DRAFT TRACKER 2022

Will give NFL evaluators early starter vibes with his blend of size, power and creativity. Hall isn't very sudden in tight quarters but gets better as the run play progresses with good vision and an above-average sense for how to beat second-level tacklers. He has surprising build-up speed once he's in the open field but might not have the instant gas to become a plus outside runner. His running style is willful when it needs to be and he's adept at moving the chains on "got to have it" short-yardage carries. Hall has full-package, three-down talent with surprisingly soft hands out of the backfield and should find early touches as a Day 2 draft pick with above-average potential.

Walker is a compact back with a very powerful, sturdy base. He can find his own yards with twitchy directional change when run-blocking breaks down and possesses plus-rated contact balance to add on to his yardage throughout the game. Walker is a very determined runner who is more reactive than instinctive, which leads to wild shifts in his rush track. He can handle RB1 workload in terms of carries but needs work as a third-down option. Walker would benefit from better rush-track discipline, but his explosiveness and unpredictable style should still lead to success as a future starter.

White is a naturally powerful runner with a lower half that is hard to knock off-balance no matter how clean the shot. He's not very dynamic as a runner but is a two-way creator with lateral jump-cuts to avoid tackles and the power to run through them. He's a wide-base runner who should excel in gap and inside zone schemes but his running style might not lend itself to a long career. He has two ACL tears in his background and is unlikely to play on passing downs, but he's a formidable "thunder" back waiting to be paired with a "lightning" cohort and will give running games a chance to test the resolve of defenses for four full quarters.

Volume-carry running back with good size and talent for starting consideration as a pro. He was slowed, at times, by inconsistent run blocking but was still productive and consistent for much of the 2021 season. He has interior vision and loose hips, allowing him to locate and get to run lanes regardless of traffic. Spiller runs with good elusiveness but stays in that mode a little too long, which can affect his ability to finish with authority. He's a solid back but not overly dynamic and lacks the desired third-down value right now.

Robinson is an absolute physical unit with good feet and power to add yards after contact, but his running style is predictable and somewhat indecisive between the tackles. Building and maintaining momentum doesn't always come easily. He's more fight than flight, but delays in processing and a lack of second-level creativity turn him into more of a road-grader than he needs to be. He is a linear runner who is likely to be utilized as a complementary bulldozer to help wear down defenses, but Robinson might have more potential from sideline to sideline than he receives credit for.

It's a fun afternoon of tape study watching Pierce play the game like a coiled spring ready to explode on each snap. He's an urgent runner with twitchy downfield burst, tackle-breaking leg drive and outstanding balance through contact. He reads and reacts to block development quickly and creates additional yardage with both power and subtle shiftiness. Pierce was highly productive (16 total touchdowns) in 2021 despite an embarrassingly low usage rate by the coaching staff. He has plenty of tread left on the tires and fits into any run-blocking scheme as a quality future starter or member of a RB tandem.

Big, tough prospect who went from running back to linebacker and then back to running back during his collegiate career. Smith proved a formidable fit in Baylor's zone scheme with a patient but decisive approach and a natural feel for cutback lanes. He became more comfortable in stretch plays as the season wore on but his average burst and linear running style make it easier for linebackers to find him. He has adequate contact balance and gives as good as he gets as a run finisher. Smith's lack of short-area creativity could make him zone-dependent, but he's a natural in that scheme. He has the upside to become a committee back with three-down potential.

Big, bruising runner with good vision and the self-awareness to understand that power running is what will butter his bread. His 2021 productivity fell off from 2020, due in part to health issues, shared carries and average South Carolina run blocking. He creates for himself with contact and tackle-breaking talent, but typically drops and finishes against an open-field tackler rather than avoiding him. He's a chain mover with excellent ball security as a battering ram inside. He will be limited as an outside runner and needs to come off the field on passing downs. Harris has talent and his impressive 2020 was no mirage. He's a good Day 3 option for teams looking to upgrade their power.

