Expert Analysis
3/27/22
9 min read
Top 10 Running Backs of the 2022 NFL Draft
1) Iowa State RB Breece Hall
Key Measurables: 5110, 217lbs, 4.39s 40, 40” VJ, 9 ¾ hand, 31 ¼ arm
Notable 2021 Stats: 23 combined TDs, 0.29 MTF/ATT, 36 Explosive Runs, 49% Yards After Contact
Best Trait: Patience
Player Comparison: Willis McGahee
Background:
In 2020, Breece Hall led the NCAA in total rushing yards and followed it up with a 2021 campaign in which he rushed for the 8th most yards. He has been a premier back in the Big 12 for Matt Campbell's offense for two straight seasons. Hall has had over 500 carries combined the past two seasons and close to 700 carries in 3 seasons with the Cyclones.
Projection:
Hall is a sturdy RB with outstanding instincts and patience behind the LOS. With improved technique and consistently low pad level, Hall will be a three-down player in the NFL as he possesses traits to run in short yardage situations and patience as well as burst to excel in outside rushes. Hall will be one of the top backs in this class and a Day 2 pick. He is pro-ready, but can make a jump at the next level with the addition of a more diverse route tree and the improvement of his bend.
2) Isaiah Spiller
Key Measurables: 6003, 217lbs, 31 ¾ arm, 8 ⅝ hand, 30 VJ
Notable 2021 Stats:204 total touches, 0.31 MTF/ATT, 3.6 YAC per Attempt, 63.5% Yards After Contact
Best Trait: MYM Ability
Pro Comparison: Melvin Gordon
Background:
Isaiah Spiller started 9 games as a freshman, receiving SEC All-Freshman Team honors. Spiller finished his sophomore year ranked 3rd in the SEC averaging 103.6 yds/game. Prior to the 2021 season Spiller was a preseason Heisman Award Watch List candidate.
Projection:
With the ability to come in and make an early impact for a team, Isaiah Spiller is a 1st and 2nd down back, probably to be replaced early in his career on 3rd due to poor pass protection technique and unsure hands. Project Spiller as a late 2nd - 3rd round talent that could make an early impact to an NFL teams backfield.
3) Kenneth Walker III
Key Measurables: 5092, 211, 4.38s 40, 34 VJ, 30 ⅜ arm, 9 ½ hand
Notable 2021 Stats: 1,758 total yards, .34 MTF per Attempts, 6.2 YPC, 159 total ST snaps in career
Best Trait: Vision/ Finding a Lane
Pro Comparison: Sony Michel
Background:
Kenneth Walker III transferred from Wake Forest after his second year. At Wake was ranked 3rd as a freshman w/ 579 YDS on 98 CAR and 4TD's. As a sophomore tied for 3rd in the ACC w/ 579YDS and 13TDs.
Projection:
He is a good tough nosed runner oftentimes will find the open seam within the box of a defense, can also bounce, and has the speed to gain the edge. Catches the ball well using his hands extended away from his body in the pass game leaked out of the backfield. Mid-2nd - 4th round, possible change of pace back early on. Potential to be an every down back.
More Top 10 2022 NFL Draft Prospect Lists:
Quarterbacks | Running Backs | Wide Receivers | Tight Ends | Offensive Tackles |Interior Offensive Line | Edge Rushers | Interior Defensive Line | Linebackers | Cornerbacks | Safeties
4) Brian Robinson Jr
Key Measurables: 6015, 225lbs, 4.53s 40, 31 ⅞ arm, 9 ¾ hand, 30 VJ
Notable 2021 Stats: 66.4% yards after contact, 38 targets, 116.7 WR RTG, 2,779 rushing yards in career
Best Trait: Contact Balance and Power
Pro Comparison: Bigger Frank Gore
Background:
Brian Robinson has been a contributor on the Alabama offense since his freshman season in a limited capacity as a rusher. He sat behind backs such as Josh Jacobs and Najee Harris for multiple seasons before getting a full workload in 2021 with 271 carries and 36 receptions for the Crimson Tide.
Projection:
Robinson is an effortlessly physical and natural power back with underrated AA. He is a player you want out on the field in all situations, but can spell carries to a slighter, shiftier, more elusive back on 3rd down early. Despite a lack of long speed, his burst, power, and skill moves can cut off pursuit angles. Robinson can play right away as an RB1 for a team on all 3 downs as he is strong in pass protection and as a pass catcher. A Day 2 pick that can play early on.
5) Jerome Ford
Key Measurables: 5105, 210, 4.46s 40, 30 ⅝, 9 ⅛, 31 VJ
Notable 2021 Stats: Rushing TD every 12.1 rushes, 7/27 receptions were 15+ yard gains
Best Trait: Backfield Evasiveness
Pro Comparison: Cam Akers
Background:
Jerome Ford is a RS Junior who has started 15 of 31 career games, including all 13 in 2021. Four-star HS recruit for Alabama who was a backup for two years with only 31 total carries, transferring. Was the top backup to Gerrid Doaks in 2020 and broke out in 2021 after Doaks graduated, named to All-AAC First Team while leading AAC in rushing yards, TDs, and YPA. Under HC Luke Fickell (fifth season) and RBs Coach Darren Paige (first season), player was the lead RB in an shotgun-based RPO offense that preferred Gap and finished #55 for rush offense and #18 for rushing average with a dual-threat QB.
