Mohamed Ibrahim, RB Minnesota: Offseason 2023 NFL Draft Profile

Ibrahim was a three-star recruit from Our Lady of Good Counsel High School in Olney, Md. in the class of 2017

Minnesota running back Mohamed Ibrahim was on pace to earn a spot in the 2022 NFL Draft last season before suffering a year-ending injury. The sixth year running back will have to prove he’s healthy and back to one hundred percent if he wants to hear his name called in the 2023 NFL Draft. Let’s explore Ibrahim’s profile.

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Mohamed Ibrahim, RB Minnesota: 2023 NFL Draft Profile

Classification: Redshirt sixth year senior running back from Baltimore, Md.

Background: Ibrahim was a three-star recruit from Our Lady of Good Counsel High School in Olney, Md. in the class of 2017. He was the No. 1,125 recruit according to 247Sports and No. 649 for On3.com. Ibrahim was an unranked three-star recruit for Rivals and an unranked three-star recruit for ESPN with a 73 grade out of 100. He rushed 206 times for 1,314 yards and 15 touchdowns in ten games as a high school senior. In 2015, Ibrahim ran 206 times for 1,292 yards and 14 touchdowns in ten games. He has two sisters.

2021 Production: 1 game, 30 carries, 163 yards, 2 touchdowns (Medical Redshirt)

2020 Production: 7 games, 201 carries, 1,076 yards, 15 touchdowns + 8 receptions, 56 yards

2019 Production: 11 games, 114 carries, 604 yards, 7 touchdowns

2018 Production: 10 games, 202 carries, 1,160 yards, 9 touchdowns

2017 Production: 0 games (Redshirt Year)

Injuries & Off-Field: Missed three games with injuries (2018), ruptured his Achilles and missed 12 games (2021)

Awards: 2018 Honorable Mention All-Big Ten, 2019 Paul Giel Award, 2020 First-Team All-Big Ten, 2020 Big Ten Running Back of the Year, 2020 Third-Team All-American (Associated Press)

Pros: Experience playing on the kick return unit, only two fumbles in college, only one penalty committed in his career, offers some pop as a lead blocker in two-RB formations, enough burst to bounce plays outside and make edge defenders pay for collapsing inside too soon, lowers his body into contact, potential to work as a short-yardage or goal line back, keeps his legs churning, moves the pile, underrated open-field speed but still gets caught from behind, screams “four yards and a cloud of dust,” reaches his top speed quickly thanks to short area acceleration, sturdy frame capable of surviving arm tackles and high tackles, contact balance and vision are above average, finds some “how did he see that” running lanes

Cons: Age, late to recognize threats in pass pro, never had been a part of the passing game dating back to his days in high school, won’t play on third downs in the NFL, took minimal snaps at wide receiver and in the slot and barely ran real patterns on those plays, lacks high-end speed to break long runs, gets caught from behind, no twitch or suddenness and not elusive in the open field, lacks the speed to fully take advantage of open lanes, runs out of gas on long runs

Overview: Ibrahim is unofficially listed at 5'10", 210 lbs. He’s a north to south runner with impressive burst to reach the second and third level. Ibrahim’s game often relies on making one cut and then pounding the gas. He reaches his top speed quickly, and that allows him to separate from defensive linemen and challenge the angles of attacking linebackers. Ibrahim is a sure-handed running back who shows high effort by constantly fighting for extra yards and displays excellent vision. Minnesota used him a lot in short yardage situations, especially near the goal line. Ibrahim has a long way to go in pass protection and hasn’t played a role in the passing game at Minnesota. He only has 15 career receptions. Ibrahim displays some lower body stiffness and rarely makes defenders miss in a phone booth. He’s more likely to rely on shedding a tackle than juking a defender for extra yards. While his burst is impressive, Ibrahim’s top speed is limited, and defenders catch up to him on long runs.

Overall, Ibrahim is a one-dimensional running back who thrives playing Big Ten football. Unfortunately, his average athletic profile and lackluster third down skill set mean he’ll serve in a limited role in the NFL. Assuming he’s healthy, Ibrahim projects as a Day 3 pick who can work as a short yardage back in his rookie season.

Role & Scheme Fit: Early down back in an inside zone rushing scheme

Round Projection: Mid Fifth to Early Sixth

Player Comparison: N/A

Submitted: 07-18-22