Assessing The Chargers 2024 RB Corps

[Velo]

The top 3 guys on the depth chart are all over 210 lbs. Both Dobbins and Vidal are listed at 215. Dobbins is 5-9, Vidal is just under 5-8. The Gus Bus is a true heavy hitter at 238 lbs while standing at 6-1. The Chargers haven't had a back like him for awhile. Even Sony Michel was only 215. I see Ekeler listed at 200 now, but I think he was only 190-195. He looks more stout, that's because he's only about 5-7.5 inches tall.

We can just hope that Dobbins is over his injury-proneness. He is completely healthy now, with no lingering issues (that we know of). We can hope he is not a Jason Verrett type player. It's not unusual for players plagued by injury early in their careers to fully recover and fulfill their potential. Keenan Allen and Derwin James come to mind as examples. Dobbins will play this season at age 25, he still has plenty of youth and fresh legs.

Dobbins has been in the NFL for four full seasons, but has only played in 24 games. He missed all of 2021. He was one of the best RBs until his various injuries sidelined him. As a rookie in 2020 he averaged 6.0 ypc and scored 9 rushing TDs. His 40 time coming out of Ohio State was listed at 4.39, but I don't think he worked out at the Combine or Pro Day, he was rehabbing an injury. Has his injuries robbed him of his burst and speed? We will find that out. I'm glad to have him on the roster, he could potentially turn make this RB corps into one of the better ones.

Vidal is intriguing. He was sensational at Troy against Sun Belt Conference competition. Nearly 2,800 yds rushing and 24 rushing TDs, averaging 5.2 ypc in his final two seasons at Troy, getting better each year there. The downside to that is that number of carries - 538 in his final two seasons. Vidal looks to me to have elite initial burst, he can get up to speed in a hurry and burst through a hole before defenders can react. His Combine 40 time was 4.46, which is pretty decent. But observing his highlights, he doesn't seem to have that top-end speed. While he accelerates quickly, I felt his speed flattened out quickly at the 2nd level, he was often caught behind by Sun Belt defenders. That is not much of a downside IMO, an RBs initial burst is his best asset, and Vidal definitely has that. We will find out if he can duplicate that success in the NFL.

I won't delve into Gus Bus's game, we know who he is. Suffice it to say that short yardage situations won't be dreadful anymore. Instead of 5-7.5, 195 lb Austin Ekeler diving between the tackles, we'll be giving the rock to 6-1, 238 lbs of beef.

I'm not going to assess the other RBs currently on the depth chart. Aside from Ben Mason as a blocking back, I don't think any of them will be on the roster opening day. I don't know how many RB Harbaugh/Roman will want to carry, but if they want to roster an additional RB beyond Edwards/Dobbins/Vidal/Mason, it will be a free agent, IMO.

[21&500]

Spiller for the W.

[Topcat]

And remember, Dot is still on the roster...

[Steve]

Part of the Harbaugh way is to make sure the OL is blocking everyone. Even an average RB can be productive if they have blocking in front of them. Good/great RB can make a lot more out of what is there, but at a minimum we need the blocking to get better to give the RB a chance to get out of the backfield.

[Boltinloudguy]

I have a feeling they keep 4 RBs this year because of how much they want to run the ball. Also with Dobbins injury history, they might keep 4 to keep everybody fresh. I do think Gus n Dobs get the bulk of the carries.

I’m really hoping for Spiller to get his chance and prove he is a good back that had bad coaching the last 2 years.

Edwards
Dobbins
Spiller
Vidal

Thats some good depth IMO.

[Steve]

Almost every team carries 4 RB. A few carry 5 if they have a FB. RB is one of the most injury prone positions, due to all the contact, so you pretty much have to. Most backup RB have the size and speed you look for on ST too.

Dobbins and Edwards know the O, but both are older and injury prone. There is a reason we aren't paying them much, and there wasn't that much interest in them. I think they are here in case we get lucky and Edwards finds the fountain of youth (for RB) and Dobbins can finally find a way to stay healthy. The bigger reason is to give time for Vidal and Spiller to get up to speed.

