The Case for Alvin Kamara in R2

[Soul Rebel]

ALVIN KAMARA

5'10" 200 LBS.

 

I've been all aboard the Fournette in R1 train depending on the two safeties availability.  I've also been a huge fan of Foreman, Williams & Dayes in later rounds.  However, I honestly think Kamara might be my new fave after Fournette, and right beside Jamaal Williams. 

Kamara reminds me a bit of Clinton Portis.  The kid has electrifying speed and super quicks.  Up until recently, I chocked Kamara in with guys like Foreman, Gallman, etc. as just another RB on day 2 or early day 3.  Then I killed some boredom while trying to find a different type of RB for Carolina.  The bruising J.Stew style of 'between the tackles' RB that we've had and been accustomed to for so long made me want to seek out a more dynamic/electric back for our future. I also wanted a back that is capable in pass pro and can add an element of a receiving threat like Jamaal Charles or Devonta Freeman.  

Kamara, like all prospects has some flaws, but overall.... I really really like this kid.  I think he could blow up his pro day and combine where speed is on display.  If he can dominate the cone drills, vert and broad jump to showcase his short space burst and speed, I think he could be a great grab at 40.  I'm not a huge 40-time guy and think speed is only one element of a player's abilities at the next level... because let's be real... how many times do players run in a straight line in the NFL with no gear on? Zero.  That being said, I've seen some spots where Kamara could clock in the 4.3 range, and that's nothing to sneeze at. 

Things I love:

• Speed and explosiveness
• Quick feet
• Good balance and hips
• Athletic and shows flashes of elusiveness/ability to make defenders miss
• 3-down back
• Great receiver/lines up as receiver often
• Solid Pass Pro
• Spent most of his time in shotgun/pistol formation
• Not a lot of carries at UT - lots of tread on his tires moving forward to the NFL

 

Things I hate:

• Not as patient as I'd like
• Plays his pads too high at times
• Knee injuries (1 at Alabama, 1 at Tenn) .... but didn't miss time due to injury in '16
• Questions about why he left Alabama (was it character/locker room issues, or just rumors)

His Texas A&M game was by far his most productive statistical game (18 rushes / 127 yds / 2td --- 8 receptions / 161 yds / 1td), but his Vanderbilt game was very fun to watch.....

 

Would love to hear thoughts from Vols fans or anyone that's watched Kamara on a more regular basis.  Right now, he is moving into my 'draft crush' category near Curtis Samuel. 

[uscgamecocks]

I few of the analysts I like to follow are talking him up as a round 1 talent.  Doesn't mean he won't be available in the 2nd obviously, but they are putting him right behind Fournette and Cook in talent/production.  Intriguing prospect.

[MV%doe]

Are you sure he's a 3 down back? Ive heard he fits a 3rd and long role. Idk. Honestly there's a few RBs I'm imagining (Murray, Lacey, charles etc). The market for RBs has been heavily in teams favor the last few years.Keep stew with a fair extension, add a vet, and find a rookie either UDFA or late rounder. Then say goodbye to fozzy and cap. I'm alittle mad none of the gaffey, barner, wegher group didn't pan out for the RB group.

[Soul Rebel]

I could see a CJ Spiller kind of role.... he was behind Hurd at UT, so he wasn't depended on that much. That's one of my favorite aspects of him. Minimal mileage thus far but has produced when called upon.

[Hoenheim]

I don't know if I'd draft him as high as the 2nd round pick 40. He hasn't demonstrated the ability to be an every down back. But if we keep Stewart then it makes more sense as him being a change of pace different kind of runner.

[MV%doe]

Bill pollin loves this guy. I blast bill for having a QB cover up mistake after mistake, but he knows RBs rather well. Said his jaw dropped watching his tape.

[Soul Rebel]

39.5" Vert

10'11" BJ

4.53 40

I'm sure he will destroy the gauntlet drill with those soft hands, as well as the cone drills with his explosiveness and agility.

Buh-bye R2 selection

#sadface

[OnlyPantherFaninMaine]

He would be welcomed in the 2nd and unfortunately I don't think he will board when we pick at 40. Kamara in the 2nd and a defensive player at 8 and I'm ecstatic after the first two picks. 

[MV%doe]

More and more feels like Alvin should be #1 RB. No off-field cook issues and far more athletic than fournette..

[Shocker]

I'm not completely sold but he is fairly explosive and has great hands. He is definitely worth a high 2nd rounder and maybe more.


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[burnettwilliam23]

Yeah he's a great choice but I like Christian if we could trade up and Fournette at 8 if he's still there I am convinced that Cook has too much of a rep of hanging out with the wrong kids

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[burnettwilliam23]

Yea he's a good choice but I like Christian because he can do WR slot Punt returns 3 downs when needed but everyone thinks we need Fournette for ground Nd pound but I guess that's why we have coined the term keep pounding ..

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