4/13/22
One of the best aspects of football is seeing how different types of players can play, and be successful, at the same position. You could argue that RB is one of the positions where this is most evident. I am always fascinated by how coaches use the RBs on their respective rosters to impact the game in different ways. I am also a firm believer in offensive balance in the NFL, and while it’s not necessarily crucial to have a 50/50 run/pass ratio, it is crucial to be able to have tantamount success when either running or passing. That is why such a high value is placed on the RB position. While this year’s draft isn’t the best or deepest RB draft, there is still good quality.
1. Breece Hall (Iowa State)
Elite RB who is by far the best in this year’s class. Eye popping statistics, compiling 41 rushing TDs in the last two years. 41!!! Also rushed for over 1,400 yards in each of the last two seasons, and totaled 3,941 career rushing yards in just three years with the Cyclones. Broke an FBS record for most consecutive games with a rushing TD (24) – a record that stood since 1970!! Needless to say, that type of production is almost unheard of in contemporary college football. Solid build at 6’1, 220lbs. Has a nose for the endzone and is very difficult to stop in low redzone/goal-to-go situations, as he always seems to hit the right crease at the right time. Does not have game breaking speed, but is certainly fast enough to outrun most defenders. Has a good feel for both zone and gap schemes. Shows great vision, with many of his long runs cutting across the field. Deceptively elusive and is excellent at making defenders miss in the open field. Makes his cuts with ease. Has a nasty spin move. Decent receiver, although he was not utilized a ton in the pass game. Most likely will be a day 1 starter his rookie year in the league.
2. Kenneth Walker (Michigan State)
Had a breakout junior year after transferring from Wake Forest, putting up 1,636 rushing yards and 18 TDs. Powerfully built at 5’10, 210 lbs. Shows pretty good initial burst but only has decent speed, often getting caught from behind. Great change of direction and balance. Runs hard and rarely gets tackled by the first defender he encounters. Shows high IQ and patience, allowing blocks to develop or defenders to shoot inside gaps before bouncing to the outside. Not the best receiver, only totaling 19 catches in three seasons for just over 100 yards. Can potentially be a RB2 at the next level, but will need to continue to develop as a receiver to demand more playing time.
3. Brian Robinson (Alabama)
Played at Alabama for 5 years, an oddity in today’s world with the advent of the transfer portal, and waited his turn behind a bevy of more talented RBs before finally becoming the starter in 2021. Robinson was a true workhorse back in his final season and his production against SEC defenses week in and week out was impressive. However, compared to other RB’s in this years class, I feel his value is being somewhat downplayed and overlooked. He has great size for an NFL RB and is an extremely tough runner. Defenders who try to meet him in the hole are in for a rude awakening. Not a true make-you-miss type of back, but can make subtle cuts to leave defenders grasping at air. Needs to be careful of trailing defenders in the open field, as he tends to carry the ball low and away from his body when he breaks into the secondary. I think he can carve out an early role though as a short yardage/goal line RB.
4. Rachaad White (Arizona State)
Extremely elusive, by far the shiftiest back in this years class. Love his jump cut, which he utilizes often, occasionally several times in the same play. Excellent feet and short area quickness. Also showed willingness, at times, to lower his shoulder in short yardage situations. Tends to hurdle defenders too much in my opinion and will need to learn how to finish runs by putting his pads down and initiating contact with defenders. White can be a dangerous weapon in the passing game so it’s likely he’ll be pigeonholed into a third down back role, however he’ll definitely need to improve his pass protection at the next level.
5. James Cook (Georgia)
Never really had elite stats due to playing a niche role in a loaded backfield at Georgia, but is a scat back with really good speed. An excellent receiver, linebackers simply cannot defend him in the pass game. I actually wouldn’t be surprised if he ends up being used more as a WR rather than RB in the NFL. With a little development in running routes, this shifty baller fits the mold as of future slot receiver. It’ll be interesting to see how his career pans out if he is used in more of a traditional RB role, as he currently does not have the build to take that type of punishment for a full season in the NFL.
Others to know:
Abram Smith (Baylor)
Hassan Haskins (Michigan)
Zonovan Knight (NC State)
Cam’Ron Harris (Miami)
Tyler Goodson (Iowa)