Running Backs
The were nineteen RBs selected in the 2021 draft, as follows:
Round 1 - 2
Round 2 - 1
Round 3 - 1
Round 4 - 4
Round 5 - 1
Round 6 - 6
Round 7 - 4
The fact that there were only four RBs taken within the first 2 days of the draft has more to do with the shift in the league vs. the talent offered. This was further evidenced by some of the late Day 3 selections, as many of these guy have decent to solid rotational value in a 2-back system. As a whole, this wasn't a wowie draft at the position, but wasn't horrible. A few of these guys could end up being steals when we do a look back three years from now.
The 2022 draft could be a let down in relative and absolute terms. I wouldn't bet any money on a RB going in Round 1, and I think each of the top three RB selections in 2021 are better than any RB this year. Yes, there are value picks to be had, some of which could be huge bargains. But, I don't see a crop of gamechangers. All said, this is a very solid group to displace current roster holders carrying larger salaries.
1) Isaiah Spiller | 6'1 | 225 | RB | Texas A&M -
2) Breece Hall | 6'1 | 215 | RB | Iowa State -
3) Kyren Williams | 5'9 | 195 | RB | Notre Dame -
4) Cam'Ron Harris | 5'10 | 210 | RB | Miami -
5) Eric Gray | 5'10 | 205 | RB | Oklahoma -
6) Zamir White | 5'11 | 215 | RB | Georgia -
White is a very balanced runner who offers up nice size and speed to match. He's very disciplined, stays true to the play and follows his blockers. He does a good job running between the OT's and grinding out tough yards, battles tacklers well. He's at his best however when he can take the ball wide and operate around the edges with a full head of steam.
7) CJ Verdell | 5'9 | 210 | RB | Oregon -
Verdell is a home run waiting to happen. From the moment the ball is snapped, he's moving. While he runs with solid cutting ability, he doesn't require a ton of it. He's very much a north-south runner, a player who hits the seam and gets to full speed in a hurry. He isn't a big kid and doesn't run with power, but his sheer speed creates enough force on impact to where he can bounce off defenders. He's also a dangerous receiver on swing passes to the outside.
8) Jerrion Ealy | 5'8 | 190 | RB | Ole Miss -
9) Brian Robinson | 6'1 | 228 | RB | Alabama -
10) Kennedy Brooks | 5'10 | 216 | RB | Oklahoma -
Brooks has good size and produces well once out in the open. He exhibits patience behind the LOS, does a good job of waiting for holes to open up, reads his lanes appropriately. He isn't sudden and doesn't flash foot quickness, but runs with a flow that can often belie his long speed. While not a burner, there's enough there to keep defenses honest. He needs to show more as a receiver out of the backfield.
11) Tyler Allgeier | 5'11 | 220 | RB | BYU -
12) Master Teague III | 5'11 | 220 | RB | Ohio State -
13) Kevin Harris | 5'10 | 225 | RB | South Carolina -
14) Ty Chandler | 6'0 | 210 | RB | North Carolina -
15) Max Borghi | 5'11 | 195 | RB | Washington State -
Comparisons to the great Christian McCaffrey are apt given Borghi's stature and style of play. While he lacks size, this kid is tough as nails and certainly isn't afraid of contact nor competition. From the snap, he shows plus speed and quickness. He's a fluid runner who accelerates up to a very fast top speed within the blink of an eye. He exhibits quick feet and vision at the LOS, able to find the seam and hit it with anticipation and awareness. He's an excellent receiver, able to find niches in the defense and make guys miss in the open field. Adding size is necessary and should only make him a harder target to take down.
16) Keaontay Ingram | 5'11 | 215 | RB | USC -
Ingram has good size and speed, and offers up a little bit of everything as a prospect. He's proven to be very effective as a receiver on screens and delayed releases into the 2nd level. As a runner, he doesn't wow in any one regard. He shows decent cutting ability coupled with the wheels to bust out some good runs when given space. He has the requisite power to work through tacklers and get extra feet if not yards.
17) Mohamed Ibrahim | 5'9 | 210 | RB | Minnesota -
18) Lyn-J Dixon | 5'9 | 190 | RB | Clemson -
19) Ronnie Rivers | 5'9 | 192 | RB | Fresno State -