2022 NFL Draft Notebook: Taking a look at the 2022 running back class
By John Blair
Most underrated: Brian Robinson, Alabama
While Alabama’s Brian Robinson has never had more than 483 yards rushing in a season, he will likely be one of the highest-rated running backs after the 2021 season. He is one of the more physical backs in this class, and when given the ball he has produced averaging over five yards per carry last season.
Most Overrated: Master Teague, Ohio State
Ohio State running back is the most overrated running back in this year’s class for three reasons. The first one being his lack of production. He has never rushed for over 800 yards in a season and lost his starting job last season to Trey Sermon. Another concern with him is his injury history having suffered different injuries the last two seasons. The last reason he is not worth a day two pick like some draftniks grade him out as going into the season is his lack of production in the passing game, having only caught nine passes over the last two years.
Running back that should significantly improve his stock: Eric Gray, Oklahoma
One of the biggest transfers of the offseason came when former Tennessee running back Eric Gray announced he would be transferring to Oklahoma. While Grey only had average production at Tennesse, never rushing for more than 800 yards in a season, he could have a breakout season with the Sooners. Along with being one of the Sooners leading ball carriers this season look for him to be used heavily in Oklahoma’s passing game.
Biggest risk: Zamir White, Georgia
While Georgia’s Zamir White is an immensely talented running back he does comes with some concerns. One of these is the two torn ACL’s he has already suffered. White tore his first ACL as a senior in high school and then tore his second ACL his freshman year at Georgia. Another concern is his lack of production in the passing game and the fact that two other Bulldog running back had more receptions than he did last season.
Top small-school running back: Pierre Strong Jr., South Dakota State
South Dakota State running back Pierre Strong Jr has been a standout in the Missouri Valley from day one. He was named the MVFC Freshman of the Year in 2018 and has been named an All-American the last two seasons. So far in his career, he has averaged 7.3 yards per carry which is the most of any back with over 300 carries, and also recorded 40 receptions.
Special teams standout: Chris Smith, Louisiana
One of the top return men in college football last season was Louisiana running back Chris Smith. On the year he averaged 26.8 yards per kickoff return and took two of his returns back for his touchdowns. At the end of the season, he was named a second-team All-American as a return man.
Overall Rankings
1. Breece Hall, Iowa State
2. Leddie Brown, West Virginia
3. Mohamed Ibrahim, Minnesota
4. Brian Robinson, Alabama
5. Zamir White, Georgia
6. Eric Gray, Oklahoma
7. Tyler Goodsen, Iowa
8. Isaiah Spiller, Texas A&M
9. Rachaad White, Arizona State
10. Chris Rodriguez, Kentucky
11. Austin Jones, Stanford
12. Cam’Ron Harris, Miami
13. Tyler Allgeier, BYU
14. Zonovan Knight, North Carolina State
15. Kevin Harris, South Carolina
16. Max Borghi, Washington State
17. Jerrion Ealy, Ole Miss
18. CJ Verdell, Oregon
19. Jarek Broussard, Colorado
20. Master Teague, Ohio State
21. Kennedy Brooks, Oklahoma
22. Sincere McCormick, UTSA
23. Kevin Marks Jr., Buffalo
24. James Cook, Georgia
25. Tyler Badie, Missouri
26. Pierre Strong Jr, South Dakota State
27. Dameon Pierce, Florida
28. Ronnie Rivers, Fresno State
29. Greg Bell, San Diego State
30. Jah Maine-Martin, North Carolina State
31. Percy Agyei-Obese, James Madison
32. Lyn-J Dixon, Clemson
33. Teon Dollard, Akron
34. Chris Smith, Louisiana
35. Mataeo Durant, Duke
36. Ty Chandler, North Carolina
37. Charles Williams, UNLV
38. Christopher Brown Jr., California
39. D’vonte Price, FIU
40. Travis Dye, Oregon
41. De’Montre Tuggle, Ohio
42. Stephen Carr, Indiana
43. Christian Beal-Smith, Wake Forest
44. Kevin Mensah, UCONN