A scout’s breakdown of Quentin Castille, a Northwestern State (La.) who is eligible for the 2010 supplemental draft:
Strengths: Is a tough, very competitive runner; fights for extra yards. Keeps legs churning; runs thru arm/grab tackles. Usually runs upright initially, but gets shoulders down to deliver blow when close to defenders. Flashes ability to deliver a violent blow to opponent, knocking him over. Breaks tackle and gains yards after contact. Is smooth, athletic; can change directions well enough to avoid tacklers. Is instinctive runner. Has good vision, excellent patience following blockers. Cuts off blockers blocks well. Usually bends knees well to pass block with good technique. Can deliver hard blow to pass rusher, stopping him in tracks. Shows good hands as a receiver. Runs well after the catch because he does such a good job of following his blockers.
Weaknesses: Is more smooth than quick and explosive. Lacks quick/explosive burst around the corner or through hole. Lacks playing speed to make long runs. Has solid playing speed, but gets chased down from behind. Is less effective when tacklers get to him while he is upright. Has not proved he can be a productive, feature back. Is more of a one-cut runner than an elusive runner.
Bottom line: Castillo came out early after a disappointing 2009 season. He began his college career at Nebraska and was a contributing part of their running back committee in 2008 and seemed on his way to a productive career. However, he violated team rules during a bowl game, which lead him to be dismissed. He transferred to Northwestern State. We would not draft him. Castillo will get a chance as a free agent, but will have a hard time establishing himself.
Former NFL scout Russ Lande evaluates college players for Sporting News’ Pro Football War Room and GM Jr. Scouting LLC.
A scout’s breakdown of Quentin Castille, a Northwestern State (La.) who is eligible for the 2010 supplemental draft:
Strengths: Is a tough, very competitive runner; fights for extra yards. Keeps legs churning; runs thru arm/grab tackles. Usually runs upright initially, but gets shoulders down to deliver blow when close to defenders. Flashes ability to deliver a violent blow to opponent, knocking him over. Breaks tackle and gains yards after contact. Is smooth, athletic; can change directions well enough to avoid tacklers. Is instinctive runner. Has good vision, excellent patience following blockers. Cuts off blockers blocks well. Usually bends knees well to pass block with good technique. Can deliver hard blow to pass rusher, stopping him in tracks. Shows good hands as a receiver. Runs well after the catch because he does such a good job of following his blockers.
Weaknesses: Is more smooth than quick and explosive. Lacks quick/explosive burst around the corner or through hole. Lacks playing speed to make long runs. Has solid playing speed, but gets chased down from behind. Is less effective when tacklers get to him while he is upright. Has not proved he can be a productive, feature back. Is more of a one-cut runner than an elusive runner.
Bottom line: Castillo came out early after a disappointing 2009 season. He began his college career at Nebraska and was a contributing part of their running back committee in 2008 and seemed on his way to a productive career. However, he violated team rules during a bowl game, which lead him to be dismissed. He transferred to Northwestern State. We would not draft him. Castillo will get a chance as a free agent, but will have a hard time establishing himself.
Former NFL scout Russ Lande evaluates college players for Sporting News’ Pro Football War Room and GM Jr. Scouting LLC.