By Charlie Campbell.
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This page was last updated March 25, 2022. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
Position Review: Running Backs
Running Back Class
Early-round talent: C
Mid-round: C+
Late-round: C
Overall grade: C
Merging the 2022 and 2021 prospects
Najee Harris
Travis Etienne
Javonte Williams
Breece Hall
Zamir White
Brian Robinson Jr..
Trey Sermon
Isaiah Spiller
Kenneth Walker
James Cook
Tyler Badie
Michael Carter
Dameon Pierce
Kene Nwangwu
Rhamondre Stevenson
Chuba Hubbard
Just to be clear this article and series is all my opinion based off my own study and information I’ve gotten from general managers, directors of college scouting, national scouts, area scouts, and NFL coaches who know way more than I do.
There was a decent running back talent for the 2021 NFL Draft. It was top-heavy class, however, with three top-35 selections, but then only one other running back was a top-100 pick. This year is different in that there is not a single first-round prospect, much less three players worthy of going in the top 35. In fact, the 2022 NFL Draft may not see a running back taken with a top-50 choice. The 2022 class though presents more and better mid-round values than 2021.
If you were to merge the two classes together, Najee Harris, Travis Etienne and Javonte Williams would be the top-three running backs. Breece Hall, Zamir White and Brian Robinson are better prospects than 2021 third-rounder Trey Sermon. Isaiah Spiller, Kenneth Walker, James Cook and Tyler Badie are better prospects than 2021 fourth-rounder Michael Carter. Dameon Pierce is about equal to Carter.
Safest Pick: Breece Hall, Iowa State
Previous Picks:
2021: Najee Harris
2020: D’Andre Swift
2019: Josh Jacobs
2018: Saquon Barkley
2017: Leonard Fournette
2016: Ezekiel Elliott
2015: Melvin Gordon
2014: Carlos Hyde
2013: Eddie Lacy
The track record here is pretty good, with only Hyde being a true disappointment at the NFL level. Saquon Barkley could be trending that direction, but injuries derailed his career.
This was an easy choice because Hall as he looks like a safe bet to turn into a quality three-down starter at the next level. The 5-foot-11, 220-pounder is a thick running back who has the build and strength to be the bell cow who handles a large work load in the NFL. On top of being a tough runner, Hall is a dangerous receiver who shows good potential as a blocker and blitz protector. Hall may not become one of the elite backs of the NFL, but he should be turn into a good starter with Pro Bowl potential.
Biggest Bust Potential: Karen Williams, Notre Dame
Previous Picks:
2021: Chuba Hubbard
2020: A.J. Dillon
2019: David Montgomery
2018: Rashaad Penny
2017: Wayne Gallman
2016: Kenneth Dixon
2015: Mike Davis
2014: Lache Seastrunk
2013: Montee Ball
Overall, this bust list is looking pretty accurate. Montgomery flashed some good and bad in his first three years, but it is too early to pass definitive judgement on him. Penny has been a backup and bust thus far, and Gallman likewise is stuck as a backup. Dixon didn’t work out. Davis has been a journeyman, but he played really well for Carolina in 2020. Seastrunk never made it in the NFL, although he fell deep in the draft. Ball was a huge bust for the Broncos, but one you could see coming.
This was a tough choice, with no player is really jumping out. I chose Williams because he does not have speed and is undersized. That was given proof at the combine when he ran slow times, and he lacks a powerful frame to make up for his lack of speed. Williams was a good college player in 2021, but I could see him not translating to the NFL.
Running Back Rankings by Attributes
Natural Running Ability:
NFL prototype: Johnathan Taylor, Colts
- Breece Hall
- Brian Robinson Jr.
- Kenneth Walker III
- Dameon Pierce
- Isaiah Spiller
- Tyler Badie
- James Cook
- Zamir White
Recap: There are still a number of coaches in the NFL who want an old-school approach of a running-based offense. Additionally, a lot of passing-led offenses want a back who can wear down defenses in the second half of games. All of these 2022 backs are quality runners, and there isn’t a big difference from Hall, the top-ranked back here, to White, the bottom-ranked one here.
