2019 NFL Draft Player Profile: RB Kerrith Whyte Jr.

The Pittsburgh Steelers should be looking to add another running back into the mix. Lead by youngsters James Conner and Jaylen Samuels, the Steelers rushing attack is nothing short of abundant, but injuries and heavy load concerns should worry the Steelers about Conner. Adding a third running back into the mix would be a wise move, especially a player with special teams savvy like Kerrith Whyte Jr. whom they recently brought in for a pre-draft visit.

Background

Kerrith Whyte Jr. #6
Florida Atlantic University
Running Back/Kick Returner
5’10”, 197lbs
RS Junior

– Exercise science/Health Promotions major
– C-USA 2nd-Team as a kick returner
– C-USA Honorable Mention as a running back
– Fourth Team All-American (Phil Steele)
– Will be 23 in October

2019 Combine 

Not invited

2019 Pro Day

40 Yard Dash: 4.36s (would have been fastest RB at NFL Combine)
Bench Press of 225lbs: 21
Broad Jump: 11ft
Vertical Jump: 42″

2018 Stats

134 rushes for 866 yards (6.5 avg), 8 TD
10 receptions for 160 yards (16 avg), 2 TD
19 kick returns for 545 yards (28.7 avg), 1 TD

What’s To Like

Good size and frame. Quick and swift burst from the hand-off. Speed to beat defenders and gain the edge. Contact balance a big plus. Natural pass catcher that is deadly in space. Decisive with the ball, doesn’t dance around. A very willing pass blocker. Has a nasty jump cut. High effort player, saw him take a fake hand-off and wrap around to the other side of the field to block someone. Absolutely lethal as a kick returner.

Okay Kerrith Whyte. I can see that short area burst that he tested with, but this is nice contact balance and power too. pic.twitter.com/zoWcqRNRDF

— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) April 1, 2019

Concerns

Vision between the tackles needs work, too often does he run into a crowded gap. Technique and hand placement in pass protection is pretty horrendous. Pass protection awareness needs some improvement. Stutter-steps and is indecisive with delayed hand-offs. Can be slightly indecisive with cutting it up or taking the play to the edge. Game experience on a shy side.

Verdict

A speedy and shifty back with some power and plus contact balance. An explosive athlete with a decently high ceiling. Special teams ability is a tremendous plus as he can be a huge asset returning kicks, an area the Steelers could very much stand to improve in. Flaws are mostly fixable with experience and coaching. Can become a productive third down running back who can also be a lethal returner. With NFL-caliber coaching, Whyte can become a swiss army knife-esque, productive player who is a multi asset contributor.

Grade:  Round 5
Projection: Round 6-7

More SCB 2019 Player Profiles

Games Watched: 2018 Tennessee, 2018 Kansas State, 2018 Iowa State, 2018 Kansas, 2018 TCU, 2018 Texas Tech

Credits: Youtube, Sports Reference, FAU Athletics, Sun Sentinel (img)