Johnathan Franklin Scouting Report

Running back Johnathan Franklin carried UCLA to a resurgent 2012 season. A good runner with above-average speed, he should compete for a split-role early as a rookie.

Franklin is a balanced runner with few glaring weaknesses. A bit high-cut and needs to add more strength to his lower half. Won't regularly break tackles, yet runs with a nice pad level and will improve after hitting a NFL weight room. Ran very well at the combine with a 4.49 40-yard dash. Hits the creases hard with a one-cut and go running style. Gets north-south reliably. Moderate fumbling issues despite carrying the ball high and tight.

Adequate lateral movement. Not a guy to try to juke a defender out of his shoes. Looks to evade and find angles. Average patience when allowing blockers to establish a running lane. Could be a workhorse and had no issues with injuries. Big improvement from junior to senior year. At his best as a cut-back runner. Enough power up top to shed arm tackles without losing balance.

Franklin projects as a second to third round pick in the 2013 NFL Draft.