Deuce Vaughn NFL Draft Scouting Report

RB, Kansas State Wildcats

Deuce Vaughn, listed at 5-foot-6 and175 pounds, has proven to be a dynamic running back and emerged as a team leader for the Wildcats. Vaughn has had a productive career in the Big 12, rushing for more than 3,000 yards with 43 total touchdowns—proving to be a versatile and productive back. He was also named a Consensus All-American for the 2021 and 2022 seasons. Vaughn has proven throughout his career to be an effective playmaker in both the run game and as a pass-catcher out of the backfield. 

As a running back, Vaughn utilizes his size to his advantage. Vaughn only needs a small crease in the defense to find a hole and get vertical to pick up plus yardage. Running through the hole, Vaughn is tough for defenders to identify, and by the time they are able to see him, he is able to accelerate past them. Vaughn is not a violent lateral cutter, but he has smooth change of direction transitions while never having to break stride. In the open field, Vaughn has the speed to run past third-level defenders and create a positive play. Vaughn has a skill set that is ideal for outside zone and wide zone run plays—they fit perfectly with his natural skill set. 

As a receiver out of the backfield, Vaughn is versatile enough to catch swing passes, angle routes, and wheel routes, taking advantage of second-level defenders who don’t have the change of direction or foot speed to run with him. Catching the ball out of the backfield is another element of Vaughn’s game that makes him an all-purpose back. 

While Vaughn has turned the size issue into a net positive in college, there are situations where size deficiency plays a factor. In pass protection, Vaughn is a willing blocker but appears to just simply lack the overall body mass to provide reliable protection for a quarterback. Vaughn’s best usage in pass pro should be used as a player who can chip-block edge rushers while he is on his way to release into a route. Vaughn’s size issue also shows in short-yardage situations. In short-yardage situations, there are only specific ways in which you can run the ball with Vaughn because his size is not enough to be able to go one-on-one with a linebacker in the hole and win the rep. 

Overall, Vaughn is a running back prospect who has had a very productive career and his success in the NFL will be based on how an NFL team decides to use his skill set and put him in advantageous positions to win. 

Top Reasons to Buy In:

• College production
• Versatility as a running back  
• Mismatch as a receiving back

Top Reasons For Concern: 

• Size concern
• Pass protection issues

Size (NFL Combine):

Height: 5′ 5”

Weight: 179 lbs

Arm Length: 27 3/4”

Hand Size: 9 1/2”

Athletic Testing (NFL Combine):

40-yard Dash: TBD

Vertical Jump: 35.5”

Broad Jump: 9′ 8”

Short-Shuttle: TBD

Three-Cone: TBD

Bench Reps: 17 reps

Ideal Role: Third-down back as part of a rotation 

Scheme Fit: Inside zone, wide zone run system 

TDN Consensus Grade: 69.50/100 (Sixth-Round Value)

• Sanchez Grade: 69.50/100

Written By: Keith Sanchez 

Exposures: Oklahoma (2022), TCU (2022), Texas (2022), Baylor (2022), Alabama (2022)

Deuce Vaughn NFL Draft Scouting Report. Add him to your big board here.