Kenneth Gainwell NFL Draft 2021 Prospect Profile: Memphis RB Draws Christian McCaffrey Comp

This is The Game Day’s Kenneth Gainwell NFL Draft 2021 Prospect Profile. After you read our Kenneth Gainwell Scouting Report, head over to Marcus Mosher’s first 2021 NFL Mock Draft for Round 1.

Kenneth Gainwell NFL Draft Prospect Profile

Kenneth Gainwell: Bio & Measurables

• College: Memphis
• Class in Final Season: Junior
• Age on NFL Draft Day: 22 Years
• Height: 5-foot-11
• Weight: 201 lbs.

Kenneth Gainwell: Scouting Report

Strengths

• Explosive runner who can make big plays
• Strong pass-catcher with elusiveness
• Good vision to find running lanes
• Elusive runner who can make defenders miss

Needs Improvement

• Limited college production
• Small frame leads to concerns over potential workload
• Questions over ability to run between-the-tackles
• Could struggle in short-yardage situations

Kenneth Gainwell NFL Outlook

Gainwell joins Darrell Henderson and Antonio Gibson as the latest talented running back to come out of Memphis. He has one year of strong production, posting 1459 rushing yards on 231 carries (6.3 YPC) and 13 touchdowns while catching 51 passes for 610 yards (12.0 Y/R) and three touchdowns.

Gainwell is an explosive, dual-threat running back. He has the speed to take it to the house and the elusiveness to make defenders miss in the open field. His pass-catching ability makes him a great fit for the modern-day game.

Gainwell’s frame could prevent him from carrying the load as a three-down back. This is a player who might be better suited to share the workload with a bigger back who can pound the ball between-the-tackles.

We have seen players with similar frames carry massive workloads, so there’s still a chance that Gainwell can act as the bell-cow at the professional level.

Kenneth Gainwell NFL Comparison

Christian McCaffrey: Gainwell (5-11, 201-lbs) has almost identical measurables to McCaffrey (5-11, 205-lbs). Both running backs excel in the receiving game, with the ability to use their speed and elusiveness to pick up chunk yardage. McCaffrey was the superior prospect with a larger track record, but Gainwell has a similar skill-set.

McCaffrey is Gainwell’s ceiling, which makes him an enticing prospect. The former Memphis star should be able to make an impact in the passing game at the professional level.

Kenneth Gainwell 2021 Draft Team Fits

Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons signed Mike Davis, but they could still use a young and talented running back like Gainwell. Targeting Gainwell would allow the team to pass on a more highly touted back like Najee Harris and focus on addressing other areas of need with their earlier picks. Gainwell could split with Davis as a rookie before ultimately taking the reins in Atlanta.

Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks retained Chris Carson, but he’s dealt with his share of injuries throughout his career. While Carson has improved as a pass-catcher, Gainwell would act as a terrific compliment and allow Carson to focus on running between-the-tackles. Gainwell could also become Carson’s successor in the near future. Rashaad Penny is unreliable due to injury concerns and Deejay Dallas isn’t good enough, so it’s time for an infusion of talent in the backfield.

New York Jets

The Jets badly need an upgrade at running back and Gainwell would be a great fit as an elite pass-catcher out of the backfield for Sam Darnold, Zach Wilson, or Justin Fields. La’Mical Perine is not a player that should be relied upon. This team badly needs playmakers and Gainwell would fit the bill.

Kenneth Gainwell 2021 NFL Draft Prediction

Round 3, Pick 68: Atlanta Falcons

Most draft pundits rank Gainwell behind running backs like Najee Harris, Travis Etienne and Javonte Williams. There’s a good chance that Gainwell will be available in the third round.

Gainwell would help revive an offense that looked stagnant in 2020, forming an impressive trio with wide receivers Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley. Davis could handle the dirty work between-the-tackles on short-yardage and red-zone carries.

Adding Patterson would give new head coach Arthur Smith a solid one-two punch at running back, with both players able to make an impact in the passing game.

Kenneth Gainwell NFL Draft Bets

The only draft prop available at BetMGM right now is to bet on who will be selected first overall. This is clearly out of the cards for Gainwell, so there’s no point to even look at the odds.

I would monitor the situation to see if any sportsbooks come out with a prop on where Kenneth Gainwell will be selected in the draft.

We have seen the way NFL teams have put a premium on pass-catching running backs. Gainwell has also helped address some concerns by weighing in over 200-lbs. I would suggest betting on Gainwell as the third running back selected, behind Harris and Travis Etienne.

Now that you’ve read our Kenneth Gainwell Draft Prospect scouting report, stay tuned after the 2021 NFL Draft for his impact on betting lines, odds and tips for his likely NFL team.

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