2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Dylan Laube

Strengths

• Receiving ability at RB and slot WR
• Versatility
• Kick and punt return utility
• Patient run style and feel for setting up blocks
• Lateral agility
• Run lane vision
• Great acceleration and gets to top speed quickly

Weaknesses

• Level of competition
• Small frame
• Older prospect, already 23
• Long speed is average at best
• Runs through arm tackles but power isn't his game

Final Thoughts and Chicago Bears Fit for Dylan Laube

The Chicago Bears have Khalil Herbert, Roschon Johnson, and Travis Homer currently under contract, but none of those players are stopping Ryan Poles from adding talent to the running back room. Herbert and Johnson are best utilized as early-down backs. While Homer has some versatility, he's mostly a special teams player. This room needs someone who can play on third downs and serve as a receiving threat.

Enter Laube.

The New Hampshire product's tape was enjoyable to watch. While his game has some notable drawbacks, most notably the level of competition he faced and his long speed, his versatility and ability to contribute in all facets of the game make him an intriguing option. Whether as a rusher, receiver, blocker, or special teamer, Laube is poised to contribute in any area asked of him.

But what sets Laube apart from the other backs in this class is his receiving prowess, and not just out of the backfield. He was a versatile chess piece at New Hampshire, often asked to split out wide or in the slot as a receiver. Despite playing out of position, he could still get open consistently in college. Whether he was going up against linebackers, safeties, or even cornerbacks, it didn't matter. He'll face a steep uptick in competition in the NFL, which will be hard to overcome. But his receiving ability should translate and allow him to carve out a role, even if he'll never lead an NFL backfield.

Laube's running style is characterized by a low center of gravity and lateral agility, complemented by a good feel for the game and a patient running style. This makeup allows him to set up his blocks and navigate through lanes effectively. Despite his smaller stature, Laube displayed the competitive toughness necessary to be successful in the NFL. He consistently falls forward after contact, and while he needs to clean up his technique, he's a willing pass blocker as well.

Laube also excelled on special teams in college, and I expect him to do the same for whichever NFL team drafts him. In his final two years at New Hampshire, he averaged 29.7 yards per kickoff return and 11.6 yards per punt return. He also managed to score four times on special teams: two punt returns and two kickoff returns. 

Laube is more quick than fast, so he won't be a home-run hitter in the NFL. He can be an average runner, but that won't be where he makes his money. Instead, he's best suited in a by-committee backfield where he can serve as the third-down back. His versatile skill set (and, let's be honest, skin tone) will draw comparisons to former New England Patriots back Danny Woodhead. But I think another Patriot is a better comparison.

NFL Comparison: James White