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Heading into the 2022 fantasy season, rookie running backs continue to have a huge impact in seasonal fantasy leagues. Last year Najee Harris finished as the overall RB3, while Javonte Williams, Elijah Mitchell, and Michael Carter all finished in the top-28.

Generally, running backs are not playing past their thirties and are recycled for newer, younger players. The average starting NFL running back is currently 25.3 years old. For reference, Najee Harris is already 24.2 years old. This means that running backs are more likely than any other offensive skill position to have elite fantasy production as rookies, so let’s dive into the 2022 rookie RB draft class.

Estimated Reading Time: 15 Minutes

In this article, I’ll look at each rookie running back selected in the top 125 picks of the 2022 NFL Draft. Remember: running backs don’t necessarily need draft capital to have value but it does help them earn playing time.

I’ll use RotoViz’s Prospect Box Score Scout to generate similar comparable players for each running back. If you don’t have a subscription to RotoViz, we highly recommend checking them out.

Breece Hall, New York Jets

No running backs were selected in the first round in 2022, as the NFL has begun to hear the message from the “running backs don’t matter” movement. But that doesn’t mean that there aren’t any great prospects: consistently the first pick in summer rookie drafts, Breece Hall combines production and athleticism.

As a true freshman, Hall achieved a stunning 83 percent running back dominator rating. He continued to dominate as a rusher and receiver throughout his college career, recording at least 23 receptions in each college season.

At 217 lbs., he ran an excellent 4.39 forty at the NFL combine and showed impressive leaping ability. While he didn’t test his agility, his tested athleticism was excellent.

As a prospect, Hall looks stunningly similar to Dalvin Cook. The two have similar size, athleticism, production, and draft position. The other favorable comps include Cam Akers, LeSean McCoy, and Rashard Mendenhall.

Sim	Player	Draft	RuYPG	Recs	RuYds	Rec	RuYMS	TYms	Forty	WT
100	Breece Hall	36	109.22	2.28	1462	36	0.79	0.32	4.39	217
100	Dalvin Cook	41	117.47	2.08	1765	33	0.7	0.33	4.49	210
63	Duke Johnson	77	106.64	2.09	1652	38	0.6	0.29	4.54	207
60	Cam Akers	52	79.83	1.92	1144	30	0.63	0.25	4.47	217
53	LeSean McCoy	53	112.64	2.6	1488	32	0.72	0.39	4.5	198
37	Rashard Mendenhall	23	72.54	1.69	1681	34	0.51	0.29	4.41	225
36	Tevin Coleman	73	103.84	1.74	2036	25	0.55	0.26	4.4	206
35	Bishop Sankey	54	102.82	1.97	1870	28	0.58	0.29	4.49	209
35	Isaiah Pead	50	78.29	2.07	1259	39	0.61	0.25	4.39	197
33	Daniel Thomas	62	114	2.08	1585	27	0.75	0.4	4.62	230
32	Donald Brown	27	105.56	1.33	2083	21	0.6	0.35	4.46	210

Column Key

Sim refers to the sim score for how similar each comparable player is. RuYPG is the average per game for each rusher’s career. Recs is the per-game receptions for each player’s career. RuYds and Rec represent each player’s final season. RuYMS refers to the rushing yards market share. TYms refers to each player’s market share of total yards.

While Michael Carter was an intriguing fourth-round selection, it’s hard to imagine him keeping Hall’s dynamic ability off the field. The question is can Hall surpass Carter in all phases and monopolize the high-value touches in the passing game? If so, there is no reason he can’t be an RB1 as a rookie. He’s far and away the top 2022 rookie running back.

Kenneth Walker III, Seattle Seahawks

Kenneth Walker was heavily involved in collegiate offenses as soon as he stepped on a college field. In his COVID-shortened sophomore season, he achieved a 59 percent dominator rating. Walker made a leap after transferring to Michigan State as a junior, finishing with impressive counting stats and a large portion of his team’s running back production. Throughout his college career, he has a stunning 99th percentile running back dominator rating.

As an athlete, Walker combines a solid 211-lb. frame with 4.38 speed. Walker tested with an average 51st percentile burst score and did not participate in agility drills. The main question surrounding Walker is his potential impact (or lack thereof) as a receiver.

