According to the Baltimore Sun’s Aaron Wilson, the Indianapolis Colts met with California running back Daniel Lasco at the NFL Combine:
Broncos and Colts met formally with Cal running back Daniel Lasco (The Woodlands) at combine, ran a 4.46, had 11-3 broad jump, 41.5 vertical
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 2, 2016
The 6’0, 209 pound Lasco just finished his senior season with the Golden Bears rushing for 331 rushing yards on 65 carries (5.1 ypc avg) and 3 rushing touchdowns in 9 games, as he missed 4 games and was limited in others due to hip and ankle injuries.
He was a two time captain for Cal and his best season came in his junior year, when he rushed for 1,115 rushing yards on 210 carries (5.3 ypc avg) and 12 rushing touchdowns. He was named All-PAC 12 honorable mention during that season.
He finished his collegiate career with 1,872 total rushing yards and 18 rushing touchdowns–which the latter ranks 10th on Cal’s all-time career list.
At the NFL Combine this past Friday, Lasco ran the 4th fastest forty time of all running backs participating with a 4.46 forty time, as well as recorded the highest vertical jump at 41.5 inches:
Daniel Lasco (RB - @CalAthletics)
— NFL (@NFL) February 26, 2016
41.5 inch vertical.
Wow. Wow. Wow. #NFLCombine https://t.co/iGtGGcO0TD
Daniel Lasco has impressed today.
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) February 26, 2016
4.40 40, 41.5 inch vert, 23 bench reps at 6'0", 209
Coming off a strong combine performance, Lasco is currently projected to be a 4th-5th round pick. Here is his NFL.com draft profile for your reference:
"BOTTOM LINEOne-year wonder who put himself on the map with a strong, overall performance in 2014 but suffered through a hip injury in 2015 and was unimpressive when he played. Lasco has some positive physical traits and might post some interesting combine numbers, but his lack of vision and inability to run with consistent physicality will be challenges when it comes to making an NFL roster."
With Colts starting running back Frank Gore set to turn 33 years old in May, the team could clearly use a long-term answer at the position, as well as a reliable backup behind him where there is Dan “Boom” Herron and little else.
While Lasco’s durability concerns likely prevent him from being a future “bell cow” back, he could be a nice change-of-pace back for the Colts, as well as a nice complementary rusher to Gore for next season.
Lasco could be selected in the mid-rounds of the upcoming NFL Draft, which would allow the Colts to address their greater needs earlier.