Audric Estime NFL Draft Prospect Profile and Scouting Report
Notre Dame Running Back Audric Estime Scouting Report - 2024 NFL Draft
By Jack Gerak
Name: Audric Estimé
School: Notre Dame
Year: Junior
Position: Running Back
Measurables: 5’11”, 227 lbs.
Combine: 40-yd: 4.71, 10-yd: 1.58, Vertical: 38", Broad: 10'5", Bench: 23 reps (Pro Day 40-yd: 4.58)
Stats:
General Info:
Four-star running back Audric Estimé finished his high school football career at St. Joseph Regional High School in New Jersey with 3,641 rushing yards and 48 rushing TDs. This was capped off by a senior season with 2,042 yards and 24 TDs from scrimmage which culminated in Estimé’s selection as the 2020 New Jersey Football Player of the Year. After initially committing to play for Michigan State, Audric Estimé decommitted in December of 2020 to accept an offer to play for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
This production came to a halt upon his arrival to South Bend, as Estimé had to sit behind Los Angeles Rams’ breakout running back Kyren Williams. After watching Kyren Williams rush for over 1,000 yards in his final season at Notre Dame, Audric Estimé was ready for the opportunity to fill the void and make a name for himself. Though he shared carries with Logan Diggs in his sophomore season, Estimé made it clear he was the Notre Dame running back of the future with 920 rushing yards and 11 rushing TDs. After Diggs transferred to LSU in May of 2023, the Irish backfield was Audric’s to own. He made the most of his opportunity as a workhorse with 1,341 rushing yards and 18 rushing TDs in a 10-3 season for the Fighting Irish. His junior-year campaign set the single-season rushing TD record for Notre Dame and earned the running back second-team All-American honors. After forgoing the Sun Bowl in December of 2023 and declaring his intention to enter the NFL Draft, Audric Estimé is projected to be a Day 3 selection in Detroit this April.
Positional Skills:
Strengths
The trait that sticks out on film with Estimé is his strength, but he is much more than a bruiser. He demonstrates an impressive ability to separate from defenders on breakout runs (especially for a player his size), and he is able to cut well to evade defenders downfield as well as at the line of scrimmage.
Audric’s most impressive trait is his contact balance. He utilizes his strength to fend off arm tackles and stays on his feet through contact. As evidenced by his 18-touchdown junior season, he is a fantastic goal line back with a nose for the end zone.
Though he is not a top tier athlete, Estimés combination of size and speed is hard to deny, and his play-speed is faster than he will likely test at the combine. Much like Packers’ tight end Tucker Kraft, Audric Estimé loves to utilize the hurdle (sometimes to a fault).
On third downs, Audric is an excellent pass blocker: a necessity for three down backs in today’s NFL. Though he has room to grow in this area, he has shown promise as a receiver out of the backfield.
Weaknesses
Though he was able to break away from defenders at Notre Dame, Estimé’s speed is limited. This, in addition to his unproven pass-catching ability, may give him a ceiling in today’s NFL.
Though he has good patience in the backfield, this patience sometimes leads to indecision. There are many instances on film where he shuffles his feet in the backfield only to be tackled for no gain. He is at his best when he bursts through the hole with abandon.
As with many larger backs, lateral quickness is a concern. He is a great one-cut running back, but he lacks the elusiveness that many of today’s backs possess.
Fit with the Packers:
Fan-favorite Packers’ running back AJ Dillon is not a lock to return to Titletown in 2024. While he has been a fine complement to Aaron Jones, Dillon has not developed into the starting-caliber back that Cheeseheads were hoping for when the Packers selected him in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Because of this, the Packers may look to find a cheaper, younger complement to Aaron Jones with the potential to develop into a starting running back in the future. Enter Audric Estimé, a running back who projects to be exactly that: a cheaper, younger version of AJ Dillon.
Though Aaron Jones is a home run hitting back with excellent receiving ability, it seems the Packers have learned in recent years that he is at his best when his volume is managed throughout the season. The Packers have turned to Dillon here, who has more rushing attempts than Jones over the last three seasons. The results, however, have left some to be desired, and AJ failed to establish himself as a viable long-term solution when he stepped into the starting role last season. It is hard to imagine that Packers GM Brian Gutekunst is comfortable with AJ Dillon as the only replacement for an aging star running back who is kept on a pitch count by the coaching staff.
