Big day for running backs on Day 3
It was a big day for running backs on Day 3 of the 2022 NFL Draft. One could argue that several backs selected on the third day of the draft could have just as much impact as their peers selected on Day 2. The Texans kicked off the running back party by selecting Dameon Pierce out of Florida. Pierce comes into a situation in which the running back depth isn’t strong. As of today, the Texans backfield is led by Marlon Mack who, while still only 26, hasn’t been a starter since 2019. Another Texans RB, Rex Burkhead is more of a solid journeyman back who can come in and spell the workhorse. In Pierce, the Texans get a strong back who can flourish as a runner, pass catcher, and pass protector. He’ll come into the NFL with fresh legs since he’s never handled a full workload in college. If he can win the job, Pierce should head into the season with high-RB2 upside and the floor being a situational flex play. His talent and landing spot will be the main reasons he will be a value in redraft leagues.
The second running back taken in the fourth round was UGA’s Zamir White, who was selected by the Raiders. This pick is even more interesting since we recently learned that the Raiders will not pick up Josh Jacob’s fifth-year option. Not picking up the option doesn’t say that Jacobs hasn’t been good and productive, he has, but no one wants to pay running backs in this world. White won’t make a huge splash in 2022 if Jacobs stays healthy, but he does have a chance to establish himself as a good young back for the near future. He should be the main handcuff to Jacobs in year one while holding good value in Dynasty.
With the very next pick (after White), the Chargers selected Isaiah Spiller out of Texas A&M. This move assures that Spiller won’t be a workhorse back to start his career but will be an important piece in teaming with Austin Ekeler. With a good camp, Spiller should fill the role that the Chargers had hoped Joshua Kelley would fill for the past few years. The Chargers don’t want to run Ekeler into the ground and want many of his touches in the receiving game. Spiller should be able to carve out a role and start out getting somewhere between 7-10 touches per game. Ekeler and Spiller will look to be the classic “Thunder & Lighting” duo, with Ekeler leading the way of course.
The next group of backs that were selected are a lot of mixed bags. Players like Pierre Strong (Patriots) and Hassan Haskins (Titans) will look to lock up reserve roles. The first back selected in the fifth round does however raise the antennas. Tyler Allgeier will have a chance to be a major factor in the Falcons backfield out of the gate. We all love Cordarrelle Patterson and the season he had, but you need a back in Arthur Smith’s offense who’s going to punish the defense. Patterson’s usage in 2021 was likely because of the ineffectiveness of Mike Davis (and Patterson just being a beast). Allgeier’s production over the past two seasons at BYU (2731 yards and 36 TD) shows that he can tote the rock for a team that needs to establish the run. The opportunity is there for him to add to his fantasy value in 2022. Other fifth-round backs like Snoop Conner, Kyren Williams, Ty Chandler, and Jerome Ford will look to make their teams roster. Isaih Pacheco, a seventh-round selection by the Chiefs is worth keeping an eye on.
The wait is over for Sam Howell
Going into the 2021 football season, many felt like Howell was the top quarterback in the 2022 class. The wait was finally over when the Commanders drafted Howell at the top of the fifth round. Depending on how you see it, he’s either a steal or a career backup. Ron Rivera informed Carson Wentz that Howell was drafted as a developmental project player, however, with Wentz’s known up-and-down play, you never know what could happen. Despite Howell being a fifth-round pick, don’t be surprised if fans start calling for him if the commanders falter early and often.
Nothing to see here with receivers in the later rounds
Diamonds are found in the rough, but it’s tough to imagine any of the Day 3 wideouts having an immediate impact. The Dolphins selected Erik Ezukanma in the fourth round as a depth move, giving themselves a different style of wide receiver. Romeo Doubs will however have a chance to make his mark for the Packers based on the team’s need at the position. Calvin Austin will add his speed to the Steelers offense and special teams. The Bills took advantage and selected Khalil Shakir, who fell to the fifth round. He will likely start out as the team’s WR4. Montrell Washington, Kyle Phillips, Jalen Nailor, and Michael Woods are late-round picks who will compete to make the 53.
