At long last, Spring is finally in the air. With the long winter, the combine and the frenzy of activity stemming from the onset of free agency in the rearview mirror, it is finally draft season. With just two weeks until Commissioner Roger Goodell walks to the podium (under a chorus of boos) in Las Vegas to announce the first selection, this is the time of year that Dynasty Mangers need to be in full blown scouting mode.
Some Context:
- Player ages reflect the age each player will be at the conclusion of the 2022 fantasy season
- Rankings are based on a combination of college game tape, production and combine metrics
- NFL draft results will impact the order in which players are selected in dynasty rookie drafts
Tier 1
Breece Hall - Iowa State (Age 21)
This concludes Tier 1 at the RB position. Period. The ideal combination of athleticism, size and resume, Hall is the pre-draft favorite to be the first player off the board in 1QB leagues and a serious contender for the top spot in super flex formats. An absolute workhorse in his final two seasons at Iowa State, Hall ran through the BIG 12 to the tune of 3,526 scrimmage yards and 46 TDs, nabbing 59 receptions along the way. The combine only confirmed what we saw on tape. At 6’1” and weighing in at 220lbs, his 4.39 40-time, 40” vertical jump and 126” broad jump more than checked the boxes scouts were hoping for. Hall is a bright spot in what many consider to be a “down year” at the position. He stands alone as the top RB prospect in this class.
Tier 2
Kenneth Walker III – Michigan State (Age 22)
Once again, we have a one-man tier. Walker’s final year at Michigan State was one for the ages. A rockstar producer for the Spartans, Walker’s 1636 rushing yards (2nd most in the nation) carried the team to an 11-2 record. His 193 rushing yards and eye popping 5 TDs in a 37-33 win over archrival Michigan will be a performance that college football fans in East Lansing won’t soon forget. While not on the same level as Hall, Walker’s combine results are likely to increase his draft stock. At 5’9” and 211lbs, it was impressive to see him end up in the 4.3 range in the 40, clocking in at 4.38. His 34” vertical and 122” broad jump were good for 3rd and 4th respectively among his peers. So, what gives? His lack of involvement in the passing game is a big question mark. Registering just 19 total receptions in his 3-year college career, it’s fair to wonder if this is a skill that he can bring to the table at the next level. Even as two down back, Walker can still make for an excellent pro, and provide value for fantasy purposes. A favorable landing spot that would put him in the driver’s seat for early down work would do wonders for his dynasty draft stock.
Tier 3
Isaiah Spiller – Texas A&M (Age 21)
Another player that was uber productive at the college level. In Spiller’s 3 years at A&M he accumulated 3578 yards from scrimmaged and served as a capable pass catcher, posting 74 total receptions in an Aggie uniform. He was efficient with his touches as well, posting 5.4, 5.5 and 5.6 yards per carry during his college career. At 6’1” and 215lbs, he has the size to carry the mail at the next level. He elected not to run at the combine but did put up a 30” vertical (9th percentile) and a 114” broad jump (28th percentile), neither of which compared well to his peers. Despite passing on the 40-yard dash at the combine, he did elect to run on his A&M pro day, putting up a time of 4.63. Spiller cited a hamstring injury suffered during the combine as the reason for his subpar time, which begs the question of why he even decided to run at all if he was dealing with an injury? Spiller’s size and quality game tape should at least keep him in the mix for being a potential head of a committee at the next level, but the draft capital an NFL team invests in him will go a long way in determining where he should end up in dynasty rookie drafts.
Rachaad White – Arizona State (Age 23)
Here is a back whose time at the collegiate level can be described as nothing short of an odyssey. His college career began at Nebraska-Kearney, followed by a two year stop at Mt. San Antonio Community College and concluded with another two seasons with the Sun Devils. Despite putting up big numbers at his prior stop, his senior season at ASU is what really put him on the NFL’s radar. Following a productive season in which he was able churn out 5.5 yards per carry on his way to recording exactly 1,000 yards rushing, and another 456 through the air (on 43 catches), it’s safe to say that White came out nowhere. At 6’0” and 214lbs, his 4.48 40-yard dash time, 125” broad jump and 38” vertical are more than respectable. White was able to use his size to fall forward for positive yards in the Pac-12. However, the fear among scouts is that he may not have the ability to get anything more than what is blocked for him in the NFL. It’s hard to pin down exactly how White will be valued on draft day, but a quality landing spot could vault him into the first round of rookie drafts.
