Memphis RB Kenneth Gainwell a swiss army knife in 2021 NFL Draft

Where Kenneth Gainwell shows room for improvement

With no more college football games to play in his career, Gainwell sits on his electric redshirt freshman season for the Tigers. Based on that same tape, however, NFL teams may have some questions about parts of his game as well.

While Gainwell has great vision to hit holes with great efficiency, he can miss the cut back both in the backfield and in the open field. When he gets into the open field, Gainwell is full speed ahead with little willingness to make a move with one man to beat. When Gainwell does attempt to make an open field move, his cuts usually require an extra step or two, stifling the acceleration and steam he had built up.

Given his size, Gainwell’s contact balance is lacking as his ability to make plays after initial contact is not extraordinarily exciting. He hits the occasional spin move when danger approaches, but if defenders can get their hands on him, they usually have the ability to neutralize his threats.

There is one question that must have to be asked: why did Memphis limit his touches, splitting them with not only Gibson, but two other backs as well? However, any team that needs a versatile back who can make a play out of the backfield, Gainwell is a solid option.