Jaret Patterson “puts defenders in a torture chamber”

Jaret Patterson, RB
School: Buffalo | Conference: MAC
College Experience: Junior | Age: 21
Height / Weight: 5’9” / 195 lbs
NFL Comparison: Devonta Freeman

College Statistics

Player Overview

Patterson is actually a Maryland product, playing his high school ball at Pallotti in Laurel. At Buffalo, he had three consecutive 1,000 yard rushing seasons, and racked up accolades, from MAC Freshman of the Year to MAC Offensive Player of the Year honors. In 2020, he led FBS with 179 rushing yards per game in a season where he rushed for over 300 yards in back to back games.

Patterson’s pass catching production wasn’t great, but from his film, he’s clearly capable if called upon. Signed as an undrafted free agent by the WFT, he’s got the heart of a lion and seems to be the perfect sort of back to complement the other running back skills already on the roster.

Strengths

• Rarely fumbles
• Has an exceptional work ethic
• Great at getting yards after contact
• Stout in pass protection
• Seems to enjoy contact

Weaknesses

• Played against lesser competition at times
• Needs to be more decisive
• Doesn’t have a ton of experience catching out of the backfield

Let’s See His Work

How He Will Fit

One of my late round wishes for this draft was to pick up a running back. As Washington’s last few picks were deployed for EDGE rushers and a WR, I was a little disappointed we had missed out on some of the remaining talent on the board, to serve as improved depth for Antonio Gibson and JD McKissic. Then, shortly after the draft ended, it was announced that Patterson had signed with Washington. I was over the moon.

Patterson is a “fireplug,” a “wrecking ball,” a bruiser who enjoys grinding opponents into the ground and who refuses to be arm tackled. He’s a short yardage thunder to Gibson and McKissic’s lightning. He’s exactly the sort of chess piece you can find in the tail end of almost every draft, and I wish him the best as he tries to make the 53-man roster here in DC.