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3 Iowa State Cyclones to watch for in the 2022 NFL Draft

By Chris Spooner

Jan 2, 2021; Glendale, AZ, USA; Iowa State Cyclones quarterback Brock Purdy (left) celebrates after receiving the offensive player of the game award with linebacker O'Rien Vance who received the defensive player of the game award after defeating the Oregon Ducks 34-17 at the 50th PlayStation Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher-Arizona Republic via USA TODAY NetworkNcaa Football Oregon At Iowa State
Jan 2, 2021; Glendale, AZ, USA; Iowa State Cyclones quarterback Brock Purdy (left) celebrates after receiving the offensive player of the game award with linebacker O'Rien Vance who received the defensive player of the game award after defeating the Oregon Ducks 34-17 at the 50th PlayStation Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher-Arizona Republic via USA TODAY NetworkNcaa Football Oregon At Iowa State /
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Iowa State Cyclones Running Back Breece Hall
Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Breece Hall

Not since Troy Davis in the mid-90s have the Iowa State Cyclones had a running back the caliber of junior Breece Hall. Hall is not only one of the best running backs in the Big 12, he’s one of the best at the position in the entire nation. The race between him and Texas running back Bijan Robinson for conference and national supremacy is going to be a joy for football fans to watch.

But where does Hall stack up when it comes to his 2022 NFL Draft stock?

Right off the bat, one of the biggest questions with running backs is “Can they be trusted on third down”? Every scout is looking for that proverbial 3-down back, whether that’s a contribution in the passing game, or being a solid blocker for the quarterback.

While Hall may not fit with the former, he certainly qualifies as the latter. Hall is excellent in pass protection, making things easier not only for his quarterback but for his offensive coordinator in what packages they can run on third downs.

As for his primary duties as a running back, Hall excels here as well. Perhaps the most impressive trait Hall possesses is his ball security. Hall fumbled just once in the entire 2020 season and is about as solid as they come in keeping a hold of the ball.

Hall has ideal size for the position, coming in at 6’1” and 215 pounds. He’s got a thick frame, particularly in the lower body. This allows him to be an explosive runner and makes him adept at breaking tackles in the open field. Along with his size, he’s fairly fluid in his lower body, allowing him to make sharp, effective cuts both in the hole and in the open field.

Though Hall is an explosive runner, he’s not necessarily a fast one. Long speed is an issue for Hall and one that may thwart his quest to be the top running back in the 2022 NFL Draft class. Along with a lack of speed, Hall also has a lot of miles on his tires. In just two seasons as the Cyclones featured back, Hall has already racked up more than 450 carries and has another year’s worth of mileage to go.

While a more-than-adequate pass blocker, Hall hasn’t contributed much in the passing game during his time with the Cyclones. Hall has just 46 receptions during his two years in Ames, for just over 400 yards with 3 touchdowns. He’s flashed the ability in the passing game, but scouts are going to want to see it more consistently. If he can, he may find himself in the second round conversation as well.

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