Trey Sermon NFL Draft 2021: Scouting Report for San Francisco 49ers RB

HEIGHT: 6'0 3/8"

WEIGHT: 215

POSITIVES

—Above-average height and good build for the RB position.

—Does everything solidly, able to play all three downs, and there is not a glaring weakness that limits his ability to see the field.

—Above-average vision and patience. Consistently able to make jump cuts on the “duo” run concept when anticipating holes opening up.

—Shows a good understanding on various run concepts and the timing of the blocking on them; allows OL double-teams to get to the second level and doesn’t unnecessarily press.

—Above-average contact balance and is able to run through some arm tackles. Not a bruiser, but he is a tough runner.

—Solid route-runner.

NEGATIVES

—Protection technique will continue to need work. Will show good eyes but will lack pop and stoutness to hold up.

—Just OK long speed and explosiveness.

—Runs high through the hole that will leave his body and the ball exposed.

—Does a lot of things well but lacks a defining trait.

2020 STATISTICS

8 G, 116 att. 870 yards 7.5 avg., 4 TD, 12 rec. 95 yards

NOTES

— Started college career at Oklahoma, where he started 19 games. Graduate transfer to Ohio State.

OVERALL

Trey Sermon is a three-down back who does a lot of things well, showing above-average vision, foot quickness, balance and overall athleticism, but he does not have a defining trait that he can lean on. He lacks home-run speed, overwhelming acceleration and change of direction, and he is inconsistent on inside zone runs because of a high running style that leaves him vulnerable to big hits.

Sermon lacks production in the pass game, but he does show above-average hands and understanding of route location on checkdowns. He will flash good eyes in pass protection, working to his assignment on pressures, but he is inconsistent on his stoutness and at times lacks preferred lower-body strength. He does not have a lot of tread on his tires (455 career carries) thanks to sharing the load with other RBs during his college career.

Overall, Sermon can be a contributor for a RB room who can eat touches with his ability to contribute on a variety of run concepts and being solid in the passing game and protection. His three-down ability gives him value, but he would be best paired with another talented RB.

GRADE: 7.1/10 (Future role player, 4th round)

OVERALL RANK: 153/300

POSITION RANK: RB9

PRO COMPARISON: T.J. Yeldon

Written by B/R NFL Scout Nate Tice