Hall demonstrates very good running fundamentals, like the patience to let holes develop, the vision to see lanes about to come open, and good body lean to run behind his pads. Hall has a phenomenal spin move that leaves defenders grasping at air, as he displays the acceleration to explode out of his cuts. In the open field, Hall has a second gear to break off long runs, and off the snap, Hall has a burst to hit the hole quickly before it closes up.
Robinson has power, size, and a tough rushing style that makes him a downhill runner who can impose his will through sheer strength. With his strong build, knee bend, and ability to run behind his pads, Robinson breaks tackles consistently and picks up yards after contact. Defenders will struggle to bring him down at the second level, and it often takes multiple defenders to get him to the turf. Robinson’s contact balance and strength mean he is a tough runner who can wear out defense. Along with his power, Robinson has the quickness to hit the hole and a second gear to accelerate to the second level. Robinson is not a burner, but he has good speed for a big back and is capable of ripping off yards in chunks.
There is a lot to like about Walker, as he is a physical violent runner who really imposes his will on defenses. Walker is a hard-charging running back with a strong build and will flat out run over tacklers. He possesses excellent contact balance and strength that make him hard to get on the ground because he will charge through tackle attempts to pick up a lot of extra yardage. To go along with the power to push through defenders, Walker has natural knee bend and body lean. He runs behind his pads with good leverage to keep himself on his feet.
Pierce is a hard-nosed back who runs angry and often brings pain to defenders who try to tackle him. Coming downhill, Pierce shows serious aggression to run through defenders and power through them to continue to add yards. He has the lower body strength to move the pile, and he keeps his legs moving after contact. Even though Pierce is a powerful running back, he is not a slow plodder. He is quicker than fast, however, and lacks the elite speed to run away from defenses. While teams have speed concerns with Pierce, he plays with a burst that sees him hit the hole before it closes and accelerate to the second level.
Spiller is a power back capable of taking on a big work load and being a physically wear out defenses. He has the strength to charge through defenses and pick up a lot of yards after contact. His lower body strength is impressive, leaving tacklers bouncing off his thighs, and he uses his strong upper body to run over defensive backs in the open field. Spiller is a load who is very tough to get on the ground, and he makes defenders pay for trying to tackle him.
As a runner there is a lot to like about Badie. He possesses a nice combination of traits, like vision, elusiveness, and superb feet. His elusiveness can be seen with how he cuts around tacklers, spins away, and shiftily dodges tacklers. Badie’s short, compact build adds to his slipperiness, as defenders have a hard time grabbing a hold of him. He also displays a natural vision to see holes about to open and cut-back lanes, and he can read the flow of defenses behind his blockers. His quick feet are great to cut on a dime, providing him with excellent balance. Badie also has strength to his build, helping him run through tackles and pick up yards after contact.
Cook is a speed back who presents a real threat to rip off a big gain any time he touches the ball. He has a first-step burst and accelerates through the hole with a second gear to explode downfield for long gains. With his explosion, it looks like Cook gets a head start over everybody else on the field. In the open field, Cook is not just fast, but he has moves to dodge tacklers and tremendous change-of-direction skills. He is a threat to take any carry to the end zone.
White is a load of a runner. He is a true power back who runs over defenders and constantly bursts through tackles. With his power, strength and physical running, White earned the nickname of Zeus in college. He constantly breaks tackles, and he does a fantastic job of keeping his legs churning after contact. White is a decisive runner who charges downfield and is not one to dance in the backfield. He displays zero hesitation to stick his nose into a scrum and power through the defense to generate positive yardage. His power allows him to finish runs well, and he consistently drags tacklers behind him. White has a real burst to hit the hole and acceleration to get downfield. White has good balance and patience that allow him to flow to the line before darting downfield.
Pass Receiving:
NFL prototype: Christian McCaffrey, Panthers
- Breece Hall
- Tyler Badie
- James Cook
- Brian Robinson Jr.
- Dameon Pierce
- Isaiah Spiller
- Zamir White
- Kenneth Walker III
Recap: The passing-driven NFL has many offensive coordinators emphasizing a running back’s ability to help the aerial offense over their running ability. Coaches want backs who have good hands, run good routes and can rack up yards as outlet receivers. This group is very good overall, with the majority of them being good receivers out of the backfield. Although none of them is a Christian McCaffrey-type back who could legitimately line up as a slot receiver like McCaffrey can.
