2022 NFL draft: Seahawks have met with these 4 RB prospects

That’s one of the reasons why they seem to take a running back every year in the NFL draft.

Right or wrong, running back play is a core component of Seahawks coach Pete Carroll’s philosophy on offense. That’s one of the reasons why they seem to take a running back every year in the NFL draft. This time around it may be a necessity.

With Rashaad Penny and Alex Collins set to become free agents and Chris Carson with a neck injury, reloading at this position with fresh talent seems like a good idea regardless of the optics.

Here are four running back prospects Seattle has talked with that are currently at the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine.

1. Isaiah Spiller: Texas A&M (6-foot-1, 215 pounds)

Rushing stats: 541 carries, 2,993 yards (5.5 YPA), 25 touchdowns

Receiving stats: 74 catches, 585 yards (7.9 YPC), one touchdown

2021 highlights: 

2. Dameon Pierce: Florida (5-foot-10, 215 pounds)

Rushing stats: 329 carries, 1,806 yards (5.5 YPA), 23 touchdowns

Receiving stats: 45 catches, 422 yards (9.4 YPA), five touchdowns

2021 highlights:

3. Max Borghi: Washington State (5-foot-10, 205 pounds)

Rushing stats: 369 carries, 2,158 yards (5.8 YPA), 32 touchdowns

Receiving stats: 156 catches, 1,134 yards (7.3 YPC), nine touchdowns

2021 highlights:

4. Abram Smith: Baylor (5-foot-11, 221 pounds)

Rushing stats: 269 carries, 1,647 yards (6.1 YPA), 13 touchdowns

Receiving stats: 14 catches, 78 yards (5.6 YPC), zero touchdowns

2021 highlights:

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2022 NFL draft film room: Texas A&M RB Isaiah Spiller

See for yourself what makes Texas A&M’s Isaiah Spiller one of the top running back prospects in the 2022 NFL draft

The 2022 NFL draft is right around the corner, so it’s time to take a closer look at some of this year’s top prospects.

What makes Texas A&M’s Isaiah Spiller one of this year’s top running backs?

Watch the tape and see for yourself:

Dolphins take two offensive players in Touchdown Wire mock draft

Miami could add two skill positions in the first two rounds.

With the Super Bowl finally here, the Miami Dolphins, and the rest of the league, will be looking towards free agency and the draft. With the latter just two months away, nearly every outlet is producing mock drafts every week, and we’ll be doing our best to stay caught up.

In Touchdown Wire’s most recent three-round mock draft, the Dolphins took two offensive players to help quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and first-year head coach Mike McDaniel have a successful season.

With the No. 29 pick in this mock draft, the Dolphins selected USC wide receiver Drake London, making it the second year in a row that they drafted a wideout in the first.

At 6-foot-5 and 210 pounds, London could provide Tagovailoa with another weapon that can go up and make a play from both the slot and outside positions.

In his three collegiate seasons, London totaled 2,153 yards and 15 touchdowns on 160 receptions in the Trojan’s offense.

Here’s what Touchdown Wire’s Luke Easterling had to say about the selection:

“The Dolphins are hoping new head coach Mike McDaniel can get the most out of Tua Tagovailoa, and that effort would be helped by spending this pick on a big-time weapon at receiver. London has the size, length, athleticism and physicality to be a dominant pass-catcher at the next level.”

Then, with the No. 50 pick, Miami attacked another position of need and selected Texas A&M running back Isaiah Spiller.

In three years as an Aggie, Spiller recorded 2,993 yards and 25 touchdowns on 5.5 yards per carry, adding 74 receptions for 585 yards and a touchdown in the passing game.

Spiller’s not the fastest back in college football, but he has great vision and patience when looking for his opportunity to strike. His receiving ability would also be a plus in McDaniel’s offense.

Miami traded their original third-round pick to the New York Giants during last year’s draft to move up and take Liam Eichenberg in the second round. However, the Dolphins will have a third-round compensatory pick that they received in the trade with the San Francisco 49ers during the 2021 draft.

