The list of impactful running backs in the rich history of the NFL to come from the University of Notre Dame is pretty lengthy. Names like Paul Hornung, Ricky Watters, and Jerome Bettis top the list, but Kyren Williams had an exceptional year in 2023 for the Los Angeles Rams as a Day 3 selection.
Now, Audric Estimé aims to be the next Fighting Irish running back to make his mark in the NFL.
Here is everything you need to know about Estimé and his evaluation as a prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft.
How Tall Is Audric Estimé?
Estimé is a stout 5’11” running back prospect who falls into the 57th percentile in the height category in comparison to his peers at the position. Estimé’s height falls right in line for the average height of an NFL back, but his hand size (10′ 1/4” hands, 93rd percentile) and arm length (32 3/8”, 82nd percentile) both fall into the top echelon for a ball carrier prospect entering the NFL.
How Much Does Estimé Weigh?
Another positive measurable working in Estimé’s favor is his NFL frame at 221 pounds, which falls into the 71st percentile at the position.
His 23 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press at the NFL Combine (79th percentile) speaks to the strength he carries on that frame and certainly helps paint a favorable picture when projecting him to the NFL as a workhorse leading ball carrier with a physical build.
How Old Is Estimé?
Estimé’s disappointing performance in the 40-yard dash (4.71 seconds) at the Combine makes it a bit easier to forget that he was an early-declare for the NFL Draft. He enters the league as the second youngest running back prospect at just 20 years old heading into the draft.
Estimé’s age helps give him one of the longer developmental runways at the position in this class entering the league.
What School Did Estimé Go To?
After a standout senior year at Saint Joseph Regional High School in Montvale, N.J., Estimé committed to play football for Notre Dame ahead of the 2021 college football season. He would go on to spend all three years of his collegiate career as a member of the Fighting Irish.
Revisiting Estimé’s College Career
Estimé’s collegiate career at South Bend, Ind., got off to a slow start with just 60 rushing yards on seven carries through his first 12 games as a freshman.
Fortunately, Estimé saw a significant jump in workload and production in his sophomore year. He produced 920 rushing yards and 11 TDs while adding another 135 yards and a score on nine receptions.
While Estimé’s sophomore campaign was very productive, his junior year earned him second-team All-American honors with 1,483 total yards and 18 touchdowns, setting a single-season school record for rushing scores.
Estimé’s Potential in the NFL
Estimé’s draft stock has been a bit all over the place based on who — and when — you asked an NFL evaluator.
His physical profile certainly suggests he has the frame to operate as a leading ball carrier at the next level. Estimé’s two years’ worth of top-shelf production as a true sophomore and true junior checks another box for personnel folks around the league.
KEEP READING: 2024 NFL Draft Big Board
Unfortunately, his performance at the NFL Combine certainly took some of the wind out of his sails. Honestly, it was really just his 40-yard dash time that was a big disappointment. His 38” vertical jump and 10’5” broad jump actually both ranked north of the 87th percentile, which suggests there are some explosive elements to his game.
Estimé’s tape is pretty strong in comparison to some of his peers in this class. His contact balance, vision in gap scheme concepts, efficient, choppy feet in congestion, and surprising creativity — some great in-game hurdles in college — suggest he can be an effective runner in the NFL despite not possessing the top-end long speed of other prospects.
Expect Estimé to come off the board on Day 3, but don’t be surprised if he hears his name called at the end of Day 2 if a team believes in him as a leading ball carrier.
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