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

Dissecting Jaret Patterson’s Weaknesses

There are some worries about Jaret Patterson at running back in the NFL, however. Though he comes in at just a shade under 200 pounds, Patterson only stands at 5’9” tall. That size and lack of height may lead some scouts to see Patterson as more of a third down, change of pace back than a full-time starter. That’s not a situation that plays to Patterson’s strengths. Patterson is the “Thunder” to someone else’s “Lightning”, not the reverse. He’s not going to blow anyone away with his speed, and he’s not going to take someone’s life with a devastating juke in the open field.

To further illustrate Patterson is not a third-down back, he does not contribute in the passing game. Anymore in today’s NFL, a running back has to be as much a receiver as he is a runner. That has not been part of Patterson’s game to date. In three seasons with the Bulls, Patterson has just 20 receptions for just under 300 yards and a single touchdown. Patterson was their bruiser, and Buffalo did not deviate from that plan often. However, it is important to note that just because a prospect wasn’t asked to do something doesn’t mean they can’t. He’ll have to show it.

As we mentioned, agility isn’t Patterson’s game. He’s shifty enough in the hole, but he’s not going to be on highlight reels pulling off Barry Sanders-esque jukes. Similarly, speed isn’t Patterson’s game either. Patterson is savvy in finding space — and therefore separation — from defenders, but he’s not going to beat most in a foot race. Certainly not at the NFL level. Patterson lacks that next gear in the open field to outrace a safety or corner who is trailing from behind. Similarly, he’s not a back who can “erase the angle” on a defender.