Hall has good hands for a big back. He makes some difficult catches and is dangerous in space. Hall runs a quality routes as a receiver and should be a very good check-down option in the NFL. Over the past three seasons, Hall totaled 82 receptions, and he is ready to contribute as a receiver at the next level. Hall can turn a routine pass into a chunk play, and he could be a good contributor to a pro passing attack.
In the passing game, Badie is a valuable contributor. He is an excellent route-runner out of the backfield, and his shiftiness makes him very difficult to defend in the open field. Badie has the cutting ability and a sudden burst to create separation from linebackers. Those things also help him gain additional yards after the catch. Badie is dangerous in space once he gets the ball in his hands, weaving through defenders with his elusiveness. As a pro, he should be a real weapon for the passing game on wheel routes, screens, and check downs.
Cook can be a weapon as a receiver. He has soft hands and is a natural at catching the ball. Cook is also elusive in the open field and can rip off yards in chunks. He is too fast and shifty for linebackers or safeties to cover in man, so he provides an excellent mismatch. Cook could be a third-down receiving problem in the NFL.
Robinson possesses some ability serve as a receiving-down back. He has quality hands, runs solid routes for a big back, and shows vision and feel to find soft spots in defenses.
In the passing game, Pierce is a nice outlet receiver. He is smooth in space and has soft, reliable hands overall. As a pro, he could be a solid contributor in the receiving game.
Spiller looks like a he should be a functional outlet receiver. He flashed some impressive, soft hands over the past three seasons and is dangerous in space. While Spiller won’t be a dynamic receiving threat like Christian McCaffrey or Alvin Kamara, Spiller should be able to contribute, and he catches well for a big back.
White will need some work at catching the ball for the NFL because the Georgia offense did not pass to him much. He flashed the ability to contribute as a receiver. But he will need development in his route-running.
For the passing game, Walker has more ability than was seen over most of college, but he did not get a lot of work in the passing game. His hands and route-running look to be average, but he has the upside to get better.
Pass Blocking:
NFL prototype: Ezekiel Elliott, Cowboys
- Dameon Pierce
- Brian Robinson Jr.
- Isaiah Spiller
- Breece Hall
- Zamir White
- Kenneth Walker III
- Tyler Badie
- James Cook
Recap: Pass blocking is huge for offensive coordinators. If a running back can’t pass protect, they are going to have a hard time seeing the field in the NFL. If the defenses know a running back isn’t trusted to protect the quarterback, it is an immediate tip about what the play is going to be. Coaches want multiple backs with pass-protection skills. The importance of both blitz pickup and pass blocking is increasing every year for running backs.
None of these backs are as good as Ezekiel Elliott was entering the NFL, but a lot of them have potential. At the Senior Bowl, Pierce put on display his superb blocking ability. He used his size and strength to stonewall defenders on contact while setting up well to hold his ground. Pierce has excellent pass-protection ability and could be a valuable quarterback defender.
Robinson is a tough blocker who will take on blitzers and is smart at identifying the correct player to block. He received good grooming in with Alabama’s pro scheme and tailback responsibilities. Once Spiller gets some development with learning NFL blitz schemes, he could be a real asset in the passing game as a reliable quarterback protector.
In blitz protection, Hall showed development as a blocker and didn’t shy away from contact. White made strides as he gained experience, and he could be functional in pass protection as a pro.
Walker and Badie all flashed some blocking potential. They have enough size to square up blitzers and take on defenders. Cook’s size could prevent him from ever being a good blocker in pass protection.
Yards After Contact:
NFL prototype: Derrick Henry, Titans
- Zamir White
- Brian Robinson Jr.
- Kenneth Walker III
- Dameon Pierce
- Isaiah Spiller
- Breece Hall
- Tyler Badie
- James Cook
Recap: For running backs to be consistently successful in the NFL, they have to have the ability to pick up yards after contact. Breaking tackles is critical to moving the chains and setting up good down and distance. This group offers an excellent set of prospects who can rack up yards after contact.
