Want To Improve YAC? Go Get Audric Estime
April 17th, 2024
Notre Dame RB Audric Estime.
Rachaad White needs to prove this season that he’s a No. 1 running back.
There may not be a better running back east of Santa Clara at catching the ball out of the backfield; White is that damn good catching the ball. He is a true weapon in the passing game.
As a running back? Average doesn’t cut it. White’s yards-per-carry is poor. His yards-after-contact is even worse. Try No. 42 in the NFL. That’s insulting.
That means for nine teams White would likely be the team’s No. 3 back in yards after contact. That’s got nothing to do with blocking and everything to do with being unable to make guys miss or run through people.
Believe it or not, Roger Goodell still allows running backs to do that. Yes, shocking, Joe knows.
The Bucs have made noise that they want to upgrade their run game, or at least have someone who can either take some of the load off White or push him.
Since White goes down so easily, how about someone who doesn’t go down easily?
Joe presents to you Notre Dame running back Audric Estime. The bruising Fighting Irish back didn’t run a good 40-time at the combine — big deal, he’s not running track! — Estime is an animal to bring down.
He would have been perfect for Dave Canales’ fetish for running between the tackles. But Estime isn’t just a Mike Alstott wannabe. He can catch, too.
Joe dug up what Dane Brugler of The Athletic had to type about Estime. (Fun fact: Estime in college had more yards per carry after contact than White does total yards per carry.)
SUMMARY: A two-year starter at Notre Dame, Estimé was the lead back in offensive coordinator Gerad Parker’s multiple -run scheme. After playing behind Kyren Williams and others as a freshman, he led the Irish in rushing each of the last two seasons (6.2 yards per carry) and set the single-season school record with 18 rushing touchdowns in 2023. (His 29 rushing touchdowns over the last two seasons were the third most in the FBS). With his hu lking physique, Estimé squares his
pads to the line of scrimmage and gets downhill with the leg drive to run through contact (averaged 4.27 yards after contact in 2023, fourth best in the FBS). Unlike most runners his size, he also can run with finesse. With the run patience to set up blocks, he can either speed through gaps or downshift and sidestep defenders with lateral agility. Overall, Estimé has the build and run power of a downhill grinder but the vision and cut acceleration of a smaller back, giving him RB1 potential for an NFL team (best in a gap scheme). His body type, run talent and promise on passing downs are reminiscent of former Seattle Seahawks’ RB Chris Carson.
Brugler thinks Estime could be a third-round pick — like White was in 2022.
One reason Joe thinks White was awful with yards after contact is he got worn down toward the end of the season. White had 272 carries, which is a boatload of work. The last time a Bucs running back had so many carries was back in 2015 when Mollie Hamster had 288 carries and was named All-Pro.
White is more of an outside threat. Estime is more of a physical between-the-tackles runner. These two could be thunder and lightning together.
That is, if the Bucs are serious about a productive run game.
What does @NDFootball RB @AudricEstime like doing more… trucking OR hurdling over a defender? 😤🐰@heykayadams pic.twitter.com/YTVEDPf684
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) April 16, 2024
Audric Estime is the steal of the 2024 RB class and Outside most peoples top 5
He was a yards after contact monster and very powerful downhill runner
He’ll be the steal in round 3 of your rookie drafts 🎯#NFLDraft2024pic.twitter.com/OdPSxVjPAl
— Snoog’s Dynasty Society (@FFSnoog) April 12, 2024
April 17th, 2024 at 12:11 am
Very well spoken, seems intelligent. And more importantly, looks like a true football player on the field. Would be a nice mid-round pickup.
April 17th, 2024 at 12:26 am
I WANT this guy in pewter and red …. BAD! Man talk about ALL boats rising. THIS GUY is worth moving up for in the third or just get it done in the second. He IS a difference maker!!!
April 17th, 2024 at 12:32 am
And for us, it’s not an area of want. No. It’s an area of TOP NEED! Go Get.Him IS Right!
April 17th, 2024 at 12:36 am
I’m sold
April 17th, 2024 at 1:50 am
I like him but I also like Kendall Milton. Similar running style but Milton is more explosive and has quicker feet. Both smart players and good at pass pro. Esitime was giving more opportunities in the passing game. Estime would cost the bucs a 3rd or 4th round pick. Milton would probably cost them a 7th.
