that three of four of this years running backs will eventually be starters in the NFL. We’ve really been getting into the weeds with the running backs prospects and the next on our list is Mike Weber. The three-year player at Ohio State has an up-and-down resume.
As you can see, Mike Weber had only one 1,000 yard rushing season at Ohio State. What you can’t see is that he played with running quarterbacks for most of his time as a Buckeye. J.T Barrett lead Ohio State in rushing in Weber’s first season in 2016 (he missed 2015 with an injury) but Weber lead the team in rushing yards and touchdowns while also gathering 23 receptions which for this running back class is actually quite a lot.
Weber was injured to start the 2017 and split the backfield with J.K Dobbins who was actually the teams lead running back for most of 2017. Weber had only 101 carries and 10 receptions while Dobbins had 194 carries and 22 receptions (Barrett was second on the team in rushing attempts in 2017). This is a pretty significant red flag; it is generally unlikely that backup running backs in college end up becoming lead backs on NFL teams.
In 2018, Weber didn’t miss any time with injury but still trailed Dobbins in rushing attempts, receptions, yards and touchdowns. However, both running backs got significantly more work as Dwayne Haskins is not a running quarterback (Sorry, Stephen A.) With 54 receptions in three seasons, Weber actually has a better receiving profile than most of the running backs in this class but I would grade his production profile as average at best considering that he was a complementary rusher for two-thirds of his college career.
What Weber brings to the table in terms of athleticism is good if not spectacular. His 4.47 40 yard dash time at 211 pounds gives him an 80th percentile speed score. I wish that he would have done the agility drills at the combine as his profile suggests that he might have performed well at them and been able to boost his stock as a prospect ever so slightly. Weber profiles as a versatile, change-of-pace style runner and performing his agility drills would have bolstered that profile.
Mike Weber looks like a rotational NFL running back on his Ohio State tape. Despite running a 4.47 40, he doesn’t really create much separation in the second level and a fair bit of his production could probably be credited to playing with other talented runners, elite college quarterbacks and an above average offensive line. I have heard a few in the draft community cape for Weber as one of the better running backs in the class but I will be honest, I don’t see it. A Corey Clement-like role would fit Weber nicely at the next level.
Access premium NFL coverage 365 days a year with the RotoExperts. Season Long Draft Kits. Fantasy Football Projections. Best Ball Coverage. Dynasty Rankings. NFL Draft Coverage. Expert Chat. Betting and much more. Save 10% when you use the promo AMICO at checkout. Learn More HERE.
Mike Weber Final Verdict
Likely because he played for a large college program, NFL teams have included Weber on their list of the 30 prospects that they visit with. It seems that he will be a third or fourth round selection to a team that already has a running back in place or for a team looking to start building a committee. A place that might make sense would be the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who need a running back capable of pass blocking, catching passes and spelling Ronald Jones (who is only one year removed from being a second-round draft pick). If Weber is selected by a team where he has a role right away, I think he could provide value in the second round of dynasty fantasy football rookie drafts.
2019 NFL Draft Prospect Profiles:
Josh Jacobs
Kelvin Harmon
N’Keal Harry
A.J Brown
Noah Fant
Jazz Ferguson
Miles Boykin
Hakeem Butler
Devin Singletary
Parris Campbell
Gardner Minshew
Lil’Jordan Humphrey
Darrell Henderson
JJ Arcega-Whiteside
Andy Isabella
D.K Metcalf
T.J Hockenson
