2011 NFL Draft Player Profile | Shane Vereen 

Drafted by NE Patriots 

Shane Vereen continued what seems to be a non-stop system of running backs. Cal has produced the likes of Marshawn Lynch, Jahvid Best, and Justin Forsett. Shane Vereen is the next stud to come out of there.

Vereen was a four star recruit out of Valencia High School. He has been a heavy part of the Jeff Tedford offense for three years, having at least 140 carries each season.

Player Name: Shane Vereen

Position: Running Back

School: California

Height: 5’10

Weight: 210

Strengths

Vereen’s athleticism and versatility has been huge for the Cal Bears. He is a thick running back who has the speed and quickness to make defenders miss in space. Vereen has good vision, and is generally a patient runner. He does an excellent job of planting off of his foot and cutting up field. He catches well out of the backfield and is utilized heavily in screen plays as well as draws. Vereen has experience returning kicks, often showing off his exceptional vision. He runs with a nice low center of gravity and can even line up as a slot receiver.

Weaknesses

He tends to run around people, rather than through them. His speed is great, but it isn’t fast enough to run past NFL defenses. He doesn’t break many tackles, and needs to work on bulking up and getting through arm tackles. He isn’t going to be a workhorse at the next level, and will be best as a scat back/3rd down back if he can improve in pass protection.

Draft Range

Honestly, Vereen’s draft stock could rise just like Jahvid Best’s did in the 2010 NFL Draft. They are quite similar and teams covet versatile players, especially running backs. However, I see Vereen being draft no earlier than pick 60 and no later than pick 90. There isn’t a huge demand for running backs in the early rounds for 2011. Atlanta, San Diego, New England, Green Bay, Cincinnati, and Pittsburgh look like great suitor’s for Vereen’s skillset.

NFL Comparison: Jahvid Best