2021 NFL Draft: Top 5 late-round steals at running back
![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)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/11ee2011cadcc988d77fe2c2c20fbe91e633611cf6eec592e77f3a9e22d7b9ce.jpg)
Here’s a guy that hasn’t gotten much attention at all during the draft process and as a matter of fact, might not even be drafted. But someone should at least take a flyer on Louisiana’s Trey Ragas.
Ragas is a former three-star recruit that had a solid career for the Ragin’ Cajuns. In four seasons, Ragas had 3,572 yards and 38 touchdowns. He was a key reason why ULL finished 10-1 and 15th in the AP Poll last year. He led Louisiana in rushing yards and scored a touchdown (albeit in garbage time) in an upset win against an Iowa State team that finished No. 9 in the AP Poll.
He was never “the guy” at Louisiana, he was always a rotational guy and there’s nothing wrong with that. He can excel at the next level in that type of system. He can withstand contact and is a physical runner that doesn’t have much of a problem moving the pile. Ragas is patient and waits for his line to make things happen rather than creating his own path and getting tackled at the line.
The issue with that is he’s not a great outside runner. He’s also a decent pass blocker but has some room to move.
He’s not great at making cuts because he comes to a stop rather than a quick movement.
Possibly the biggest negative is his age. Running backs are looked at as ancient in the NFL once they hit 30, and Ragas will be 26 by the midway point of the upcoming season. If he does end up going undrafted, Ragas could be one of the ultimate steals of the draft.
2021 NFL Mock Draft: First round after Super Bowl LV. dark. Next