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Seahawks 2022 NFL mock draft 3.0: The All-Offense edition

In our third seven-round mock draft for 2022 we decided to go with an all-offense draft class.

The Seattle Seahawks have work to do this offseason to improve a roster that just posted its first losing season in 10 years. Defensively, the team can best improve by hiring a more aggressive defensive coordinator and getting a pass rush boost. On offense, they need to reload along the line of scrimmage and add more weapons for Russell Wilson if they hope to catch up with stacked division rivals like the Rams and the 49ers.

In our third seven-round mock draft for 2022 we decided to go with an all-offense draft class. Here’s how the Seahawks made out in our mock.

Texans get pass rusher, shore up secondary in latest Draft Wire mock

The Draft Wire has the Houston Texans taking Kayvon Thibodeaux and then stocking up in the secondary in their latest mock draft.

The Houston Texans possess the No. 3 overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft. Some mock drafts have the Texans in position to grab either Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson or Oregon defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux. Others have the Texans missing out on both of them and having to go address the offensive line or the secondary with their third overall pick.

According to Luke Easterling from the Draft Wire, the Texans are in position to take one of the two best pass rushers in the draft and bolster their edge defense.

The Texans are in prime position to land a blue-chip prospect no matter how the first two picks go, and this scenario gives them a player many thought would be the consensus No. 1 overall pick for much of the year. Thibodeaux was banged up a bit this season, and still needs some development, but his ceiling is through the roof.

If the Texans get Thibodeaux, where do they go from there?

In Round 2 (No. 37 overall), the Texans go young at running back and grab Texas A&M’s Isaiah Spiller.

With their first Round 3 selection (No. 68 overall), Houston addresses cornerback with Alabama’s Josh Jobe.

With Houston’s second Round 3 pick (No. 80 overall), which was gained through the Bradley Roby trade with the New Orleans Saints, the Texans take Illinois safety Kerby Joseph.

At this point in the draft, the Texans would have enough of a young defensive core to build around. With Thibodeaux, paired with Jonathan Greenard in his third season, the Texans would have a pass rush tandem to strike fear into the heart of opposing coordinators. Houston would need Jobe and Joseph to develop quickly to allow them a chance to play stiff defense on the back end and not give up big plays.

The draft is April 28-30 in Las Vegas.

Texans fix secondary, edge defense, add running back in latest Draft Wire mock

The Houston Texans address their secondary, pick up an edge rusher, and add a running back in the latest three-round mock from the Draft Wire.

Even when the Houston Texans hire their fifth full-time coach in team history, the talent acquisition will continue as the club gears up for the 2022 NFL draft.

After a 4-13 season in the lone year of the David Culley regime, there are plenty of areas to upgrade across the roster. The good news is Houston can actually do something about it with top-100 picks as they have a first-round pick (No. 3 overall), a second-rounder, and two third-round choices.

According to Luke Easterling from the Draft Wire, who released his latest three-round mock draft, the Texans miss out on edge defenders Kayvon Thibodeaux and Aidan Hutchinson, who go to the Jacksonville Jaguars and Detroit Lions in the first two picks. Instead, Houston has to go with best player available and take safety Kyle Hamilton from Notre Dame.

This roster needs help just about everywhere, so this pick is about getting the best overall talent, regardless of position. It’s rare to see a safety prospect worthy of a top-five pick, but Hamilton is absolutely that guy, with an impressive blend of athleticism, instincts and versatility.

The Texans address other areas of concern across the roster with their next three picks. Houston adds Texas A&M running back Isaiah Spiller with their Round 2 (No. 37 overall) pick, which provides an effective complement alongside veteran Rex Burkhead.

In the third round, the Texans continue to address defense by selecting Penn State edge defender Arnold Ebiketie with their first Round 3 (No. 68 overall) choice. With Houston’s second Round 3 (No. 80 overall via New Orleans Saints) pick, they take cornerback Josh Jobe from Alabama.

