Welcome into our 2021 RB Rookie Profiles. We’ve looked at the tape, so you don’t have to! This season has had a lot of disruption due to COVID-19. That has meant that there isn’t going to be a combine. So it’s easy to get lost behind the lack of coverage.
We are going to list the WRs alphabetically, covering:
- Michael Carter (North Carolina)
- Travis Etienne (Clemson)
- Demetric Felton (UCLA)
- Kenneth Gainwell (Memphis)
- Najee Harris (Alabama)
- Javian Hawkins (Louisville)
- Khalil Herbert (Virginia Tech)
- Kylin Hill (Mississippi St)
- Chuba Hubbard (Oklahoma St)
- Jermar Jefferson (Oregan St)
- Elijah Mitchell (Louisiana)
- Jaret Patterson (Buffalo)
- Trey Sermon (Ohio State)
- Rhamondre Stevenson (Oklahoma)
- Javonte Williams (North Carolina)
2021 RB Rookie Profiles: Michael Carter (North Carolina) 5’9″ 199lbs
Pre-draft
Carter is build in a way that makes it hard to stop him, shown in his play in college. Able to break for long runs, or drop his pads and push through a pile of defenders. A great ability to fight for the extra yard and make defenders miss with good ability to change direction.
Carter could be great for fantasy in the right spot. Not likely to be able to withstand a bell-cow workload could be an effective change of pace option. Could end up as a late-round steal that may will forget about.
Post-draft
Selected- Round 4, Pick 107 New York Jets
Carter landing with the Jets should be a decent spot. The team have some other players that are likely to divide the carries up, which is exactly what Carter needs. However, if the team run the ball as often as the 49ers (given the coaching tree) there should be plenty of opportunity to be successful.
College Stats
| Rush Att | Rush Yards | YPA | Rush TD | Recs | Rec Yard | Rec TD | |
| 2020 | 156 | 1,245 | 8.0 | 9 | 25 | 267 | 2 |
| 2019 | 177 | 1,003 | 5.7 | 3 | 21 | 154 | 2 |
| 2018 | 84 | 597 | 7.1 | 2 | 25 | 135 | 1 |
2021 RB Rookie Profiles: Travis Etienne (Clemson) 5’10” 205lbs
Pre-draft
Etienne is a fantastic athlete, able to get out of the blocks early which led to him being a contributor on special teams. That speed allows him to make big plays out of small gaps, which should help translate to the NFL. Despite his size, able to break through tackles and fight for extra yards. Very competent pass-catcher and able to provide reliable pass-protection. That skillset should mean that he should be able to stay on the field for all three downs on offense.
Dynamic playmaker, who is an efficient operator out of the backfield. Should be an immediate contributor as a pass-catcher in PPR leagues. Will be a popular selection at the top of drafts.
Post-draft
Selected- Round 1, Pick 25 Jacksonville Jaguars
Etienne joins his college QB in Jacksonville but will have some work to do to be fantasy relevant. The team said they were going to use him on third-downs, but I don’t buy that completely. James Robinson was good last season, but he did start to show signs of being over-used last season. We could see a situation similar to the Saints used with Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara, but equally it could work out to be an awful timeshare.
Etienne is still one of the better RB options in this class, especially in PPR leagues.
College Stats
| Rush Att | Rush Yards | YPA | Rush TD | Recs | Rec Yard | Rec TD | |
| 2020 | 168 | 914 | 5.4 | 14 | 48 | 588 | 2 |
| 2019 | 207 | 1,614 | 7.8 | 19 | 37 | 432 | 4 |
| 2018 | 204 | 1,658 | 8.1 | 24 | 12 | 78 | 2 |
2021 RB Rookie Profiles: Demetric Felton (UCLA) 5’10” 200lbs
Pre-draft
Felton has been used as a hybrid running back/ receiver for UCLA. Clearly able to cause damage with the ball in his hands, which was shown in his kick returns as well as on offense. Felton is able to find space where it seems like there isn’t any, with the ability to start and stop. Has reliable hands too, after being used as a slot receiver.
Felton is a gadget player that could struggle to be fantasy relevant, as he feels like he has to find more consistency in order to be an entrusted weapon on offense.
Post-draft
Selected- Round 6, Pick 211 Cleveland Browns
The landing spot was going to be crucial for any remote chance of being fantasy relevant. This isn’t it buried on the depth chart of the Browns.
