Isaac Guerendo: NFL Draft Profile, Speed, and the Next Great RB Sleeper

Who Is Isaac Guerendo? The NFL Draft’s Most Intriguing Running Back Sleeper

The whoosh blows, the ball is snapped, and a blur of sanguine and white explodes through the line of conflict. In a matter of strides, he’s past the linebackers. By the time the guards reply, it’s formerly too late. This isn’t a video game; it’s the Combine 40-yard dash, and Isaac Guerendo just announced himself to the NFL world with a time that turned heads and sent scouts scrambling back to their tape.

But who is the man behind the electrifying stopwatch time? Is he just a drill legionnaire, or is Isaac Guerendo a genuine diamond in the rough poised to come the coming great late-round NFL steal? His journey from the sidelines in Wisconsin to a breakout season at Louisville is a testament to resilience, raw talent, and the ever-present search for the league’s next dynamic playmaker.

From Badger to Cardinal: The Unconventional Journey of Isaac Guerendo

Isaac Guerendo’s path to the NFL Draft has been anything but linear. A three-star “athlete” recruit out of Avon, Indiana, he possessed the kind of raw physical tools that made college coaches dream. Standing at 6’0″ and weighing 221 lbs, he had the size of a prototypical Big Ten power back, but with the verified track speed of a sprinter.

He took his talents to the University of Wisconsin, a program famously known as “O-Line U” and a factory for 1,000-yard rushers. However, his time in Madison was defined as much by his potential as it was by frustration.

A Struggle with Injuries in Wisconsin

Buried on a depth chart that featured stars like Jonathan Taylor and later, Braelon Allen, Guerendo’s opportunities were limited. When he did see the field, he flashed undeniable talent—averaging a robust 6.6 yards per carry over his career there. But just as he seemed poised for a larger role, adversity struck. A Lisfranc foot injury and other ailments cost him significant time, including the entire 2021 season.

It was a classic case of “what could have been.” He showed glimpses—like a 89-yard kick return touchdown—but never a sustained body of work. Seeking a fresh start and a chance to finally be the guy, Guerendo entered the transfer portal and landed at the University of Louisville for his final year of eligibility.

The Breakout Season at Louisville

This move proved to be a masterstroke. Teaming up with Jawhar Jordan to form one of the most explosive backfields in the ACC, Guerendo finally stayed healthy and showcased his complete skill set. He rushed for 810 yards on a stellar 6.1 yards per carry and found the endzone 11 times on the ground.

More importantly, he demonstrated value as a receiver (22 receptions) and a willing pass protector, proving he wasn’t just a change-of-pace back. He was a complete, three-down weapon who had just been waiting for his moment.

By the Numbers: Dissecting the Guerendo Profile

Let’s break down what makes Isaac Guerendo such a fascinating prospect. The figures tell a story of elite athleticism and effective product.

The Combine That Changed Everything

While his college tape was solid, Guerendo’s performance at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine catapulted him into a new tier of prospect discussion. His numbers weren’t just good; they were historically elite for a man of his size.

His RAS score of 9.99 out of 10 is truly jaw- dropping. It confirms what the tape hints at: this is a rare, freaky athlete with a size-speed combination that NFL teams covet.

On-Field Production & Tape Analysis

The key question is: does the tape match the testing? For Guerendo, the answer is a resounding yes. His game is built on decisiveness and explosion. He’s a one-cut runner who plants his foot and gets upfield in a hurry, perfectly suited for outside zone schemes.

He possesses legitimate home-run-hitting speed, as evidenced by his five carries of 30+ yards in 2023. But he’s not just a straight-line runner; he shows good vision to find cutback lanes and the power to finish runs, something his 221-pound frame affords him.

Perhaps the most underrated aspect of his game is his receiving ability. Louisville used him flexed out wide and on wheel routes, leveraging his speed against linebackers. He displays natural hands and is a threat to turn a short catch into a big gain.

NFL Draft Outlook: Projection and Ideal Fits

So, where does a player with first-round athleticism and a mid-round resume get selected?

Isaac Guerendo is universally projected as a Day 3 pick (rounds 4-7). Teams will be cautious due to his injury history at Wisconsin and his single season of major production. However, his ceiling is incredibly high, and he represents tremendous value for a team looking for a specific skill set.

Scheme Fit

Guerendo isn’t a scheme-diverse plodder. He is a perfect fit for teams that run a wide-zone rushing attack. Think of the San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Rams, Miami Dolphins, or Houston Texans. These systems prioritize a runner’s ability to make one decisive cut and explode through the hole—Guerendo’s specialty.

