FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Notre Dame running back Audric Estimé.

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2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Audric Estimé

Audric Estimé (RB – Notre Dame)

5’11” – 227 lbs.

Background:

Played sparingly in 2021 (seven carries), then split touches essentially evenly with Logan Diggs the following year and finished with 156-920-11 (5.9) and nine catches (one touchdown). Took over as the clear feature back this past year, and has had an excellent season of 210-1,341-18 (6.4) as of the time of writing, with another 17 catches.

Positives:

Has been very productive over the past two years, with escalating output; showed he could carry the full load this year. Very thickly-built back with the frame of a feature option. No-nonsense, north-south power back who executes the play as called and grinds out tough yardage between the tackles; not going to improvise and try to bounce many runs outside. Power kicks in even when he’s near the line of scrimmage. Gets behind his pads and really finishes his runs with authority to wear down defenders. Shows excellent leg drive after contact. Easily bounces off of glancing blows and shows impressive contact balance. Not bothered by arm tackles. Actually has a bit of creativity when he gets to the second level; can anticipate and hurdle defenders who go low. Very difficult to stop in short-yardage situations and near the goal line. Cleaned up his ball security this year, with only one fumble on the season. Has the lower-body strength and leverage to absorb opposing rushers in blitz pickup. Caught all 26 passes he’s been thrown as of the time of writing.

Negatives:

Projects as more of a chunk runner than a home-run hitter at the next level, and may have trouble consistently winning the edge on outside runs. There’s some gather to his cuts, and lateral quickness/agility are closer to average. Fumbled the ball three times in 2022, despite having a more limited offensive role than he did this year. Doesn’t have too much experience in pass protection (94 career snaps.) Wasn’t a major factor in the team’s passing game, functioning as a safety valve.

Summary:

Gap teams that want a no-nonsense power back with a rocked-up frame need look no further. He offers decisive running on gap concepts between the tackles, running behind his pads with a low center of gravity, a punishing style, and excellent leg drive and determination to finish his runs. Although his passing-down duties weren’t the most extensive in school, he’s shown himself to have a reliable pair of hands and an anchor strong enough to hold up in pass pro. Looks like he’ll probably be an early third-day pick who can step right in and offer some value early in his career.

Projection: Round 4