UCLA running back Demetric Felton puts himself on 2021 NFL Draft radar

Demetric Felton is an exciting 2021 NFL Draft prospect who we should be keeping an eye on.

UCLA took care of business on Saturday night, racing to a 27-10 win over Arizona. The story of the game was UCLA running back Demetric Felton, who carried the ball 32 times for 206 yards and a touchdown. Felton’s incredible performance against Arizona on Saturday now puts him squarely on the 2021 NFL Draft radar.

Felton is a converted wide receiver who is just as much of a threat as a receiver as he is as a runner. He is an incredibly quick and elusive player who shows tremendous natural elusiveness in space. Felton does a fantastic job of making defenders miss in space and is an extremely explosive player who can take it to the house from anywhere on the field.

Felton is listed at 5-foot-10, 200 pounds, but looks even smaller than that. While many will question Felton’s ability to compete at his size at the next level, speed is the name of the game in today’s NFL. NFL teams do not hesitate to give smaller players a chance if they have legitimate game-breaking speed and Felton has more than enough speed and quickness to go around.

Dangerous threat as a runner and receiver

Simply put, he is one of the most explosive players in all of college football. While his lack of size does limit him as a bell-cow ball carrier at the next level, there is not an NFL team who would be foolish enough to look at Felton as that kind of player. He is a raw and explosive offensive playmaker who NFL coaches would love to scheme touches for in space.

Felton undoubtedly has a knack for making plays with the ball in his hands and that obviously makes him a dangerous player as a runner. However, he will also be a dangerous player in the passing game at the next level, showing the ability to create space as a route runner and consistently catching the ball away from his body.

UCLA has used Felton a lot as a slot receiver over the last couple of years. He does a great job of using his speed and quickness to create space and undoubtedly has the well-rounded skill-set needed to make an impact in a variety of roles at the next level.

NFL teams are always looking for more speed and explosive playmaking ability. If Felton can continue to produce at a high level for the remainder of the season, he will continue to catch the attention of NFL teams and rise the 2021 NFL Draft boards. An elusive and explosive player like Felton will not go unnoticed.