Prospect Profile: Brian Leonard

Buffalo Bills Nation continues its look at top NFL Draft prospects today with another running back: Brian Leonard of Rutgers. Leonard is a bit different from the previous runners covered (Lynch, Pittman and Walker) because his natural position is fullback.

Brian Leonard, RB/FB, Rutgers
Height: 6'2" Weight: 226 40-Time: 4.52 seconds Senior

STRENGTHS: Versatility
- Great inside runner due to his size and strength... Very effective in pass protection... Outstanding receiver out of the backfield who has the size to overcome linebackers and the quicks to outrun some... Excellent attacking the edges of a defense from a fullback perspective... Toughest runner available in the draft outside of Adrian Peterson... Very instinctive player who is football smart... Versatile weapon who could be used at RB, FB, H-Back, tight end or even lined up in the slot as a wide receiver... Probably the most versatile weapon available in the draft, in terms of playing different positions well.

WEAKNESSES: Explosiveness
- A fullback by trade, Leonard does not have the explosive agility to make big plays... May not have a true pro position... Teams may overvalue him based solely on his versatility... Never carried a full rushing load in college... Likely will never be a starting running back in the NFL... Has a more limited upside than other runners available in this draft.

NFL COMPARISON: Sammy Morris, New England
- Leonard is a bit bigger and stronger than Morris is, but Morris has the same sort of versatility and plays a similar style to Leonard's. Leonard is a bit better of a receiver as well. Morris has made a career as a solid pass blocking, backup running back in the NFL.

DOES HE FIT THE "BILL"?: No.
- With the Bills switching to a two-back system, Leonard does not exactly fit the type of back that the Bills will seek to split time with Anthony Thomas. He has the versatility necessary to complement Thomas, but the Bills need to find a back who has a bit higher ceiling than Leonard does. Leonard has value, but not as the team's future starting running back.

BILLS NATION FINAL GRADE: 7.4 out of 10

LINKS
NFL Network Path to the Draft - Brian Leonard
NFL Draft Countdown profile
NFL Draft Scout profile
Football's Future profile
Scout.com profile

COMMENTS - Sound off! What is your opinion on Brian Leonard? Is he worth the Bills' investment? Or is he overrated? Feel free to talk about Leonard by commenting!