Jaret Patterson NFL Draft Overview
Position: Running Back
Height: 5’6.5
Weight: 195 lbs
School: University of Buffalo
Jaret Patterson 2021 NFL Draft Profile
Overview
Born on December 23, 1999, in Glenn Dale, Maryland, Patterson attended St. Vincent Pallotti high school. In his junior year, Patterson rushed 189 times for 1586 yards. In his senior year, he rushed for 2, 045 yards with 23 touchdowns and was subsequently named the football team’s player of the year with an All-State honorable mention. 247Sports had Patterson listed as a two-star recruit; however, he was recruited by the University of Buffalo with his twin brother James who is a linebacker.
As a freshman in college in 2018, he had 183 rushing attempts for 1,013 yards with 14 touchdowns, which were school records. Additionally, Patterson compiled seven receptions of 62 yards. He was named the MAC freshman of the year and was chosen for the All-MAC Second Team.
In his 2019 sophomore season, Patterson had 312 carries for 1,799 yards with 19 touchdowns. This was the best season ever by a running back in the school’s history. He also totaled 13 receptions 0f 209 yards with one touchdown and four kick returns of 16 yards. Patterson was named to the All-MAC First Team after leading the MAC in rushing yards while being ranked fifth overall in rushing in the nation. He was named MAC East Division Offensive Player of the week on two separate occasions. He received offensive MVP honors in the Bahamas Bowl after rushing for 173 yards with two touchdowns. Additionally, the Walter Camp Football Foundation named Patterson a preseason All-American.
During his junior year in 2020, he had 141 rushing attempts for 1,072 yards with 19 touchdowns and led the nation with a rushing average of 178.7 yards per game. Additionally, Patterson tied the FBS single-game rushing yard record, held by Howard Griffith, with eight touchdowns of 409 yards. However, he set an FBS record by rushing 710 yards in back-to-back games. Patterson won the Vern Smith Leadership Award, named the MAC Offensive Player of the year, named to the All-MAC First Team, and was chosen for the All-American Second Team. A knee injury put an end to his season prematurely. After his junior year finished, Patterson officially declared for the NFL 2021 Entry Draft.
Pro Day Data
Vertical jump: 30″
Broad jump: 9’9″
Bench press: 19 reps
40-yard dash: 4.53
Strengths
- One of the most productive running backs to ever come out of college;
- Stocky build with very good balance;
- Hard worker and extremely determined in his efforts;
- Plays a physical style that can be punishing for defenders;
- Not afraid to run through any opening at max speed.
Weaknesses
- Unknown how good Patterson’s receiving game is due to lack of usage;
- Lacks finesse;
- Lack of size affects Patterson’s abilities in pass protection;
- Lack of high-end competition;
- Is not the fleetest of foot when running.
Teams With Need At Position: Pittsburgh Steelers, Detroit Lions, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New England Patriots
Projection: Fifth Round
Bottom Line on Jaret Patterson
There is no questioning his determination and heart, as well as his numbers put up in college. However, factors such as quality of competition, his lack of a receiving game, and his size will count against him. Teams will make Patterson a later-round selection in the upcoming draft.
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Main photo:
Embed from Getty Images
