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.
#34 Larry Rountree III/RB/Missouri/5’10”, 216 Lbs
The Good
-Well-proportioned frame that allows him to run powerfully behind his pads
-Good overall contact balance to handle first contact on runs
-Has surprising initial burst with the ball in his hands
-Willing pass blocker that mixes it up consistently
-Disciplined, patient runner that takes what he can get; consistently falls forward
-Has shown he can handle a heavy workload overall
The Bad
-One-speed runner; not overly dynamic in space
-Heavy feet overall and labors to change directions or shake defenders
-Lateral agility and burst to turn the corner on defensive fronts simply isn’t there
-Ball security is a major issue; doesn’t have high fumble numbers but ball is often loose
-Won’t offer you much in the passing game aside from swings and screens
-Long speed not part of his game; won’t slash gaps or outrun angles, limiting splash plays
Bio
-Played in 48 career games at Missouri over four years
-Finished four-year career with 3,720 rushing yards and 40 touchdowns on 746 rushing attempts
-Added 47 receptions for 289 yards in his career with the Tigers
-Rushed for a career-high 1,216 yards as a sophomore in 2018
-Marked lone season he cracked 1,000 rushing yards for the Tigers
-Became Missouri’s All-Time Non-QB rushing leader during his senior season
-Chose Mizzou over offers from Boston College, Appalachian State, James Madison and Miami (OH) among others
-Competed in the 2021 Reese’s Senior Bowl in Mobile
Tape Breakdown
Few running backs handled the type of workload Missouri senior Larry Rountree III handled during his four years in college.