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

By Sonny Martinez

STILLWATER, OK - SEPTEMBER 26: Running back Chuba Hubbard #30 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys runs into the end zone for a 23-yard touchdown against the West Virginia Mountaineers in the fourth quarter on September 26, 2020 at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Hubbard had 101 yards. OSU won 27-13. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
STILLWATER, OK - SEPTEMBER 26: Running back Chuba Hubbard #30 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys runs into the end zone for a 23-yard touchdown against the West Virginia Mountaineers in the fourth quarter on September 26, 2020 at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Hubbard had 101 yards. OSU won 27-13. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /
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DETROIT, MICHIGAN – DECEMBER 18: Jaret Patterson #26 of the Buffalo Bulls runs the ball during the first half of the Rocket Mortgage MAC Football Championship against the Ball State Cardinals at Ford Field on December 18, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – DECEMBER 18: Jaret Patterson #26 of the Buffalo Bulls runs the ball during the first half of the Rocket Mortgage MAC Football Championship against the Ball State Cardinals at Ford Field on December 18, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images) /

Unlike the previous entries, Jaret Patterson’s a lock to be picked on Day 3. He will likely end up between rounds 4-6, it’s just a question of exactly where.

Patterson became one of the MAC’s best players as well as the best running back in Buffalo history in a season that almost didn’t even happen. Had he played in more games last year (due to the MAC’s late start, he only played in six) he would have been top 10 in Heisman voting. Patterson rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of his three seasons, but last year was spectacular.

In just six games, Patterson rushed for 1,072 yards and 19 touchdowns. He’ll be remembered for his insane performance against Kent State: 409 yards and eight (!!) touchdowns. That incredible game was preceded by a 301-yard game.

Patterson is only 5-foot-7, 195 pounds, but don’t you dare doubt him. That’s when he’s at his best, and as the numbers show, the best Patterson is a very, very dangerous Patterson. What he lacks in size he more than makes up in drive.

He has power well beyond his size. It takes a lot to bring him down and he has good elusiveness which makes it that much more difficult. He doesn’t fumble and has a work ethic that is rarely matched.

Not only should Patterson find his way to the NFL, but he will also make an impact there. Patterson is another of the most underrated not only at his position but in the entire NFL draft. Between the drive and talent, Patterson is a guy all 32 teams should want on their roster.

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