Tier 4
Zamir White – Georgia (Age 23)
Affectionately referred to as Zeus, White’s career between the hedges of Athens left something to be desired. Despite posting YPC totals of between 5.2 and 5.4, he didn’t quite live up to the godly nickname he entered the program with. This can be partially explained by White sharing the Georgia backfield with fellow 2022 NFL Draft prospect James Cook. More on Cook in a bit. With the context of operating as part of a committee, Zeus’ 931 yards from scrimmage in his final college season are commendable, but don’t pop off the page like the backs who have been named before him. However, his lack of involvement in the passing game are going to be a major red flag for NFL teams. With just 17 total receptions over 37 college games, it’s fair to wonder if White can handle pass catching responsibilities at the next level. In addition to coming out of the RB factory this is the Georgia program, his 4.40 40-yard dash and 128” broad jump should have him off the board on day 2 of the draft.
James Cook – Georgia (Age 23)
Was someone just talking about a Georgia running back? The Ying to Zamir White’s Yang, Cook also posted a modest level of productivity while operating as part of the same committee. Despite failing to match White’s 2021 rushing total, Cook ripped off over 6 yards per carry during each of his 4 seasons in a Bull Dog’s uniform. He was also the preferred pass catcher of the pair, tallying 67 grabs in his college career. Speaking of comparisons, if the last name sounds familiar, it’s because his brother, Dalvin, is a pretty good running back in his own right. Maybe you’ve heard of him. However, the family name may be the only link between the two players. Weighing in at 199lbs, James is lighter than his bell cow brother. He profiles more as a committee member who could take on some receiving work if need be. A quality 4.42 40-yard dash time and 124” broad jump should keep him in the mix to be selected toward the tail end of day 2.
Pierre Strong – South Dakota State (Age 23)
The first member of the class who never appeared for a school in a major conference, Strong’s production as a Jackrabbit can be defined in one word as, well, strong. Posting a massive 1,673-yard season, he ran through the FCS at a rate of 7 yards per carry a season ago. This was hardly a new milestone for Strong, as he recorded 7.1 YPC during his sophomore year, and a whopping 9.5 YPC as a freshman. To say he is a homerun threat is an understatement, as he took the football to the house on runs of over 50 yards on 10 separate occasions in his college career. This was backed up by his 4.37 40-time, an impressive showing for the 5’11” back. The production is undeniable, but it’s important to remember that he was playing against future accountants, lawyers, and schoolteachers on Saturday afternoons. That certainly will not be the case when he starts suiting up on Sundays. To me, the draft capital investment will go a long in determining where he should be selected in rookie drafts. If you like to swing for the fences in the middle of a draft, this is a name to circle.
Jerome Ford – Cincinnati (Age 23)
Ford and the rest of the Cincinnati Football program enjoyed a highly successful 2021 season. Coming out of nowhere, the Bearcats made a run to College Football Playoff before flaming out against Alabama. There’s no shame in falling to a program as stacked at every position like Alabama. This is something that Ford knows all too well. Before producing at a high level in his senior year at Cincinnati, Ford spent his first two college seasons in Tuscaloosa competing for carries with Josh Jacobs, Najee Harris, and Damien Harris. When finally given the opportunity, Ford delivered in a big way. Cranking out 1319 rushing yards at a clip of 6.1 YPC, he also showed to be capable as a pass catcher, nabbing 21 balls for an additional 220 yards to go along with 20 total touchdowns. He didn’t light up the combine with his vertical (31”) or broad (118”) jumps, but his 4.46 40-yard dash time was impressive for a 210lb running back. He is yet another back in this tier whose value will be determined by where he lands coming out of the draft.
