With The First Pick
Fansided

Jaret Patterson: Where does he fall in the running back class of 2021?

By Chris Spooner

Dec 22, 2018; Mobile, AL, United States; Buffalo Bulls running back Jaret Patterson (26) carries for a touchdown against the Troy Trojans during the first quarter in the 2018 Dollar General Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 22, 2018; Mobile, AL, United States; Buffalo Bulls running back Jaret Patterson (26) carries for a touchdown against the Troy Trojans during the first quarter in the 2018 Dollar General Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 4
Next
Buffalo Running Back Jaret Patterson
2021 NFL Draft prospect Jaret Patterson. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

What does Jaret Patterson bring to the 2021 NFL Draft?

One of the best players most haven’t heard of, Buffalo running back Jaret Patterson, has declared for the 2021 NFL Draft. Patterson lit up the MAC in an abbreviated season. In fact, he’s lit up the MAC since arriving at Buffalo. Now, Patterson is one step away from achieving his highest goal: the chance to play football at the highest level.

As he gets, that chance, what do experts have to say about Patterson? Zack Patraw of The Dynasty Draft Room gives his take:

"“He’s a good athlete and will make some good cuts along with some nice spin moves and will even jump over guys from time to time. He has solid vision and does well in a zone run scheme. He has enough speed and shiftiness to make him dangerous in the open field. I like his patience behind the line of scrimmage to set up open holes for himself.”"

Patterson has absolutely run roughshod over the MAC conference since arriving at Buffalo. In his freshman season at running back for the Bulls, Patterson cracked the 1,000 yard mark with an impressive 5.5 yards per carry and 14 touchdowns. A great season, and a sign of things to come for the impressive back.

Patterson’s breakout season for Buffalo came as a sophomore. Patterson firmly entrenched himself as the featured back in the Bulls offense, and as a force to be reckoned with. Patterson carried the rock a total of 312 times as a sophomore, rushing for nearly 1,800 yards and 19 touchdowns. His season was capped by a truly remarkable performance in Buffalo’s season finale. Against Bowling Green, Patterson amassed 298 yards on the ground and six touchdowns.

More from With the First Pick

A look at Patterson’s 2020 season

As impressive as his 2019 season was, Patterson may have turned in an even more impressive campaign in 2020. We all know the challenges college football faced playing games in 2020, but Patterson made the most of the opportunity when he got it. In just six games this season, Patterson again cracked the 1,000 yard mark, with an incredible 7.6 yards per carry. He again ran for 19 touchdowns, and came just a handful of yards shy of breaking Samaje Perine’s record for rushing yards in a game.

The numbers are impressive. But there’s more to getting a shot in the NFL than simply putting up a great box score. The question every scout is going to ask: “Can Patterson play at the next level”?

Home/NFL Draft Scouting Reports