Boise State running back Jay Ajayi stood on all his NFL Scouting Combine numbers at the school's pro-day event Wednesday, but the NFL isn't standing still on him. Ajayi confirmed with College Football 24/7 that he had four interviews with NFL clubs -- the Jacksonville Jaguars, San Francisco 49ers, Minnesota Vikings and Atlanta Falcons -- on Wednesday after he went through position drills.
All four are facing some sort of transition at the running back position.
The 49ers have lost starter Frank Gore to free agency and Marcus Lattimore to retirement. Although the club's second-round pick of Carlos Hyde in last year's draft appears to have been a wise investment, a one-year free-agency deal with Reggie Bush isn't likely to satisfy the club where depth is concerned.
The Vikings' future with star running back Adrian Peterson is uncertain, although the club has informed the former NFL rushing champion that he won't be cut. Adding a talented back such as Ajayi could provide the club the necessary leverage to trade Peterson, whose relationship with the club was damaged in the wake of his suspension last year.
The Falcons jettisoned starter Steven Jackson. Like the 49ers, the Falcons have a second-year back to be excited about in Devonta Freeman, but at just 5-foot-8 and 206 pounds, Freeman doesn't figure to be an every-down option. As for the Jaguars, the addition of Toby Gerhart last year didn't do much to bolster a rushing attack that averaged just 102 yards per game, good for 21st in the NFL.
Ajayi flashed impressive receiving skills during position drills at the pro day, according to NFL Media senior analyst Gil Brandt. He ran a 4.57 40-yard dash at the combine and is among several running backs likely vying to be the third back drafted after Wisconsin's Melvin Gordon and Georgia's Todd Gurley.
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