'Why Deuce Vaughn?'
Height & Weight
5'5 -- 179lbs
Ascension grade
Pro-bowl ceiling
63.60 -- #3 RB
High-end traits (80th percentile & up)
Skill set as a receiver
Movement toolbox
Movement economy & solutions
Non-linear athletic qualities
Field IQ
Movement intellect
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Low-end traits (30th percentile & down)
Through contact solutions
Viability in short-yardage situations
Schematic versatility
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Stylistic comparison
Deon Lewis meshed with Darren Sproles
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Projected role comparison
Secondary running back & gadget option (Tarik Cohen)
Abrupt and incredibly versatile as a mover with his size actually being an aid in open spaces.
At 5'5 he's difficult to prepare for when he gets to the second level - should be a priority to utilize him on designed screens and jet touches.
Behind the LOS his height and capabilities as an accelerator mesh well when space condenses.
You see backers & box safeties reacting late to Vaughn through the hole because they can have difficulty identifying his path.
As a receiving option, Vaughn offers you versatility both vertically & on timing routes. This is where we see the Darren Sproles comparisons ring true. Extremely tough cover for backers.
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Can line up in the slot and provide a quickness mismatch.
Nightmare to cover when giving him a two-way go.
Carving out a significant role as a pass-catcher would not surprise me due to how reliable he is.
Four hundred receiving yards in each of his last three seasons speaks to that.
Good play strength & physicality for his frame. Vaughn isn't going to push piles, but will consistently be tough to bring down in singular engagements.
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His stature does pose an issue in the low red-zone.
Does not profile as a 10 + touchdown candidate, which will be obvious to most.
Awkward stride cadence, but gets to top-end in a hurry and holds speed well. Has hit above 21.5mph in-game.
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Continually sneaks up on second-level defenders with how sudden he plays.
Expectations & Range of outcomes
The biggest outlier in the last decade of draftable backs, but one that I am betting on. Even at 5'5 and south of 180lbs he handled 15 or more touches in 84% of his collegiate games - a mark higher than Sean Tucker (78%) and Bijan Robinson (67%) It is not an 'if' he can handle a workload it's a simple 'will he have an opportunity?'
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He has every trait you want in a lead back, but the frame. Upper-level anticipatory qualities and movement skills and the play speed to hit home-runs.
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My expectation is that he earns a Tarik Cohen type role for an NFL offense and becomes a weekly RB3/4.