Bernard Pierce 2012 NFL Draft quick report

Strengths: A smooth, fluid runner with good vision. Good first step quickness. Keeps good balance when he gets hit. Has lateral agility to cut back against the grain, which makes him a good zone scheme option. Knows when he should run inside or make a move to the outside. Keeps his legs moving after contact. Isn’t the kind of runner who avoids contact. Ran for 27 touchdowns as a junior.

Weaknesses: Tends to run upright, so he’s not a very powerful back. Was rarely used in the passing game. Isn’t fundamentally sound in pass blocking and will need to work on technique and picking up the late blitz. Neutralized in his top game of 2011 against Penn State. Struggled through his sophomore year in 2010 with injuries and has durability issues. Needs to add bulk to his frame.

Combine quotable: (On coming back from an injury in 2010) It wasn’t about the critics, or media or anybody saying anything about me. It was about me, I wanted to prove that, you know, I’m a durable back, I can produce way more than what I did my sophomore year. I came out with a chip on my shoulder wanting to prove to myself that I was better than what I put on film last year.