Running backs hoping to change perceptions at NFL combine
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Kenneth Walker III believes NFL scouts may be shortchanging this year’s running backs contingent.
He sees a promising group of skillful, multi-faceted players, more than one worthy of being a first-round draft pick in April. Walker, in fact, could be at the head of the class following his 2021 breakout season at Michigan State, especially if he tests well between now and then.
The problem: Many teams find more value waiting to take a running back. So Walker and nearly three dozen other runners will spend this week trying to change minds at the NFL’s annual scouting combine in Indianapolis.
“I feel like that’s a goal in my mind, to be drafted early,” Walker said Thursday. “And also just for other running backs as well, I feel like we’ve got to get them off the board, too.”
Convincing scouts to change their ways won’t be easy.
With this year’s draft heavy on big guys — offensive and defensive linemen — and receivers, it appears light on the splashy, offensive playmakers out of the backfield. Even the quarterback class has been criticized for its lack of star power.
Yet, as much as coaches want to talk about winning championships by running the ball and stopping the run, it’s the backs who have taken the biggest hits on recent draft weekends.
Only four have been taken in the first round over the past three seasons, and only twice during the last nine years have four or more been selected among the top 50. While some believe this year’s class is solid and deep, it also could be the first time since 2014 and the second in 22 years that no running back is a first-rounder.
“I love this running back group,” NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah said last week. “Again, I don’t think there’s going to be one that goes in the first round. I was talking with a personnel director the other day and he said, ‘Let’s just circle the fourth round.’ You’re going to get a great back in the fourth round, especially if you want a bigger back.”
That’s a significant departure from not long ago when top-10 picks were used on Todd Gurley, Ezekiel Elliott, Leonard Fournette and Saquon Barkley in four successive drafts starting in 2015. Since then, though, no back has been selected higher than 24th.
It’s unlikely the trend changes this year despite a wide-ranging group of prospects.
Walker finished as last season’s top rusher with 1,646 yards, 15th in yards per carry (6.22) and tied for eighth in touchdown runs (18). Jeremiah thinks Walker runs more powerfully than his listed weight of 210 pounds suggests, and Walker’s goal is to run the 40-yard dash in 4.4 seconds at Indy.
But he’s not even Jeremiah’s top-rated back.
That title belongs to Isaiah Spiller of Texas A&M, who posted back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 2020 and 2021 and also made 74 receptions over three seasons.
Other top backs include Iowa State star Breece Hall; Georgia’s national championship-winning tandem of Zamir White and James Cook III, the younger brother of Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook; and Alabama’s overpowering Brian Robinson Jr.
All want to prove they can play three downs in the NFL and are capable of becoming multi-dimensional players such as Deebo Samuel and Cordarrelle Patterson.
“Those guys are really unique because they can play wide receiver or running back, and I feel like with them you never really know what they’re going to do because they can do so many different things,” Hall said. “I feel like if every running back was like that, then the game would be better as a whole. But those guys are really elite athletes and they’re one of a kind.”
It’s not only running backs who have something to prove.
The quarterbacks, who began working out Thursday, have neither a clear frontrunner to be the first off the draft board nor anyone expected to go in the top five overall picks.
Quarterbacks have been selected No. 1 or No. 2, or both, every year since 2015.
“There’s a chip on all our shoulders because they’re saying this class is not as good,” Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder said. “But you’re going to see a lot of success out of us.”
The running backs follow a similar mantra, one they believe will pay off — if given the chance.
“This class is like great,” White said. “These guys are real good, they’re real cool guys, they’re smart and they play some good football, really all of them.”