Big, athletic back offering an enticing blend of size and explosiveness to go with an SEC pedigree. Davis-Price's early season tape was listless and lacking pro quality, but that changed over the second half of the year. He's an enigmatic back featuring urgency, indecisiveness, physicality and finesse on any given carry. He got much better as the season progressed and clearly finds a rhythm when given volume carries. Scouts say that staying motivated will be a major factor in future success. Davis-Price's athletic ability and hammerhead finishes will help him create yardage. He has the size and upside worthy of consideration in the middle rounds.

Change-of-pace runner with vision and flow but a lack of functional play strength. The younger brother of Vikings running back Dalvin Cook, James has his brother's one-cut talent and ability to stack cuts seamlessly through the second level. However, he is missing his big brother's build, contact balance and toughness between the tackles, which will surely cap expectations and asks from an NFL club. His slashing style fits with outside zone and toss plays. He can also be used as a mismatch option as a pass-catcher. Cook has big-play ability but is unlikely to see his carry count get very high.

Instinctive running back with NFL traits and talent to find a home as a committee back or an eventual RB1. Hyper-focused vision provides him a variety of cut options and rush paths but also causes him to overthink his approach at times. Strong is more reactive than manipulative but is quite impressive with his spatial awareness and ability to slalom around bodies on a smooth, linear pathway without slowing his roll. He struggles when forced to slow his feet and make early cuts. He needs a north/south run scheme where he can square his pads and find his rhythm quickly. Strong lacks third-down value at this time, but has shown enough to believe it could be in his future.

Undersized, change-of-pace back with a big heart and pass-catching talent. Despite a lack of desired size, Badie took on a monster workload and produced at a high level. He played in a run scheme heavily tilted to outside zone and is at his best in space, although he's natural and confident in tight run lanes. He's a tough runner but lacks short-yardage leg drive, so his role as a pro could be fairly well-defined as a talented third-down back who can handle an occasional spike in carries if needed.

Brooks will be knocked for a lack of suddenness and explosiveness, but may end up becoming a more effective NFL runner than evaluators expect. He's a tempo-based runner with an ability to switch gears inside the run when needed. He has adequate size and vision but really impresses with his ability to maintain space from defenders as the run progresses. He's not a home run hitter or a physical finisher and is unlikely to offer much third down value. Brooks' smooth, subtle running style can be taken for granted, but is perfect for outside zone teams looking to add competition. He's an RB2 with upside.

Fiery team leader and combative runner who leaves it all out on the field. Williams has been a worker bee with a willingness to do the heavy lifting on all three downs and has premium third-down talent both in blitz pickup and as a route-runner out of the backfield. The Patriots' usage of James White, Dion Lewis and Brandon Bolden might be the blueprint for how to utilize Williams in the NFL.

Running back with size and senior year production, but the tape is more average than exciting. White is a tight-hipped runner lacking desired lateral agility and burst after changing direction. He has a tendency to be slowed or stopped by first-level tacklers but is a more natural runner once he gets up to the second level. He fails to show enough creativity to escape the "gets what is blocked" tag, but he does run with adequate vision. His lack of breakaway speed and limited special teams background won't help his chances, so he needs to shine early in camp to give himself an opportunity to make a team as a RB3.

Well-built, highly productive zone-scheme runner with impressive vision and feel for the job. Allgeier is smooth and instinctive with one-cut talent. He effectively navigates the ebbs and flows of run lane development. He's more agile than twitchy and relies on his ability to quickly process. While he sees it clearly, his pace and burst can be a little hit-or-miss and might allow for NFL defenses to prevent the chunk play. Allgeier is clearly talented as a runner but will need to prove his explosiveness. He offers very little third-down value right now and could be tabbed as a solid backup in a move-based rush attack.

Explosive, athletic runner with good size but a lack of discipline in his running style. White was a high school runner who played linebacker at Florida State but returned to running back at South Carolina in 2021. He's entertaining to watch with unpredictable, razor-sharp cuts from any spot on the field, but he frequently strays from designed run tracks, which prevents him from finding a rhythm. White has plenty of tread left on the tire and his blend of size and explosiveness will be very appealing for teams looking for a developmental RB3 with run/catch upside to move up the depth chart.

