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Wells to the Cards........
Overall Football Traits
Production 1 Wells contributed immediately as a true freshman backup RB, notching 576 yards and seven scores on 104 carries. As a fulltime starter in 2007; Wells rushed for 1,609 yards and 15 scores on 274 carries. In just 10 games played in 2008, Wells rushed for 1,197 yards and eight TD's on 207 carries. Wells averaged an impressive 5.8 yards per carry (585) during his three-year career. However, he caught just 15 passes for 84 yards and zero scores during his three seasons.
Height-Weight-Speed 2 Very good combination of size and straight-line speed.
Durability 4 Was bothered by nagging injuries throughout his career. Only full games missed were in 2008, when he sat out three contests (Ohio, USC, and Troy) due to a lingering toe injury, and he was limited in parts of others because of toe, hamstring and head injuries.
Character 3 No off-the-field issues but scouts question his toughness, maturity level and leadership skills.
Running Back specific Traits
Competitiveness 4 Displays a vicious stiff-arm, which he often uses to gain additional yards at the end of runs. There are times when he runs like a man possessed. But those times are few and far between. His overall effort is inconsistent. He takes himself out of games. If he has a big run he frequently takes the next two plays off. Not always a self motivator. Has taken himself out of multiple games because of questionable injuries. Scouts are concerned that he was coddled too much at Ohio State and will be shocked by the adjustment in the NFL. Wells also has ball-security problems. He lost four fumbles last season.
Vision 1 Rarely misses an open hole. Explodes out of his stance, consistently sees open crease and knows when to cut-and-go. Displays very good instincts and peripheral vision in the open field.
Explosiveness 1 Outstanding initial burst. At his best when working as a downhill runner. Explodes through the line of scrimmage and displays a rare good second-gear for his size.
Balance/Change-of-Directions 1 Exceptional lateral quickness and body control particularly for such a big back. Few NFL starters can plant, redirect and regain top-end speed as quickly and seamlessly as he does.
Passing Game 3 Limited experience as a receiver at Ohio State. Caught just eight passes in 2008 and five passes in 2007. Displays soft hands and shows the ability to pluck the ball away from his frame in limited views we saw of him as a pass-catcher. But he doesn't show much savvy or creativity as a route runner. He basically goes to a spot and sits. Does not work back to his QB when it's called for. He has some upside in pass pro because he's big, strong and agile. But his technique is awful and his effort is inconsistent. He doesn't get his feet set. He simply tries to get in the way of the oncoming rusher rather than getting his feet set, using leverage and working to sustain. Prime example versus Minnesota (2nd quarter with 7:05 remaining) when he barely reroutes the blitzing linebacker, who would have blindsided QB Terrell Pryor had Pryor not felt the rush and sidestepped it at the last moment.
Overall Football Traits
Production 1 Wells contributed immediately as a true freshman backup RB, notching 576 yards and seven scores on 104 carries. As a fulltime starter in 2007; Wells rushed for 1,609 yards and 15 scores on 274 carries. In just 10 games played in 2008, Wells rushed for 1,197 yards and eight TD's on 207 carries. Wells averaged an impressive 5.8 yards per carry (585) during his three-year career. However, he caught just 15 passes for 84 yards and zero scores during his three seasons.
Height-Weight-Speed 2 Very good combination of size and straight-line speed.
Durability 4 Was bothered by nagging injuries throughout his career. Only full games missed were in 2008, when he sat out three contests (Ohio, USC, and Troy) due to a lingering toe injury, and he was limited in parts of others because of toe, hamstring and head injuries.
Character 3 No off-the-field issues but scouts question his toughness, maturity level and leadership skills.
Running Back specific Traits
Competitiveness 4 Displays a vicious stiff-arm, which he often uses to gain additional yards at the end of runs. There are times when he runs like a man possessed. But those times are few and far between. His overall effort is inconsistent. He takes himself out of games. If he has a big run he frequently takes the next two plays off. Not always a self motivator. Has taken himself out of multiple games because of questionable injuries. Scouts are concerned that he was coddled too much at Ohio State and will be shocked by the adjustment in the NFL. Wells also has ball-security problems. He lost four fumbles last season.
Vision 1 Rarely misses an open hole. Explodes out of his stance, consistently sees open crease and knows when to cut-and-go. Displays very good instincts and peripheral vision in the open field.
Explosiveness 1 Outstanding initial burst. At his best when working as a downhill runner. Explodes through the line of scrimmage and displays a rare good second-gear for his size.
Balance/Change-of-Directions 1 Exceptional lateral quickness and body control particularly for such a big back. Few NFL starters can plant, redirect and regain top-end speed as quickly and seamlessly as he does.
Passing Game 3 Limited experience as a receiver at Ohio State. Caught just eight passes in 2008 and five passes in 2007. Displays soft hands and shows the ability to pluck the ball away from his frame in limited views we saw of him as a pass-catcher. But he doesn't show much savvy or creativity as a route runner. He basically goes to a spot and sits. Does not work back to his QB when it's called for. He has some upside in pass pro because he's big, strong and agile. But his technique is awful and his effort is inconsistent. He doesn't get his feet set. He simply tries to get in the way of the oncoming rusher rather than getting his feet set, using leverage and working to sustain. Prime example versus Minnesota (2nd quarter with 7:05 remaining) when he barely reroutes the blitzing linebacker, who would have blindsided QB Terrell Pryor had Pryor not felt the rush and sidestepped it at the last moment.
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