College Stats
| Rush Att | Rush Yards | YPA | Rush TD | Recs | Rec Yard | Rec TD | |
| 2020 | 132 | 668 | 5.1 | 5 | 22 | 159 | 3 |
| 2019 | 86 | 331 | 3.8 | 1 | 55 | 594 | 4 |
| 2018 | 5 | 27 | 5.4 | 0 | 20 | 207 | 1 |
2021 RB Rookie Profiles: Kenneth Gainwell (Memphis) 5’11” 191lbs
Pre-draft
Gainwell didn’t play in 2020, but had a fantastic 2019 season. The Memphis prospect is able to turn any play into a big-gain, due to his ability in space. Gainwell is a versatile offensive weapon, as he is a highly competent receiver. Infact, he was used as a slot receiver at times in college and able to run a variety of routes.
Gainwell should be able to contribute from the day he enters the league. Could end up being buried on a depth chart, or used in an inconsistent manner. Landing spot will be key.
Post-draft
Selected- Round 5, Pick 150 Philadelphia Eagles
The landing spot with the Eagles isn’t great, but it’s not awful. Gainwell is likely to sit immediately behind Miles Sanders on the depth chart. In his time in the league, Sanders has missed time due to injury, and struggled for production too. As a result Gainwell could prove to be a good stash in rookie drafts
College Stats
| Rush Att | Rush Yards | YPA | Rush TD | Recs | Rec Yard | Rec TD | |
| 2020 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| 2019 | 231 | 1,459 | 6.3 | 13 | 51 | 610 | 3 |
| 2018 | 4 | 91 | 22.8 | 1 | 6 | 52 | 0 |
2021 RB Rookie Profiles: Najeee Harris (Alabama) 6’2″ 230lbs
Pre-draft
Harris was a 4-year contributor in college, leading the team in his last two seasons. Able to function as a bell-cow running back from the moment that he enters the league. Fights for extra yards after the tackle and able to keep defenders away from him with his stiff-arm. A competent receiver, who is able to run a limited number of routes, but able to show his agility and soft hands. Able to pass-protect, but needs to be more consistent.
Harris has a bit of everything, able to be effective in short-yardage situations as well as on early downs. Should be able to withstand a full workload in the league. Will be selected early in rookie drafts this offseason.
Post-draft
Selected- Round 1, Pick 24 Pittsburgh Steelers
Harris was the first RB to be selected in this draft, and the landing spot was fantastic. The Steelers offense is full of weapons, they just needed a reliable running back. Harris moves right to the top of the depth chart, and should be able to withstand the workload of being a lead back in the offense.
College Stats
| Rush Att | Rush Yards | YPA | Rush TD | Recs | Rec Yard | Rec TD | |
| 2020 | 251 | 1,466 | 5.8 | 26 | 43 | 425 | 4 |
| 2019 | 209 | 1,224 | 5.9 | 13 | 27 | 304 | 7 |
| 2018 | 117 | 783 | 6.7 | 4 | 4 | 7 | 0 |
2021 RB Rookie Profiles: Javian Hawkins (Louisville) 5’9″ 182lbs
Pre-draft
Hawkins absolutely blew up in 2019, and continued that momentum in 2020. Able to give immediate value as a kick returner, he is able to operate as a receiver as well as a runner. Hawkins size allows him to find gaps to explode through that others struggle to find. Has great ability to keep his legs moving through contact, to get extra yards or break the tackle.
Hawkins has limited fantasy relevance, could end up as a PPR option as will most likely be limited to a pass-catching role. Could end up being a frustrating add.
Post-draft
UDFA – Atlanta Falcons
Well, the Falcons didn’t draft a running back, instead, they are going into the season with Mike Davis as their starter. Hawkins could step up as a third-down back for the team. Certainly, given the depth chart, Hawkins should find himself on the field in spells this season. A deep-league stash.
College Stats
| Rush Att | Rush Yards | YPA | Rush TD | Recs | Rec Yard | Rec TD | |
| 2020 | 133 | 822 | 6.2 | 7 | 16 | 127 | 1 |
| 2019 | 264 | 1,525 | 5.8 | 9 | 4 | 58 | 0 |
| 2018 | 2 | 8 | 4.0 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 0 |
2021 RB Rookie Profiles: Khalil Herbert (Virginia Tech) 5’9″ 212lbs
Pre-draft
Smart runner, who has patience to wait for a gap before he commits with lightning acceleration. Has good instincts for finding space on the field. Able to contribute as a returner on special teams too.