Sim	Player	Draft	RuYPG	Recs	RuYds	Rec	RuYMS	TYms	Forty	WT
100	Kenneth Walker III	41	90.1	0.61	1635	13	0.59	0.23	4.38	211
95	Jamaal Charles	73	87.58	1.29	1619	17	0.57	0.26	4.38	200
92	David Wilson	32	73.94	1.03	1709	22	0.44	0.23	4.38	206
77	Derrius Guice	59	90.41	0.94	1251	18	0.39	0.23	4.49	224
73	Ben Tate	58	75.48	1.2	1362	20	0.43	0.23	4.34	220
70	Mikel Leshoure	57	82.48	1.19	1697	17	0.53	0.28	4.56	227
68	Lamar Miller	97	83.39	1.22	1272	17	0.54	0.23	4.34	212
64	Shonn Greene	65	101.27	0.5	1850	8	0.53	0.26	4.55	227
64	Tre Mason	75	85.11	0.54	1816	12	0.43	0.25	4.5	207
60	Kenny Irons	49	92.59	1.09	891	10	0.55	0.29	4.45	203
57	Darrell Henderson	70	93.29	1.66	1909	19	0.43	0.22	4.49	208

Interestingly, Walker is the highest draft pick on this list outside of David Wilson. The closest comp, Jamaal Charles, provides plenty of giddy optimism. The next two (Wilson and Derrius Guice) were excellent prospects who unfortunately reside as some of the big “what if’s” in the minds of fantasy owners.

Landing on the Seahawks isn’t excellent, but as indicated by their invested draft capital, they clearly value Walker’s talent. He’ll look to supplant former first-round pick Rashaad Penny and simultaneously hold off Chris Carson’s comeback bid.

James Cook, Buffalo Bills

The younger brother of Dalvin Cook, James Cook was selected 63rd overall by the Buffalo Bills. A four-year player at Georgia, we would’ve preferred to see Cook produce more early in his college career.

During his first two college seasons, he rushed just 72 times in 23 games. His playing time was boosted as a junior when Cook finished with a 55 percent running back dominator rating. He was frequently involved in the passing game, accounting for 12 percent of Georgia’s receiving yards. As a senior, he lost some of the receiving production but had his best collegiate rushing season.

Weighing in a 199-lbs, Cook isn’t the biggest running back. His 4.42 forty-time and 66th percentile college target share provide optimism that he can be a solid satellite back. His comparable players paint a similar picture.

Sim	Player	Draft	RuYPG	Recs	RuYds	Rec	RuYMS	TYms	Forty	WT
100	James Cook	63	32.67	1.46	728	27	0.17	0.11	4.42	199
100	Kenyan Drake	73	39.34	1.21	408	29	0.19	0.12	4.45	210
83	Johnny White	133	40.71	1.52	720	24	0.31	0.16	4.5	209
69	Chris Thompson	154	48.22	1.25	687	21	0.33	0.15	4.42	192
67	Nyheim Hines	104	37.81	2.41	1112	26	0.24	0.16	4.38	198
58	Damien Harris	87	57.98	0.98	876	22	0.32	0.16	4.57	216
58	T.J. Logan	179	44.18	1.55	650	29	0.37	0.15	4.37	196
57	C.J. Prosise	90	39.93	2.14	1032	26	0.28	0.17	4.48	220
50	Miles Sanders	53	51.44	1	1271	24	0.37	0.15	4.49	211
44	Joe McKnight	112	63.23	1.89	1014	22	0.34	0.19	4.4	198
41	Tony Pollard	128	24.15	2.64	553	38	0.11	0.11	4.52	210

Clearly, the comparable players are highlighted by their speed and pass-catching ability. None of these backs were workhorses for their entire college career. Interestingly, Cook has one of the lowest rush yard market shares on this list.

Regardless of his college production, the Bills liked Cook enough to invest end-of-second-round draft capital in him. Look for the Bills to feature him as a receiver out of the backfield, while Devin Singletary handles more of the rushing attempts.

