Few programs have put out more top-end talent at the running back position over the last 10 years than the Georgia Bulldogs. Names like Nick Chubb, D’Andre Swift, and James Cook are all current starting running backs for their current team, but there is another Georgia prospect who could make an instant impact in the NFL. His name is Kendall Milton.
Does the physically imposing Milton’s NFL Draft scouting report suggest he can be the leading man of an NFL backfield?
Kendall Milton Draft Profile and Measurements
- Height: 6’1″
- Weight: 225
- Length: 31 3/4”
- Hand: 9 5/8”
- Position: Running Back
- School: Georgia
- Current Year: Senior
Flipping on the high school highlights of any top running back prospect can always be a fun exercise. It felt more like an event watching Milton’s best clips from Buchanan High School in Clovis, Calif., where he was considered one of the best young backs in the country entering the collegiate ranks.
After carrying the ball 174 times in his junior year of high school, Milton never quite saw a feature role in the loaded Georgia Bulldogs offense. He earned a college career-high 121 carries as a senior in 2023, still fewer than 10 carries per game, his final collegiate season.
"Demand the standard."
Former Buchanan 5-star and Georgia RB Kendall Milton says whatever team calls his name in the upcoming NFL draft is getting someone who can be a leader in the locker room. Milton added he's talked to 25 teams in the last 3 days. @therealkmilt pic.twitter.com/x0niigoVm9
— Alec Nolan (@AlecABC30) April 21, 2024
Milton certainly flashed some of that exceptional potential during his final two years at Georgia with an incredibly efficient 43 carries of 10+ yards on just 207 rushing attempts. Yet, his modest 1,955 total yards and 24 total TDs likely left fans — and NFL scouts — wanting to see a bit more production from Milton during his days as a Bulldog.
Kendall Milton Scouting Report
Strengths
- Imposing downhill runner who forces defenders to make quick business decisions when getting downhill in a hurry.
- Impressive burst for a back his size, which is evident when he is decisive and hits the hole with conviction.
- Very capable of creating yards after contact when taking the fight to oncoming defenders and drops his shoulders to maintain leverage; capable of moving rugby-type piles with ample leg drive.
- Equipped with a powerful, effective stiff arm when he bounces runs outside or gets to the second level.
- Has dominant reps of a powerful, physical runner who runs through arm tackles with ease.
- Flashes high ball carrier vision acumen; capable of manipulating defenders’ leverage and setting up blockers when he keeps his composure pressing the hole.
- Can devastate defensive backs trying to throw a shoulder at him.
- Has a nice, functional lateral agility that is present when making slight adjustments at top speed with a quick jump cut.
- Willing pass protector when called upon.
Weaknesses
- Can get a bit impatient when lanes don’t generate quickly on inside- and split-zone concepts.
- Doesn’t consistently get the most out of his powerful frame by playing a bit too high at the point of contact; smaller defenses can greatly slow his momentum by getting underneath him.
- Doesn’t always trust his eyes and can be a bit indecisive when scanning for room to operate in zone schemes; hesitates when defenders flash in a lane, which can cause a loss of momentum and negative plays.
- A bit sluggish when trying to string together multiple short-area cuts consecutively.
- Lacks the creativity to always make the most of second- and third-level opportunities.
- Likely to have a very limited impact as a pass-catching option in the NFL with just 12 receptions out of the backfield during his entire collegiate career.
- Top speed isn’t among the elite at the position, which limits home run upside at the next level.
Current Draft Projection and Summary
Milton enters the 2024 NFL Draft with more questions than answers regarding his college production and prospect profile. He is likely best suited as an early-down ball carrier who can win in short-yardage situations for an NFL team.
Yet, his lengthy injury history — missed over 10 games during his four years at Georgia — lack of big-play ability, and limited contributions in the passing game all make Milton feel like a Day 3 developmental project who can be more effective in a specific role than a Day 2 pick with starting-back upside.
Undoubtedly, some of the physical tools are intriguing. Milton’s size, burst, and power could be very useful for an NFL squad. Given his athletic profile and lack of wear and tear on his tires, Milton is an intriguing Day 3 prospect entering the NFL.
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