Connors is a throwback satellite back who wins his roster spot in the passing game and on third downs. His route-running suddenness against linebackers flashed at the Shrine Bowl, and his 105 receptions over two seasons at Rice proved the receiving chops are real, not just all-star game noise. Between the tackles, he's a one-cut runner who puts his head down and lacks the creativity to make something out of nothing — you're getting what the blocking gives him. The floor is a third-down specialist with special teams value; the ceiling is a committee receiving back in a scheme that splits him out wide, but he'll need to prove the pass protection reps are more than effort plays.
- Elite receiving production for a running back — ranked among top-5 FBS RBs in receptions in 2024 with route-running ability to split out wide
- Burst and suddenness in the short area as a pass catcher, making defenders miss after the catch in space
- High-energy runner who brings physicality surprising for his 206-pound frame, willing to finish runs through contact
- Dual all-star game performer (Shrine Bowl, Hula Bowl) who showed well against higher-caliber competition than his regular season opponents
- Lacks creativity as a runner between the tackles — tends to lower his head and run straight rather than finding secondary lanes
- Below-average play strength that limits his effectiveness as a power runner and creates questions about pass protection at the NFL level
- Inconsistent pass protection technique despite the willingness; needs more control and refinement
- Never produced a 1,000-yard rushing season despite being a featured back, raising questions about his ceiling as a primary ball carrier
Similar body type and skill set — a smaller back who wins with receiving ability and short-area quickness rather than between-the-tackles physicality. Both project as third-down/change-of-pace backs who can line up in the slot. Connors' limited rushing ceiling but legitimate pass-catching floor mirrors Hines' NFL trajectory.