To paraphrase a long quote from Aaron Rodgers, the Packers’ front office has not been slow to move on from players who mean a great deal to both fans and the locker room if they believe it is the best decision for the team (see Jordy Nelson, Clay Matthews, Randall Cobb, et al.). Removing emotion from the situation, the Packers may look at Audric Estimé and see an immediate replacement for AJ Dillon with the potential to develop into a three down starting back.
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Comments (20)
MooPack
February 15, 2024 at 09:30 am
"Audric’s most impressive trait is his contact balance. He utilizes his strength to fend off arm tackles and stays on his feet through contact. As evidenced by his 18-touchdown junior season, he is a fantastic goal line back with a nose for the end zone."
Yes, and he has very good vision for the opening and follows his blockers well. Reminds me a little of a bigger version of Emmitt Smith who would be behind his blockers and then shoot through the whole and drive his legs through tacklers. Emmitt wasn't a burner but a lot of yards and a touchdown machine. Estime looks to have those same traits. Caveat - Need to get better run blocking out of the Packers Oline.
I actually like Estime over Brooks and Benson mainly because of their injuries. If he is around late 2nd or 3rd rounds, I'd pull the trigger on him. Also, Jaylen Wright out of Tennessee is a bigger version of Aaron Jones as a homerun hitter with tremendous speed.
JQ
February 15, 2024 at 07:36 pm
I didn't see Jaylen Wright play this year, but I did like the scouting report I read on PFN. He sounds like he'd be a terrific third day pick, maybe round 4-5, and it sounds like the Packers will be getting some day 3 comp picks.
I agree with the idea that it's not necessary to use a 2nd or 3rd rounder on a running back.
PeteK
February 15, 2024 at 09:39 am
Seems to be a quicker version of Dillon which is good. He would be a great pick if Wilson can be the scat back compliment.
GregC
February 15, 2024 at 10:12 am
Sounds a lot like A. J. Dillon, but Dillon hasn't been good enough as the complementary RB, so why go down that same road again? This offense works much better with a shiftier, more dynamic RB. I think that's what the Packers should be looking for: a true Aaron Jones replacement.
WestCoastPackerBacker
February 15, 2024 at 11:17 am
Yes, kind of sounds like Dillon except Dillon has good hands and Estime is underdeveloped in the pass-catching role. Doesn't seem like a guy you would want to spend a very high pick on. I still can't believe Aaron Jones lasted to round 5 and has been so productive.
MilkCan44
February 15, 2024 at 08:48 pm
Vision, balance and receiving ability are more important than power in today's NFL. Several times I saw Dillon stonewalled inside the 3 yd. lIne (not his fault - poor blocking). But Jones would duck under the linemen's legs and sneak in.
stockholder
February 15, 2024 at 11:33 am
It never hurts to take a guy and kick the tires.
But you're more than likely looking at spot #58;-
(Thats if you want one of the top 5 RBs.)
{And truthfully; thats what I don't want to give up.}
If you compare a guy to Dillion.
You might as well keep Dillion.
He did pick it up when Jones went out.
But as we all know,
RBs do reach their PEAK.
jannesbjornson
February 15, 2024 at 06:45 pm
Nah, I'll take Dillon Johnson.
MooPack
February 15, 2024 at 12:24 pm
I don't think the comparisons to Dillon are accurate. He's not 250#'s slow developing plodder with very little cut ability. He's a tad shorter, more compact 225, with better vision and cut, better speed. Doesn't get stood up but pushes piles with lower lean. He finishes better. Packers have big need for 3rd and short/goal and short RB. I believe he is that. Also, if you watch more tape is a very good pass blocker. Something the Packers prioritize before they see the field as much. As for pass catching, none of the Notre Dame backs caught many balls, but Estime had the most. It wasn't much in their offense. Doesn't mean he can't. He's a 3 down workhorse back. I think he'd be a much better "version" of what Dillon was supposed to be.
[edit] If you look at his games log this year per game, he had long runs of 39,21,25,33,14,6,30,22,41,80,50,13. He can hit some big gainers.
