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2022 NFL Draft: Race For The Top Running Back A Tight One

By Jacob Schyvinck

Nov 13, 2021; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins running back Zach Charbonnet (24) runs the ball in the second half against the Colorado Buffaloes at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2021; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins running back Zach Charbonnet (24) runs the ball in the second half against the Colorado Buffaloes at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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The race for the 2022 NFL Draft RB1 is an extremely tight one as college football winds down.

When the 2022 NFL Draft rolls around, and rankings finalize, there will be a top player that is consistently ranked ahead of the pack at many positions. Kyle Hamilton is one that comes to mind immediately, as does Jordan Davis (when arguing true defensive tackles rather than versatile linemen like DeMarvin Leal). But there will be several positions with no consensus top player, like the quarterback class. Another one that will likely end up that way is the running back position.

The class looked very different at the top coming into the season. While Breece Hall and Isaiah Spiller lead most of the early rankings, guys emerged big time this season. Michigan State’s Kenneth Walker III has had an incredible season, rushing for 1,646 yards and 18 touchdowns. His vision, burst, and toughness have made him an intriguing early down back for NFL teams to think about. UCLA’s Zach Charbonnet is another who had a strong season. He’s looked much better after transferring from Michigan, as his burst and contact balance have been a lethal combo in the Pac 12.

Hall has had a great season as well, passing the 1,400-yard mark again for the Cyclones. He’s had a mixed bag in terms of low-impact and long touchdown runs, but his feel and creativity in space make him a great prospect. Hall has also improved as a pass catcher, reeling in one of the highlight plays of the season on top of it. Spiller has improved in that area as well, and the Aggies have relied on him in the passing game in big moments this season.

The other that could challenge for the top spot is Notre Dame’s Kyren Williams. Williams isn’t as big of a back as the others, but he offers a dynamic skill set that includes impeccable skills in the passing game. He has excellent hands, runs a good route tree out of the backfield, and is still effective being the bellcow in the Irish offense.

These five are the biggest contenders for the top running back spot in the 2022 NFL Draft, and while a consensus will likely develop, for NFL teams, it may come down to scheme and preference in regards to who is selected first in the spring.

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