Texas A&M RB Isaiah Spiller
6-foot
217 pounds
Yahoo Sports’ 2022 NFL draft grade
5.61 — possible third- or fourth-rounder; contributor potential
TL;DR scouting report
Feisty, instinctive runner with some toughness and tackle-breaking ability, but poor testing, past ball security mar his profile a bit
The skinny
A 4-star Rivals recruit (No. 153 nationally) in the Class of 2019, Spiller chose the Aggies and was thrust into action as a freshman, rushing for 946 yards and 10 TDs on 174 carries and catching 29 passes for 203 yards in 13 games (nine starts). In 2020, he ran 188 times for 1,036 yards and nine TDs and caught 20 passes for 193 yards in 10 games. In 2021, Spiller ran 179 times for 1,011 yards and six TDs and caught 25 passes for 189 yards and one TD in 12 starts. He declared early for the 2022 NFL draft.
Texas A&M RB Isaiah Spiller runs for a touchdown against Arkansas in 2021. (Photo by John Bunch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Upside
Nice size, weight distribution, arm length for volume back
10-yard split (1.59 seconds) indicative of quick burst
Lost some baby fat early in college, which helped add juice to runs
Quick feet, excellent balance to keep violent cutting ability alive on most runs
Wicked jump cut can make defenders grasp at air
Consistently churning legs through contact to squeeze out extra yards
Flashes some intriguing pass-catch ability (see Colorado, Alabama games)
Wasn’t featured in passing game but flashed enough upside to develop
Some dropped passes in 2020, but hands looked very sure in 2021
Ball security much improved in 2021 — one fumble on 204 touches
Patient runner who will wait for blocks to develop
Aggies’ run blocking not nearly as effective as you’d assume
Works well to shake defenders in open space
Consistent, reliable performer for three seasons
Strong, steady season rushing averages — 5.4, 5.5 and 5.6 yards per carry
Gamer who rarely missed snaps despite taking some punishment
Plenty of tread on the tires — only 615 college touches
Won’t…