April 17th, 2024 at 1:55 am
Milton is the UGA Rb. So our new WR coach will bring good Intell.
April 17th, 2024 at 2:08 am
4.71 40? I know this isn’t ‘track’ but every DL and LB on Any team can run him down.
Just don’t see the infatuation.
April 17th, 2024 at 2:08 am
Ray Davis please.
April 17th, 2024 at 3:09 am
SB, if you listened to the Draft Guru, he said the 40 time didn’t mean anything and very rarely does. His tape shows his game speed is significantly more than his 40 time and that’s what matters.
I am not opposed to Ray Davis, however.
April 17th, 2024 at 3:13 am
Make me remember Blount in a Tampa Bay uniform, jumping defenders.
April 17th, 2024 at 4:03 am
Yes, finally. Yall know ive been bringing him up forever
April 17th, 2024 at 4:37 am
Thinking that Audric Estime will surprise everyone and go in the 1st or 2nd round. Definitely a steal in the 3rd round.
April 17th, 2024 at 4:46 am
🙂
April 17th, 2024 at 5:36 am
On the one hand 4.71 in the 40 seems slow, but he seems pretty darn fast once he builds up steam. Me like.
April 17th, 2024 at 5:38 am
The Bucs need a power RB — not a speed back. How many times did the fail to get that 1 or 2 yards needed for a first down?
There are 3 RBs that should be available in the 3rd or 4th: Estime, Davis and Allen. I like Estime best because he’s the only one who can run, catch passes and pick up the blitz/block. Bringing in a one-dimensional power RB on 3rd and 1 tends to telegraph the play to the opposing D. With a power RB like Estime, the playbook is wide open. In addition, I believe he could shoulder the load if White were to get hurt. Find a way to get this guy and the Bucs running game will get better.
April 17th, 2024 at 5:47 am
Leopold Stolch says: Ray Davis
^^^^^
RD killed Florida for 280 yards! Great vision, shifty, great hands. Plays great in Florida!
April 17th, 2024 at 6:38 am
He would be perfect for our team….a between the tackles stud
April 17th, 2024 at 6:43 am
Joe … ‘These two could be thunder and lightning together. That is, if the Bucs are serious about a productive run game.’
Any ‘productive run game’ always starts with having a beastly OLine. In our case, fix the interior of our OLine and any number of RBs could be productive.
April 17th, 2024 at 7:43 am
Ran 4.58 at his pro day. Reminds me of David Montgomery and I approve
April 17th, 2024 at 8:03 am
Uh, Mark Alstott could catch pretty well actually. Check the tape on YouTube, especially his rookie year!
April 17th, 2024 at 8:10 am
A power RB is what this offense is missing, it would open the passing game much more efficiently and keep defenses honest. White is great catching the ball but his best attribute is receiving, Baker needs a back that forces the defense in with play action and improves our ability to own the clock. I think White is a great #2, but we need a legit 3 down back. Eagles got Barkley to do exactly this.
April 17th, 2024 at 8:15 am
The highlights were phenomenal. The power of Alstott. The dexterity of Blount. The hit the hole quickness of Cadillac. He’s fast enough.
April 17th, 2024 at 8:18 am
“very well spoken, intelligent….”
Yeah because football players at Notre Dame go to class and they aren’t picked up off the street while theyre rolling dice and drinking a 40
April 17th, 2024 at 8:19 am
reminds me of blount maybe slightly slower
April 17th, 2024 at 8:57 am
I would draft Braelon Allen from Wisconsin. Big dude from a program that produces great running backs.
April 17th, 2024 at 9:07 am
Would love the addition of Estime, but Joe, Alstott had incredible Hands for a RB!! IMO, would be wearing a Gold Jacket if Gruden weren’t hired as Head Coach. But hey, I’ll take that 1st Super Bowl with Gruden as Coach over a Gold Jacket for Alstott
April 17th, 2024 at 9:39 am
I would love to get a back with experience in a mid and outer zone running scheme. I’m not sure Coen will call as many runs up the middle when that’s the weakness of our OL, but maybe Canales knew that White wasn’t the back for outside runs. I like Estime, but I’m not sure he’s a good fit for Coen’s scheme. Most RB rankings have Estime down the list for a reason. Here’s what NFL Draft Buzz said about Estime:
” Audric Estime, from Notre Dame, is a prototypical power back, ideal for a ground-and-pound offensive scheme. His tape shows a back with the physicality to break tackles and consistently make positive yardage, even in goal-line situations. Estime’s north-south running style and ability to churn out tough yards between the tackles make him a reliable option on early downs and in clock-management scenarios. However, his limited burst and top-end speed restrict his ability to stretch plays outside or break off long runs, especially against more athletic NFL defenses.
