D’onta Foreman: Prototypical Power Back
A look at potential Eagles draft pick, Texas running back D’onta Foreman.
D’onta Foreman exploded on the scene in 2016. Despite the struggles from the Longhorns as a team, Foreman solidified himself as a top-tier running back. Foreman could fill a need for the Eagles in the second round, if not addressed in the first.
Strengths
Size
Foreman is built like a truck, he’s listed at 6’1 and weighs 249. He looks like he has tree trunks for legs. This makes it easy for him to break arm tackles, as well as bouncing off of smaller defenders that don’t wrap up. Foreman is built to withstand the physicality that the NFL brings, especially at the running back position
Break-away speed
Foreman’s speed is underrated. His 40 time is about average compared to other running backs in the 2017 draft class, but it is his second gear that makes him special. His acceleration is much like Dalvin Cook’s. It is not about how fast he runs, but rather how fast he gets to his top speed. He may have been a product of playing in the Big 12 where he was often not touched for three yards, but the acceleration pops out on his film.
Pass Protection
Pass protection is the only reason why Foreman should be on the field on passing downs. He adds another big body, capable of handling linebackers. Foreman also runs his feet well to keep pressure off of the quarterback and would fit well against blitzing linebackers.
Weaknesses
Ball Security
In Foreman’s first season as the feature back he fumbled the ball six times. Ball security is a problem that can be fixed with correct coaching and repetition. Foreman’s technique issues are obvious, he holds the ball loose and does not protect the ball in tight situations. In the game against Kansas, Foreman just plainly dropped the ball while he was running.
More from Philadelphia Eagles
- 4 Eagles on the Bubble Who Have Clinched Their 53-Man Roster Spots
- Best Pennsylvania Sportsbook Promos: Win $650 GUARANTEED Bonus PLUS $100 off NFL Sunday Ticket
- 3 Punters the Eagles Must Target to Replace Arryn Siposs
- Cowboys Trey Lance Trade Proves How Screwed They Are With Dak Prescott
- Devon Allen Took Britain Covey’s Job on Eagles
Against Texas Tech, Foreman was in the middle of a highlight play, pushing the pile more than ten yards and was just about to be in the end zone. But right at the goal-line a player from Texas Tech emerges from the pile with the ball and takes it for a touchdown.
One mistake caused a fourteen point swing in the game. Ball security could be a thorn in Foreman’s thigh for his whole career if not addressed, but even some of the best running backs in the NFL have had the same difficulty, ala Adrian Peterson.
Receiving Ability
The most glaring weakness in Foreman’s game is his receiving ability or the lack of it. In his career, Foreman has 13 career catches for 146 yards and no touchdowns. Being a non-factor in the passing game is what makes Foreman’s blocking key. If he wants to be a franchise back he needs to be on the field as much as possible. While he can’t be relied on as a receiver he can play some passing downs and would compliment Darren Sproles for the next season and a potential receiving back in the future.
Next: Blueprint To A Successful Eagles' Offseason
If the Eagles pick Foreman it’ll be because they addressed the need for a receiver or cornerback in the first. While Foreman does not have the ceiling of a Leonard Fournette or a Dalvin Cook. He does have a high floor and could an immediate impact player in 2017.