2021 NFL Draft: Top 5 late-round steals at running back

Jermar Jefferson was part of a three-headed monster on offense for Oregon State alongside quarterback Jake Luton and receiver Isaiah Hodgins early in his career, but it was just him remaining for the Beavers in 2020.

Jefferson put together what would have been his best season if all 12 games were played but instead he appeared in six games. He ran for 858 yards and seven touchdowns while becoming the offensive leader for the 2-5 Beavers. In his career, Jefferson averaged 5.7 yards per carry and had 27 touchdowns. He was a starter for nearly his entire college career.

Jefferson is 5-foot-10, 206 pounds, and plays a physical style. He’s not afraid of contact and will do just as much damage to the defender as the defender will do to him. He doesn’t have much explosiveness so he’s prone to hard hits, but he’s a tough player to tackle.

He didn’t do much in the passing game during his time at Oregon State, but his freshman season (25 catches) gives you a reason to believe he could become a good check-down option. He’ll likely never become a big threat through the air from the backfield, but on third and short he has a chance to develop into someone who shouldn’t be taken lightly.

In fact, that sums up his potential at the next level. He could become a 1,000-yard rusher with the right team. But his best chance for success will be behind a physical offensive line and as a third-down threat. With his lack of athleticism, he’s not going to be hurdling guys at the next level, but there’s no doubt Jefferson has a place at the next level.