After the top three running backs in the NFL Draft, not many others are generating interest for fantasy football. Kenneth Gainwell is one to watch out for and could be a fantasy steal.
As the draft nears, there are a firm top three running backs: Najee Harris, Travis Etienne, and Javonte Williams; but there is a discussion about who the 4th ranked RB will be in the 2021 NFL Draft. One of those in the mix is Kenny Gainwell, who comes from the recent RB factory of Memphis; that has produced recent talents of Darrell Henderson, Tony Pollard, and Antonio Gibson. Gainwell only extensively played for one year, but was very impressive. Let’s take a look into him as a NFL prospect.
Memphis
In 2018, Kenneth Gainwell chose Memphis over Ole Miss but was only a 3-star prospect that was not in the top 1,500. That year, Gainwell redshirted because he was behind Henderson and Pollard on the depth chart; but did average 14 yards on 10 touches.
In 2019, Gainwell took over as the starter and only had 43% of the team’s carries, but finished with over 1,400 yds and 13 TDs. Gainwell was so good that talented NFL rookie Antonio Gibson only received 33 total carries. Gainwell opted out of 2020 because of COVID, so is the one year of work enough to make a true evaluation?
The 2021 RB Class needs Kenneth Gainwell Jr. to add more 10 pounds. That's it! Come on Kenny! #Devy pic.twitter.com/lI9YzMzelY
— Ray G 🏁 (@RayGQue) May 30, 2020
Kenneth Gainwell on Film
Memphis was successful in deploying Gainwell in many different ways, lining him up all over the field. He was used as decoy, wildcat QB, slot receiver, and even deployed out wide on occasion. With only one year of film, Gainwell flashed with big plays and NFL potential.
As a True Runner
Kenneth Gainwell is a patient runner and shows good vision, waiting on blocks and then using his burst to explode through the open holes. Memphis was pretty balanced in the runs called for Gainwell, and it was a fairly even split between zone and gap runs.
The open field is where he shows how lethal of a weapon he truly is. He shows great balance to stay on his feet after being tripped up and is very elusive with a wide array of moves, including very quick spin moves.
Kenneth Gainwell got over 200 pounds and RAN A 4.41!!
RB3. pic.twitter.com/Afx5ipEPek
— Christian Williams (@CWilliamsNFL) March 19, 2021
These moves allowed for Gainwell to cause over 50 forced missed tackles and have a 50% breakaway percentage (designed runs over 15 yards). Memphis ran a lot of zone-read plays, so the question will be if he can succeed without that concept.
Gainwell is very elusive but also showed surprising power and was able to create over 700 yards after contact; 3.45 yards per attempt. Gainwell is more than just an outside runner, but he did have a lot of runs for little gain and when there is penetration he struggles to break tackles.
Pass Blocking
Gainwell will never be mistaken for a great pass blocker, but it is not something that should keep him off of the field. He surprised defenders with his power and was a very willing blocker on passing plays. On 23.3% of his snaps, Gainwell pass blocked and he received an 84.6 rating in blocking while giving up 0 zero hits or pressures.
As a Receiving Option
Per PFF, on 38% of his snaps, Gainwell ran a route; in 23% of those routes, he was targeted. Only 15% of his targets were over 10 yards but he received at least an 89 receiving rating by PFF on all three levels of passes.
When targeting Gainwell, the quarterback’s passer rating was 119. That would rank 2nd in the NFL, only behind Aaron Rodgers, albeit with very small sample size.
With Pro Days rolling in you may want to watch more film on these prospects. Well, look no further. 🚀
Today, #Memphis held their pro day, and Kenneth Gainwell ran a 4.42 40 at 201 lbs. The kid is a weapon. pic.twitter.com/ChbWzatHfb
— Fantasy Football Astronauts (@FF_Astronauts) March 19, 2021
Most of Gainwell’s routes were short and outlet routes where he was great after the catch in gaining over 500 yards after the catch. Even with not being targeted deep very often, he averaged 2.39 yards per route run, which would have been the highest in the NFL by RBs ahead of Alvin Kamara. Gainwell has great hands and showed that with only 3 drops in 2019 and even was successful on some back shoulder throws when he was put out wide.
Best Landing Spots NFL
Gainwell has a good blend of running and receiving ability. He is the type of hybrid running back the NFL is trending towards. Memphis has shown that its backs coming into the NFL have been successful, and this may help offset Gainwell’s lack of time on the field in college.
Gainwell most likely won’t be a bell cow, but can be successful on all three downs with another back in a committee. He will be an option for teams that do not want to use draft capital in the first 2 rounds on the RB position.
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- The Cincinnati Bengals just let go of Gio Bernard and need a complement to Joe Mixon. This would give another great weapon for the young offense and allow to keep both Gainwell and Mixon healthy.
- The Denver Broncos would be one option in the 3rd or even 4th round. They have an established back in Melvin Gordon, and could use a compliment RB or possibly a back to take over in the future.
- The Philadelphia Eagles are low on playmakers, so Gainwell could be an option if he is around later in the 3rd or 4th round. His ability to be line up a receiver would allow for Jalen Hurts to have a dynamic weapon and also allow another option if Miles Sanders gets hurt again.
Gainwell should have minimum of 3rd-round draft capital, and that will be good news for his fantasy football value. Someone with his playmaking abilities will be put on the field, regardless of the RB depth chart on the team. Gainwell’s ability as a runner and receiver could allow him to be a flex starter immediately in his rookie year.
In fantasy football, Gainwell is an early 2nd round rookie pick even without knowing his landing spot. So be ready to have to draft him even earlier if he goes to a very good situation. You don’t want to miss out on the next Antonio Gibson.
Brandon Haye
Brandon grew up in Jacksonville, Florida and works as a health insurance data analyst. He has no children, but two fur babies - Squirt and Brownie. He and his wife, Katie, spend their time playing poker and enjoying time with their pups. Brandon is a huge Michigan Wolverine and Jacksonville Jaguars fan. He at one time was in 77 fantasy leagues and loves the game of football. Brandon started writing for The Leauge Winners in 2021.