Fantasy implications of Washington signing RB Jaret Patterson as a UDFA

The Washington Football Team did not address their backfield in the 2021 NFL Draft after using a third-round pick last year on Antonio Gibson. However, they signed undrafted free agent University of Buffalo running back Jaret Patterson. The 5-foot-7 running back joins a depth chart that includes J.D. McKissic, Peyton Barber, and Gibson.

Patterson was one of the best running back in college football last season that did not play at a Power 5 school. The dynamic running back posted 1,072 yards on 141 carries and 19 touchdowns in only six games. Patterson had a 31-carry, 301-rushing yard performance, which was followed up by 409-yard and eight-touchdown outing. He can run in between the tackles and has good vision, which bodes well at the next level.

Fantasy football impact

Rookie

Last season, we saw the Washington Football Team featuring Gibson and McKissic both in the running and receiving games. Both guys will likely be featured in those same roles this season, which will leave Patterson as a change of pack running back/RB3. He could be a late season FLEX play, but it’s hard to say with Gibson and McKissic in the fold.

Long-term

Patterson could eventually replace McKissic as WFT’s RB2, who will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2021 season. Patterson is a tremendous runner and as we’ve seen in college, he can carry a heavy workload. However, the key for him is improving as a receiver out of the backfield. With his size and speed, Patterson could be a mismatch for linebackers and a viable FLEX play in fantasy football.