Rocked up runner with aggressive disposition and relatively low mileage on his tires. Conner is a scheme-versatile runner, which could help him as he transitions to the next level. He's more than willing to choose violence on every snap but rarely allows that mindset to prevent him from seeking out less-trafficked pathways with his vision. He will run himself into some tackles because of his red-hot tempo, but ironically, he's a patient and highly effective short-yardage back. Conner's disappointing showing at the NFL Scouting Combine is hard to ignore, though, and could hurt his standing with evaluators. Conner has three-down talent and projects as a good committee back with the frame to carry a workload if needed.

His impressive 2021 should pump some life into Chandler's draft stock. After sharing carries at Tennessee, Chandler took a bigger bite out of the pie at North Carolina, seeing spikes in yardage, yards per carry and touchdown production. He's a smooth strider who can become a little disjointed when processing and attacking the blocking scheme. Chandler needs to turn up the play speed in the early stages to attack the fleeting run lanes he will see in the pros. In a deep running back draft, Chandler's ability to catch passes and return kicks should help improve his chance of being selected on Day 3.

Well-built back with NFL size and athletic ability but the vision and creativity are just OK. Ford lacks the desired instincts and recognition of run-lane development, but he's fast, strong and athletic. He has the tools to find yards with those traits. He's a talented, explosive option out of the backfield with soft hands and the speed to mismatch linebackers out in space. The pieces aren't all in place, but Ford could have a future as a change-of-pace slasher with third-down value.

Wrecking ball on wheels who plays with the type of pace and power that makes tape study a lot of fun. Warren is a self-assured competitor who proved he could handle the workload and spotlight of the Big 12. He's decisive, with an ability to cut at full speed. However, he lacks burst and agility to expand his runs too far outside. He's a momentum runner who is much tougher to tackle with every step he takes, but he needs it blocked up, as he lacks the ability to create for himself early in the run. He's talented in the screen game and has a chance to compete for a backup role.

Swiss Army Knife with size, speed and versatility to potentially help in three different phases for a team. Ebner is a former all-state prep receiver whose mismatch potential out of the backfield should rank as his most endearing play trait. He's been a productive kick returner with open-field vision and build-up speed to hit big plays. Despite his size, he's underwhelming as a runner and struggles to play with consistent decisiveness and aggression in that role. He fits as a future third-down back who can run an expanded route tree and attack vertically when the mismatch aligns for him.

Big runner who is much more workmanlike than dynamic with the ball in his hands. In his lone season as a lead back, Haskins' downhill, physical style was well-paired with the "cloud of dust" rushing philosophy for Michigan. He might be forced to run with less patience and more urgency to stay a step ahead of NFL pursuit. While he played the role he was cast into, there were signs (versus Penn State) that he might have some potential as an inside/outside back. Haskins won't make a living out of dodging tacklers, and big chain-movers who lack wiggle are not hard to find. He still has a chance to stick in the NFL if he lands in the right situation.

Hard-charging, high-energy runner with three-down size and potential to compete for a roster spot as a late-round selection. Pacheco plays the game like a race car with no brakes. His feet never stop moving and his furious tempo creates opportunities but also limits his ability to set up defenders and force missed tackles. He processes the front fairly quickly and has the agility to re-adjust his running lanes to create something out of nothing, but he also has a tendency to bounce runs wide too frequently. Pacheco plays the game with an NFL demeanor and could give himself an even better chance of becoming an RB2/3 if he can step up his pass protection and third down value.

Smaller but talented running back with legitimate versatility to wear a variety of hats for a team. Some teams will be drawn to his diverse athletic background in addition to his competitive nature. He's not overly explosive but does a nice job of creating missed tackles while keeping his play speed up. Ealy is not much of a gear-shifter, so defenses will find him more quickly as a runner in the league. He's a talented target outside the pocket, doing damage against man coverage and after the catch. His ability to return kicks only bolsters his draft value and chances of finding playing time.

