Dynasty Rookie Profile: Tank Bigsby

Running Back – Auburn

6’0, 213 lbs

Strengths

Tank Bigsby has been one of the few bright spots coming out of an Auburn program that has struggled in recent years. It only took him a couple of weeks into his breakout freshman year to take over the backfield and he hasn’t looked back since. During his time on the Plains, he has frequently been asked to shoulder the offensive workload and proven to be one of the best backs in the SEC. 

Bigsby uses great footwork behind the line of scrimmage. He often displays good patience and allows his blocks to develop. Once a gap opens, he is a decisive runner who processes defenses and pressures well, and uses his natural agility and burst to get upfield in a hurry. Additionally, he is an energetic runner who does not shy away from contact but also has the instinct to get small and split gaps as well as easily feel out cut-back lanes. He isn’t considered a power back but frequently shows the ability to rip through soft hits and arm tackles with his natural explosiveness and burst. Due to his aggressive style he usually falls forward. 

Weaknesses

There are a few areas of concern that teams will consider when scouting Bigsby. While he has plenty of speed to rip off big chunk plays, he is not a homerun-style back who can score from anywhere on the field. He has natural power as a runner but tends to run upright, which causes him to lose power at the point of contact and exposes his torso to unnecessary hits. In the passing game, he has shown the ability to catch out of the backfield and transition to YAC quickly, but his downfield route tree is extremely limited. Finally, he has proven to be decent in pass protection which could help keep him on the field in passing situations. 

NFL Fit and Draft Capital

Consensus has Bigsby landing as a Day 2 draft pick in the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft. I expect him to land somewhere in a committee that’s in need of an early-down runner. While he lacks some skills that could make him a true workhorse, he has plenty of natural ability to be very successful at the next level. If he is able to improve his pad level he will be an extremely well-rounded runner.

He will need to work on his pass-catching skills, route tree, and adjusting to NFL blocking schemes to ensure use on 3rd down situations. I expect him to impress at the NFL Combine, and clock around a 4.50 40-yard dash. If Bigsby lands in the right situation, I can see his ceiling being similar to Miles Sanders’ career. Right now expect him to go off the board in round two of your upcoming dynasty rookie drafts. He would be a steal if he made it to round three.

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