2021 NFL Draft Scouting Report

June 11, 2020 1:00 PM EST

Evaluated by: Nick DeJong
@NickDynastyFF
June 11, 2020

Prospect Overview

Hubbard has put himself in the conversation to be the first RB selected whenever he chooses to declare for the NFL draft. Many thought that Hubbard was going to declare for the 2020 NFL draft but he chose to go back to the Oklahoma State Cowboys.

After redshirting his first year at Oklahoma State in 2017, Hubbard played 13 games in 2018 and had 740 rushing yards on 124 carries a 6.0 yards per carry average with seven touchdowns. He also hauled in 22 receptions for 229 yards and two touchdowns. Returning as Oklahoma State's starting running back in 2019, Hubbard had an outstanding year rushing for 2,094 yards on 328 carries and 21 touchdowns winning multiple league honors and accolades in the process.

• Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year
• Unanimous All-American
• First team All-Big 12
• Weeden Award Winner (Given to College Football’s most spectacular player regardless of conference, program tier or CFP politics. Just performance.)
• Jon Cornish Award Winner (awarded annually to the Canadian student athlete who has been the most outstanding player in NCAA Football)

After leading the entire NCAA in total rushing yards in 2019, Hubbard will be heavily relied upon once again to carry the Oklahoma state offense and may possibly eclipse his 328 rushing attempts and yards he had in 2019. Hubbard's 2094 rushing yards eclipsed HOF Thurman Thomas school best but fell just short of the school record held by NFL HOF Barry Sanders. Hubbard to be grouped in with Barry and Thurman is an outstanding feat on his part as he looks to possibly break Barry Sanders record in 2020. If Hubbard repeats his 2019 performance, it will firmly place him in the conversation as one of the top draft eligible running backs for the 2021 class.

Positives

Hubbard is an energetic player who plays the game lightning quick. Shows nice agility in tight areas making defenders look silly with sudden movement skills. Has the ability to put together multiple moves making defenders miss while working off of his natural instinct. A patient runner with excellent vision who almost always makes the correct initial first read. Appears natural when running through the "trash", easily avoiding oncoming would be tacklers because of his short area quickness and elusiveness. Not afraid to put his head down and drive through the pile to pick up positive yardage. Has the ability to maintain elite speed when cutting or bursting around the outside defenders.

Hubbard has solid contact balance when taking defenders head on in traffic. Ball protection is elite as Hubbard has never had a lost fumble so far during his NCAA career. Held down the starting role easily even though the Oklahoma State running back room is by far one of the best in the Big 12, if not the country; they also have running backs LD Brown, Dezmon Jackson and Deondrick Glass on the roster. Texas A&M coach Jimbo Fisher spoke to the media about Chuba Hubbard “He has great balance, body control, explosion,” Fisher said. “He has the ability to make you miss and hit home runs, and he can catch the football. He’s a complete back.”

Areas for Improvement

Not overwhelming in terms of lower-body drive. Could stand to add more muscle to his lower body to improve power. Ineffective blocker who does not like to go head up on contact and prefers to cut block or chip. Plays smaller than his listed size. Would like to see an increased willingness as a runner to lower his shoulder and initiate contact when a tackle is oncoming. Sometimes finishes runs by stepping out of bounds when opportunity for extra yards after contact are available. Pass blocking technique and refinement needed. Willing to step up but needs work finding the oncoming blitzer and staying square to the oncoming defender. More urgency to pass protect is required.

Draft Stock

I expect Hubbard's draft stock to land him in the early parts of the 2nd round of the NFL draft. He has 3 down traits and characteristics that NFL teams are looking for when they evaluate a running back to be their lead alpha ball carrier. Although he doesn't fit the mold of an elite running back like Saquon Barkley or Zeke Elliott who heard their names called in the top 10 of their respective drafts, Hubbard is most certainly in the conversation to be drafted high in the 2nd round where we have seen the NFL draft trend towards lately when it comes to the running back position. Hubbard is know by fans, media and teammates alike to be hard working, extremely well spoken, humble and with no off field concerns. With solid character, a trait that is often well revered by NFL scouts and management alike, Hubbard will easily be endeared by those making the prospect selections come draft day.

Player Comparison

Similar to Chris Johnson out of ECU, one of the first things you notice when studying Chuba Hubbard is his terrific speed. Hubbard competed at the 2015 IAAF World Youth Championships in Cali, Colombia. He placed fourth overall in the 100-meter sprint, clocking a personal-best finish of 10.55 seconds. Johnson who was well known for his track speed as the former long-time 40 yard dash combine record holder, Hubbard should put up a solid 40 yard dash likely in the high 4.3's. Hubbard who is taller and will likely weigh more than Johnson is an intriguing running back who features to be a complete three down back at the NFL level.

Games Evaluated

vs. Oregon State

vs. Texas (worst film)

vs. Tulsa (best film)

vs. Missouri

Notes from Film

Plays with great patience. Shows intelligence knowing to adjust his pace to allow his blockers to set up to create the hole for him to burst through.

Quickly gets up to his top gear on a short runway showing top end speed

Destroys oncoming pursuit angles from defenders as he flashes game breaking speed

A big play waiting to happen, capable of outrunning the all three levels of the defense with home run hitting ability

Elusiveness is on display with nearly every touch that he has

Shows good hand strength and ball security as previously noted of having never had a fumble in his career

Routinely carries the ball in the outside arm away from the defender

Easily snatches and plucks the ball from the air showing natural pass catching hands

Tears through would be attempted arm tackles

Has been asked to return kicks and does so effectively

At times seems to run too low into a crowd of defenders. It often unnecessarily causes him to lose his balance before initiating contact.

Has the ability to play in both a power or zone scheme

When asked to pass block, sometimes he showed hesitancy to step up and initiate contact with the oncoming defender. Preferring to chip or chop block rather than squaring up. Had a pretty poor pass blocking whiff vs Oregon st. Did show a nice blitz pickup vs Texas

At times shows good physicality when running the ball but will never be known to punish defenders

Scouting Video Courtesy of JustBombsProductions