Noah Cain 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Background: 

• Penn State transfer
• Set Penn State TD rushing record with eight TDs

System: 

• Scheme tendencies: Scheme-versatile 
• 2022 projected role: Rotational back in a populated LSU backfield 

Pros: Noah Cain is an experienced runner that has good instincts running the football. From the handoff, Cain does a good job of scanning the offensive line for any creases. Once he finds the crease, Cain has a slight burst that he uses to quickly get into the hole to pick up positive yardage. On the plus side of the line of scrimmage, Cain does a good job of lowering his pads so he can make sure that he falls forward for positive yardage. Cain could be a running back that keeps you on schedule because he is always moving forward. Cain is a good runner in short-yardage situations and can be used as a back to specifically pick up short yardage.

Cons: Noah Cain shows best when he has to operate in the box as a running back who can pick up small chunks of yards. But as a dynamic playmaker, Cain appears to be limited. Cain can consistently get to the second level of defenses but there seems to be a lack of speed and overall athleticism to take the run any further than that. Cain attempts lateral cuts, spin moves, etc. to get free and get to the third level but they aren’t effective at a high level. Cain serves best as an inside zone runner where he can use his instincts to find creases—it doesn’t require running backs to necessarily be fast. If Cain can improve his ability to be dynamic, he can significantly improve his draft stock.

Noah Cain NFL Draft Scouting Report by Keith Sanchez