I would be surprised if we don't end up with a couple of new RB before the season is over, even if they are a cut or a PS guy. Spiller and Vidal just have to prove they can protect the ball and QB. Roman doesn't use RB in the passing game much as receviers, so RB don't have nearly as much to learn as they did in years past.

[dmac_bolt]

Almost every team carries 4 RB. A few carry 5 if they have a FB. RB is one of the most injury prone positions, due to all the contact, so you pretty much have to. Most backup RB have the size and speed you look for on ST too.

Dobbins and Edwards know the O, but both are older and injury prone. There is a reason we aren't paying them much, and there wasn't that much interest in them. I think they are here in case we get lucky and Edwards finds the fountain of youth (for RB) and Dobbins can finally find a way to stay healthy. The bigger reason is to give time for Vidal and Spiller to get up to speed.

I would be surprised if we don't end up with a couple of new RB before the season is over, even if they are a cut or a PS guy. Spiller and Vidal just have to prove they can protect the ball and QB. Roman doesn't use RB in the passing game much as receviers, so RB don't have nearly as much to learn as they did in years past.

Dobbins is 25. He’s far from even RB-adjusted “old”, which imo is around 28 or 29. He hasnt shown he can stay healthy, thats his big ???

But he’s not old. I’ve got unexplained lumps on my body older than 25 lol.

[AK47]

Part of the Harbaugh way is to make sure the OL is blocking everyone. Even an average RB can be productive if they have blocking in front of them. Good/great RB can make a lot more out of what is there, but at a minimum we need the blocking to get better to give the RB a chance to get out of the backfield.

The entire offensive line including wide receivers and tight ends look back at the tailback. The tailback a shocked when he sees Lorenzo Neal's face on each and every one of them.

[Ghost of Quacksaw]

And remember, Dot is still on the roster...

There's really no good reason to remember Dotson being on the roster. He is Michael Bandy-esque.

Vidal is a bigger back than Dotson by nearly 15 pounds, and proved himself to be a good pass blocker in college. There's nothing Dotson does that Vidal can't do just as well, if not better.

The only way Elijah Dotson makes the roster is if he oversleeps, and the rest of the running back room gets into a rollover accident on the freeway.

"My sources have relayed to me on the High Speed Sports Wire that there are scenarios in which it would be possible for Elijah Dotson to make the Chargers' roster this year! Reaction! EYE want to hear from EWE!..."

[sonorajim]

We have 6 RBs. I think we keep 4. Not ready to name ahead of training camp and pre season. Dobbins and Gus are vets familiar with G-Ro and quality blocking. Health is the question with them.
The rest we know close to nothing about in this O. Vidal, I think yes. Dotson, Patterson, Spiller ??? We'l just have to see.

[Topcat]

There's really no good reason to remember Dotson being on the roster. He is Michael Bandy-esque.

Vidal is a bigger back than Dotson by nearly 15 pounds, and proved himself to be a good pass blocker in college. There's nothing Dotson does that Vidal can't do just as well, if not better.

The only way Elijah Dotson makes the roster is if he oversleeps, and the rest of the running back room gets into a rollover accident on the freeway.

"My sources have relayed to me on the High Speed Sports Wire that there are scenarios in which it would be possible for Elijah Dotson to make the Chargers' roster this year! Reaction! EYE want to hear from EWE!..."

With our upgraded O-line, training and blocking schemes, EYE think Dot could turn some heads...

[Lefty2SLO]

Dobbins is 25. He’s far from even RB-adjusted “old”, which imo is around 28 or 29. He hasnt shown he can stay healthy, thats his big ???

But he’s not old. I’ve got unexplained lumps on my body older than 25 lol.

Yeah - it's easy to forget how young he is. IF he can stay healthy he's a difference maker . . . . . . . .. but that's a big IF based on his history, but a worthy risk for the $$$'s though. We could have a very different RB room next year . . . . . . . .