The Oregon Ducks have a bevy of 2024 NFL Draft prospects, including three draftable players in their backfield alone. Senior running back Noah Whittington has the chance to maximize his draft value. We’re looking at Whittington’s scouting report for next year’s draft.
Noah Whittington Draft Profile and Measurements
- Height: 5’8″
- Weight: 201
- Position: RB
- School: Oregon
- Current Year: Senior
Entering his second season at Oregon after a successful freshman season at Western Kentucky, Whittington is one of the country’s best No. 2s on any depth chart. He’s averaging 5.6 yards per carry with seven touchdowns on the ground throughout his career. Whittington has also added 232 receiving yards and one touchdown on 37 receptions.
Noah Whittington Scouting Report
Strengths
- Whittington is good at running inside zone concepts, showing great vision and instinct for the scheme. He’s a natural fit for the scheme.
- He has quickness and choppy feet that allow him to change direction in a hurry. He can escape sticky situations fast.
- Uses his leverage to shed tacklers and break through contact better than his size would suggest.
- He keeps the offense moving on time, gaining what he can and rarely breaking the scheme.
- Can be an effective pass catcher in space and is comfortable running routes while creating some yards after the catch.
Weaknesses
- A small frame has already caused him to be a backup at Oregon, and he will likely peak as a second or third back in the NFL.
- He is too married to the scheme and is simply not looking for the big cutback lanes that are in front of him.
- He is quicker than fast, which is fine but something that limits his upside and ability to get into space and beat defensive backs in coverage.
- He struggles mightily in pass protection, so his third down value is limited until that improves.
- He plays more like a power back but doesn’t have the play strength to get away with it.
Current Draft Projection and Summary
The Ducks feature a thunder-and-lightning approach with their talented backfield, even if their two backs are similar sizes. Whittington isn’t the sexier of the two, but he can keep the offense on time and do the dirty work. It’s just an odd sight for a sub-200 pound back to play that way.
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There are clear physical limitations to Whittington’s play style because he’s not as creative as his athleticism would suggest. He’ll take what he’s given and can shed the occasional tackle attempt, but he won’t juke defenders out of their shoes. That’s more to do with his mindset than his talent.
Still, quick, undersized backs get a shot to make a final 53-man roster and are sometimes drafted. There are areas Whittington can improve to help his chances of both, but he starts the year with a late-round grade.