Projection: Secondary RB you can win with on inside runs. Well-built runner with quick reactions and home run speed, staying low through the LOS with above the line vision and initiating contact. Ford is a change of pace back early, with upside to contribute on all 3 downs. He will play on special teams early as well due to his athletic skill set.
6) Dameon Pierce
Best Trait: Contact Balance
Pro Comparison: Lamar Miller
Key Measurables: 5100, 218, 4.59s 40, 34.5 VJ, 9 ⅜ hand, 30 ¾ arm, 34.5 VJ
Notable 2021 Stats: 0.34 MTF/ATT, 7.5% of rushes went for no gain or a loss, 42 receptions (2020-2021)
Background:
Dameon Pierce has been underutilized in his career at Florida never topping 106 carries in a season, and split time with many backs. This season, in his reps, he averaged 5.7 yards per carry and was involved in RPO with his mobile QB.
Projection:
Pierce is a solid back without a dominant trait. He is a compact, physical runner with great contact balance and agility. Pierce was a winner at the Senior Bowl showing an above average jump cut, receiving ability, and excelled in pass protection. He is a solid 4th round RB who can contribute early effectively, even with increased reps.
7) Rachaad White
Best Trait: Size/Build
Pro Comparison: Brian Hill
Key Measurables: 6004, 214lbs, 4.48s 40, 31 ¼ arm, 9 ¾ hand, 38 VJ
Notable 2021 Stats: 5.7 YPC, 61 targets, 9.9 yards per route run
Background:
Rachaad White transferred from JUCO (Mt. San Antonio College) to ASU in 2019. White gained the starting role this past season in an offense that did not rely on the RB rush. As the season progressed, ASU relied more on him as a runner. He has seen time on special teams as well as a returner.
Projection:
White is well built head to toe and has good size for the position but is an adequate athlete due to his COD and lack of explosiveness. White has a lot of upside if he is able to improve his flexibility and bend. He will be able to sink more in and out of his cuts, contribute on 3rd down as a pass protector/receiver and could compete on ST as well.
8) Pierre Strong Jr
Key Measurables: 5113, 207lbs, 4.37s 40, 31 ⅞ arm, 9 ¼ hand, 36 VJ
Notable 2021 Stats: 6.5 YPC, 74 career receptions
Best Trait: Speed & Power Balance
Pro Comparison: Reggie Bush
Background:
Pierre Strong Jr. is a four-year starter, amassing over 120 carries each season at South Dakota State. Strong has been the starter since 2018 at the RB position and was a team captain this past season.
Projection:
Strong has a thicker lower body, but has room to add weight to his frame. Soft hands mixed with the willingness to pass protect allows Strong Jr. to contribute as an every down back. With his adequate size and outstanding speed, Strong Jr. projects as a 4th-6th round pick.
9) Tyler Allgeier
Key Measurables: 5110, 224lbs, 4.60s 40, 31 ½ arm, 9 ⅝ hand, 33 VJ
Notable 2021 Stats: 36 rushing TDs in 2020-2021, 4.1 yards after contact per attempt, 5.7% of carries went for 0 gain or loss
Best Trait: Contact Balance
Pro Comparison: David Montgomery (Potential)
Background:
Tyler Allgeier is a 2nd year starting RB out of BYU who started his career as a backup LB and special teams player in college. He transitioned to RB fully going into the COVID season. Has combined for 430 carries in the past two seasons as the starter.
Projection:
Has 3rd down upside despite being very raw in pass protection (is willing) but is a soft/natural pass catcher. With improvement to his strength in his lowers, gap recognition and plant drive/sinking in his cuts, Allgeier could push for RB1 snaps in relief of a starter. He should contribute early and serve value as a premiere ST option with upside at the position as he is semi-new to it.
10) Sincere McCormick
Key Measurables: 5085, 205lbs, 4.60s 40, 29 ⅞ arm, 9 ⅛ hand, 33.5 VJ
Notable 2021 Stats: 731 career rushes, 77 career targets, 34 career rushing TDs
Best Trait: Footwork
Pro Comparison: Devin Singletary
Background:
Sincere McCormick has been the focal point of the Roadrunners offense since the second half of 2019. He has been the lead back and totaled over 550 touches the past two seasons. McCormick is a smaller back that can and has improved his body type throughout his time at UTSA.
Projection:
He is able to use his outstanding footwork and above average instincts to find and create cut back lane, properly choose his gap and continue up field with his plant drive for extra yardage at the second level. For his size, he gives maximum effort as a pass blocker but needs to refine his technique and recognition of the proper block. McCormick can contribute immediately as an option in the passing game and on 1st/2nd down, but his smaller stature and lack of special teams snaps could deter teams. Projects as a firm Day 3 pick.
More Top 10 2022 NFL Draft Prospect Lists:
Quarterbacks | Running Backs | Wide Receivers | Tight Ends | Offensive Tackles |Interior Offensive Line | Edge Rushers | Interior Defensive Line | Linebackers | Cornerbacks | Safeties