Also, again, if they are looking for an Aaron Jones eventual replacement as a big play back, I think Jaylen Wright is the guy. Underrated to me.
Either way 3rd round would be the time when RB's are going to go.
Leatherhead
February 15, 2024 at 05:33 pm
Dillon was the backup to Jones, and he did a solid job of being available, protecting the ball, and executing his assignment. But when he was called on to be "the guy" during that stretch this year when Jones was out, he showed me that he's a good #2 but not a good #1, and that's why I'm in favor of replacing him. Also, Jones will reach the end of the road, maybe sooner than any of us thinks, so we've got to have a guy who can be "the guy" if he has to be.
I think at #58, we could well have the pick of the litter. I like Benson and Brooks. If they were both gone, I'd like to see Braelon Allen, but not at #58. We'd still have options at #88 that would work, and Etienne is one that would work for me.
Leatherhead
February 15, 2024 at 01:24 pm
That end of the second round pick, #58, is where I'm finding my RB in simulations. It is possible that we could get the first RB off the board, the pick of the litter. To pair with Jones. Behind Love and an improved line.
golfpacker1
February 15, 2024 at 01:28 pm
There are not a lot of choices for bigger backs. Estime, Braelon Allen-Wisc, and Dillon Johnson-Oregon are about it. Dillon Johnson is the most complete RB of the three, but Estime and Allen haven't had a chance to show how good they really can catch the ball. In the few receiving highlights I have seen of Estime and Allen, they look very natural. Obviously all three can pass block. I think any would be a Dillon upgrade at this point because Dillon will find someone, I have read the Steelers, to give him $4 million a year. Too much.
For Aaron Jones replacements/clones, there are a lot of options. Wright-Tenn is a good one. Bucky Irving is better I think, almost as fast. Shipley/ Clemson, Lloyd-USC, and Ray Davis are also good picks. There are more Jones type guys than Dillon types.
Like Stockholder, I also don't think we can use #58 on RB. Those first 3 picks have to be CB, S, and Interior O-line.
Or we miss the best @ S and OG. the second 5 CBs are pretty damn good too, especially T J Tampa and Khyree Jackson. There are more RBs who might still be around later.
MooPack, I am with you on Benson and Brooks. I like all of these other guys better than them, and most will be available late 3rd and after.
This Irish RB looks way better than the other one we picked years back. His highlights are more impressive than Allens, but not better than Dillon. Tough but good choices.
JQ
February 15, 2024 at 07:27 pm
"...Dillon Johnson-Oregon ..."
Dillon Johnson played for Washington. Bucky Irving is the RB from Oregon.
golfpacker1
February 16, 2024 at 09:22 am
Thanks JQ. I am in Draft-mode and have way too much in my head right now. And I love both those guys. Wright might be faster, but Dillon and Irving have more power and make people miss.
golfpacker1
February 15, 2024 at 01:35 pm
Also, later attractive RBs are Isaiah Davis, Rasheen Ali, and Blake Watson. I saw highlights of the Boise State RB, George Holani and I was impressed. Check him out. Its a great year to need RBs, but I would still love to see a cheaper restructured Aaron Jones a couple more years. At least he has trade value if we can't, unlike Bahktiari and Campbell.
LLCHESTY
February 15, 2024 at 08:33 pm
Keep an eye on Isaac Guerendo at the combine. Transferred from Wisconsin to Louisville and had 810 rushing yards at 6.1 a pop and averaged 10.6 yards a catch on 22 catches this year. 6'-1" 225 lbs, could surprise some people in the 40.
golfpacker1
February 16, 2024 at 09:24 am
I saw highlights of this guy LL and he is impressive and powerful too. We will have great chances and options to get 2 pretty good RBs this draft.
lou
February 15, 2024 at 05:16 pm
It is obvious our GM had a sincere interest in Jones's long term replacement with the effort to trade for Jonathan Taylor. Taylor is the real deal. Don't count out a move for a proven vet before or after the draft.
Leatherhead
February 15, 2024 at 05:34 pm
I had forgotten that. You can get bargains in FA at that position because it's so undervalued.
gsd3
February 16, 2024 at 05:30 am
I would be perfectly fine with a combo of Estime and Jaylan Wright. That would be a true thunder and lightning backfield.