Way Too Early 2022 NFL Draft Running Back Rankings
It’s never too early to talk draft, right? After diving into the quarterbacks, it’s time to rank the running back class for the 2022 NFL Draft. Let’s not waste any time and get to the rankings.
Honorable Mention: Zamir White
White is a bull but he just lacks that high twitch. I think he will likely be a mid round pick and part of a rotation. The fact that White is honorable mention says a lot. This running back class is significantly better than the 2021 NFL Draft.
10: CJ Verdell (Oregon)
CJ Verdell could have declared this past year. Verdell took a step back in 2020 which is why he probably went back to school. Needs to get tougher inside the tackles and prove he’s not just a chance of pace back.
9: Kyren Williams (Notre Dame)
Notre Dame lost a lot of offensive lineman to the draft this past year. Kyren has some giddy up to him but isn’t the biggest guy in the world under 200 pounds. The 2021 season will be more revealing as Williams only has one year of real production.
8: John Emery (LSU)
It’s now or never for John Emery. Big time recruit but have only see flashes of potential. Go win the job and play like you should.
7: Trey Sanders (Alabama)
Ditto Trey Sanders. It’s time. The problem with Sanders is we just haven’t seen him. Look, Brian Robinson is a cute story but he’s lower ceiling Kenyan Drake. If Sanders hits, you’re looking at a big time talent. Not sure he declares regardless given the injury history. May have to prove it more than just this year.
6: Noah Cain (Penn State)
Noah Cain got hurt this past year but that shouldn’t stray you away from the talent here. The Penn State product was electric as a true freshman. Busting tackles, good size, good speed, and a natural runner. We’re going to find out a lot this year as Cain comes back from that leg injury.
5: James Cook (Georgia)
You can ignore James Cook. I won’t. If you type his name in on Google, the British explorer comes up first. Disgraceful. Here’s what I know. He looks like Dalvin except skinnier. Same explosion. Same burst. I think he probably catches the ball better. Unproven and not quite as big but there’s no question he’s talented. Every time that guy has the ball in his hands, good things happen.
4: Eric Gray (Oklahoma)
Eric Gray transferred to Oklahoma after spending his collegiate career at Tennessee. Gray kinda got lost in the shuffle sharing time (for no reason) with Ty Chandler. He’s going to explode in a weaker conference in a real offense with real quarterback play. Gray is way more talented than Kennedy Brooks. The elusiveness and explosion are there. He’s already a really good pass catcher too. Explosion incoming.
3: Jerrion Ealy (Ole Miss)
Mega recruit who will likely take the leap in 2021. A former five-star recruit, Ealy is a fantastic athlete that is slowly becoming a great running back. It just hasn’t quite come to fruition yet. Ealy is a top flight baseball player too. He’s going to run a damn good 40 time and embraces the physical nature of the position. He’s a trackstar and his footwork is flawless.
2: Breece Hall (Iowa State)
You could easily argue that Breece Hall was the best running back in the country this past year. I won’t argue with you. Hall rushed for 1,572 yards at 5.6 yards per, with an incredible 21 touchdowns in 2020. Now, it’s the Big 12 but Hall was incredible a year ago.
Hall is a smart runner and picks his spots when to go. I think there’s a good chance he would have got taken or right next to Najee Harris this year.
1: Isaiah Spiller (Texas A&M)
This is the man right here. At 6’1″ and 225 pounds, Spiller looks the part and acts like it. He rushed for nearly 1,000 yards as a true freshman. The kids a stud anyway you slice it. Can catch the ball well too.
This guy was born to play running back. He sort of reminds me of a taller JK Dobbins. Not the fastest guy in the world but is elite at his craft and just picks up chunk yardage like its his job.
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