New Hampshire running back Dylan Laube has answered all questions throughout a week of Senior Bowl practice sessions. Laube entered the week as a small-schooler with a need to prove he belonged alongside the best senior prospects in the nation. After a string of standout practices, Laube will exit the all-star showcase as a legitimate mid-round back in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Laube is arguably the most versatile running back in April's draft. The Westhampton, New York native produced 749 rushing yards and 699 receiving yards this season, totaling 1,448 yards and 16 touchdowns. The Wildcats standout handled being the focal point of the offense with ease.
Laube continued to display high-level route-running ability throughout Thursday’s early morning practice session. On this rep, an overmatched defender can’t stay with Laube stride for stride in space.
Is Dylan Laube the best route runner of all the 2024 #NFLDraft RBs?
— The Draft Network (@TheDraftNetwork) February 1, 2024
He has been a handful for defenders this week! #SeniorBowl pic.twitter.com/G7zpuzTZjD
This has been the standard result for Laube, who has consistently won reps and impressed in pass-catching drills.
Today's pass-happy league has created a demand for versatile backs. Every offense is searching for playmakers with the athleticism required to thrive in space. Laube is simply a mismatch for opposing linebackers in coverage. Creating mismatch opportunities is the goal of every offensive coordinator on Sundays. Laube’s flexibility will make game-planning for his involvement a joyous occasion. Laube has checked those boxes in Mobile while proving he could take up an every-down role in the pros if needed.
Alignment versatility is also at the forefront of Laube's passing-down abilities. The Walter Payton Award finalist can run routes from the slot, out wide, or when asked to operate from bunch sets. Defensive captains must earmark his positioning pre-snap. That do-it-all skill set opens up possibilities while ensuring the offense isn’t tipping its hand when Laube is on the field.
New Hampshire RB Dylan Laube is going to make a team very, very happy come summer time.
— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) February 1, 2024
Extremely versatile athlete with legit juice in space. Rocked up kid that more than looks the part here in Mobile.
Having passing-game experience in abundance has also helped Laube develop into an excellent pass protector. He steps up in the pocket to meet blitzing threats with a rare sense of calmness, affording his quarterback the time and space necessary to go through progressions. Laube's NFL position coach will quickly trust him to execute those assignments at the next level.
Laube is more than a third-down receiving back, too. As a traditional ball-carrier, Laube knives through defenses with active feet and a low center of gravity. Combining patience with vision allows Laube to reach cornerbacks and safeties in the open field. Laube is shifty and elusive enough to force missed tackles. It’s precisely why he posted a nation-leading 209.5 all-purpose yards per game in 2023.
The 2024 NFL Draft isn't top-heavy at the running back position. There currently isn't a ball-carrier that's frequently projected as a first-round selection. There's no Bijan Robinson or Jahmyr Gibbs-like talent to be identified. Instead, general managers will search for mid-to-late round value to fill out their 2024 backfields. Laube has eased the small-school concerns through a productive showing in Mobile. With versatility, experience, and production as his selling points, Laube is going to make an NFL team extremely happy next season.
