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Will Duke make a good pro?

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tru2c

Redshirt Freshman
Joined
Nov 30, 2012
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Try to be totally unbiased here, because Duke is the man and we all love him and want him to be amazing. But even trying to be completely objective, I think Duke can have a fantastic NFL career. I know he's kind of small, but there are plenty of successful small rb's that I think duke can be a better version of, specifically Gio Bernard. I see them as very similar backs, both virtually same height/weight, similar style, both solid receivers out of the backfield, both great vision and lateral quickness/burst, etc. Granted gio was on a less talented UNC team, but i think duke clearly had the better college career against mostly the same competition. When im wondering if duke will translate well, if im ever doubting him, I just think of him as a much better gio bernard.

You don't need elite top end speed in the NFL, lots of successful NFL rb's arent complete burners. Look at Frank Gore...he makes subtle, quick cuts without losing any speed, is hard to get a clean hit on, and has awesome burst. He's also more powerful and stronger than duke, but I think they do lots of similar things well. The way duke can get to his top speed almost instantly.

I'm no football expert, so I guess I'm wondering what anyone who thinks duke wont translate well to the NFL thinks and the reasons why. And you're not a hater if you think so, I'm genuinely curious and looking for objective opinions. FYI i loved lamar miller but didnt think he would make a good pro, and i'm happy to have been wrong so far
 
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Duke is getting better every year.

No reason to think that can't continue especially when he gets elite coaching. Not a shot at our staff, just the truth.

People mind-numbingly ***** about Duke gaining weight but it's going to do nothing but help him as he moves forward. We've already seen it pay off this year.
 
Duke is a winner and the ultimate competitor.

Think Emmitt Smith, Thurman Thomas, or more recent LaDamian Tomlinson.

.......and Payton's stiff arm for good measure.
 
If he stay's healthy and gets in a good scheme, then yes. I'm hoping the Titans can get him and fix the OL and pair him with Bishop Sankey.
 
The only thing questionable is his durability. He needs to learn how to fall better when getting tackled. I'm not sure if you can learn that though.

I could be an illusion, but his knees and ankles seem to be awkwardly exposed every time he goes down.
 
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Duke will do his thing in the NFL. He can run between the tackles and has great short area burst. I won't be surprised to see him in the pro bowl.
 
Nope...he doest have the intangibles or break away speed. He has gained too much wait, cant catch out of the backfield. Needs to stay in college 3-4 more years

Why would you ask such a dumb question with an obvious answer?
 
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He can catch the ball, which helps alot. I worry about his being a 20 touch guy, as he has had some injuries.

Can't fumble, though.
 
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