Rachaad White, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Rachaad White began his college career at tiny Mt. San Antonio. After dominating for one season, he transferred to Arizona State. As a 21-year-old sophomore, White had a 71 percent running back dominator rating in his COVID-shortened 2020 season. Last season, he excelled as a workhorse finishing with an 82 percent dominator rating, finishing with 183 rushes and 43 receptions in 11 games.

While he’s already 23.4 years old, White is an excellent athlete. He tested with an 84th percentile speed score and 87th percentile burst score.

White reminds me of the Buccaneers’ selection of Ke’Shawn Vaughn. Vaughn, like White, is an older prospect that combines workhorse ability in the run and pass game, with above-average athleticism.

Sim	Player	Draft	RuYPG	Recs	RuYds	Rec	RuYMS	TYms	Forty	WT
100	Rachaad White	91	95.4	3.4	1011	43	0.56	0.38	4.48	214
68	James Starks	193	87.22	3.53	1333	52	0.7	0.34	4.5	218
67	Giovani Bernard	37	107.87	4	1228	47	0.66	0.33	4.53	202
51	LeSean McCoy	53	112.64	2.6	1488	32	0.72	0.39	4.5	198
45	Devontae Booker	136	120.57	3.48	1261	37	0.81	0.42	4.56	219
40	Jeremy McNichols	162	94.26	3.03	1709	37	0.5	0.26	4.49	214
33	Marcus Lattimore	131	92.31	2.55	662	26	0.72	0.34	4.65	221
30	Eno Benjamin	222	84.32	2.38	1083	42	0.61	0.27	4.57	207
29	Marlon Mack	143	100.25	1.81	1187	28	0.66	0.32	4.5	213
28	Duke Johnson Jr.	77	106.64	2.09	1652	38	0.6	0.29	4.54	207
28	Dion Lewis	149	114.4	2.08	1061	27	0.68	0.35	4.56	193

White’s comparable players combine several NFL hits and misses. He’s obviously a solid NFL depth but can White be an above-average NFL player? Can he become Tom Brady’s trusted pass-catcher as a rookie running back? White has stated his desire to be the starting running back, but this is clearly Leonard Fournette’s job until further notice.

Tyrion Davis-Price, San Francisco 49ers

Being selected as a running back for Kyle Shanahan is always noteworthy. Just last year, we saw Trey Sermon disappoint as a third-round pick while Elijah Mitchell was a fantasy afterthought who became a difference-maker as a sixth-round pick in the NFL draft.

Tyrion Davis-Price was used mainly as a rusher as a freshman and while his role grew significantly as a sophomore, his true breakout was as a junior. Davis-Price had a 72 percent running back dominator rating, being relied on heavily as a rusher. His college production indicates that he’s more likely to be used as an early-down rusher than as a receiver.

At 211 lbs., Davis-Price ran an impressive 4.48 forty. His speed/size combination is good for a 90th percentile speed score. In the agility drills, Davis-Price tested at just 23rd percentile for a running back.

Sim	Player	Draft	RuYPG	Recs	RuYds	Rec	RuYMS	TYms	Forty	WT
100	Tyrion Davis-Price	93	49.83	0.8	1003	10	0.4	0.12	4.48	211
98	DeeJay Dallas	144	49.26	0.9	693	14	0.35	0.17	4.58	217
97	Devonta Freeman	103	60.95	1.27	1016	22	0.37	0.17	4.58	206
97	Ryquell Armstead	140	61.13	0.63	1098	8	0.38	0.16	4.45	220
93	Jordan Scarlett	154	52.74	0.43	776	10	0.36	0.15	4.47	208
92	Jonathan Williams	156	64.47	0.72	1190	11	0.34	0.19	4.56	220
92	Jordan Wilkins	169	46.08	0.84	1011	26	0.35	0.12		216
91	Mike Gillislee	164	53.13	0.59	1152	16	0.33	0.17	4.55	208
89	Miles Sanders	53	51.44	1	1271	24	0.37	0.15	4.49	211
89	Damien Harris	87	57.98	0.98	876	22	0.32	0.16	4.57	216
85	Dexter Williams	194	51.13	0.69	995	16	0.33	0.14	4.57	212

A favorable outcome for Davis-Price, a la Miles Sanders or Damien Harris, would be the undisputed early-down rusher. Obviously, Elijah Mitchell will make that very difficult for Davis-Price. However, this pick does seem to close the book for Trey Sermon – meaning if Mitchell were to go down, Davis-Price could have a huge impact.

