Javon Leake 2020 NFL Draft Profile

Javon Leake runs with a “smaller” frame than what his height and weight might suggest, and because of that he never was a prototype, all-downs back at Maryland. He was used as an outside back, where his speed and agility at the second level blew defenses away, averaging 7.2 yards per carry in his final season. After being primarily a special team’s player in 2018, receiving a mere 34 handoffs for 309 yards, he would receive 102 carries in 2019, while continuing to excel on kick returns. In that specialty, he averaged 26.8 yards per return and score two touchdowns.

Leake arrived at Maryland from Page High School in Greensboro, North Carolina, where he exploded for 3,700 rushing yards through his junior and senior seasons. Despite only 155 carries during his tenure at Maryland, that explosiveness was good enough to notch him an honourable mention for All-Big Ten Honours and the Return Specialist of the year.

Strengths

Fantastic acceleration on outside runs;

Has ability to work as a receiving or screen running back;

Will not be caught if he breaks into an outside hole;

Accelerates into outside running holes;

Speed, patience, and ability to see lanes shines on kick returns.

Weaknesses

Only 155 career carries at Maryland;

Struggles to survive on interior runs;

Does not possess great cuts and swivel through line of scrimmage;

Always looks to run outside, even when it’s not there.

NFL Comparison: Reggie Bush

Projection: Sixth Round

Bottom Line on Javon Leake

A team will eventually take a flyer on Javon Leake to play in a specific role. His running style does not fit his size, and he gets stuck in the middle of the line of scrimmage too much to succeed at a high level. He will be a running back designated for outside running lanes during his first year. However, if he can improve his swivel and fit at the line of scrimmage, his frame will allow for extra power to push through scrums.

Where Leake will shine is special teams and kick/punt returns. In the open field, his vision, quick cutting, and speed shine. He does not get stuck on solo tackles, an asset that makes him equally scary past the line of scrimmage as it does on kick returns. The potential to turn the tide of a game on special teams should land him with a team late on day three. With time, that team might just be surprised they have more than a kick returner on their roster.