The Bills already expressed a desire to improve their rushing attack in 2021. While general manager Brandon Beane specifically did not say the problem was with the team’s running backs, perhaps a new face could be added into the mix with Zack Moss and Devin Singletary still.
In an effort to potentially do so, the Bills evidently will start their search close to home. According to The Draft Network, University at Buffalo running back Jaret Patterson already virtually met with the Bills ahead of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Patterson led the FBS in average rushing yards per game with 178.6 this season and is a highly-touted local prospect. His 19 touchdowns were second in the country, only bested by Alabama’s Najee Harris’ 24. For his efforts, Patterson was named the MAC’s Offensive Player of the Year.
Patterson might not project as an every-down back early in his pro career, but the Bills do sport a backfield already with guys who have their own specialties, so perhaps Patterson could provide such an element.
As a 5-foot-9 and 195-pound rusher some predict Patterson as a later-round pick that could contribute as a third-down back… but having said that, he rarely contributed in the passing game in UB’s offense, so that could be a problem.
However, the Bills would likely not shy away from him because of this. Singletary himself was also rarely used in the passing game in college, but the Bills have trusted him to do so in his two-year career.
And of course with Patterson, as the most exciting prospect the Bulls have had on offense in recent memory, keeping him in western New York would appeal to the Bills faithful. The junior back has also reportedly met with the Titans, Chargers, Patriots and Jets.
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