With a first-round safety, presumable Houston has moved on from Justin Reid. With a second-round running back, they have bridged the transition between Burkhead and younger legs. Ebiketie would be a nice addition to have opposite of Jonathan Greenard off the edge. Jobe would provide Houston with a younger cornerback to team up with Lonnie Johnson, if the team decides to leave him alone along the perimeter.

Pro Football Focus ranks Notre Dame’s Williams as Top-5 RB prospect

Where will Williams go?

As we all know Irish running back Kyren Williams has made his future known. He has declared for the NFL Draft and will not play in the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl against Oklahoma State.

The next time Williams puts the pads on it will be in the NFL but where he gets drafted is the next question. Recently, Pro Football Focus ranked the top draft eligible running backs and Williams checked in 5th on their list. He ranked behind Michigan State’s Kenneth Walker III, Iowa State’s Breece Hall, UCLA’s Zach Charbonnet and Texas A&M’s Isaiah Spiller.

There is an argument that Williams should be higher on this list given his production, but I feel like it’s his size that might be a detractor. That might not matter if he plays like he did for the Irish over the last two seasons. Williams can be a three-down back, even with his smaller stature. Many of us expect the former Irish running back to have a very solid NFL career.

Six points with David Dorey

Friday’s quick look at six fantasy items to know

Winding down the 2021 season and already in the middle of the fantasy playoffs. But here’s a little something for everyone – 2022 rookie running backs! The incoming class is not considered to be a great one and once again, the first one is likely to be selected in the second round. But that means any team can reach the best rushing talent in the draft, even teams with great offensive lines. Najee Harris sets an encouraging example from this year.

These six were chosen by scanning numerous of the best NFL draft sites and finding their cumulative best backs. There’s plenty of consensus with the Top-3 but the field really spreads out quickly. Consider this the starting point for these players who can help or hurt their draft stock with bowl games, the combine and Pro Days. Staying healthy and out of trouble pays off as well.

(All times EST; weight, height, and 40-times are unofficial)

 

1.) Isaiah Spiller, Texas A&M (6-1, 225 pounds, 4.5 40-time)

FRI DEC 31 TaxSlayer Bowl,  11 AM, (ESPN)
Wake Forest vs. Texas A&M

The Junior came within 54 yards of having three 1,000 yard seasons as a rusher. He’s bigger than most – almost fullback size – and he’s probably the slowest with an estimated 4.5 40-time, but he’s at or near the top in almost all current rookie rankings.  He’s big enough to pick up the blitz, offers all the benefits of a power-back who can stay on the field for all three downs since he’s caught 74 passes in college. His college resume is solid though he never ran for more than 1,011 yards in a season but he’s always gained around 5.5 yards per carry. He’ll be viewed as a full-time back by the team that drafts him.

2.) Breece Hall, Iowa State (6-1, 215 pounds,  4.43 40-time)

WED DEC. 29, Cheez-it Bowl, 5:45 PM, (ESPN)
Clemson vs. Iowa State

The junior is the prototypical size and speed for a three-down back and he’s been very productive at Iowa State where he gained up to 1,572 yards and 21 scores in a season. He totals 82 catches in his three years and is considered to be excellent in pass protection. Has the quickness to make defenders miss and the power to keep his balance when contacted and fight for extra yards.  Great hands and demonstrates talent in every phase of his position.  He too should be considered as a three-down back.

3.) Kenneth Walker III, Michigan State (5-10, 210 pounds,  4.26 40-time)

THU DEC 30,  Peach Bowl, 7:00 PM, (ESPN)
Pittsburgh vs Michigan State

He’s faster and more electric than the first two backs listed. Has the ability to accelerate quickly with a second gear and is very dangerous in the open field. This junior wasn’t a full-time back until this year but already gained 1,624 rush yards with 198 touchdowns. He’s less used as a receiver in the scheme at MSU and totals just 19 receptions in college. There’s no reason to assume he cannot develop his receiving skills quickly, his speed and shiftiness makes him a very viable target out in the flats on a pass play. Very athletic and a threat to score on any play.

