This is the seventh installment of a multi-part series previewing the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine. The event will be broadcast over four days on the NFL Network, Thursday, March 3 through Sunday, March 6. Today, we’ll look at the running backs.
Lions’ pre-free agency needs
Detroit is actually in good shape at the running back position heading into the offseason. The tandem of Jamaal Williams and D’Andre Swift — who made up the majority of Detroit’s rushing and receiving production out of the backfield in 2021 — remain under contract. So does 2021 draft pick Jermar Jefferson and Craig Reynolds, while Godwin Igwebuike is a low-cost, exclusive-rights free agent who can be easily retained.
Obviously, the Lions should never shy away from an upgrade if that’s the way their draft board plays out. But as we saw with Jefferson last season, it can be tough for a rookie to crack the rotation, particularly if they aren’t proficient in the pass game, both blocking and route running.
Metrics to monitor
► 40-yard dash, 3-cone drill, broad jump
Home-run speed will never not be valued in the backfield. Every team would love to have a running back capable of turning a lane into a 60-yard touchdown. As for the 3-cone drill, it showcases a prospect’s ability to change direction and accelerate, while the broad jump demonstrates lower-body explosion, critical when a back needs to keep his legs churning to pick up that extra yard for a first down or to push across the goal line.
Top prospects
► Kenneth Walker III, Michigan State
Walker was a productive player before transferring from Wake Forest to Michigan State, but given the chance to shoulder the backfield load for the Spartans, he exploded with 1,646 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2021. Possessing an impressive mix of vision, burst and power, he has all the tools to be a lead back at the next level, particularly if he can continue to develop his route running and pass protection.
More: Niyo: How Kenneth Walker III went from second-stringer to MSU All-American, NFL prospect
► Isaiah Spiller, Texas A&M
Posting remarkably consistent production his three years at Texas A&M, Spiller averaged between 5.4 and 5.6 yards per carry, while catching at least 20 passes each season. Among the top-end options in this draft, Spiller arguably possesses the most pro-ready versatility, even if he might lack the home-run speed of some of the others.
► Kyren Williams, Notre Dame
A productive pass-catching back out of Notre Dame might give Lions fans flashbacks to Theo Riddick, who once caught 80 passes in a season for Detroit. Williams is similarly lethal in the pass game, whether it’s running routes, making a defender miss in the open field or hanging back to protect. Where Williams offers more than Riddick is as a runner. Williams has a better vision and feel between the tackles, you just don’t want to overuse him in that role given the 5-foot-9, 195-pound frame.
► Breece Hall, Iowa State
Well built at 6-foot-1, 220 pounds, Hall has been a workhorse for the Cyclones, racking up more than 3,500 yards from scrimmage and scoring 46 total touchdowns across the past two seasons. But for all the production, there are questions about Hall’s athleticism, and where it stacks up against the other prospects in this class. A strong combine performance could put him in the mix to be the first back selected.
Sleepers to watch
► Brian Robinson Jr., Alabama
It feels strange to suggest an Alabama running back as a sleeper, but Robinson hasn’t generated anywhere near the hype of some of those who came before him at the school. The 6-foot-1, 225-pounder is more of a north-south back who does most of his damage up the gut. That said, he demonstrated his chops as a pass-catcher, hauling in 35 balls as a fifth-year senior. If he can post a good time in the 40, it will go a long way toward shaking the perception he can only be a short-yardage back at the next level.
More: Detroit Lions 2022 scouting combine preview: Offensive linemen
► Rachaad White, Arizona State
White stood out during the Senior Bowl with his knack for finding a lane and exploding through it for a big gain. He was also a highly productive receiving option in 2021, catching 43 passes for 456 yards. Don’t be surprised if he tests well in the agility drills, pointing to potential contributions in the return game, in addition to a complementary backfield role.
jdrogers@detroitnews.com
Twitter: @Justin_Rogers