Coming off both a highly decorated and record-breaking career at Buffalo, does Jaret Patterson have what it takes to be the next late-round star at the running back position? The tape shows a player who uses his elite vision and precise lateral agility to make up for what he may lack in speed and burst. Are teams willing to overlook his small stature and take a chance on a player who’s proven he can handle a heavy workload? Let’s delve a little deeper into Patterson’s attributes to see if we can answer some of these questions.
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Player Bio
Name: Jaret Patterson
Jersey: #26
Position: Running Back
School: Buffalo
Class: Junior
Height: 5’9″
Weight: 195 lbs
Vision (9/10)
This is the trait that sets Patterson apart from other backs. He has an uncanny ability to set up blocks and get through the holes created. He uses his size to hide behind the massive offensive linemen before darting into the open lane. Patterson also displays a knack for decelerating downfield to let the play develop, and has a true nose for the endzone, scoring 19 touchdowns in just six games in 2020.
Agility (8/10)
Patterson’s lateral agility and ability to change direction on a dime are a big part of his game. He’s quicker than fast and utilizes perfectly-timed jump cuts to find daylight.
Speed (7/10)
He shows good initial burst and explosion, with enough long-distance speed to pull away from defenders in the open field. He can get to the edge and demonstrates the ability to create big plays.
Ball Security (9/10)
Patterson is tough, physical, and reliable with the ball in his hands. Over his final two seasons at Buffalo, he fumbled the ball only twice.
Receiving Skills (3/10)
It’s hard to tell whether or not Patterson can be a threat in the receiving game. He recorded only 20 catches over his three seasons at Buffalo, but is it a personal issue or a matter of the scheme and what the player was asked to do?
Player Summary
Overall, Patterson has the ability to be a contributor in the NFL. He runs hard, and he runs angry. His great vision and quick-twitch make him a threat to break off big chunks of yardage on any play. Teams will fall in love with his dependability and salivate over his ability to make tacklers miss. While more than likely, not a feature back, Patterson has the talent to be a solid change-of-pace option in any committee. If he goes to a team that can be creative with his usage, he could be a dangerous weapon.
Final Grade (36/50): Sixth-Round Pick
Player Comp: Maurice Jones-Drew with shades of Darren Sproles
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Main Image Credit: Embed from Getty Images
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