4.) Zamir White, Georgia (6-0, 215 pounds,  4.38 40-time)

FRI DEC 31, Orange Bowl, 7:30 PM, (ESPN)
Michigan vs. Georgia

There is less consensus on White who comes out of the running back factory known as Georgia but hasn’t rushed for more than 779 yards in a season but always averaged over 5.2 yards per carry. He was in a timeshare for the Bulldogs that is how they handle their backfield. He’s only caught 15 passes in college but Nick Chubb and D’Andre Swift didn’t do a lot of receiving there. He’ll do himself a favor with a good performance in the Orange Bowl.

5.) Kyren Williams, Notre Dame (5-9, 199 pounds, 4.44 40-time)

SAT JAN 1,  Fiesta Bowl, 1 PM, (ESPN)
Notre Dame vs. Oklahoma State

The Junior topped out at 1,125 rushing yards and 13 scores last year but he also added up to 42 receptions in a season. He’s multi-talented and not only noted for rushing and receiving but also for blocking. He can be a physical runner despite a smaller frame than many running backs. But he can run inside or outside, catch the ball and has the speed to make him dangerous when he reaches the second level of the defense. He’s an all-purpose back that can run, play the slot, return kicks – whatever the team needs.

6.) Rachaad White, Arizona State (6-2, 210 pounds. 4.46 40-time)

THU DEC 30,  Las Vegas Bowl, 10:30 PM, (ESPN)
Wisconsin vs. Arizona State

The Senior only played in two seasons at Arizona State where he topped out this year with exactly 1,000 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns, and also 43 catches for 456 more yards. He is elusive and a game-breaking running back. He’s also invited to the Senior Bowl. He has great lateral speed and a second-gear for home-run potential whenever he has the ball. He is considered one of the best pass-catching backs in the draft and his stock could be hurt because his high school career was limited by injury, and he ended up at a small Div. II college and redshirted. He transferred to Mount San Antonio Community College. From there he almost jumped to UCLA but ended up with  ASU. His lack of playing for a single school makes it harder to evaluate him but plenty of analysts are interested in his talent more than his back history.

Texas A&M RB Isaiah Spiller declares for the 2022 NFL draft

Texas A&M running back Isaiah Spiller is leaving school early to enter the 2022 NFL draft

One of the top running backs in college football is leaving school early for the next level.

Texas A&M’s Isaiah Spiller is foregoing the rest of his college eligibility and will enter the 2022 NFL draft, making his announcement Tuesday via social media.

Listed at 6-1, 225 pounds, Spiller has the ideal frame and skill set for an NFL running back, and averaged just shy of 1,000 rushing yards per year over his three seasons in college station.

A complete back who excels as a pass-catcher, don’t be surprised if Spiller is the first player selected at his position in next year’s draft.

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Who are the top returning running backs in the SEC?

Ranking the top 5 returning running backs from the SEC. Did your team’s top runner make the list?

The SEC lost some quality runners following the 2020 season. The conference’s top running back, Alabama’s Najee Harris, was a first-round pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2021 NFL Draft.

In addition, Larry Rountree III out of Missouri and Eric Gray, the former Tennessee running back who transferred to Oklahoma, are both no longer in the SEC. But even with those losses, the conference is still in good shape at the position.

On Wednesday, I ranked my top 5 returning running backs from the SEC for OutKick. I’ve included the list below, but if you want to get the details on why I ranked players at certain spots, click here.

Here is how things shook out regarding my list, which surprisingly didn’t include an Alabama player. Don’t be surprised if that changes by the end of the season though.

Honorable mention: Jerrion Ealy, Ole Miss; Brian Robinson Jr., Alabama