NCAA Scouting – Player Profile: Chris “Beanie” Wells, RB, Ohio State by Jody Jamieson 12/2/2009
Chris Wells will likely suffer on Draft Day due to a lack of need for running backs, and a desperate need for reinforcements elsewhere for those Top 10 teams. Wells, a pre season candidate for the 2008 Heisman Trophy before injury derailed his season a little, is an excellent prospect who can help a team right away. The injury may cast a little doubt over his durability, but it’s unlikely to hurt his stock too much as people recognise what he can bring to the table on Sundays at the next level.
Nicknamed “Beanie” as a child due to his brother saying he had a “bean head” as a child, Wells had a stellar career at Ohio State and while it’s always considered better for college quarterbacks to stay in school, running backs are probably better off in most cases entering the Draft early. Sure, it’s a generalisation and not always true for every prospect, but the running back career can be so short that getting into the NFL with limited mileage can be the best move for young tailbacks. Measuring in a 6′ 1″ and 232 lbs, it’s likely that it’ll be linebackers wearing down quicker than Wells!
What we like about Wells
Wells is a rare combination of speed, finesse, and power at the running back position.He can run round you or over you, depending on what the situation or his mood asks for. Will make you miss, but if you get too close, he’s got an excellent stiff arm. Still young and can improve a lot. While noted below he doesn’t always make the best decisions, he makes them quick. If he improves his decision making then he’ll be hard to contain. His legs don’t go dead on contact and keeps churning for the extra yard.
Question Marks about Wells
Not much of a receiver out of the backfield. Poor hands and doesn’t get open. Will likely be taken out on third down unless he improves his hands dramatically and his ability to pick up the blitz. Injuries weren’t a major problem, but he spent a lot of his junior year nicked up. Needs to show more smarts and find the hole quicker.
Highlight of his college career
While they may not have won the game, Wells put on one of his finest performances in the 2007 National Championship Game against LSU. Wells rushed for 146 yards on just 20 carries and had a 65 yard touchdown scamper to go with it, showing comes to play on the big stage.
Other snippets
WalterFootball.com compares his skillset to that of Bo Jackson. Not much pressure! He was also compared early in his career as “The closest thing we’ve seen to Jim Brown.” Again, not much pressure! Wells won’t turn 21 till August, so is one of the youngest prospects in the 2009 Draft. The most iconic picture of Beanie’s college career is the hurdle over an Illinios defender. Hurdle’s were a part of his running style in college, but he may want to be mindful of what can happen in the pros when you leave your feet! Would be an excellent fit in San Diego paired with Darren Sproles if LaDanian Tomlinson is let go. If LT Is retained by the Chargers, look for Tampa Bay or Philadelphia to be potential landing spots.
NCAA Scouting – Player Profile:
What we like about Wells
