Dan Herron Scouting Report

Ohio State Buckeyes running back Dan Herron is a bit undersized as a power runner, but he doesn't shy away from contact and can churn through arm tackles. Herron will need to show good quickness and straight line speed at the NFL combine in order to improve his draft stock.

Herron isn't a natural shifty back, especially when you consider his size. For a 5'10" back, he takes a lot of unnecessary punishment by seeking out contact. He has remained durable through college, which is a good sign. He can do a lot of the little things some younger backs can't -- like block out of the backfield -- and has decent enough hands to play on third downs. The underlying problem here is that Herron doesn't do anything special as a runner. He's not fast or particularly elusive. He can make guys miss in a phone booth on occasion.

In the end, Herron is a guy who can play in a split backfield, take pressure off a team's featured back and further develop his game in that No. 2 role. With his good balance and short area quickness, he should be a solid contributor sooner rather than later.

Herron projects as a fourth to fifth round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.