Up next in my series of Draft Prospects is the running back position. You can find my quarterback breakdown here.
Yes, I do know Najee Harris is the Pittsburgh Steelers bell cow, but with Anthony McFarland being a healthy scratch, and Kalen Ballage a free agent, that leaves only Benny Snell as a viable option.
Now I personally don’t see a first round option at RB for any team this year, and I don’t feel we will go running back until day three if at all. But I will give some players that should at least be on our board come draft day.
Round One: Zero first round running backs in 2022.
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Round Two
Isaiah Spiller is in my opinion the best back in this draft. He is estimated to be 6'1", 215lbs, and I don’t see any reason for that to be significantly off. He has speed, quick feet, power, good vision and patience, and has been productive in the SEC as a true Junior. The 20 year old comes out as an experienced back, but without a ton of mileage on his legs. He also has good hands out of the backfield.
The only negatives I can see is his route tree is limited to wheel routes, screens and basic hitch routes. But I feel there’s a lot of untapped potential there. Also, he currently doesn’t offer too much in pass pro, but with his size and physicality, I don’t see that being an issue once he has a chance to work on it.
NFL Comparison
High End: Joe Mixon
Low End: Rashard Mendenhall
Round Three
Tyler Badie is higher on my board than most, and so even though I am putting him at round three, don’t be surprised if he falls to the fifth round. Badie is only 5'7.5", but weighs 199lbs and is more than capable of running inside. Badie has a little of that Barry Sanders ability of planting his foot and changing directions and being able to get to his top speed within a couple of steps. He’s more than capable of being a receiving threat as he had 54 catches last season. He carries the ball high and tight and generally doesn’t fumble. Two fumbles out of bounds in 516 carries. Badie might not be able to carry the load in an NFL backfield, but he should easily be able to spot start for a team and be that change of pace back to compliment Harris.
I didn’t see much in the way of negatives besides Badie’s size, which might lead to him getting banged up in the NFL, but he has a pretty clean injury history.
NFL Comparison
High End: Darren Sproles
Low End: Amos Zereoue
Round Four
Rachaad White the former JUCO transfer doesn’t have a lot of tape to dissect, but what is out there shows his vision is above average with the ability to see lanes as they are opening and the patience to allow them to open. He also has quick feet and a nice cut move that allows him to squeeze through small openings for a big back at 6’ 210lbs. He seems to be able to run in a zone or gap system as the Sun Devils seem to implement a hybrid system. As a pass catcher he might be the best coming out of college this year. He has soft natural hands and even though his route tree isn’t complex he has shown the ability to set up his defender to create separation.
Negatives are his pass protection is average at best. He does have size to get the job done, and there were many good examples of him executing his assignment. He seems to have a missing gear between short area quickness and long speed. Not a huge concern but there were a few times he was one step away from busting a big one, but didn't quite get there fast enough.
NFL Comparison:
High End: Le’Veon Bell
Low End: Kalen Ballage
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Round Five
Sincere McCormick is your classic north south runner who has quick feet and uses them to cut back and take it up the field. He has that style that translates well in the NFL. He isn’t the biggest back, but he does a good job of churning his feet, spinning, and push off contact. McCormick has decent long speed and can bust off a long gainer.
In pass pro he is a bag of mixed results. I think his lack of size at 5'9", 205lbs might always prevent him from being elite in pass pro, but he seems to be willing. He is a capable check down receiver and is elusive in open space but he seems to fight the ball a little and might not be a natural pass catcher.
NFL Comparison
High End: Aaron Jones
Low End: Jerick McKinnon
Round Six
Kenny Brooks isn’t getting a lot of draft love, but here’s what I see. He’s a powerful back that is a one cut, and up north/south runner. He has great lower body strength and balance. He is rarely taken down low and easily busts through arm tackles. He is a patient runner and follows his blockers well. He is an above average pass protector who will throw his body into a blitzer.
He’s not going to win a lot of foot races. He’s more of a wear ‘em down grinder. Sometimes his ability to stay up right backfires as he bounces back and doesn’t have the speed to turn the corner, turning a net zero play into a negative.
NFL Comparison
High End: Shonn Greene
Low End: Stevan Ridley
Round Seven
Max Borghi is a quick footed scat back that is a bit of an enigma. He has quick feet, but not great long speed. He has tight hips but has enough wiggle to make a guy miss. He’s not strong but he might have the best stiff arm in the draft. He is not a power back but can run inside. He’s not fast but he can turn the corner. He has small hands but he is a sure handed pass catcher. From watching the film he seems to maximize his physical ability by understanding his offense and what the defense is trying to do.
His size, speed, and strength will all be below average.
NFL Comparison
High End: James White
Low End: Danny Woodhead
