Matt Waldman’s Rookie Scouting Portfolio examines Florida State running back Jacques Patrick and why this 2019 NFL Draft prospect bears some similarities to Leonard Fournette and Karlos Williams. 

Jacques Patrick isn’t as fast as Leonard Fournette or Karlos Williams. However, he’s a big downhill thumper who thrives behind a fullback and a gap scheme. Give him 1-2 options within the same basic area of the line and allow him to use his economical footwork to vary pacing and stride length as his fullback digs out the unblocked defender in the crease, and Patrick will find his way into open space.

Ask him to bounce, cram, and cutback like a zone runner and soon enough you’ll see Patrick’s limitations.

Although not a fit for every NFL team, Patrick is a skilled power runner who does sneaky-good work in the passing game. He’s a skilled screen receiver who sets up defenders at the line of scrimmage with excellent timing so he can get into open space as they’re sold on rushing the quarterback.

It’s likely that Cam Akers will be the lead back in Tallahassee this fall. However, Patrick called Broncos running back Royce Freeman to learn about new head coach Willie Taggart. That conversation influenced Patrick to remain a college player for one more year.

If the 2019 running back class lacks big names, keep an eye on Patrick in the mid-to-late rounds. He may not begin his career as a contributor, but the skills are there for him to help an offense.

This analysis of Patrick is only the beginning of what you’ll find in the Rookie Scouting Portfolio publication. For most in-depth analysis of skill players available, get the 2018  Rookie Scouting Portfolio. If you’re a fantasy owner the Post-Draft Add-on comes with the 2012 – 2018 RSPs at no additional charge. Best, yet, 10 percent of every sale is donated to Darkness to Light to combat sexual abuse. You can purchase past editions of the Rookie Scouting Portfolio for just $9.95 each. You can pre-order the 2019 RSP beginning in December.