NFL Draft 2024: Rasheen Ali Scouting Report: Running back for the Baltimore Ravens
HEIGHT: 5’11½”
WEIGHT: 206 lbs.
HAND: 8.5″
ARM: 31.5 ”
WINGSPAN: 74⅜”
40-YARD DASH: Not available
3-CONE: Not applicable
SHUTTLE: Not specified
VERTICAL: Not applicable
BROAD: Not at all
SUMMARY
The irritable runner. demonstrates an above-average burst of acceleration while cutting and committing to a fast-moving lane.
– Moves past the line of scrimmage fairly quickly. can swiftly pose a threat to the second and third levels.
– Superior adaptability and direction switching. able to smoothly bend and turn the field.
HARDWARE
A straight runner. tries to maintain his churning legs while absorbing contact.
Overall, not a very strong or physical runner.
Looks for bounce outside runs most of the time. Plays a little too slowly or hesitates to move upfield at times.
2023 DATA
— 28 REC, 213 YDS (7.6 AVG), 1 TD; 12 G, 212 ATT, 1,135 YDS (5.4 AVG), 15 TD
Observations
— Born 16 February 2001.
According to 247Sports, a 2-star recruit in the 2020 class
— 2021 All-Conference USA first team; 2023 All-Sun Belt second team
suffered a leg ailment that kept him out of action for much of the 2022 season; in January 2024, he tore his biceps tendon.
— Saw the Senior Bowl in 2024
OVERALL
Though he is a quick and nimble runner, Rasheen Ali might not have the poise or decisiveness to be an NFL lead back.
Ali’s speed and explosiveness are his main weapons. He can move freely across the line of scrimmage because of his rather quick feet during playing. Furthermore, when Ali notices a field that needs to be cut up, he bends quickly. That entire movement is executed in a single, fluid, and powerful motion.
Ali can also sprint quickly in an open field. He can reach a strong top speed once he gets past the line of scrimmage, which will force defensive backs to work hard to get the best angle on him. For that reason, Ali is a potent perimeter runner.
Ali also lacks the ability to dominate in the space between tackles. He is an upright runner with poor balance and leg drive. Ali is frequently halted on first contact in addition to being easily tript up at the ankles. He doesn’t usually survive past first collision, but he can occasionally spin and wiggle out of trouble.
Furthermore, Ali is not a strong runner. Sometimes, if he thinks something might still open up on the outside, he is cautious to hit the hole downhill. Ali merely lacks the strength and aggression to capitalize on the moments when he does show initiative.
Ali is a fast-twitch back who can play an NFL change-of-pace position. His agility and ability to break free quickly will make him a valuable substitute for teams that have a stronger, heavier lead back. In an outside-zone style where he can hunt for plays on the perimeter, Ali would be most effective.
GRADE: 5.7 (6th/7th Round Backup/Draftable)
RANK IN TOTAL: 219
Rank in position: RB15
Ke’Shawn Vaughn, pro comparator