Kimani Vidal | Troy 5’8”, 213 lbs. Aug 28th, 2001 (22)
Kimani Vidal was drafted by the Los Angeles Chargers, becoming the 17th running back and 181st overall player in the 2024 NFL Draft.
COLLEGE PRODUCTION
Kimani Vidal was a four-year player for Troy, seeing significant work from Day 1 and becoming a true workhorse back by his junior season. Over his four-year college career, Vidal rushed for over 4,000 yards and added over 800 receiving yards, finding the endzone 34 times. He broke all kinds of school rushing records in the process and was named to the AP All-America team after his senior year. Vidal WAS this Trojan offense and looks to continue his success at the NFL level under Head Coach Jim Harbaugh
FILM
It’s apparent when watching Troy game film that Vidal has a motor that stays running. At 5’7” and 213 pounds, Vidal is able to use his low center of gravity to absorb contact and keep his legs churning for extra yardage. Vidal had the second-best PFF run grade in the FBS last season, behind only Audric Estime. He’s a pure runner and has a build nearly identical to Blake Corum (that’s your guy, Harbaugh!). Vidal wasn’t heavily utilized as a pass-catcher at Troy. When he was, it was mostly screens or swing plays, designed to get Vidal into open space where he can create yards after the catch. He was a great pass-protector, using his stout frame to hold his ground against the blitz. Vidal did face inferior defenses compared to most RBs in this class, so I’ll be interested to see if his skillset translates fully to the NFL game.
ATHLETIC TESTING
One knock to Vidal’s game was that he doesn’t appear to possess true breakaway speed and may struggle to outrun DBs in the second level on Sundays. To the surprise of many, he ran a 4.46 40-yard dash at the combine, with excellent 10 and 20-yard splits. His vertical, broad jump, shuttle time, and 3-cone time were all well above average as well. Vidal proved athleticism will not be an issue based on these Combine results.
DRAFT ANALYSIS
Rapid Reaction to Draft Capital: Below-Average
Rapid Reaction to Landing Spot: Above Average
Kimani Vidal was selected by the Los Angeles Chargers, becoming the 17th running back and 181st overall player in the 2024 NFL Draft. Being a late Day 3 pick doesn’t bode well for longevity and security, but Kimani did land in as good a spot as he could hope for. The Chargers are without a clear-cut starter, currently rostering J.K. Dobbins, Gus Edwards, and Isaiah Spiller. All three of these guys have their fair share of defects, allowing Vidal the opportunity to potentially see the field and move his way up the depth chart. His style of play is one that Harbaugh is going to LOVE, a hardnose, gritty, downhill runner.
FANTASY INSIGHTS
Vidal has no guarantee of seeing any real playing time, considering the draft capital. It’s possible he’s a taxi-squad guy and nothing more, but his prospect profile has enough positives for me to make a bet on Vidal in my leagues. He’s a young, powerful back in an ambiguous backfield, playing for a coach that loves to run the football. What more could you ask for?
Kimani Vidal should be valued in the early-fourth round of Superflex rookie drafts. I imagine he’ll be available there in almost every league I’m in, and I fully expect to have a ton of shares.
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