Player evaluation:
Larry Croom
RB, UNLV
War Room analysis
Strengths: Is a versatile athlete and a tough runner with very good vision and patience. Is quicker than fast. He runs with very good body control and balance, his hips are smooth, and he shows some elusiveness in the open field. Has soft hands and is a solid route runner as a receiver out of the backfield. Is a technically sound and willing pass blocker and has solid experience and potential in the return game.
Weaknesses: Lacks the size and speed of an NFL running back. Does not show the burst to turn the corner or the acceleration to run away from defenders in the NFL. Is a tough runner but lacks the size and strength to overpower defenders. Won’t push the pile as a short-yardage runner. Does not show a second gear as a receiver after the catch. Although he isn’t afraid to mix it up, he will get overwhelmed at the point of attack as a pass blocker even more in the NFL than he did in college.
Bottom line: Croom played his first two seasons at Arizona before transferring to UNLV and sitting out the ’01 season. He split carries in 2002 before taking over as the starter in ’03 and finished with an average of 4.5 yards on 208 carries. Croom also had 21 receptions as a senior and saw significant time as a punt- and kickoff-return specialist during his two seasons at UNLV. He is a diminutive but versatile running back prospect. He lacks the size, power and speed to develop into anything more than a backup in the NFL, but because he is a tough and shifty runner, as well as an effective receiver and return man, Croom has value as a late-round prospect.
Dan Pompei analysis
Is a decent all-around back who can run, catch and block. Has some quickness, but lacks top speed. Sees the field well. Would make a good third-down back. Also can be a return man. Had a nice week at the Blue-Gray game.
No. 20 on Pompei's RB rankings