White constantly breaks tackles, and he does a fantastic job of keeping his legs churning after contact. White will power through arm tackles, and his legs don’t go dead on contact. With his burst and strength to run through contact, White is a dangerous threat to generate a lot of extra yards.
With his strong build, knee bend, and ability to run behind his pads, Robinson breaks tackles consistently and picks up yards after contact. Defenders will struggle to bring him down at the second level, and it often takes multiple defenders to get him to the turf. With his contact balance and strength, Robinson is a tough runner to wear out defenses.
Walker is a hard-charging runner who has a strong build and will flat out run over tacklers. With his excellent contact balance and strength, Walker is hard to get on the ground. Instead, he will charge through tackle attempts to pick up a lot of extra yardage. To go along with the power to push through defenders, Walker has natural knee bend and body lean, and he runs behind his pads with good leverage to keep himself on his feet. All of that combines to make Walker talented at generating yards after contact.
Pierce is a hard-nosed back who runs angry and brings pain to defenders who try to tackle him. Coming downhill, he shows serious aggression to run through tacklers and power through them to continue to add yards. Pierce has the lower body strength to move the pile, and he keeps his legs moving after contact. Pierce is very good at getting yards after contact.
Spiller is a strong back who blasts through defenses and picks up a lot of yards after contact. His lower body strength is impressive, bouncing defenders off his thighs, and he uses his strong upper body to run over defensive backs in the open field. Spiller is a load who is very tough to get on the ground, and he makes defenders pay for trying to tackle him.
Hall is not a bulldozer who just flattens defenders, but he does run through contact, keeping his legs going and using moves to make it tough for defenders to grab a hold of him. In the NFL, Hall should be a solid back to pick up yards after contact because he has good overall balance, strength, and knee bend, and is able to run behind his pads.
Badie has a strong build that helps him run through tacklers and pick up yards after contact. While he can tack on some yards after getting hit, he won’t be as prolific as the players in the NFL due to his stature. Cook also lacks size, so he can’t create a lot of yards after contact, and he does not have the balance, toughness, or size to take a lot of carries between the tackles.
Zone-Blocking Runner:
NFL prototype: Dalvin Cook, Vikings
- Breece Hall
- Zamir White
- Brian Robinson Jr.
- Kenneth Walker III
- Dameon Pierce
- Isaiah Spiller
- Tyler Badie
- James Cook
Recap: The zone-blocking scheme calls for backs to have quickness and physicality. They need the ability to follow the moving wall, use vision and anticipation to see the hole opening and make one cut to run downhill. It is a different type of running compared to a set, designed play. There isn’t a running back in this group who would be a bad fit for a zone scheme.
There is a lot to like about Hall, White, Robinson, Walker, Pierce and Spiller in zone-blocking systems. Each of them is a hard-charging downhill back who has a quick first-step to hit the hole before it closes and a second gear to get to the secondary.
Badie and Cook can run some zone plays, and they have the burst to dart downfield. Given their sizes though, they could be better for a man scheme. Still, Badie and Cook have enough ability to execute some plays in zone.
Power-Man Runner:
NFL prototype: Alvin Kamara, Saints
- James Cook
- Tyler Badie
- Breece Hall
- Zamir White
- Brian Robinson Jr.
- Kenneth Walker III
- Dameon Pierce
- Isaiah Spiller
Recap: Cook has excellent feet and speed, which combine to give him serious elusiveness in the open field, where he can cut and weave his way around defenders. Cook is very shifty and has the lateral quickness to dodge defenders. He would be a great fit for a man scheme.
Badie could fit well in a man scheme because he can create on his own. He should appeal to power-man schemes with his ability to make things happen and dodge defenders.
Hall could fit in a zone-blocking or power-man scheme. He has the skill set to thrive in either system.
White could function in a man scheme because he has enough elusiveness to go with his power, where he could create on his own in a variety of ways. At Alabama, Robinson showed the ability to run the ball well in man or zone schemes.
Walker, Pierce, and Spiller are more of a one-cut downhill runners. While they each have some lateral quickness, they are more of North-South runners. Walker, Pierce, and Spiller could fit in a man schemes, but they might better in zone schemes.
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