Day 3 Running Backs You Need To Know
Wow. The first two days of the draft were absolutely incredible. From blockbuster trades, to free-falling quarterbacks, to a ton of wide receivers, this has been one of the most exciting drafts I can remember. Day 3 is already shaping up to be another fun show. The way we saw wide receivers coming off the board in the first three rounds, we could see a similar run on running backs over the last few rounds. Here are a few you really need to be familiar with. They could all find their way into lineups as early as 2022.
The ULTIMATE 2022 Dynasty Rookie Draft Guide
Zamir White, RB, Georgia
Zamir White had been a big riser up my board since his impressive performance at the NFL Combine. He tested with excellent size-adjusted speed and burst. When we factor that into his incredible recruiting profile, and solid rushing production over the last two seasons, suddenly White is one of the more intriguing prospects at his position. Unfortunately, he didn’t get the Day 2 draft capital I had anticipated. I still like him, though, and he could salvage his value by coming off the board in the early fourth round. The concerns on his profile come in the passing game. White was barely utilized as a receiver with just 17 career receptions and a target share below 3-percent in 2021. Still, he has the juice to become a two-down workhorse at the NFL level.
Dameon Pierce, RB, Florida
While there are certainly holes in his profile, Dameon Pierce is one of the more well-rounded players at his position in the 2022 draft class. He has the size, power, and tackle-breaking ability to thrive in-between the tackles and in short-yardage situations, while providing value on passing downs with natural hands, good route-running, and quality pass protection. Pierce will need to prove that he can handle a heavy workload at the next level, but just because he didn’t do it at Florida, doesn’t mean he can’t be that guy in the NFL.
Jerome Ford, RB, Cincinnati
Jerome Ford is a classic north-south runner who—after years of waiting for his shot—proved he can be a workhorse back in 2021. He is fast and explosive and will fit into any rushing scheme. He projects best as a 1a or 1b to another back with complimentary skills. Ford will dominate in short yardage opportunities while also presenting a big-play threat. He will need to improve his receiving skills if he is to become a three-down back but he has shown enough to think it’s possible he gets there.
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Kevin Harris, RB, South Carolina
Kevin Harris had an extremely productive sophomore season before his offseason back surgery. He showed he can be a workhorse running back that dominates in between the tackles and in short-yardage situations. While his passing downs game needs some work, Harris projects as a two-down bruiser at the next level. He’s big and powerful and has enough juice to break off chunk plays from time to time.
Pierre Strong, RB, South Dakota State
It seems like every draft season we have a running back come out of almost nowhere and rocket up draft boards. In 2022, that guy is Pierre Strong. Strong put himself on the radar with his speedy 4.37 40-time at the NFL Combine. With that performance, Strong likely took himself from undrafted free agent to early Day 3 pick. That will make him a legitimate selection in dynasty rookie drafts. He should be considered among a small group of backs who have a chance to become this year’s Elijah Mitchell or James Robinson. Strong has a good receiving profile to go with his impressive athleticism and requisite size. As a runner, he’s best when he makes an early cut up field and gets north and south. He’ll be a committee back or depth guy early on but, like Mitchell and Robinson, he could be just an injury away from getting a significant opportunity. That may be all it takes for his career, and dynasty value, to take off.
Tyler Allgeier, RB, BYU
Once Tyler Allgeier settled into the RB1 job at BYU, there was no going back. The former two-way player combined for over 3,000 yards from scrimmage in his final two seasons. His linebacker background is apparent when watching him run the football. He is violent and aggressive in his style, almost like he is the tackler. Allgeier projects as an RB1 in a two-headed backfield, reminiscent of how the Cardinals paired James Conner with Chase Edmonds in 2021. His one-cut running style and excellent vision at the line of scrimmage make him a great fit in a zone-heavy rushing scheme. He has solid receiving skills and pass-blocking ability to become a three-down threat.
Tyler Badie, RB, Missouri
Running backs like Tyler Badie, who present a dynamic weapon in the passing game, have become increasingly valuable in the pass-happy NFL. With his receiving profile, Badie will be a priority pick on Day 3 for a team that is looking to add that element to its running back room. He projects as a third-down back who can run routes lined up out wide, in the slot, and from the backfield. With a heavy workload as a senior, he proved he can handle 10-15 carries a game when called upon, as well.
Isiah Pacheco, RB, Rutgers
Isiah Pacheco has a unique running style with his feet moving a mile-a-minute and a high sense of urgency to get to the next level. He likely won’t offer much production in the passing game but he’s competent as a check-down option. His speed allows him to be more than a between the tackles grinder and makes him an intriguing late-round pick in dynasty rookie drafts.
D’Vonte Price, RB, Florida International
D’Vonte Price is an upright runner with exceptional size-adjusted speed. He wasn’t very productive in the passing game but he flashed potential as a route-runner. Price has a good chance to become the first running back in Florida International history to be selected in the NFL Draft. I expect a team looking to add some depth to its running back room will call his name on Day 3. In dynasty rookie drafts, a guy with Price’s athleticism is worth a late-round flier.
→2022 Rookie Draft Guide
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