Auburn running back Tank Bigsby had a phenomenal career with the Tigers. He’s a powerful and versatile runner who can work both inside of the tackles and on the boundary as a bell-cow running back. The issue that might hold Bigsby back as an NFL prospect, compared to other running backs in the class of 2023, is that he’s not as strong of a receiver prospect, nor is he a great pass protector. Still, he is a valuable rotation piece at the very least who can offer good ability across the board.

Could Tank Bigsby get better as a receiver or pass blocker? Absolutely. Will he? To be determined. As a true running back, I think Bigsby is plateaued out in terms of what he can bring in upside and potential. 

Tank Bigsby from the wildcat, showing off the start/stop ability as he uses the defenders momentum to cause a missed tackle before blowing through some poor effort tackles for a nice gain. #Fantasyfootball pic.twitter.com/beygVFTGw4

— Jeremy (@PopesFFH) February 10, 2023

Played through minor injuries against Alabama in 2021 and it was obvious. 

Tank Bigsby’s scouting report

Athletic Ability (37)

Speed/Athleticism: 15 – 

• Speed (4.5/7) – Very athletic and quick. Excellent athlete. Solid speed. Could be top ten in speed in this class – looks to be in the 4.42-4.45 range. Ran at 4.56 at the NFL Combine. 
• Change of Direction (3.5/4) – Very capable of bouncing plays outside of the scheduled run lane, and did so with great success at Auburn, but not when he’s not 100% healthy. 
• Body Control (3.5/4) – Very solid body control. Does a great job of utilizing every bit of himself as a runner. 

Power/Strength: 10 –

• Run Power (4/5) – Solid runner between the tackles who consistently falls forward. Has the upper body strength to bully his way through tackles for extra yards. 
• Brute Strength (4/5) – Such a nasty run style. Doesn’t look like a power back but can deliver a real punch at the point of contact. Plays bigger and stronger than he actually is. Can absorb a lot of punishment. 

Burst/Explosion: 12 – 

• Acceleration (4.5/6) – Accelerates so well, especially once he turns the corner. 
• Explosiveness (5/6) – Great explosion. Sudden and devastating when he see’s a crease. 

Running Back Traits (25)

Field Vision: 15 – 

• Reading Blocks (7.5/10) – Reads his blocks extremely well. He’s either too patient or not patient enough in between the tackles. 
• Understanding Defenders (4.5/5) – Understands how defenders react to them and manipulates them well with his movement. 

Contact Balance: 10 – 

• In Power (4/5) – Strong contact balance between the tackles. Good, not great, between the tackles runner. 
• In Space (4/5) – Very difficult to bring down in space. Works to the perimeter well. 

Passing Game Ability (33)

Catch Ability: 15 – 

• Natural Hands (6.5/10) – Shows the ability to be a capable receiver out of the backfield. Was utilized more as a receiver in 2022, running more routes from the slot and out wide. Has 8 career drops (11.6% rate) 
• Catch Through Contact (2.5/5) – I don’t see a lot of ability from Bigsby to catch through contact. 

Route Running: 5 – 

• Route Running (3/5) – Average route runner, even for running backs. Despite his usage across the formation, he won’t wow you with any nifty footwork. 

Pass Block Ability: 13 – 

• Power (2.5/5) – Does not offer a lot of power or technique as a pass protector. 
• Quickness/Bend (3/5) – Very quick to pick up assignments, especially off of the play action. Doesn’t always have a great feel to get into position to impact as a pass blocker. 
• As a Chip Blocker (1.5/3) – Average chip blocker at best. 

Overall: (76) – 4th/5th Round