ESPN’s Mark Wagoner noted the 49ers “envision [rookie RB Tyrion Davis-Price] emerging as a bigger, more powerful complement” to Mitchell as the season progresses.

Brian Robinson, Washington Commanders

We generally like prospects who break out early – unfortunately, Brian Robinson didn’t top 96 carries until his fifth season at Alabama. As a 22-year-old, he dominated with over 1,600 total yards.

Robinson, like Davis-Price, profiles as an early-down grinder. At 225 lbs., Robinson has an 85th percentile speed score. However, his burst score (15th percentile) and ability score (7th percentile) leave something to be desired.

Sim	Player	Draft	RuYPG	Recs	RuYds	Rec	RuYMS	TYms	Forty	WT
100	Brian Robinson Jr.	98	50.07	0.96	1343	35	0.28	0.11	4.53	225
82	Montario Hardesty	59	49.81	0.79	1345	25	0.35	0.16	4.49	225
68	Damien Harris	87	57.98	0.98	876	22	0.32	0.16	4.57	216
65	Lamical Perine	120	49.7	1.44	676	40	0.35	0.17	4.62	216
51	Johnny White	133	40.71	1.52	720	24	0.31	0.16	4.5	209
51	Bilal Powell	126	61.53	1.18	1405	18	0.4	0.19	4.51	207
50	Mike Gillislee	164	53.13	0.59	1152	16	0.33	0.17	4.55	208
48	James White	130	77.21	1.4	1444	39	0.31	0.2	4.57	204
45	Jordan Wilkins	169	46.08	0.84	1011	26	0.35	0.12		216
42	Jamie Harper	130	38.56	1.53	760	37	0.26	0.14	4.53	233
42	Dexter Williams	194	51.13	0.69	995	16	0.33	0.14	4.57	212

Damien Harris looks like the early-down grinder high-end outcome – the rest unfortunately look like misses.

Behind Antonio Gibson, Robinson will have trouble getting on the field. Undrafted Jaret Patterson was exciting for analysts who love production, but the selection of Robinson paints an ugly picture for his Washington future. Throw in J.D. McKissic to the mix, and this backfield looks like a fantasy football mess.

Dameon Pierce, Houston Texans

A four-year played at Florida, Dameon Pierce hovered around a 20 percent running back dominator rating during his first two seasons. He broke out as a junior hitting a 59 percent running back dominator rating. In his four seasons, Pierce wasn’t heavily used as a rusher or receiver but was involved in both facets.

Pierce’s 218 lb. frame gives him a solid 69th percentile speed score. His 4th percentile agility score is concerning for his prospects as an impact receiver.

Sim	Player	Draft	RuYPG	Recs	RuYds	Rec	RuYMS	TYms	Forty	WT
100	Dameon Pierce	107	37.58	0.94	574	19	0.29	0.11	4.59	218
100	Damien Harris	87	57.98	0.98	876	22	0.32	0.16	4.57	216
97	Johnny White	133	40.71	1.52	720	24	0.31	0.16	4.5	209
95	Dexter Williams	194	51.13	0.69	995	16	0.33	0.14	4.57	212
92	Gary Brightwell	196	51	0.76	386	13	0.34	0.14	4.62	218
91	Kenyan Drake	73	39.34	1.21	408	29	0.19	0.12	4.45	210
90	Spencer Ware	194	36.74	1.15	367	18	0.21	0.14	4.62	228
89	Mike Davis	126	47.47	1.55	573	24	0.48	0.18	4.61	217
87	DeeJay Dallas	144	49.26	0.9	693	14	0.35	0.17	4.58	217
80	Alfred Blue	181	39.16	0.5	343	5	0.19	0.11	4.63	223
78	Chris Evans	202	42.74	1.17	73	9	0.24	0.14	4.5	211

Like Harris, Pierce was lightly used in college and is a bigger back with decent speed. Unfortunately for Pierce, Harris was lightly used because he was playing with Derrick Henry, Kenyan Drake, Najee Harris, and Josh Jacobs. Pierce does not have the same excuse.

