Colts Post-Draft Positional Review: Running Back
By Evan Reller
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
2014 Stats: 351 yards, 1 TD; 21 receptions, 173 yards
PFF Grade: -1.6
DYAR: 24th DVOA: 13th (among backs with less than 100 carries)
Herron was buried on the depth chart for most of the season, but should have been higher on the depth chart than Trent Richardson from day one. He only had significant carries in nine games last season, and the majority of his negative PFF grade came from bad pass protection (which also limited how much the team could use him).
That said, Herron has the ability to hit a home run with every carry, or to fumble the ball on the first hit. Including the playoffs, Herron had six fumbles last season and at a point it felt like fans would hold their breath when he got hit.
If he tightens up how he carries the ball, and watches film to improve his blocking, he’ll remain second on the depth chart. Considering his added importance in the playoffs (three starts, 170 yards, two TDs, 20 receptions, and 128 yards), Herron seems like a lock to make the roster as the running back who gives Gore a break.