Jordan Todman, RB, UConn, 5’9 203 lbs
Strengths: All-purpose back who can do it all. Toddman has excellent feel and vision between the tackles. Quick feet allow him to make jump cuts in and out of holes.
Considered quicker than fast, Toddman showed his speed with a 4.4 40 yard dash at the combine. Can get out on the Good leg drive combined with nice pad level, Toddman shows nice burst out of the backfield getting to the hole. He is a patient runner who waits on blocks to develop. Has the ability to get outside in a hurry with his agility and quick feet; almost always shakes the first defender.
Has soft hands and can contribute to a team with his ability as a receiver; Toddman even lined up at receiver, running routes at the slot position. Versatile athlete who returned kicks at one point, Toddman was recruited as a cornerback.
Great production at UConn, Toddman ran for 1695 yards and 14 TDs in 2010. Jordan eclipsed 1100 yards in each of his final 2 years at UConn, running for 14 touchdowns in both 2009 and 2010. Toddman was also named the Big East 2010 Offensive Player of the year.
Weaknesses: Doesn’t finish runs like you want to see. Lacks the ability to break a lot of tackles. Will unnecessarily bounce runs to the outside.
He has a small frame, but as evidenced by Ray Rice and Maurice Jones-Drew, it is still possible to be a successful 3 down tailback and be shorter than 5’9. Toddman needs to bulk up, and add girth to his lower half. His slight lower body seems to be the reason for his lack of break tackle ability.
ANALYSIS
Best fit: Would really flourish on a team with a "running back by committee"philosophy and a zone blocking scheme that utilizes his patient, quick cut, running style. Mike Shanahan might be interested in a back like Toddman for his zone block run game, so the Redskins might be a good fit. The St. Louis Rams might be another strong fit, as Steven Jackson badly needs a change of pace back to limit his injuries. Personnel wise, Todman could possibly land with the New York Giants. Both Brandon Jacobs' and Ahmad Bradshaw's injury woes could entice the Giants to pick Todman. Jordan Todman would be an instant contributor, possibly excelling in the power zone scheme of the Giants, and adding a third man to the running back rotation.
X-Factor: After Mark Ingram (Alabama), you can make the case for a number of running backs to be the next best in the draft. Mikel Leshoure (Illinois) has been assumed by a lot of draft experts to be the next best back, but there are also plenty of other equally talented backs out there including Jordan Todman. Todman, along with Ryan Williams (Virginia Tech) and (Demarco Murray), have a chance at being a high round draft selection. Since 1985, only 3 drafts had less than 3 running backs selected in the first round. A surprising fact to say the least, Todman has a legitimate shot at being one of those three backs taken, although I feel he is a 2nd round prospect.
Where will he be drafted: Middle of the Second round- but as stated before, could rise into the bottom half of round 1.
Where should he be drafted: Second round- I feel there is enough talent in the middle rounds of the draft to pass on Todman early, stash the elite d-linemen, and take a chance on a couple backs in rounds 3-5.
NFL Comparison: Tashard Choice, RB, Dallas Cowboys
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