Scouting Report: Weaknesses

• Carries a somewhat high-hipped frame that can limit his ability to sink and explode through sharp angle changes when cornered by defenders in space.
• Pad level rises when navigating traffic, exposing himself to big shots and undermining his natural leverage – needs to consistently run behind his pads.
• Pass protection technique remains a work in progress – shows willingness but tends to lunge rather than maintaining a solid base against blitzers.
• Lacks the ideal bulk to consistently push piles or convert in short-yardage situations against stacked boxes at the next level.
• Durability concerns surfaced during his final season at Cal when nagging injuries limited his effectiveness and production throughout the year.

Scouting Report: Summary

The tape reveals a dynamic runner with home run potential every time he touches the ball, though that same aggressiveness occasionally leads to negative plays when he hunts for the big gain instead of taking what's available. When Ott finds daylight, few defenders can match his acceleration – that gliding stride eating up chunks of yardage in a hurry. Yet in congested areas, his upright running style leaves him vulnerable to direct hits that could prove problematic against NFL linebackers.

The receiving dimension of his game boosts his value in today's pass-heavy league, particularly given his natural hands and route-running nuance. However, before he can be trusted as a true three-down back, his pass protection must improve substantially – willing but technically flawed blockers get quarterbacks injured on Sundays. His 36-carry performance against Stanford showed surprising stamina, though questions remain about whether his frame can withstand that punishment consistently at the next level.

Ott fits somewhere between committee contributor and featured back, depending largely on his development in the technical aspects of the position. Zone schemes will maximize his decisive one-cut ability and vision, creating opportunities for explosive plays. The Jamaal Charles comparison feels apt – similar build, running style and big-play potential – though with perhaps less top-end long speed but more natural power. Running backs with Ott's combination of vision, burst and receiving ability typically carve out productive NFL careers, even if durability concerns might limit his overall ceiling.