From now until the 2021 NFL Draft takes place, we hope to showcase as many prospects as possible and examine both their strengths and weaknesses. Most of these profiles will feature individuals that the Pittsburgh Steelers are likely to have an interest in, while a few others will be top-ranked players. If there is a player you would like us to analyze, let us know in the comments below.
#26 Jaret Patterson/RB Buffalo – 5’9 195
The Good
– Elite lateral agility, great quickness and ability to make defenders miss in small spaces, some of the best jump cuts of any RB in this class
– Gets shoulders square, vertical runner when he sees daylight
– Good explosiveness and shows second gear to win in open field, above average (though not elite) long speed
– Has speed to win the edge
– Hard-nosed, physical runner, plays with chip on shoulder, doesn’t go down or out of bounds without a fight
– Nose for the marker/end zone, performs better in short-yardage areas than size would suggest
– Plus vision and finds the hole
– Willing blocker on pass and run plays
– Shows good ball security, takes care of it and able to switch hands mid-play with the ball without losing security
– Ultra-productive back, absolutely took over games, record-setting performances
The Bad
– Small back, questions about three-down, feature back ability
– Willing in pass pro but lack of size causes him to be overpowered by bull rushes
– Very limited usage as a receiver, occasionally split out but rarely targeted
– Lots of wear and tear, heavily used runner in just 2 1/2 seasons
– Played against slightly lower level of competition
Bio
– 32 games for Buffalo
– Career: 636 carries, 3884 yards (6.