He projects initially as a complementary back who can bring a dynamic element to a backfield. He’s the hammer to change the pace from a smaller, shiftier back, or the explosive weapon to keep defenses honest on early downs. His special teams experience, particularly on kick returns, only enhances his immediate value.

Player Comparison: A Template for Success

NFL comparisons are imperfect, but they help frame a prospect’s potential. Guerendo’s combination of size, breakaway speed, and entering chops draws a compelling parallel to Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane.

While Achane is smaller, both players are elite athletes whose 40-time was the headline of their Combine performance. Both are threats to score from anywhere on the field and offer offensive coordinators a versatile weapon. Guerendo’s path could mirror Achane’s: landing in a creative, speed-oriented offense that knows how to maximize his unique talents.

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The Bottom Line: High Risk, Potentially Massive Reward

Isaac Guerendo is the quintessential high-upside flier. The concerns are valid: the medicals will be pored over, and teams will wonder why he only had one productive collegiate season.

But the upside is undeniable. In a league that increasingly values speed and versatility, Guerendo checks every box. He is a mature, low-mileage back with a professional mindset and arguably the most impressive athletic profile in the entire 2024 running back class.

The team that drafts him isn’t just getting a runner; they’re investing in a unique weapon. They’re betting on their coaching staff to unlock a player who has all the tools to become the next great draft-day steal.

What do you think? Is Isaac Guerendo destined to be a star, or will he be relegated to a “workout warrior” label? Which team would be the perfect fit for his skills? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Conclusion: The Ultimate Late-Round Lottery Ticket

In the high-stakes poker game of the NFL Draft, Isaac Guerendo represents a fascinating final-round bet. He’s not the safe, high-floor prospect you take in the second round. Instead, he’s the player a savvy General Manager selects on Saturday, dreaming of Sunday explosions that change games.

The narrative is powerful: a player forged in the physical Big Ten, tempered by adversity and injury, who bet on himself at Louisville and won. He then backed it up with a Combine performance that placed him among the athletic elites of his profession. The team that drafts him will be getting more than just a running back; they’ll be acquiring a dedicated, mature player with a massive chip on his shoulder and the physical gifts to back it all up.

The risk is his medical history. The reward is a potential three-down, game-breaking weapon who can score from anywhere on the field. In today’s NFL, where speed kills and offensive creativity reigns supreme, that’s a gamble worth taking. Isaac Guerendo may enter the league as a question mark, but he has all the constituents to come one of the most compelling answers of the 2024 draft class.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Isaac Guerendo

What is Isaac Guerendo’s official 40-yard dash time?

At the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine, Isaac Guerendo officially ran the 40- yard gusto in 4.33 seconds. This blistering time, especially at his size of 221 lbs, placed him in the 98th percentile among all running backs tested at the Combine.

Why did Isaac Guerendo transfer from Wisconsin to Louisville?

Guerendo transferred to seek a larger role and more consistent playing time. Despite showing flashes of brilliance at Wisconsin, his career there was hampered by injuries and being stuck on a depth chart behind stars like Jonathan Taylor and Braelon Allen. The move to Louisville allowed him to be a feature back and finally showcase his full skill set.

What are the biggest strengths and weaknesses in Guerendo’s game?

• Strengths: Elite size-speed combination, home-run hitting ability, experience as a receiver out of the backfield, proven kick return skills, and he possesses tremendous upside with relatively low mileage on his legs.
• Weaknesses: His main drawback is his injury history, including a significant Lisfranc foot injury that cost him the 2021 season. He also has only one full season of significant production, so some scouts want to see a larger sample size of his work.

Which NFL teams would be the best fit for Isaac Guerendo?

Ideal fits are teams that employ a wide-zone running scheme that prioritizes a runner’s ability to make one cut and explode upfield. Perfect schematic matches include the San Francisco 49ers, Miami Dolphins, Los Angeles Rams, Philadelphia Eagles, and Houston Texans. These systems would best utilize his decisive running style and breakaway speed.

What round is Isaac Guerendo expected to be drafted in?

Most analysts project Isaac Guerendo to be a Day 3 selection, meaning he is expected to be drafted in Rounds 4 through 7. His incredible athletic testing may cause a team to fall in love and take him earlier in the 4th round, but his injury history and single year of production make a mid-to-late round selection most likely.