2021 NFL Draft: Five mid-round prospects to target

Jaret Patterson, RB, Buffalo

This isn’t the first time I’ve written about Jaret Patterson, and it probably won’t be the last. In some people’s eyes, including mine, Patterson is an NFL star in the making, but being at a mid-major in Buffalo, he hasn’t drawn the national attention that could push him into the earlier rounds. With that being said, Patterson could very well join the ranks of draft steals from the Mid-American Conference that includes Kareem Hunt and Antonio Brown.

After logging well over 1,000 yards in each of his first two seasons, Patterson has almost done so again this season, despite playing just four games. In those four games, Patterson has totaled 920 yards, breaking the school’s single-game rushing record twice this year after doing it once last year as well. He also passed James Starks on Buffalo’s all-time rushing list.

While yards are impressive, touchdowns are just as important and Patterson has had success there as well. During his freshman season in 2017, he totaled 14 touchdowns before having 19 last year and another 16 this year in just four games.

Being that he’s in the MAC, it will be a more uphill battle for Patterson’s draft journey. However, his incredible stats could make him one of the biggest steals of the 2021 NFL Draft if he falls into the middle rounds.