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.
#19 Kenneth Gainwell/RB Memphis – 5’11 190
The Good
– Open field threat with good burst, speed, and big-play ability
– Home run potential once he gets into the 2nd level/space, repeatedly ripped off big plays in school
– One-cut runner who doesn’t dance, squares shoulders and gets downhill, quick acceleration and reaches top speed in a hurry
– Changes directions well and able to shake defenders 1v1, though shows a bit of hip tightness
– Better than expected strength, ability to run through arm/low tackles, good balance through contact and works to finish runs
– Versatile, comfortable in space, asset in screen game and ran basic WR route tree, caught the ball a lot in their offense, also used on end arounds and used as WildCat QB
– Accomplished receiver who adjusts to the ball well, quick to the tuck and gets upfield immediately after the catch
– More success came on inside/outside zone runs but offense was varied and mixed in power/gap
– Gets square in pass pro and shows effort even though results are inconsistent, holds on against DBs blitzing off the edge (less success vs LBs in A/B gap)
– Shows good ball carriage, carries the ball high and tight
– Like his football IQ and overall vision as a runner
– Highly productive in one season as starter
– Offense/system has produced NFL talent (Pollard, Henderson, Gibson)
The Bad
– Average frame, some will question every-down role ability
– Has strength but doesn’t have much power, won’t run over/through and can get bounced around by LBs before he gets up to speed
– Tendency to overrun himself and stumble/trip, especially when trying to make cuts
– Will struggle taking on blitzing LBs up the middle, drops eyes on contact and lacks ideal frame/power to rebuff them
– Only one-year of production, sat out 2020, limited resume to go off of
– Good speed and burst but not an elite level athlete who runs a little stiffer than anticipated
Bio
– Career: 235 carries, 1550 yards (6.