Herbert has struggled with soft-tissue injuries, most notably his hamstring. He won’t be given a heavy workload in the NFL but could be used sparingly. If he is to have fantasy value, it will be in very deep leagues.
Post-draft
Selected- Round 6, Pick 217 Chicago Bears
Herbert joins a backfield that already has a few bodies on it, but he could be used as a rotational piece- especially if David Montgomery misses time through injury. Limited fantasy appeal.
College Stats
| Rush Att | Rush Yards | YPA | Rush TD | Recs | Rec Yard | Rec TD | |
| 2020 | 155 | 1,182 | 7.6 | 8 | 10 | 179 | 1 |
| 2019 | 43 | 384 | 8.9 | 2 | 1 | -1 | 0 |
| 2018 | 113 | 499 | 4.4 | 5 | 9 | 39 | 0 |
2021 RB Rookie Profiles: Kylin Hill (Mississippi St) 5’11” 215lbs
Pre-draft
Let’s disregard his 2020 season, it wasn’t really long enough to see anything. His 2019 season however was fantastic. Hill has a great build, in a great blend of speed and power. Happy to bash his way through the middle, or race defenders to the edge, he is able to break multiple tackles. Hill has shown his ability as a receiver in college, with good route-running and great hands.
Hill might have size and power, but he has a tendency to look for contact which could damage his ability to succeed in the NFL. Likely to end up being part of a committee than taking on the reigns of a backfield.
Post-draft
Selected- Round 7, Pick 256 Green Bay Packers
Hill joins a Packers offense that has two backs that have looked effective in the league. That doesn’t give Hill alot of opportunity to be fantasy relevant.
College Stats
| Rush Att | Rush Yards | YPA | Rush TD | Recs | Rec Yard | Rec TD | |
| 2020 | 15 | 58 | 3.9 | 0 | 23 | 237 | 1 |
| 2019 | 242 | 1,350 | 5.6 | 10 | 18 | 180 | 1 |
| 2018 | 117 | 734 | 6.3 | 4 | 22 | 176 | 4 |
2021 RB Rookie Profiles: Chuba Hubbard (Oklahoma St) 6’1″ 207lbs
Pre-draft
Hubbard finished as a finalist in 2019, after a massively impressive season. Elusive runner, who showcased that ability in the return game. Has good patience, and able to explode through a gap once it forms. Given his size, might struggle with an NFL workload.
Hubbard is going to have PPR upside, as he should be used as a change of pace offensive weapon. His overall fantasy value will be dependent on his landing spot, and how often he should be able to see the field.
Post-draft
Selected- Round 4, Pick 126 Carolina Panthers
Hubbard’s landing spot is two pronged. Unfortunately, he sits behind Christian McCaffery, who has been utilized heavily in recent seasons. However, on the plus side he sits behind Christian McCaffery, who has been utilized heavily in recent seasons. McCaffery missed time through injury last season, and Mike Davis stepped up. We could see a similar impact for Hubbard.
College Stats
| Rush Att | Rush Yards | YPA | Rush TD | Recs | Rec Yard | Rec TD | |
| 2020 | 133 | 625 | 4.7 | 5 | 8 | 52 | 1 |
| 2019 | 328 | 2,094 | 6.4 | 21 | 23 | 198 | 0 |
| 2018 | 124 | 740 | 6.0 | 7 | 22 | 229 | 2 |
2021 RB Rookie Profiles: Jermar Jefferson (Oregan St) 5’10” 217lbs
Pre-draft
Jefferson is a solid runner with a good body for a power back, able to move through groups of players. Rarely going down with the first attempted tackle, it can take a few attempts to stop and slow him down. Has great vision, so able to see the hole opening before it is there.
Jefferson is a great running back, who has shown the ability to do well at a number of things. However, he doesn’t excel at them, which will hurt his draft stock. For fantasy he should be fine, but if he is able to show he can catch the ball consistently could end up as a 3-down back. Depending on the landing spot, could be a nice taxi-squad stash.
Post-draft
Selected- Round 7, Pick 257 Detroit Lions
I don’t really like this landing spot, but that is partly because I love D’Andre Swift. Jefferson is unlikely to see significant time while Swift is healthy, which limits his upside. However, in deeper leagues he is still worth a pick up.