Brian Robinson – Alabama (Age 23)
I mentioned that Ford bailed on the Alabama program to get away from a crowded running back room, right? Well one of the players he was sharing that room with was none other than Brian Robinson. Rather than transfer to get an opportunity earlier in his college career, Robinson stuck it out and waited for his chance to. That patience was eventually rewarded, as Coach Saban finally gave Robinson the keys to the backfield in his 5th season. Robinson shouldered a monster workload in 2021, racking up 271 carries for 1343 yards (5 YPC) and 14 TDs. After catching just 17 total passes in his first 4 seasons, Robinson’s 35 receptions in his final year compare well to his peers. At 6’2” and 225lbs, Robinson is a mountain of a man who can move. His 4.53 40-yard dash isn’t exactly a blazing time but considering his size it’s a respectable mark. The fear among scouts is that he will be pigeonholed as a between the tackles power back and nothing more at the next level. He makes for an intriguing dart throw in the back half of rookie drafts.
Tier 5
Dameon Pierce – Florida (Age 22)
Another heavy duty running back, the 5’10” 218lb Pierce capped off a 4-year career with the Gators with an average of 5.5 YPC. Despite proving to be efficient with the work he was given, Pierce’s high-water mark for carries was just 106 during his junior season. While never eclipsing 600 rushing yards in any of his 4 college campaigns, he did show a nose for the end zone in 2021, hitting pay dirt 16 times as a senior. Appearing in 48 games, it’s hard to believe that the Florida coaching staff couldn’t find ways to put the ball in Pierce’s hands more often. He clocked in just under the 4.6 mark in the 40, posting a time of 4.59. The low mileage is appealing, but his lack of college production as 4-year player is hard to look past.
Tyler Badie – Missouri (Age 23)
A late bloomer, Badie ran through the gauntlet that is the SEC, leading the conference in rushing yards with 1604 during his senior season. Equally impressive to his 6 YPC, his 54 receptions for an additional 330 yards also turned heads. The production is undeniable, but his size is what lands him so low on this list. At 5’8” and 197lbs, he will need to find a perfect landing spot to capitalize on his strengths. It’s unlikely that his build can hold up to a large NFL workload, and it’s easy to see him being type casted as change of pace guy or a 3rd down back. Likely a day 3 selection, he’s an intriguing target in the 3rd round of rookie drafts.
Kyren Williams – Notre Dame (Age 22)
If there were a poster child for “why did you run at the combine?” This is the guy. At 5’9” and 194lbs, Williams won’t be getting confused for a thumper at the next level any time soon. Players of this ilk need to win with speed and quickness in the NFL, and Williams 4.65 40-yard dash time will do him no favors with NFL GMs. That’s the bad news. Now the good stuff. His final two years in South Bend were quality seasons for a Notre Dame program that went 21-4 in that span. He exceeded 1,300 yards from scrimmage in each season and hit the endzone a combined 31 times in his final 2 years. His 77 receptions are also nothing to sneeze at. Overall, I see a really good player who could struggle to find a niche as a pro. Worth a flier at the end of the 3rd round of rookie drafts, but likely not someone who is ever going to make a major impact for a fantasy team.
Tyler Allgeier – Brigham Young (Age 22)
At 5’11” 224lbs, Allgeier was an absolute bruiser in his final 2 seasons at BYU. Cranking out 1601 rushing yards on 276 carries (5.8 YPC) as a senior, he landed in the end zone 23 times. His 40-time of 4.60 isn’t a head turner, but solid for a back of his size. However, it could be an issue in separating from NFL defenders at the third level of the defense. There are also questions surround his ability to win with more than physicality alone as a pro, but if you like backs that demonstrated an ability to take on a large workload, he’s someone to monitor heading into the draft. Allgeier as another interesting dart throw in the final round of a rookie draft.
Tier 6 – Honorable Mentions
Kevin Harris – South Carolina (Age 22)
Hassan Haskins – Michigan (Age 23)
Tyler Goodson – Iowa (Age 22)
Kennedy Brooks – Oklahoma (Age 24)
Zonovan Knight – NC State (Age 21)
Sincere McCormick – Texas at San Antonio (Age 22)
Max Borghi – Washington State (Age 22)
Keaontay Ingram – Texas (Age 22)
