Scouting The 2013 NFL Draft: Christine Michael, RB - Texas A&M

Introduction

With the Jets confirming a formal workout with Michael in early April, we thought it was the perfect time to release our scouting report of the running back from College Station. Christine (pronounced Chris-TIN) is a player with bags of talent, a player who's draft stock has been downgraded due to some red flags. In a season that should have been the year to guarantee a first round grade, he was in and out of head coach Kevin Sumlin's dog house for attitude problems, and a lack of effort as a pass blocker. Despite lighting up the combine as a top performer in almost every drill he raised more red flags by sleeping through two interviews. The blame was put on cold medication, but the judgment was put on Michael.

Christine Michael has been a star in College Station ever since he set foot on the field as a Freshman. He had 844 yards and 10 touchdowns on his way to being named the Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the year. In 2010 Michael was on course for another productive season when he suffered a broken right Tibia against Texas Tech, meaning he would miss the final four games of the season and the Aggies Cotton Bowl loss to LSU. He worked his way back and showed little signs of the broken leg in the 2011 season opener against SMU, scoring 2 touchdowns and running at 6.1 yards a slip. Unfortunately for Christine, just as his season was really heating up with three consecutive 100 yard games, he suffered a torn ACL against Oklahoma that ruled him out of the final three games of the 2011 season and the Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas victory over Northwestern.

Unfortunately for Michael, his 2012 season was marred by frustration and lack of playing time. Following some concerns over his attitude and willingness to do the dirty work, he round himself riding the pine more than lacing up his cleats. He recorded no carries in three games and was limited to under 10 carries in 7 other contests. Despite his lack of playing time, he still found the endzone a remarkable 12 times, his power creating short yardage goal line opportunities.

Measurables

Height: 5'10

Weight: 220 lb's

Arms: 31 1/2"

Hands: 9 3/8"

40 Time: 4.54 seconds

Bench: 27 Reps (Top Performer)

Vertical: 43" (Top Performer)

Broad: 10'5" (Top Performer)

Shuttle: 4.02 (Top Performer)

3 Cone: 6.69 (Top Performer)

60 yard: 11.56

Statistics

Positives

Christine Michael has a very rare combination of speed, power and vision. He attacks the whole very quickly and is built thickly throughout the body. Doesn't go down easily and fights through arm tackles to gain extra yardage. Has the speed in the open field to run away from linebackers and defensive backs and has quick cuts in the open field to make people miss. Has a low center of gravity and runs with quick small strides that allow him to change direction quicker than most. Possesses good acceleration and not afraid to lower his head into contact. His vision for the cutback make him a very good short yardage back, but because of his elusive talent and extra speed - he should not just be penciled into that stereotype. Has good balance, more a north to south type runner. Earlier in his career he showed the signs of becoming a good blocker with good upper body strength and willingness to work to the second level.

Negatives

Lets start this with the obvious, he saw limited playing time in 2012 not because of injury but because of attitude. He was benched for not showing effort in pass protection. Despite his excellent physical workout at the combine, he slept through two interviews. Has lost a little of that burst following his two injuries. Doesn't always secure the football and had some fumble problems in 2011. Seems to have taken a step back in pass protection, how much of that is down to lack of talent with these situations and how much is just effort?

Conclusion

He does have a lot of talent, I would even argue on talent alone he is a late first round talent. However his coachability issues concern me. Following injuries you should be chomping at the bit to get out on the field and do whatever is asked. The fact that he was benched for lack of effort following two seasons that were ended by injury make me really question his desire to succeed. Despite this, I like his physical style - mixed with his open field ability and vision to find the cutback lane, he is a very draftable player, red flags or not.

Would i draft him for the Jets?

I would look at him in the 2nd round, if we interview him and believe that the red flags are over emphasized then his talent will shine through. Finding the endzone on 12 different occasions on only 88 carries is impressive. I think we need that combination of power, balance and open field ability in the backfield. It makes a lot of sense for us to be looking into drafting a player like Michael. If he was there in the 3rd then I'd be excited by the value we would be getting. However if we really believe in him, then I have no problems with us selecting him in the 2nd round.

Highlights

EAST/WEST Shrine Game Highlights