College Stats
| Rush Att | Rush Yards | YPA | Rush TD | Recs | Rec Yard | Rec TD | |
| 2020 | 133 | 858 | 6.5 | 7 | 9 | 67 | 0 |
| 2019 | 142 | 685 | 4.8 | 8 | 9 | 85 | 2 |
| 2018 | 239 | 1,380 | 5.8 | 12 | 25 | 147 | 0 |
2021 RB Rookie Profiles: Trey Sermon (Ohio State) 6’0″ 215lbs
Pre-draft
Sermon transferred to Ohio State in 2020, having had three successful seasons for Oklahoma. He was able to have another great season, posting his most efficient season. Able to make defenders miss in the open field with sharp changes of direction, but equally able to break through tackles. Has shown his ability to catch the ball on limited opportunities, but very able to protect the passer.
Sermon is a running back who can do everything well, but doesn’t excel at any individual skill. Unless the landing spot is absolutely perfect and Sermon is able to get lucky with progressing up the depth chart won’t offer too much fantasy value.
Post-draft
Selected- Round 3, Pick 88 San Francisco 49ers
On the face of it, I wasn’t sure I liked this landing spot originally. However, the more I’ve thought about it, the more I do. The 49ers haven’t yet committed to a running back in recent times, and Sermon has the opportunity to win the job. Even if he doesn’t, there are plenty of touches to go around.
College Stats
| Rush Att | Rush Yards | YPA | Rush TD | Recs | Rec Yard | Rec TD | |
| 2020 | 116 | 870 | 7.5 | 4 | 12 | 95 | 0 |
| 2019 | 54 | 385 | 7.1 | 4 | 8 | 71 | 1 |
| 2018 | 164 | 947 | 5.8 | 13 | 12 | 181 | 0 |
2021 RB Rookie Profiles: Rhamondre Stevenson (Oklahoma) 6’0″ 246lbs
Pre-draft
Stevenson is a beast, able to break tackles when he wants. Despite his size, he is able to make defenders miss too, with a decent spin move. Been used sparingly in college, with just 165 carries.
Unlikely to make a splash for fantasy. Could end up being valuable in short-yardage situations, but is unlikely to be relied upon.
Post-draft
Stevenson lands at a team I could have predicted- the Patriots. It’s still unlikely that he becomes a reliable starter, but he is likely to step in as the goal line back for the team (or at least have the opportunity to). Late round flier is fine.
College Stats
| Rush Att | Rush Yards | YPA | Rush TD | Recs | Rec Yard | Rec TD | |
| 2020 | 101 | 665 | 6.6 | 7 | 18 | 211 | 0 |
| 2019 | 64 | 515 | 8.0 | 6 | 10 | 87 | 0 |
| 2018 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
2021 RB Rookie Profiles: Javonte Williams (North Carolina) 5’10” 220lbs
Pre-draft
Williams has been a great dual-threat in college, improving each year. With his frame, he is able to find gaps and then get through them with speed and power. Williams doesn’t waste time in the backfield, and looks to immediately make positive yards. Great in short yardage situations. Able to be used on passing plays, both as a receiver and in pass protection.
Williams is one of my favorite prospects, because he has shown great ability to be a constant threat on offense. In the right landing spot, Williams could end up being an immediate fantasy option.
Post-draft
Selected- Round 2, Pick 35 Denver Broncos
The Broncos offense is tooling up. The immediate issue is Melvin Gordon. How many touches does the veteran get? Assuming he makes the field! Williams has a great opportunity to share touches and is worth an early round pick in rookie drafts.
College Stats
| Rush Att | Rush Yards | YPA | Rush TD | Recs | Rec Yard | Rec TD | |
| 2020 | 157 | 1,140 | 7.3 | 19 | 25 | 305 | 3 |
| 2019 | 166 | 933 | 5.6 | 5 | 17 | 176 | 1 |
| 2018 | 43 | 224 | 5.2 | 5 | 8 | 58 | 0 |
That’s it for our RB edition of our 2021 Rookie Profiles! These are going to be updated as news breaks, and just after the NFL draft. So check us out as well as our social media channels. You can find us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. And, as always, if you want something more specific to your league- reach out! Don’t forget to check out our other content in our draft kit!
Image Credit: John David Mercer – USA TODAY Sports
