Isaiah Spiller an unlikely bet to continue first-round RB streak

Isaiah Spiller is in the RB1 conversation in the 2022 NFL Draft but looks like a longshot to be a first-round pick.

Though running backs are not viewed as the valuable offensive focal points they once were, they have continued to come off the board in the first round in recent years. With Travis Etienne and Najee Harris selected in the first 32 picks in 2021, the last seven drafts have now seen a running back taken in the first round after none heard their name called on day one in 2014.

Hoping to continue that streak next year is Texas A&M star Isaiah Spiller, who is seen by many as the top running back in the prospective 2022 class following an excellent first two seasons with the Aggies.

Averaging 5.5 yards per carry, Spiller has racked up 1,982 yards and 19 touchdowns on the ground across 2019 and 2020, while adding 396 yards as a receiver at an average of 8.1 yards per catch.

Possessing a well-rounded skillset that should lend itself well to the pro game, teams with their eye on running back help next year will be paying close attention to what Spiller does in his junior year.

Yet, while scouts will have been impressed with Spiller’s production and the versatility he has displayed so far in his college career, there are some athletic concerns that could damage his hopes of extending the run of running backs going in the first round.

For those franchises potentially interested in adding him to their ranks, it will be a matter of weighing up Spiller’s undoubtedly high floor and pro-readiness against a possibly limited ceiling.