Washington Football Team: The 2021 running backs
By Jonathan Eig
The Kid – Jaret Patterson
If you don’t already know about the undrafted rookie phenom from the University of Buffalo, check out Jacob Troutman’s recent analysis. I’ll just add that the team’s website lists Patterson at a very optimistic 5’8”. He is closer to 5’6”, and he has been getting advice from Maurice Jones-Drew, one of the best short running backs in league history.
Patterson is not as strong as MJD or as fast and versatile as Darren Sproles. But he is a very good runner whose college production, even if it came against weaker opposition, demands attention. Patterson will not break the long touchdown runs he had in college because NFL linebackers and defensive backs will run him down. But he will hit holes hard and get positive yards.
Whether he can develop as a receiver and a blocker to rise above the one-dimensional role he played in college will go a long way toward determining his future in the NFL. I want to see him succeed. We all want to see him succeed.
When I first saw Patterson run with ball, my immediate thoughts were of Marshall Faulk. Now, understand, Jaret Patterson is no Marshall Faulk. Faulk was the second-best college back I ever saw (Earl Campbell was the best). Faulk was bigger and faster, and had the pass catching skills of a wide receiver. But something about the way Patterson runs – the ability to shift direction without losing a step – the surprising strength at the point of contact – something made Faulk pop into my mind.
That alone makes me want to see more of Jaret Patterson. Though, truth be told, I’m kinda sorta rooting just as hard for…