Who will be the first running back taken in the 2022 draft?

The 2022 running back class is much like the Quarterback class, devoid of any standout performers - although what it lacks at the top end it more than makes up in the middle, where there are several prospects able to have an impact in the NFL.

Table of Contents Show

Who will be the first RB drafted 2022?
Who is the best rookie RB 2022?
Who are the top running backs in the 2022 NFL Draft?

Our top-ranked RB prospect is the Texas Junior Isaiah Spiller, who will likely be viewed as a solid workhorse back. He goes 6-1 and 225lbs, but still possesses the breakaway speed required for the position (4.45 in the forty). He’s quick and shifty and will likely start right away. Spiller’s only obvious negative is he is somewhat limited in the passing game.

Our second-ranked prospect Breece Hall, from Iowa State, led the NCAA in yardage last year, quite an accomplishment considering that class included 2020 first-rounder Najee Harris. He has all the size and athleticism you could want, which is showcased by his sub 4.4 speed.

The likely third back to be drafted is Jerrion Early from Mississippi who will likely be viewed as a third-down game-changing scatback, who’s a threat to score whenever he gets the ball in his hands.

Aspiring college or profootball journalist? Super informed fan? Techie with an interesting slant on player evaluation? NFL Draft Buzz is on the lookout for new contributors who would like a chance showcase their perspectives on the NFL draft.

If you think you would like to contribute an article or even just a well thought out hot take - that like minded NFL draft fanatics would enjoy, email us at or hit us up on twitter @nfl_draft_buzz.

#	Player	Pos	Weight	Height	40YD	AVG POS RANK	AVG OVR RANK	Rating	Summary
1	Breece Hall	RB	220lbs	6-1	4.39	1	43.8	88.1 MORE>>	Hall is an excellent running back prospect and we could see him starring on a run-first team in the NFL where he would have no pro...
2	Isaiah Spiller	RB	215lbs	6-1	4.63	3	71.7	86.9 MORE>>	Spiller is traditional power work horseback with decent speed, a ton of natural instincts in the running game, both inside and out...
3	Kenneth Walker III	RB	210lbs	5-10	4.38	2	46.3	85.7 MORE>>	Walker has firmly established himself as one of the top running backs in the 2022 NFL Draft class coming from previous insignific...
4	Dameon Pierce	RB	220lbs	5-10	4.59	6	96.8	83.5 MORE>>	Pierce has amazing athletic ability and has a nice combination of size and power - making him an impressive short-yardage power b...
5	James Cook	RB	190lbs	5-11	4.42	5	87.2	82.4 MORE>>	Cook is an impressive athlete with lightning quickness, the speed you look for in a back, and fantastic receiving ability - he als...
6	Brian Robinson Jr....	RB	226lbs	6-1	4.51	9	105.3	82.4 MORE>>	Brian Robinson Jr. is a quality NFL prospect who offers a particular skill set at the next level. He has all the attributes of a c...
7	Rachaad White	RB	210lbs	6-2	4.48	10	105.8	82.4 MORE>>	Rachaad White's stock has risen quicker than any other running back in this year's class - coming from being a virtual unknown to ...
8	Jerome Ford	RB	209lbs	5-11	4.46	14	136.7	81.4 MORE>>	Ford is an excellent prospect who until this year has gone under pro scout's radar - he has elite speed and explosiveness combined...
9	Kyren Williams	RB	199lbs	5-9	4.65	7	105.8	81.3 MORE>>	Williams is a very talented and versatile back who has established himself as one of the top runners in this year's class. He is c...
10	Pierre Strong Jr.	RB	202lbs	5-11	4.37	11	116	81.1 MORE>>	Pierre Strong is a promising prospect with a long history of success at both high school and the FCS level. He's put up over 3500 ...
11	Tyler Allgeier	RB	220lbs	5-11	4.60	13	121.2	80.4 MORE>>	Tyler Allgeier is a decent pro prospect - he is a power runner who could become a solid NFL work horseback while also providing ...
12	Zonovan Knight	RB	210lbs	5-11	4.58	22	200.3	80.2 MORE>>	Zonovan Knight has all the athletic talents you look for in a featured pro back, ideal size, good speed with a natural feel for f...

We've compared players post combine 40 times and weight and charted them on the scatter chart below. You'll find the 40 time on the Y-axis and on the X-axis the weight in pounds.
The exceptional athletic freaks (determined by the combination of speed vs weight) will be found at the top right of the chart while the less impressive athletes will be sitting towards the bottom left.

For a much improved viewing experience (with more players) please view on a larger screen.

We've compared players 40 times and weight and charted them on the scatter chart below. You'll find the 40 time on the Y-axis and on the X-axis the weight in pounds.
The exceptional athletic freaks (determined by the combination of speed vs weight) will be found at the top right of the chart while the less impressive athletes will be sitting towards the bottom left.

Check back after the combine as these numbers are likely to change.

;