2021 Draft Preview: Running Backs

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March 24, 2021

Washington’s running back group is one of the more vital positions in offensive coordinator Scott Turner’s scheme. Between running backs Antonio Gibson, J.D. McKissic, and Peyton Barber, their all-purpose yardage total accounted for 44.6 percent of the team’s offense in 2020. The usage rate alone is the sole reason why one should never be comfortable going into the 2021 season with just Gibson and McKissic as the featured players. While Barber was effective in a limited role, he only averaged 2.7 yards per carry, which is not ideal for any spell back. Washington should continue to look for depth and talent at a position with plenty of turnover. Lamar Miller recently re-signed for a one-year deal, which should at least take him to training camp, and while he should be much more effective than Barber if given the opportunity, the draft presents some mid to late-round prospects that Washington may take flyers on.

Demetric Felton, RB, 5’9”, 186 lbs, UCLA

Felton is the ultimate hybrid back that almost any NFL team could use. Like Antonio Gibson, Felton’s strengths rely on his experience as a receiver and a ball carrier. Felton primarily lines up in the backfield at UCLA, which can lessen the gap when transitioning to the pro level. Felton is an additional spark plug in the same way that newly acquired receiver Curtis Samuel can be for Washington. Though Felton is not primarily a speed back, he is agile and quick, which helps him as both a back and route runner. I wouldn’t expect Felton to have a ton of carries or targets in a game, but he should be a player who is used in situations to run east-to-west or option routes out of the backfield. In all, I think Felton would be a terrific option for Scott Turner in the fourth round or later.

Chuba Hubbard, RB, 6’0”, 208 lbs, Oklahoma State

Hubbard finished his career at Oklahoma State with numerous achievements for his production. Hubbard finished his career with 3,400 rushing yards, 33 touchdowns and led the NCAA in all-purpose yards in 2019. Hubbard excels as a one-cut back due to his vision and agility. For Washington, Hubbard would translate well in the run-pass option situations and would be an excellent change-up from McKissic and Gibson because Hubbard can be used on the perimeter and between the tackles. Also, an undervalued aspect of Hubbard is his return ability on special teams. Hubbard has multiple ways to provide a spark, and while Hubbard waits his turn at the running back position, he can be a full-time return specialist in the meantime. If Washington were to draft him, I do not see Hubbard going past the fourth round.

Kylin Hill, RB, 5’11”, 210 lbs, Mississippi State

Because Hill did not finish the 2020 campaign, opting out after only three starts, most of Hill’s evaluation would come from his 2019 film. He is primarily a power back but has good open field moves that can help spring him beyond a defense’s first level. For Washington, he would be viewed in the same space as Peyton Barber, who brought value to the team in short yardage situations. However, Hill has a much higher ceiling than Barber because of his athleticism and elusiveness. Those traits are not significantly better than Barber, but it is good enough for Hill to provide instant competition to Barber throughout the off-season and training camp if Washington selects him. I can see Hill being selected in the fourth round or later.

Jaret Patterson, RB, 5’9”, 195 lbs, Buffalo

Like Hill, Patterson is a power runner. More specifically, Patterson’s compact frame makes him a difficult player to tackle. Patterson is built low to the ground, with active feet and outstanding balance; he often breaks opponents’ tackles. His value to the offense would be the same as that of Hill or Barber, though Patterson is probably not as elusive as either player. He can be used in third down situations as well, because of his pass protection ability. Though his pass-pro will need further development, Patterson has a good enough starting point where he can still be effective on third-downs without being viewed as a “tell” in Turner’s scheme. I think Patterson can still be found in the fifth round or later.

Pookah Williams Jr, RB, 5’10”, 170 lbs, Kansas

Williams has been a consistent playmaker for the Jayhawks offense. Like Felton, he is most effective as a perimeter runner and is most difficult to stop in open space. He is very limited as it relates to being a three-down back and he would be best served as a spell back for McKissic and a return specialist. Williams’ weaknesses, such as decisiveness and vision, will hurt his draft stock, and I would not expect Williams to be drafted any earlier than the sixth round. Washington may take a flyer on him then and see if he can develop in their system.