Scouting Report: Weaknesses

• Tends to run with upright pad level, creating vulnerability to low tackles and limiting his ability to maximize power through contact points where smaller defenders can undercut his momentum.
• Lacks elite lateral agility and short-area quickness to consistently make defenders miss in phone booth situations, relying more on power than elusiveness to create yards.
• Shows occasional hesitation hitting certain gaps, particularly on stretch plays where decisive one-cut action would maximize his burst and north-south running style.
• Pass protection fundamentals remain underdeveloped with inconsistent hand placement and leverage against charging linebackers, limiting third-down value until this improves.
• Route tree appears limited primarily to check-downs and swing patterns, needing development as a complete receiver to maximize three-down potential at the next level.

Scouting Report: Summary

The tale of two backs emerges when studying Joyner's film. Between the tackles, he hammers downhill with impressive burst and natural power that translates immediately to the pro game. Yet his upright running style and underdeveloped pass protection fundamentals raise legitimate questions about his complete game. The flashes of brilliance – like that 75-yard Penn State house call – reveal tantalizing upside, but consistency issues create a wider projection range than ideal for evaluators.

Raw tools won't be enough at the next level where Joyner's track-verified athleticism meets sophisticated defensive schemes. His exceptional rushing instincts and vision through the hole provide the foundation for early-down value, though third-down reliability remains a hurdle. The limited collegiate production as a receiver (just 12 catches at USC) needs work, while his pass blocking deficiencies could initially relegate him to a specialized role within a committee approach.

Inside zone concepts will extract maximum value from Joyner's decisive one-cut style, yet his sometimes-mechanical lateral movement might limit scheme versatility early in his career. The complete package presents an intriguing day two conversation for offensive coordinators who can scheme around his weaknesses while developing his raw tools. If his first season as Texas Tech's featured back maintains the efficiency glimpsed during limited USC opportunities while showing growth in pass protection, Joyner could develop into a productive NFL starter who brings both home-run potential and tough yardage consistency – provided he addresses his technical limitations.