Asim Rose 2021 NFL Draft Overview
Position: Running back
Height: 6’1
Weight: 214lbs
School: University of Kentucky
Asim Rose 2021 NFL Draft Profile
Asim Rose will be a very intriguing pick for some running back needy team in the 2021 NFL Draft. Rose spent the last two years starting for the Kentucky Wildcats in the defensive-stout SEC. The good news for Rose is that the most attempts he has had in a single season is only 149. Alabama’s Najee Harris, by comparison, has had over 200 carries in both the 2019 and 2020 seasons, which means he might not have quite as much gas left in his tank.
Rose averaged 5.8 yards per carry over his college career and 7.8 yards per reception. Despite the solid yards-per-recpetion, Rose was not asked to catch the ball very much in his career,. In the 2020 season, Rose caught just 10 balls all season over 11 games. Asim Rose put his best foot forward in his final collegiate game. In the Gator Bowl, Rose put on a show. He rushed 12 times for 148 yards for a fantastic 12.33 yards-per-attempt. For his efforts, Rose was named the Gator Bowl MVP.
Asim Rose also turned in an impressive pro day. He benched the normal 225 pounds 24 times. His 4.53 40-time was a little underwhelming and will likely hurt his draft stock some. Rose’s vertical and broad jump were top-notch though. His wingspan is also impressive, coming in at almost 77 inches. Using this length to shed tacklers will be something Rose will need to improve on in the NFL. Compared to top prospect Travis Etienne, Rose’s metrics are near or better in most areas. At only 214 pounds, he will likely be asked to put on some weight to be a between-the-tackles runner in the NFL.
Strengths
- Minimal workload means limited wear on body;
- Good at reading the play and following his blocks;
- Quick to reach top speed;
- Not afraid to cut into contact for more yards;
- Above-average vision – always takes the right cut.
Weaknesses
- Not asked to run many routes;
- Lacks elite top-end speed;
- Doesn’t run guys over – needs to beat them laterally or not at all;
- Pass blocking;
- Using his length to block incoming tackles;
- Undersized for running style.
NFL Comparison: Justin Jackson
Teams With Need At Position: Buffalo Bills, Pittsburgh Steelers, Denver Broncos, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets
Projection: Round 6-7
Bottom Line on Asim Rose
In today’s NFL, Asim Rose’s lack of pass-catching experience in college will likely cause some teams to look elsewhere for a running back. However, that doesn’t mean that this kid doesn’t have a future in the pros. Teams who can utilize Rose’s quickness and ability to follow blockers could find a hidden gem late in the NFL draft. With little wear on his body and no major injuries in his college career, Rose offers freshness to the running backfield, a feature that sometimes gets overlooked. Running backs are devalued in the NFL draft like never before but expect Rose to land somewhere in a rotation.
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