The Leading Authority of the NFL Draft

Penn State running back Evan Royster, who redshirted as a freshman, announced he would return for his senior season less than one week after the Nittany Lions ended their 2009 campaign with a Capital One Bowl win over LSU. NFL draft observers had projected Royster as a mid-round pick. Royster does not possess one great quality as a back but combines a number of attributes to be among the best. He possesses patience and vision, is able to pick out the smallest crease and shoot through it or use his quick feet to avoid a direct hit from a would-be tackler. The one aspect he tried to improve during the off-season was power. Royster underwent a weight-training program in the summer that helped him check into preseason camp at 228 pounds, 15 pounds over his playing weight from last season. Royster explained he wanted to increase his durability and have a more consistent workload. He carried the ball 20 or more times only twice last season, with a high of 23 against Minnesota. Mike Mayock, an analyst for NFL Network, said he personally has not seen tape of Royster but that the word he hears is that scouts like him. "He's a decent-sized back," Mayock said. "He has to stay healthy, be productive and show that he's a three-down back. He needs to show skills in pass protection and catching the football." – Philadelphia Enquirer

Subscribe to the NFL Draft Bible All Access Membership now and receive our 2011 NFL Draft Prospectus, in addition to 18 issues of the College Football Insiders Newsletter, FF Rookie Preview and the 10th Annual NFL Draft Bible (over 300+ pages). Click Here to Order