Jan 4, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Dan Herron (36) is tackled by Cincinnati Bengals outside linebacker Emmanuel Lamur (59) in the first quarter in the 2014 AFC Wild Card playoff football game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
2015 Contract: Restricted Free Agent
Stats: 351 Rushing Yards, 4.5 avg, 1 TD. 21 Receptions, 173 yards
PFF Grade: -1.6
DVOA: -2.8% DYAR: 18 (Among RBs with under 100 carries)
The Good:
Herron was lightning in a bottle with the ball in his hands and a legitimate threat to score every time he touched the ball. His decisiveness and speed made him a more effective back than Richardson. It also proved the point that running backs are essentially a dime a dozen and can be found anywhere (and not worth two first round draft picks).
He was the deciding factor against the Bengals in the Wild Card round of the playoffs. Herron led the team in receiving and helped Andrew Luck be a more patient passer.
The Bad:
Herron isn’t a game changing running back. He just looks like one compared to Richardson. He has plenty of flaws of his own. Herron really struggle in pass protection but that is something he can easily improve over time (see: Donald Brown).
The bigger issue is his fumbling. His ball security issues are mostly mechanical and simple adjustments will likely fix the problem.
2015 Outlook:
This is another person the Colts can keep on the roster at a bargain price. The Colts paid Herron just $570,000 in 2014 and it wouldn’t be that much more in 2015.
At the very least, the Colts will want Herron in camp since he is familiar with the offense and proved his value late in the year. I’d expect Herron to be on the Colts regular season roster again, especially given the injury history of some of the other players.