2021 NFL Draft: Indiana RB Stevie Scott III is a great late-round target

Every year, we seem to see late-round or undrafted running backs who fly completely under the radar and make an immediate impact for NFL teams. James Robinson was the poster boy for this last year, making a consistent impact for the Jacksonville Jaguars as both a runner and a receiver all season long. Robinson posted 1,414 yards from scrimmage and 10 total touchdowns for the Jags as a rookie, despite going undrafted.

Value can undoubtedly be found at the running back position late in the draft and Stevie Scott III out of Indiana looks like one of those potential late-round value picks for the 2021 NFL Draft class.

Scott was an immediate impact player for the Hoosiers as a true freshman in 2018. he carried the load for the Indiana rushing attack that season, running for 1,137 yards and 10 touchdowns on 228 attempts. Scott followed his impressive true freshman season up with solid showings in 2019 (178 carries for 845 yards and 10 touchdowns) and 2020 (156/561/10), but his yards per carry average did trend down each year of his three-year college career.

While that downward trend is not ideal, there is a lot to like about Scott as a running back prospect. he is a patient back who does a great job of giving the offensive line time to create a hole. Once that hold opens up, Scott seemingly finds it in an instant and fires through with impressive burst.

He is not an overly shifty runner in space, but Scott is a decisive one-cut ball carrier who displays an impressive jump cut move that he uses well to slide into the crease. He sees the hole well, uses his jump cut to get to the hole and explodes through with impressive burst for a 6-foot-2, 231-pound back. If those skills translate well to the next level, Scott will undoubtedly be a productive NFL running back.

While Scott’s elusiveness in space is limited, he is a tough and physical runner who is difficult for any one defender to bring down. Scott is always driving forward and does a great job of maintaining his balance through contact. He is a big running back whose power will be a weapon at the next level.

Scott also shows plenty of value in the passing game. He is not the most explosive receiver out of the backfield, but Scott is a reliable check down option who displays soft hands. Scott does a nice job of finding space against soft zone coverage and consistently catches the ball away from his body. he also shows great awareness in pass protection and is not afraid to put his body on the line to protect his quarterback.

Simply put, Scott is a tough downhill runner who has legitimate three-down ability at the running back position. He is not the most explosive or exciting running back prospect in the 2021 NFL Draft class, but Scott is a gifted player who could provide immediate value if he is given an opportunity at the next level. He is undoubtedly worthy of a late-round flier for a team that is looking for running back depth.