round 7, pick 233: Jake Funk RB

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  • May 1, 2021 at 6:00 pm #129455
    Avatar photozn
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    Jake Funk NFL Draft Player Profile

    Position: Running Back
    School: Maryland
    Current Year: Redshirt-Senior
    Height: 5’10”
    Weight: 205 pounds

    Positives: Nice-sized ball carrier whose college career was marred by multiple knee injuries. Displays excellent vision, finds the hole, and has a short burst. Runs north and south, keeps his feet moving, and works runs. Solid receiver out of the backfield adjusting to the errant throw and extending to make the reception away from his frame. Possesses soft hands. Remains disciplined with blocking assignments.

    Negatives: Has a long injury history that must be checked out. Not an overly creative ball carrier who makes defenders miss or even bounces around piles. Lacks the speed to beat defenders into the open field or turn the perimeter.

    Analysis: Funk is a resilient, hard-charging running back with average play speed and a long injury history. His pass-catching skills give him the upper hand to make a roster if he passes medical exams.

    Funk is an intriguing prospect in the 2021 NFL Draft. There are major red flags due to his injury history — ACL tears in the same knee in consecutive seasons. Still, his testing performance, ability to run between the tackles, and pass-catching experience at Maryland could see teams take a chance on him in a relatively weak running back class.

    Furthermore, his special-teams excellence may give him the edge over other running back prospects later on in the draft.

    • This topic was modified 3 years, 7 months ago by Avatar photozn.
    May 1, 2021 at 6:00 pm #129456
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    Malcolm Brown 2 point oh.

    .

    May 1, 2021 at 6:39 pm #129463
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    May 1, 2021 at 6:43 pm #129464
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    May 1, 2021 at 7:03 pm #129471
    Avatar photoBilly_T
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    As a proud U of M alum, I love this pick.

    Funk came to Maryland with very high expectations. If memory serves, with the “athlete” category, and no true position. ACL tears in consecutive years (2018, 2019) derailed a very promising career. He likely would have been a Christian McCaffrey type if he had not beeen banged up.

    Worked damn hard to recover, and his Pro Day performance showed he’s mostly back. Has 4.4 speed, good vert at 38, and decent broad at 10.2.

    I think he can help the Rams, at least on special teams, where he’s a willing “demon.” Xavier Jones should watch out. Funk may end up RB3.

    And, given the name “Funk,” I thought this would be a good place for this recent discovery — late to the party as I may be. Easily one of the best post-Hendrix guitar solos in history, with Eddie Hazel starring, and all of 21 at the time:

    May 1, 2021 at 9:51 pm #129526
    Avatar photojoemad
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    What the Funk is going on here?????

    • This reply was modified 3 years, 7 months ago by Avatar photojoemad.
    May 2, 2021 at 12:58 am #129541
    Avatar photoInvaderRam
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    jake funk. still only 23 despite struggling with injuries.

    his agility numbers are very good.

    short shuttle – 4.12s
    3-cone – 6.71s

    very good numbers for a running back and usually indicates success at that position.

    but the knee injuries. i think he makes an impact as a backup running back. but increase his reps and i don’t think you can rely on him.

    May 2, 2021 at 1:24 am #129543
    Avatar photocanadaram
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    Jake Funk RB/ST Maryland
    by Drew Boylhart • March 26, 2021

    STRENGTHS
    Jake has the type of talent and running back skills, similar to former Broncos/Texans Philip Lindsay but Jake is bigger. If you don’t tackle Jake, before he hits the line of scrimmage you won’t catch him for another 20 or 30 yards down the field. He has excellent quickness to reach his top-end speed within the first 10 yards and that is very unusual. Jake has solid vision and solid balance but what he brings to the next level is that ability to play bigger than his size because of his lower body strength and pad level. He is smart and shows leadership skills through his play on the field at running back and on the cover units on special teams. Jake can catch the ball out of the backfield as well as any running back in this draft and although he is not that elusive in the open field his opponents better bring their big boy pants to tackle him in the open field. Jake is not a change-up running back, he has the potential (even at his size) to be a starting running back and a fan favorite for the team that selects him. He’s a sleeper for sure because Jake, has more than just talent, to play at the next level.

    CONCERNS
    He is fast and quick but he is not elusive and you can catch him from behind. He’s the type of football player who is just good.

    BOTTOM LINE 2.53
    If your looking to add talent to your offense that will impact and is smart and is the type of player who will compete on every play and never let you down, then you should be selecting Jake earlier in this draft. I like Jake’s consistency to show up on every down and do his job. I like Jake’s athletic talent and intelligence to make plays. I like Jake’s ability on film to make opponents think he will be no problem, and we don’t need to game plan for him, and then once the game starts, after the first play, know right away the mistake they made. Jake has that “Christian McCaffery” type of attention to detail and work ethic. He is not as fast and just maybe, he is not as good at catching the ball down the field as Christian but, he does get up to his top speed as quickly as Christian gets up to his top speed. The difference is in the top speed but not, in the impact and production. Check Rob’s value board as too if…or even what round, Jake could be selected in because right now he is on no one’s radar but mine.

    May 2, 2021 at 3:45 pm #129560
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    May 2, 2021 at 6:10 pm #129569
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    May 2, 2021 at 7:10 pm #129571
    Herzog
    Participant

    2 ACL surgeries? Yikes

    May 7, 2021 at 12:36 am #129724
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    from https://theramswire.usatoday.com/2021/05/06/rams-nfl-draft-jake-funk-day-3-best-picks/

    NFL Network’s Peter Schrager has close ties to the Rams and is friends with coach Sean McVay. He was on “Good Morning Football” this week breaking down his five favorite picks from Day 3 and Funk was No. 5.

    “I assure you this: The Rams are not taking offensive players in the seventh round if they don’t plan on using him in some way,” Schrager said. “You could be looking at your third-down back in that Rams offense. With Cam Akers playing running back, you always have to have that yin and the yang. That could be Jake Funk. Furthermore, special teams. This guy made his pitch on ‘Good Morning Football’ and said ‘I can do it on coverage teams, I can return kicks, I can return punts.’ Guess what? He’ll do just that for the Los Angeles Rams. I don’t know what number he’s going to wear – maybe 34 – I think we’re going to be wearing that jersey.”

    May 7, 2021 at 9:28 am #129726
    Avatar photoInvaderRam
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    i agree. the only thing holding funk back is the knee issues. although that is a serious issue for sure.

    May 9, 2021 at 10:35 pm #129788
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    May 25, 2021 at 7:01 am #130107
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    June 5, 2021 at 2:35 pm #130313
    Avatar photoInvaderRam
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    i really think this guy has a chance to be a significant contributor to this team.

    he’s got it all. the athleticism. the production. durability is the problem. but as a role player the risk is minimized.

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