His vision and patience in finding and attacking lanes are noteworthy, but there’s a tendency for him to over-rely on these traits, leading to some hesitation and missed opportunities. Estime’s lateral agility, while sufficient, doesn’t currently extend to making him a dual threat in the backfield. His pass-catching and route-running are areas for development in the hope he can transition into a more versatile three-down back
Estime is best suited for a rotational role in a committee backfield, bringing a physical, downhill rushing style. His frame and skill set show potential in pass protection but is an area needing refinement if he’s used on third-down. Ball security has been a concern and needs tightening up to avoid turnovers at the next level. Overall, Estime is a downhill bruiser with a straightforward approach, offering immediate value as a traditional back that’s able to grind out those tough yards. “
April 17th, 2024 at 10:21 am
The Bucs had Ray Davis in for a visit. Apparently, they didn’t like something. I don’t believe he is in their draft board. I suppose It could be a big ruse and they’re leaking this out to be deceptive.
April 17th, 2024 at 10:39 am
Ray Davis’s comp is Ke’Shawn Vaughn. Lol
April 17th, 2024 at 11:36 am
4.7? I’d take a flier on him in the 6th Round, maybe late 5th. SPEED. Yeah, no way in you know what that I’m taking him in the 2nd or 3rd. I am not so much aware of any extremely, successful 4.7/40 RB’s out there.
April 17th, 2024 at 11:54 am
Braswell article maybe?
Powers/Barton
Braswell
Estime
Sweat (if still there)
then CB
April 17th, 2024 at 11:56 am
^4.59, or 4.6…doesnt matter that much though, he’s a power back.
If we want speed, then go Bucky Irving
April 17th, 2024 at 1:12 pm
For those concerned by his forty time his play speed is all the way there. His highest top speed clocked on the field in 2023 was the exact same as Xavier Worthy’s. He is my guy for the Bucs in this draft. I loved Ray Davis at first when all I thought was realistically available were complementary backs but after digging into Estime I think he is sure to be a name well be hearing for years whether the Bucs draft him or not. He’ll be “the guy” for someone.
April 17th, 2024 at 1:19 pm
Braswell is not a fit with Todd Bowles. He can only contribute sacks or pressures. He is a liability against the run and can’t drop into coverage nor does he have the physical ability to be taught to effectively drop into coverage. I’ve more or less given up on searching for a pass rush answer at the top of this draft. Mo Kamara is worth a flier late in the third but that’s about the best shot the Bucs have of injecting life into their pass rush this year.
April 17th, 2024 at 1:26 pm
Estimate reached a top speed of 20.9 MPH on an 80 yard TD run against NC State. That number speaks more than his 40 time from the combine.
April 17th, 2024 at 2:05 pm
Would love to see them land Estime or Braelon Allen R3
April 17th, 2024 at 3:03 pm
Excited to see who Licht drafts. He’s been killing it.
April 17th, 2024 at 5:49 pm
I’m gonna have to agree with the Joe’s regarding 40 times. Not as important as the NFL combine circus show makes it out to be. For a 5-11 230 pound back a 4.7-40 may look average on paper but I want to see what the next gen stats say when he houses one in the NFL. 40 times are trained for by these cats like it’s the holy grail and that skews the draft process, especially for Mayock and Gruden. Breaking tackles and running over dudes is much more football athletic than running out of a gate like a damn horse. Draft this dude and instantly make our rushing attack better after we pick up some interior OL help.
April 19th, 2024 at 10:06 pm
To the person who said he’s simular to Milton whoever he is , you’re high as fuxk . To the 1 talking about his 4.71 40 that doesn’t mean a damn thing and you need to watch some of the games he played in