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NFL Combine: Cal RB Daniel Lasco boosts NFL Draft stock

By Gabe Encinas

Oct 31, 2015; Berkeley, CA, USA; California Golden Bears running back Daniel Lasco (2) runs with the ball after making a catch against the Southern California Trojans in the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium. The Trojans defeated the Bears 27-21. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 31, 2015; Berkeley, CA, USA; California Golden Bears running back Daniel Lasco (2) runs with the ball after making a catch against the Southern California Trojans in the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium. The Trojans defeated the Bears 27-21. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Calfironia Golden Bears running back Daniel Lasco had a great performance at the NFL Combine, making him a value pick later in the draft.

We see it almost every year. A home-run pick in the middle rounds of the NFL Draft who breaks out as an emerging Rooke of the Year candidate.

This year, the running backs at the top of the board have all the attention. Ezekiel Elliott and Derrick Henry showed they are the best backs in the draft, meanwhile, Kenyan Drake and Keith Marshall also had strong performances to help their stock.

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But there’s one running back who seems to be flying under the radar, a pick that I think will be a great addition to the right team, given the right opportunity. Daniel Lasco is that guy for me. He had a great Combine, posting up some freakish numbers. The most mesmerizing measurement was his vertical jump, reaching 41.5 inches, first among all running backs.

He finished second in the 60-yard shuttle in 11.31 seconds and his 40 time was fourth among running backs, posting a 4.46 time. He also showed off his strength on the bench, throwing up 225 pounds 23 times. While these drills are not indicative of success, these are some great results to show off his athleticism.

This Combine is exactly what Lasco needed. He was behind top-10 pick Jared Goff at California and didn’t see nearly as many touches as your average back in the Combine, a part of their “Bear-Raid” offense.

He only had 65 attempts as a senior, gaining 331 yards and only three touchdowns, battling with an injury all season long. Still, he averaged over five yards a carry. His junior campaign is what scouts will have to look at now, where he had 210 carries for 1115 yards and 12 touchdowns. He was also used in the passing game much more as well.

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Sure, a running back in a passing offense is going to get some great looks, having the defense expecting a pass on nearly every play. But California has produced running backs and other offensive standouts left and right, and with Lasco, I think is a guy who teams can take in the fourth round and find themselves a gem.

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