Among running backs in the 2021 rookie class, three players have clearly risen to the top: Najee Harris, Travis Etienne, and Javonte Williams. All of these players are likely coming off the board in the first round of rookie drafts. The next RB to come off the board is where the questions start to come up. Who is the best of the rest? In this series, several members of the DFF staff will try to make a case for who they think answers that question. Today, I’ll be making the case for Kenneth Gainwell.
College Production and Measurables
Opting out of the 2020 season has left Gainwell with a limited sample size. Being stuck on the depth chart behind Darrell Henderson, Gainwell was redshirted his freshman year in 2018. In 2019, he took full control of the backfield rushing 231 times for 1459 yards and 13 touchdowns. He added 51 catches for 610 yards and three touchdowns through the air making him a contributor of over 2000 all-purpose yards. Gainwell did all of this with Antonio Gibson on the team. The Tigers chose to use Gibson as more of a wide receiver, but Gainwell still outpaced him with 13 more receptions.
While Memphis wide receivers, Tony Pollard and Antonio Gibson, have found success converting to NFL RBs. Henderson flashed last year before injuries slowed him down. Clearly, Memphis has shown that its players have been able to transition well into the NFL.
Gainwell measures in at 5’11” 191 lbs. which is much smaller than you’d want for a workhorse running back. His size profiles are much closer to the likes of receiving backs like Darren Sproles or James White. He also comes in a bit slower than the other backs in the class, which, as a smaller frame guy, could be an issue. If he can put on some weight and maintain his speed or even increase it by his March 19th pro day, Gainwell puts a lot of teams at ease.
Landing Spot and Ceiling
In the latest Sports Illustrated mock draft, Gainwell is projected to go to the Jets at the top of the third round, which would be an incredible situation. This would give him decent draft capital on a team that does not have a clear RB1. The Jets are an ideal landing spot for a rookie RB this season because they will likely look to run an offense similar to that of the 49ers, which has yielded success at the RB position.
If Gainwell can land on a team in need of a workhorse RB, like New York, Atlanta, Miami, Pittsburgh, or Arizona, his stock would rise considerably. As Gainwell has shown an ability to be a contributor in both the running and passing game, I don’t think it is out of the question for him to be used in the same capacity as an NFL running back.
In terms of comparable ceilings, I think the best-case scenario for Gainwell is something similar to what White did in 2018 and 2019 or what Sproles was able to do with the Saints. Gainwell won’t necessarily be a league winner, but he could have a path to a fringe RB1 finish if things fall the right way.
Conclusion
While Gainwell comes in considerably undersized for an NFL RB, he could still be a valuable add depending on his landing spot. Even if he finds himself as part of a committee, if you’re in a PPR league, I expect him to be a decent contributor in the passing game. The big thing for Gainwell will be durability. Most teams will be concerned about him being undersized in terms of weight, as he is still about 15 pounds less than you’d like to see from an RB that is considered on the light-side.
Landing spot and opportunity will tell the tale for Gainwell. If he gets taken in the 3rd round, that draft capital should secure him some opportunity in an offense. If he lands on a team with a need at the RB position, we could see him live up to his name and GAIN yards WELL in 2021.
Thanks for reading! Check back for more profiles of the rookie RBs in the coming days, and be sure to follow me on Twitter @fantasyonefive. There you can reach out for any and all things fantasy football-related.
