Brandon Bolden Scouting Report

Bolden never carried the entire load for Mississippi, but the running back was extremely productive in all four years. In fact, he never had a yards-per-carry average less than 4.8. As a freshman in 2008, he rushed 98 times for 542 yards and five touchdowns. One season later, he had 129 carries for 614 yards and four scores. Bolden erupted for his best campaign in 2010, which resulted in 163 rushing attempts for 976 yards (6.0 average) and 14 touchdowns. His senior season was slightly derailed by an ankle injury in the very first game. Bolden would eventually miss two contests and he was never 100 percent, but he still had 96 carries for 472 yards and four touchdowns.

The Baton Rouge, LA native stands at 5'11'' and is solidly built, weighing in at 220 pounds. He generally runs in the low-4.5s of the 40-yard dash and he has been clocked as fast as 4.42 from that distance. Bolden also returned kicks at Ole Miss so he could contribute on special teams as well at the next level. An adept pass-catcher out of the backfield, Bolden had 76 career receptions for the Rebels (including 32 for 344 yards and three scores as a junior). He can make defenders miss with both shifty moves and an ability to break tackles. He needs to improve at running up the middle and he rarely creates a big play when the offensive line does not open a hole in front of him. Bolden is by no means an every-down back, but he should contribute. Look for him to be a fifth or sixth-round selection in the 2012 NFL Draft.