Running Back Watch: 5 Rookies that are Flying Up the Depth Chart
By Hunter Haas
Dameon Pierce (Houston Texans)
One of my favorite players from the 2022 NFL Draft is former Florida Gator, Dameon Pierce. Pierce committed to the Florida Gators after setting records at the highly-regarded Bainbridge High School in Georgia. He arrived in Gainesville with a four-star rating, but never got the type of usage that a player of his caliber should get.
Pierce hardly played in his first two seasons, but in 2020 he finally started seeing more in-game action. His true statement year came in 2021 as a senior when he touched the ball 119 times, producing 790 all-purpose yards and 16 total touchdowns. Again, those numbers don’t cause your jaw to drop, but a deeper look will.
After diving into Pierce’s full college career, the signs of a breakout have always been there. Head coach Dan Mullen, for whatever reason, did not see the vision. If you ask any Florida Gators fan, you’re guaranteed to hear how awesome Pierce is and how silly Mullen was for never giving him a bell-cow workload.
NFL teams and talent evaluators had to do some projecting considering Pierce’s lack of volume, but that didn’t dissuade the Houston Texans from taking him in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. It’s easy to look at the Texans and see a dumpster fire, but general manager Nick Caserio has quietly built a strong foundation for the next era of Texans football.
The offensive line will be much improved with the addition of fellow rookie, Kenyon Green, at left guard. Laremy Tunsil and Tytus Howard are both above-average contributors at the tackle spots, as well. How Pierce runs will surely help make up for any weak spots on the line. He is never shy to bite down on his mouthpiece and churn out extra yards through contact.
Second-year quarterback, Davis Mills, is going to get a true audition to prove he is a long-term option at the position in 2022. With a vastly improved offensive line, an underrated receiving core, and the addition of a workhorse running back with Dameon Pierce, the cards are stacked in Mills’ favor. The secret is out of the bag… Dameon Pierce is here to stay.