2022 NFL Draft Preview: Running back sleepers and Broncos fits

The Denver Broncos are going to feature second-year running back Javonte Williams early and often during the 2022 season. His powerful style wowed fans last year as Williams is the toughest running back to bring down in the NFL.

Even though I think Williams could carry a large workload, the league is about specialists at the running back position. That means Williams is going to get some help in the backfield, likely on passing downs where a smaller/faster back can be on the field to create big plays.

There is unlikely to be a running back selected in the first round. It’s a talented class, but it’s not a top-heavy class with elite-level talent like we saw last year with guys like Williams and Najee Harris (Steelers). The Broncos have a need at the position, at least for a backup spot, but I don’t think they need to spend one of their first picks on running back.

In this article, I will look at the market for the position. I will also write about sleepers at the running back position and some players who could fit what the Broncos need in the 2022 NFL Draft.

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Market Watch

Even though I don’t think there is going to be a running back selected in the first round, I do believe there is a wealth of talent in this draft class. I think this class is like a buffet for NFL teams. What do you want? There are big backs, small backs, receiving backs who could play receiver and even some who could excel at both.

I have Kenneth Walker III (Michigan State) as the No. 1 running back in this draft class. I am a sucker for backs who run with power, and Walker is the angriest runner in this class. I like his footwork and ability to stack moves in addition to what he can do after contact. He’s got plenty of tread on the tires as he’s only got one year of being a featured player for the Spartans. Walker flashed as a collegian, and he could be an even better pro for a team who picks him – likely in the early second round.

Isaiah Spiller (Texas A&M) is high on my board as well, and there’s a chance he could be the first running back selected in the 2022 NFL Draft. Vision is the name of the game with Spiller, and his footwork is far better than what you would expect from a big back. Spiller toys with defenders and he will often set up players at the second and third levels of the defense with subtle moves just after getting the handoff. That’s the sign of a potentially special runner.

If you want a stud back, get an Alabama runner like Brian Robinson Jr. Robinson is highly intelligent and knows what a defense is trying to do before the snap. Having him out there is like having another quarterback on the field, drawing football intelligence comparisons to the likes of Marshall Faulk and C.J. Anderson. He can do it all, showing patience and consistency as a runner with little wasted motion. Robinson is also sound as a receiver and in pass protection.

Rounding out my top four is another SEC back, James Cook from Georgia. Cook is not really a three-down running back, but he’s so dangerous as a receiving back I have to put him in the top four. He’s got speed to beat angles and Cook knows how to use a change of speed to create more space. Cook is not just a good route runner, he’s a great route runner. If you didn’t know any better, you’d think Cook was a receiver because of his route-running ability.

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Sleepers

If there’s one position I love identifying sleepers in, it’s running backs. It’s arguably the easiest position to scout because the skill set from the college game is most like what is needed in the pro game. Whatever the case may be, I have a proven track record of hitting on late-round and undrafted backs who catch my eye.

When I’m talking sleeper running backs, the first name I will bring up is Keontay Ingram from USC. I saw him dominate the week of practice at the East-West Shrine Bowl earlier this year, and he backed up in person what I saw on film – a damn good runner.

Max Borghi, from Washington State, gets Christian McCaffrey comparisons all the time – and for good reason. Like McCaffrey, Borghi is from Colorado. McCaffrey was a Valor product and Borghi starred for Pomona where he led them to a state title. Also, like McCaffrey, Borghi is not a big back, but instead relies on his quickness and speed to gash defenses. He’s not as good as McCaffrey and certainly won’t be a first-round pick but instead will be a late-round pick or priority free agent.

I like Borghi as an outside runner. He can turn on the jets and bounce the corner store regularly, and I think that speed will translate to the NFL. However, I’d like to see him intent a little more inside so NFL defenders don’t just key on the edge when he’s got the rock. Borghi is a tough runner, but he’s not a pile pusher and should not be used as such. Instead, he’s best when used in space on toss plays, sweeps, wide zone plays and of course receptions out of the backfield. He’s a great receiver who can make linebackers look silly, and Borghi is adequate in pass protection which means it won’t be a “tell” when he’s on the field during passing downs.

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Broncos Fits

There are a couple of different “fits” that I think would be best for the Broncos. Most are trying to find the Broncos a change-of-pace back, and I get that. Fans want to see a “thunder and lightning” backfield with Williams and a rookie. I’m not against that, but I don’t think that’s the only choice for the Broncos at the running back position. I think the team could use a banger behind Williams, even as a No. 3 back behind Mike Boone (who already is a fine change-of-pace back).

Kyren Williams (Notre Dame) has drawn some comparisons to James White (Patriots) by some in the scouting community. He certainly has the receiving ability of White, but I think Williams is a better runner. A Williams-and-Williams backfield for the Broncos (sounds like a law firm) would give them the best of both worlds. In fact, the Notre Dame back is such a receiving threat that he could line up in the slot while Javonte Williams is in the backfield.

I must put Rachaad White from Arizona State in this section. Again, this is a talent-laden group of backs even though we may not see one picked on day 1 of the draft. White is a back who could go off the board before the Broncos first pick at No. 64 overall, but I have to include him here because I appreciate his game so much. White has build-up speed and knows how to use jump cuts to make defenders miss. He is a patient runner and a dangerous receiver who has the body control to adjust to what a defense throws at him as the play is unfolding.

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