Kenneth Gainwell is ready to take his versatility to the 2021 NFL Draft
After a running back class featuring Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Jonathan Taylor, Cam Akers, D’Andre Swift, J.K. Dobbins and more, the 2021 NFL Draft class of running backs may be even stronger. One of those running backs, Memphis’ Kenneth Gainwell, has declared for the draft after opting out of the 2020 season.
With the likes of Darrell Henderson and Antonio Gibson who have found their ways into the NFL on day-two of the NFL Draft over the past two seasons, Memphis has become a recent hotbed of talented running backs. Despite splitting touches with Gibson and other running backs with the Tigers a year ago, Gainwell managed to post an enormous stat line on his way to being named as the AAC Rookie of the Year and first-team All-AAC team.
The 5-foot-11 and 191-pound running back proved to be a versatile threat for the Tigers a year ago. As a redshirt freshman, Gainwell rushed for nearly 1,500 yards and 13 touchdowns while adding another 610 yards and three touchdowns as a receiver as well. Swiss army knifes like Gainwell do not come around often.
Here we take a look at Gainwell, where he wins, where he shows room for growth, and what his 2021 NFL Draft outlook is.
Where Kenneth Gainwell wins
Gainwell provides thrilling tape as he thrived on the field under former Memphis head coach Mike Norvell. What stands out immediately is the versatility Gainwell brings to the field for the Tigers, a trait NFL scouts and general managers will likely drool over at the next level and on the heels of the 2021 NFL Draft.
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Not only is Gainwell an active participant in pass protection, giving a valient effort despite his size, but he is a stupendous pass catcher out of the backfield. Not only did he catch 51 passes out of the backfield for the Tigers, but his film shows a player with soft hands, catch comfortability, and an ability to adjust to the football that will have some confusing him for a slot receiver.
He is a savvy route runner as well out of the backfield, able to separate from linebackers and safeties in man coverage. Given his ability as a receiver, he was among the top of the nation in all-around production in 2019.
As a runner, Gainwell is no slouch either (if his 1,500 yards rushing was no indication). He proves to be a patient runner as he waits for holes to develop in the trenches, and when a small one does develop, he has a knack for making himself small as he works towards the second level of the defense. Gainwell has a great burst, and has even better vision with quick, efficient eyes, and instincts with the ball in his hands.
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.
Looking at Gainwell’s 2021 NFL Draft projection
His game emulates a bit of that of now Philadelphia Eagles running backs Miles Sanders, who was also drafted in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He has an extraordinary amount of talent, but will have to bank directly on his redshirt freshman tape with the Tigers. Given the departure of Norvell to the Florida State Seminoles, it was a smart decision, however, for Gainwell to end his college career on a high note.
Given the low-priority of the running back position in today’s NFL, often identified as the least valuable position on the field and easily replaceable, it is hard to project their stock. Just last year, only one running back went in the first round as Edwards-Helaire landed with the Kansas City Chiefs with the last pick of the night. The year before that, no running backs went in the first round.
Joe Marino of The Draft Network has also found himself a big fan of Gainwell, stating the following in his scouting report:
"“For a guy with his per/touch production, Gainwell is impressive with how consistent he is at ‘staying the course’ and not getting overly creative when it’s not necessary. Impressive amount of power for his frame and he has the strength to move piles and pick up yards post-contact. Natural pass catcher. Was used often as a slot receiver and he does a great job of disguising screens. Versatile and multifaceted with upside as an inside and outside runner in addition to catching the football.”"
However, given his talent and ability out of the backfield, this writer has given Gainwell a second round grade, making him firmly a day-two draft pick in the 2021 NFL Draft at this current projection. Once he tests at the NFL Scouting Combine, which he will use all of his time now training for, his stock can be a bit more solid after he opted out.