Jake Funk 2021 NFL Draft Overview
Position: Running Back
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 203 pounds
School: Maryland
Jake Funk 2021 NFL Draft Profile
From Damascus High School in Maryland, where he had 57 rushing touchdowns in his senior season, Jake Funk was an under-the-radar two-star recruit with offers from two Big Ten schools, Maryland and Wisconsin, as well as a few Ivy League schools, including Harvard, Pennsylvania, and Yale. Funk ultimately chose to play for his home state, the Maryland Terrapins, under D.J. Durkin.
As a freshman, Funk appeared in 13 games for the Terrapins on both offense and special teams. In his college debut against Howard, Funk had eight carries for 59 yards, and his first touchdown. Behind Ty Johnson, who impressed with the New York Jets last season, Funk played sparingly on offense, finishing the season with just 29 carries for 136 yards. On special teams, Funk also had 12 tackles. In 2017, Funk had a similar role with the Terrapins. He also returned kicks for the Terrapins in his sophomore season and was named the team’s special teams player of the year. On the season, he had 27 carries for 145 yards and four rushing touchdowns, including one in Week 1 against Texas.
The next two seasons were incredibly difficult for Funk. In his junior season, Funk battled a wrist injury early in the season and then tore his ACL in the final game of the season against Ohio State. He appeared in just three games in 2018. Then, in 2018, Maryland had a three-headed backfield with Funk, Anthony McFarland (fourth-round pick last season), and Javon Leake (spent time with the Washington Football Team last season). Through two games, Funk had 17 carries for 173 yards and two touchdowns. But, Funk tore his left ACL one again against Temple, forcing him to miss the rest of the season.
However, in 2020, the big, strong halfback came back better than ever and had his best season to date. He had 60 carries for 516 yards, (8.6 yards per carry), in five games played. He had a 221-yard game against Minnesota and a 180-yard game in the season finale against Rutgers. Funk also set a career-high in catches, with 10.
As a whole, Funk’s college career was struck with significant injuries in two consecutive years. But, in his senior season, Funk showed why he could be a legitimate prospect in the NFL. He has a powerful lower body and excellent straight-line speed, which could make him a weapon on special teams. Funk decided to forgo his final year of eligibility and declare for the 2021 NFL Draft.
Strengths
- Powerful legs make him difficult to tackle at over 200 pounds and he could be an asset in short-yardage situations;
- Has excellent straight-line speed with a 4.43 40-yard dash;
- Has experience returning kicks and playing on special teams
- Had a very good pro day with a 38-inch vertical and 22 reps on the bench press;
- Provides a “home run” threat on offense with speed and ability to break arm tackles;
Weaknesses
- Not a laterally quick running back who can make decisive cuts to hit holes;
- Doesn’t have the ideal “one-cut” vision to consistently find the right holes;
- Although he improved, he is not a dynamic or experienced pass-catcher;
- Injuries could be worrisome, but teams received reassurance with recent medical exams;
NFL Comparison: Tevin Coleman
Teams with a Need at Position: Pittsburgh Steelers, Miami Dolphins, Atlanta Falcons, New York Jets, Washington Football Team
Projection: Fifth round-UDFA
Bottom Line on Jake Funk
While Funk may not be the most polished or athletically gifted running back in the draft, he still offers value to teams as a late day three pick or as an undrafted free agent. He will immediately be a contributor on special teams, including the punt and kick return game, and he could even be an option for short-yardage situations early in his career. His vision and agility will have to improve to become a potential platoon running back. Even if he doesn’t reach his ceiling, a team will still receive a “do-it-all” and hardworking player on special teams and on offense.
The 2021 running back class is solid with two potential first-round prospects, Najee Harris and Travis Etienne, and even more players on Day 2. Although he wasn’t even in the realm of being drafted before 2020, Funk could continue his rise up the draft boards and hear his name called on Sunday.
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