#112 - 4th Round - Minnesota from Washington, Ciatrick Fason RB, FLORIDA

[Hostile]

Vikings select...
Ciatrick Fason
RB | (6'0", 207, 4.58) | FLORIDA

[Juke99]

Strengths: Has the size and overall physical tools to become extremely productive as a "between the tackles" runner. Shows good initial burst to and through the hole. Makes sharp cuts when he gets through the LOS and does a good job of bouncing runs to the outside. Shows good COD skills and the ability to hit the cutback with a quick plan-and-drive. Has adequate-to-good top end speed. Shows the potential to turn the corner in the NFL. More of a cut-and-burst runner that shows good vision in the open field and will make good cuts against the grain. Shows a bit of a second gear but won't run away from faster DB's. Is an excellent receiver out of the backfield. Still has room to improve in terms of recognition skills, but is a smooth route runner with excellent hands. Snatches the ball while on the run and also shows the ability to adjust to the poorly thrown ball. Has a lot of upside in this area. Had some nicks as a junior but has never missed a full game because of injury. Will need to do a better job of running with pad-level in order to protect his body in the NFL. However, he doesn't have a major injury to speak of and he also only had 311 carries in three collegiate seasons.

Weaknesses: His instincts and vision are not where they need to be. He's a somewhat inexperienced back that tends to dance too much at times and then will run up the heals of his OL at other times. Doesn't always see cutback lanes developing and will be too late to hit the opening crease at other times. He runs with good burst but he runs a bit high, takes too many shots to the body, and seems to be a back that will become tentative if you hit him hard enough times. Doesn't have great elusiveness and doesn't look to run over DB's in the open field. Needs his most work as a blocker. Shows poor awareness and below average technique. Is not aggressive enough. It seems at times that he doesn't know his assignment and at other times that he's not overly willing. Doesn't show great toughness. Has good size but lacks initial pop and power as a blocker. Must also work to sustain.

Overall: Fason is a very good athlete who finally emerged as a junior in 2004 after playing sparingly during his first two seasons at Florida. He finished his first year as a fulltime starter with 1,267 yards and 10 touchdowns on 222 carries, while also chipping in with another 266 yards and two TD's on 35 receptions. Fason nearly left Florida as a sophomore due to frustrations with playing time but was talked back into it by coach Ron Zook. After his breakout junior season, Fason made a quick decision to bolt for the NFL, citing his wife and two children that he needed to take care of. Fason is still somewhat unpolished in the passing game, he runs too upright and takes too many shots to his body. He also needs to become more physical and aggressive as a runner and a blocker However, he is an outstanding athlete with a great frame, good top-end speed and very little mileage on his body. That's why we think Fason grades out as a late-second or early-third round draft prospect.

[Mr. Fantasy]

Like Minny needed another freakin' rb