Height, weight, speed prospect with bell-cow size. However, Price lacks the consistency and skill level of an every-down runner. His upright, indecisive running style causes carries to end abruptly due to a lack of pad level and momentum. He runs with a narrow base and limited wiggle, which hinders his elusiveness. He does have impressive build-up speed to take runs to the house if linebackers miss their fun fit. He was hurt by inconsistent blocking and a scheme that might not be the best fit for him. Price needs it well-blocked and must play faster, but he has traits teams are willing to work with and develop.

Blackshear is not big enough to be an every-down back and his production certainly won't blow anyone away, but he's an instinctive open-field runner with the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. He's a shifty, one-cut specialist with quick feet to elude incoming tacklers, but will struggle to find yards after contact between the tackles. He has mismatch ability as a receiver and could compete as a change-of-pace back, but his lack of size, production and explosive qualities could hurt his chances of being drafted.

Running back prospect with adequate size and quickness who leaves you wanting more. Ingram was noticeably quicker and more elusive at a lighter weight after transferring to USC from Texas. He sees the interior clearly but can be too content to bounce runs wide rather than continuing to probe between the tackles. He's a below-average run finisher but will create additional yardage with quick decision-making at times. Ingram can handle an occasional pass and blitz pickup, but he's not ready to be a third-down option. There aren't any real standout qualities, but he should be competitive in a camp.

Jones brings a nice blend of size, power and contact balance to the field. He's talented at maneuvering blockers into tacklers and has the footwork to cut and create new pathways when needed. He's not a very rhythmic runner and has played in a downhill rush attack that forced him to play a little hurried at times. He lacks third down and special teams experience but appears to have the size and positional traits to fit into any NFL run scheme. Jones should get a shot to earn a spot on a practice squad.

McCormick has proven he can carry a heavy workload with consistent results over the last two years. He's stout and strong running behind his pads through contact, but often needs a clear point of entry to get cranked up. He can be a little indecisive processing block development, which could hurt his timing quickness to get through NFL run lanes quickly. He's a candidate to compete for a roster spot as a three-down backup.

Davis is a patient runner with adequate size and an above-average feel for run-lane development. However, he doesn't have the burst or speed to play behind schedule in racing through creases, and that could be a problem for him at the next level. Davis will need to do most of his work off tackle or between the tackles and his contact balance and toughness can help in that regard. He has enough third-down potential to help his cause but might need to state his case for a spot as a RB3/4 as an undrafted free agent.

Runner with adequate size, below-average cut quickness and impressive contact balance. Knight has spent most of his time handling zone carries at North Carolina State but might be a better fit in gap and power schemes. He lacks creativity and isn't aggressive enough as a run finisher but does absorb contact well while carrying forward for additional yardage. The running back profile isn't that exciting but his pass-catching potential and kick-return ability could improve his chances.

Koback failed to garner an NFL Scouting Combine invitation despite rock-solid production during his stint at Toledo, but an explosive pro day could have general managers going back to the tape. Koback looks the part and can run with some natural power, but he's a disjointed and uncreative interior runner. He needs a clear runway to hit most of his biggest runs. He could benefit from a more standard run scheme, but he's more likely to garner attention for his potential as a third-down option with size.

Teague is a big, upright runner with great size but average power through contact. A lack of burst, elusiveness and vision makes him easy to find for opposing linebackers and that is unlikely to change in the league. Teague's rare blend of size, speed and explosiveness at his pro day could garner priority free agent attention but he's a "get what's blocked" runner, which means it will be an uphill battle for him to make an NFL roster.

Corbin has decent size and good vision, but he will need to play with better decisiveness early in the rep, as his play speed and cut quickness are unlikely to aid him enough in eluding NFL tacklers. He responds fairly well to block development and runs with some pop, but it's hard to find an area of his game that really stands out.

Short-limbed, compact runner who requires a limited menu to have rush success in the NFL. To his credit, Borghi's stat line has been solid in all three seasons he was healthy and he offers rushing and receiving versatility out of the backfield. However, he's a linear runner lacking short-area wiggle and he is much more brake-oriented than gas-oriented when it comes time to hit it between the tackles. Borghi's acceleration turns into quality top speed to the perimeter or in the open field, but it is hard to project a successful NFL career given his issues creating for himself and an unwillingness to hammer it inside.

