Alvin Kamara Scouting Report

Written by Christian Lysek

Tennessee had one of the more disappointing seasons this year. They did win a bowl game, but they had national championship aspirations. The teams was supposed to be lead by a Josh Dobbs air attack and a Jalen Hurd running game, but Hurd went down with injury and then quit the team. The next man to step up was Alvin Kamara, the receiving back. He dominated, and now looks like a fringe first round prospect. Here's why:

Measurables: 
Height- 5'10''
Weight- 214 lbs
Year:
Junior (21)
2016 stat line:
103 carries, 596 yards, 9 TDs, 40 receptions, 392 yards, 4 TDs

Pros: Alvin Kamara is absolutely explosive. He has a strong frame and can accelerate in a split second. Kamara is a downhill runner who is at his best using his vision to find holes and then accelerate through. His strong lower body causes defenses to bounce off of him and he keeps his legs pumping through contact. Once Kamara gets a full head of steam (and it doesn't take long), he is a great cutter and leaves defenders wearing cement shoes. Kamara is also a good receiver out of the backfield and a serviceable blocker. On top of that, Kamara only has a little over 200 career carries, so he is fresh.

Cons: Kamara isn't really a creator. He isn't the LeSean McCoy improvising type, so if defenders can penetrate the backfield, they will bring down Kamara. Kamara is by no means slow, but he is a 4.5 so he isn't elite either. Kamara is a willing blocker, but he definitely needs coaching. He has poor technique and pick-up instincts. Kamara also has knee issues, which will be scrutinized by every team in the league.

Pro Comparison: Melvin Gordon, RB, Los Angeles Chargers
Melvin Gordon was unfairly labeled a bust after his rookie year, but his offensive line couldn't create a hole in a wet paper bag and constantly allowed defensive penetration. With some semblance of an offensive line though, Gordon showed off why he was a first-round pick. He is an explosive downhill runner with receiving and cutting ability. If Kamara gets a half-decent offensive line, he could be just as good as Gordon.

3 teams that could use him: Panthers may not get Leonard Fournette in round one, but picking up Kamara to compliment and eventually replace Jonathan Stewart would be a nice consolation prize. Carlos Hyde has been unreliable for the 49ers so Kyle Shanahan may want to have him share duties or lose his job to Kamara. The Eagles have a decent offensive line and a need at running back, but they will probably draft a corner in round 1. Kamara would be help take the load off of Carson Wentz.

Conclusion: Kamara is an agile downhill runner who can succeed with a half decent offensive line. He will come off of the board in round 2.

All stats from www.sports-reference.com