounds. Had he not sat behind Saquon Barkley for two years there likely would be a lot more noise around what he can bring to the NFL.
Sanders would be a dangerous combination with Tarik Cohen because both bring passing game value, but Sanders can take the majority of the work between the tackles. Still, Sanders does not get the downhill, power back label that would cause the defense to think run when he is in the game.
His fumbles and vision can be hit or miss, but with the tax of getting a high upside back in the middle rounds, the Chicago Bears should have eyes on Miles Sanders.