A.J. Dillon sheds fullback talk with impressive NFL Combine performance

A.J. Dillon has been considered a projected fullback in the NFL by many experts and scouts, but his combine performance squashed that talk.

Well aware of what some scouts and draft experts were saying about his projection at the next level, A.J. Dillon went out during the NFL Combine and took care of business.

Not only did Dillon look like one of the best running backs in the entire 2020 draft class, but he shed that notion that he should be a fullback at the next level with his 6-foot, 247-pound frame.

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First among running backs in the vertical and broad jumps, Dillon finished with 23 reps on the bench press and an unreal 4.53 40-yard dash. He proved that he’s not only a freak athlete for his size, but also has plenty of speed.

Looking for pro comps? Here’s an interesting one: Derrick Henry.

Both are about the same weight but Henry is three inches taller. Dillon ran a quicker 40-yard dash and had better vertical and broad jumps all while putting up one more rep of 225.

The former three-star running Connecticut chose Boston College instead of a couple other Power Five programs that likely would have given him more exposure.

When you think of a 247-pound back, you’d be led to believe he’s either thick or out of shape. Only one of those is true as Dillon carries his weight well. He may be a thicker back, but he’s solid muscle.

If you’ve watched Dillon play over the past three years, you’ve seen a running back put an average offense on his back and still put up big numbers. He didn’t have the best offensive line and Boston College didn’t have an elite passing game, so he was in charge of moving the ball for the Eagles, and did a great job.

Ultimately, Dillon finished his Boston College career with 4,382 yards and 38 touchdowns on 5.2 yards per carry. He also showed glimpses of improving his pass-catching ability with 13 catches for 195 yards and a touchdown last year.

He’s molding into a complete back. A complete running back.