2021 NFL draft profile: Clemson RB Travis Etienne
The 2021 NFL draft is right around the corner, and we’ve got all the nuts and bolts on this year’s top prospects.
Here’s everything you need to know about Clemson running back Travis Etienne:
Vitals
Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports
Height | 5-10 Weight | 215 Class | Senior
The Good Stuff
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Etienne has great balance, keeping a wide base and a low center of gravity while shedding tackles as a runner. He has excellent burst once he hits the hole, then consistently keeps that speed down the stretch. His breakaway speed will translate to plenty of big plays at the next level. He can pass protect, then release into a route and take a reception to the house. Etienne has had 16 career touchdowns of 44 yards or more.
Under Construction
Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports
Etienne can make plays with his speed, but he's also had a decent offensive line in front of him, an elite quarterback under center, and top-tier guys on the outside who take a lot of attention away from him. His ball security has been in issue when he needs to concentrate most: Pass-catching and in the red zone. His patience can border on indecisiveness at times behind the line of scrimmage. It looks like it takes a second for him to diagnose the gaps, which caused some tackles for loss. He also shows high shoulder pads when running through traffic, which makes it surprising sometimes when he breaks tackles for big runs.
The Bottom Line
Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports
Etienne is the ACC's all-time leading rusher for a reason. His acceleration, contact balance and getaway speed are enough to make him an RB1, but he's be best utilized as part of a 1-2 punch with a bigger, more physical back.
Projection: Top 50
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