2021 NFL Draft: Jaret Patterson could be a key RB asset

Keep an eye on 2021 NFL Draft running back prospect Jaret Patterson.

The 2021 NFL Draft features an exciting group of running back prospects who should be able to come in and make an immediate impact at the next level. Clemson’s Travis Etienne stands out as the best of the bunch, with guys like Kenneth Gainwell, Najee Harris and Chuba Hubbard not being far behind. Then we have Journey Brown, Kylin Hill, Master Teague, Zamir White, the list goes on and on.

As we dig a little deeper, Buffalo running back Jaret Patterson stands out as an interesting player who could provide massive value in the middle rounds of the 2021 NFL Draft. Patterson has been incredibly productive through the first two years of his college career, piling up 978 yards and 14 touchdowns on 174 carries as a freshman in 2018 and 1,799 yards and 19 touchdowns on 312 carries as a sophomore last season.

His big-time production the last two seasons is exciting, but there is much more to his game than just numbers. Patterson is a compact running back prospect who shows impressive ability as a runner on the inside. He is quick and elusive in space and has a knack for working through traffic and even the smallest holes.

Patterson is not the most explosive running back prospect, but his short-area quickness stands out as a major strength. Patterson is also an extremely tough runner who shows impressive contact balance and can certainly create after the first contact.

While Patterson has not put up much production as a pass-catcher, he does appear to have natural hands and does a great job of creating after the catch. I would certainly be interested to see Patterson’s growth as a pass-catcher going forward. He would likely be a productive player in this area with more opportunity.

When it comes down to it, Patterson is an exciting 2021 NFL Draft prospect who could provide extreme value to whichever team lands him.