Zack Moss, Running Back, Utah
Zack Moss won’t be the highest-rated running back in the 2020 NFL draft. Wisconsin’s Jonathan Taylor, Georgia’s D’Andre Swift, Clemson’s Travis Etienne, and Ohio State’s J.K. Dobbins will take those honors; however, Moss possesses the skills needed to be a starting running back in the NFL. Recently, we have seen running backs like Marlon Mack, Alvin Kamara, Aaron Jones, and James Connor selected in the middle rounds of the draft, yet become prominent NFL players. Zack Moss fits that mold and is an under the radar draft prospect.
Moss has had a solid 2019 campaign, rushing for 1,158 yards and 14 touchdowns, while averaging 6.4 yards per carry. He is a powerful runner, who can consistently break tackles to gain extra yards. He is reliable, consistent and runs with a good blend of balance and vision. He isn’t the most explosive runner and doesn’t offer much as a receiver out of the backfield; however, this is areas where he can improve with NFL level coaching. While he isn’t overly dynamic, he is quick and accelerates through holes.
The video below will show Moss’ ability to be a powerful and punishing runner. As the Bleacher Report mentions in the tweet below, there is some Marshawn Lynch in Moss’ game.
Zack Moss looking like Marshawn Lynch 🚚
(via @Pac12Network)pic.twitter.com/Aa0uXQ1XtM
— Bleacher Report CFB (@BR_CFB) September 7, 2019
As his 37 career rushing touchdowns would indicate, Moss will not be denied the end-zone.
How ’bout a double dose of @Utah_Football‘s Zack Moss for the @OpusBank #12Best Moment? 💪💪💪 pic.twitter.com/PP7a1zSdP3
— Pac-12 Network (@Pac12Network) November 26, 2017
Although Moss is NFL-ready, the combination of positional value and a brilliantly top-heavy position group will prevent Moss from being selected on the first two days of the 2020 NFL draft. With that said, I forsee his name being called early in the 4th round of the draft, where some lucky NFL team will be getting quite the steal. Pro Football Network writer Andrew DiCecco agrees with me in his article- Utah running back Zack Moss an overlooked talent in 2020 NFL Draft. Like Aiyuk, we will get to see Moss in Mobile, Alabama for Reese’s Senior Bowl.