Brown has a running style that lacks fluidity and the necessary quickness to stay ahead of NFL defenses. He sees it fairly clearly, but doesn't have much elusiveness for the next level. He will run hard and can break tackles, but finding his own yardage will become tough for him. Brown's lack of special teams experience and third-down value diminishes his chances.

An undersized back with three-down ability, Rivers is reliable and incredibly consistent. He runs with wiggle and does a nice job of finding efficient rush tracks early in the carry. However, his lack of size and leg drive could limit his success as an inside runner, while the lack of high-end burst could make him an average outside runner. Rivers won't stand out in any particular area, but the sum of his parts gives him a shot to become a backup.

A tough runner with a compact frame, Pledger lacks the necessary size to pair with his running style. He is more willful than skillful as an interior runner, but lacks the size to rattle pads and take yards through force on the next level. He doesn't have the suddenness, vision or creativity to consistently get the most out of his carries, but will get what is blocked for him. He's OK on third downs but doesn't appear to have standout qualities expected from a "make it" running back.

Squatty lead back who is short but stout to handle the contact his running style brings. Injuries have ended consecutive seasons, which could be a concern for teams. He's been consistently productive but gets what is blocked and doesn't have the means to create for himself. Verdell lacks the vision and agility to slide and bounce around tacklers but he has some pop at the finish.

Explosive tester with enough production to force a longer look from teams hoping to find undrafted free agent value at running back. His frame and pro day workout might remind teams of Austin Ekeler when he came out, but Jordan has a long way to go. He's an athletic runner with pro-caliber traits but is not a natural inside runner and has below-average vision. The testing is eye-catching and there are flashes on tape, but finding a practice squad would be a major victory.

"Cloud of dust" running back with good size and effort. Missing the creativity to become a problem for run defenses as a pro. Brown will hit the hole with good decisiveness and forward lean but doesn't have the vision to alter pathways when needed and make the most out of run lanes. He's tough and proven as a volume runner with pass-catching ability, but he's neither explosive or dynamic as a runner and is a likely late-round option who will rely on his no-nonsense approach to compete for a back-end roster spot.

Undersized early-down running back lacking desired third down or special teams value. Bell, who will be 24 years old by the start of the 2022 season, saw his path to the NFL Scouting Combine delayed by a very serious eye injury that he has since overcome. He's resilient and a dedicated worker and carries that mentality with him in San Diego State's outside zone attack. Bell runs with good vision and plenty of courage but may not get much more than is blocked for him as a pro. His comeback story is a great one, but without special teams or third-down value, the deck could be stacked against him.

Harris has average vision but good short-area cut quickness in the early stages of the run. His patience can turn into indecisiveness at times, which is a problem relative to his lack of juice. He runs with below-average elusiveness in the open field and a disjointed running style, lacking fluidity and consistent finishing power. He will likely get a shot as an undrafted free agent.

Carr's scouting report in 2019 looks nothing like the finished product entering this draft. He's a much more physical runner now with a willingness to challenge tacklers and finish with an aggressive charge forward, but he's also less elusive and less explosive than in the past. Carr has good size and the skill level to play on third downs but he doesn't flash enough on tape and his injury history is a concern. Carr will likely be looking to compete for a RB3 or RB4 spot as an undrafted free agent.

Runner with average size and athleticism, and below-average toughness to add yardage beyond what his offensive line creates for him. Goodson played in Iowa's zone-heavy run scheme but lacks elements like vision and decisiveness, which are usually associated with successful zone runners on the pro level. He rarely runs with authority or a willingness to create for himself through contact and doesn't appear to have explosive top-end speed to lean on. There aren't traits or positional skills that stand out enough to warrant more than a late-round glance.

Wynn has spent his time at Furman as a running back, but there appears to be more hope as a receiver than as a runner if he wants to play at the next level. He has the size and athletic ability needed for either position but lacks the functional processing and determination to create yardage for himself as a running back. There is very limited tape of Wynn lining up from the slot, but there were enough glimpses of ball skills and route-running potential to project a potential position change.