Pierce’s optimism should arise from the Texans’ paltry depth chart. Facing competition from a 26-year-old Marlon Mack coming off an Achilles tear and a 32-year-old Rex Burkhead, Pierce is a candidate to become this year’s Cordarrelle Patterson as a rookie running back.

Zamir White, Las Vegas Raiders

Following the departure of D’Andre Swift, Zamir White was used as the early-down grinder while James Cook played on passing downs. White wasn’t overly productive, maxing out at a running back dominator rating of 31 percent as a 21-year-old sophomore.

At 6’0” 214 lbs., White ran a 4.4 forty – good for a 95th percentile speed score.

Sim	Player	Draft	RuYPG	Recs	RuYds	Rec	RuYMS	TYms	Forty	WT
100	Zamir White	122	55.22	0.46	856	9	0.31	0.14	4.4	214
84	Knile Davis	96	53.2	0.91	377	11	0.38	0.14	4.37	227
82	Ryquell Armstead	140	61.13	0.63	1098	8	0.38	0.16	4.45	220
79	Jonathan Williams	156	64.47	0.72	1190	11	0.34	0.19	4.56	220
72	Matt Jones	95	55.04	0.73	817	11	0.37	0.18	4.61	231
71	Chauncey Washington	213	68.52	0.64	969	7	0.41	0.18	4.45	211
67	Taven Birdow		47.26	0.06	839	1	0.21	0.14
65	Roy Helu Jr.	105	70.92	1.13	1245	5	0.46	0.22	4.4	219
64	Gary Brightwell	196	51	0.76	386	13	0.34	0.14	4.62	218
61	Dexter Williams	194	51.13	0.69	995	16	0.33	0.14	4.57	212
61	Allen Patrick	240	63.67	0.47	1008	10	0.35	0.17	4.55	198

You can quickly see how hard it is for a 4th round rookie running back to have success in the NFL. With a profile that likely pigeonholes him to contributing solely on the ground, White will be forced to compete with Josh Jacobs for early-down work.

Isaiah Spiller, Los Angeles Chargers

One thing we love is young players excelling. As an 18-year-old true freshman, Isaiah Spiller had an excellent 51 percent running back dominator rating. He continued as a workhorse as a sophomore before ceding work to Devon Achane as a junior. As a receiver, Spiller had at least 20 catches in each of his three collegiate seasons.

For the reasons mentioned above, Spiller was an exciting prospect prior to a disastrous NFL combine. He ran a 20th percentile forty time and leaped to a mere 24th percentile burst score.

Sim	Player	Draft	RuYPG	Recs	RuYds	Rec	RuYMS	TYms	Forty	WT
100	Isaiah Spiller	123	85.66	2.11	1012	25	0.55	0.27		217
98	Paul Perkins	149	89.44	2.05	1343	30	0.55	0.25	4.54	208
97	Wayne Gallman	140	81.64	1.55	1133	20	0.61	0.22	4.6	215
97	Elijah McGuire	188	84.55	2.53	1127	29	0.55	0.32	4.53	214
86	Marlon Mack	143	100.25	1.81	1187	28	0.66	0.32	4.5	213
83	Kenneth Dixon	134	95.32	1.87	1070	34	0.57	0.26	4.56	215
82	Chuba Hubbard	126	104.76	1.61	623	8	0.62	0.28	4.48	210
80	Andre Brown	129	57.56	1.68	767	29	0.51	0.23	4.37	224
79	Mike Davis	126	65.95	1.89	982	32	0.47	0.22	4.61	217
76	Cyrus Gray	182	67.31	2.1	1045	31	0.47	0.2	4.4	206
74	Travis Homer	204	71.43	1.32	985	19	0.48	0.24	4.48	201

This is an interesting group of heavily used college players who were selected outside of the first 120 picks. A player like Marlon Mack represents the high outcome hit, while there are several misses.

The Chargers and Austin Ekeler himself have frequently discussed limiting his touches. While Joshua Kelley is likely phased out, Spiller will have the chance to siphon some of Ekeler’s touches.

The Athletic’s Daniel Popper considers rookie Isaiah Spiller the “front-runner for the No. 2 running back job” heading into training camp.