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Ron Cook: Mike Tomlin makes a statement with Brian Flores hire
Before drafting Trevor Lawrence, the Jaguars selected an edge rusher in back-to-back drafts — K’Lavon Chaisson and Josh Allen — so auctioning the first pick off would make sense considering all of the holes on this roster. Until we have more clarity, the Jags get Neal. He is a physical specimen (6-foot-7, 350 pounds) who has improved every season in Tuscaloosa and thrived at both tackle positions and left guard. Top needs: OL, WR, LB
Before drafting Trevor Lawrence, the Jaguars selected an edge rusher in back-to-back drafts — K’Lavon Chaisson and Josh Allen — so auctioning the first pick off would make sense considering all of the holes on this roster. Until we have more clarity, the Jags get Neal. He is a physical specimen (6-foot-7, 350 pounds) who has improved every season in Tuscaloosa and thrived at both tackle positions and left guard. Top needs: OL, WR, LB
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Ron Cook: Mike Tomlin makes a statement with Brian Flores hireLynne Sladky
The Lions have been near the bottom of the league in sacks and QB pressure rate the last three seasons, so I’m advocating for them to select either Hutchinson or Kayvon Thibodeaux. There simply isn’t a quarterback available worthy of this pick. Top needs: QB, WR, CB
Lynne SladkyThe Lions have been near the bottom of the league in sacks and QB pressure rate the last three seasons, so I’m advocating for them to select either Hutchinson or Kayvon Thibodeaux. There simply isn’t a quarterback available worthy of this pick. Top needs: QB, WR, CB
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Ron Cook: Mike Tomlin makes a statement with Brian Flores hireDarron Cummings
Obviously, the Texans are far from being settled at the quarterback position, but this isn’t the place to solve that problem. Thankfully for them, every position is one of need. There’s been only one safety chosen with a top-five pick since 1992 (Sean Taylor in 2004). Hamilton exceeded high expectations before suffering a minor knee injury. At 6-foot-4, 220 pounds, the hybrid playmaker combines the versatility of Isaiah Simmons with instincts that are reminiscent of Hall of Famer Ed Reed. Top needs: QB, OL, DB
Darron CummingsObviously, the Texans are far from being settled at the quarterback position, but this isn’t the place to solve that problem. Thankfully for them, every position is one of need. There’s been only one safety chosen with a top-five pick since 1992 (Sean Taylor in 2004). Hamilton exceeded high expectations before suffering a minor knee injury. At 6-foot-4, 220 pounds, the hybrid playmaker combines the versatility of Isaiah Simmons with instincts that are reminiscent of Hall of Famer Ed Reed. Top needs: QB, OL, DB
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Ron Cook: Mike Tomlin makes a statement with Brian Flores hireStephen Brashear
The success of Robert Saleh’s defensive scheme is predicated on creating pressure on the quarterback without blitzing. Thibodeaux is a top tier athlete who wins with speed and has shown surprising coverage versatility. His ceiling is massively high, but it might take a few years for his technique and toolbox to catch up to his talent. Top needs: Edge, DB, LB
Stephen BrashearThe success of Robert Saleh’s defensive scheme is predicated on creating pressure on the quarterback without blitzing. Thibodeaux is a top tier athlete who wins with speed and has shown surprising coverage versatility. His ceiling is massively high, but it might take a few years for his technique and toolbox to catch up to his talent. Top needs: Edge, DB, LB
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Ron Cook: Mike Tomlin makes a statement with Brian Flores hireKarl B DeBlaker
The Giants need to add toughness and athleticism to their offensive line. Ekwonu was the most dominant run-blocking tackle in the country this season — it really wasn’t close. I envision him thriving at tackle or guard in the NFL. Top needs: OL, Edge, LB
Karl B DeBlakerThe Giants need to add toughness and athleticism to their offensive line. Ekwonu was the most dominant run-blocking tackle in the country this season — it really wasn’t close. I envision him thriving at tackle or guard in the NFL. Top needs: OL, Edge, LB
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Ron Cook: Mike Tomlin makes a statement with Brian Flores hireMichael Woods
This pick could very well be packaged with others to land Deshaun Watson or Aaron Rodgers this offseason. Otherwise, the Panthers need to consider moving down to target a quarterback — they’ve been connected to Kenny Pickett — or offensive lineman. Cross is a powerful blocker who can do damage at the second level in the run game with premium athleticism and his target-lock awareness. He developed into a dominant pass protector this season and could end up cracking the top-10 in April, despite this being a bit early for him. Top needs: QB, OL, LB
Michael WoodsThis pick could very well be packaged with others to land Deshaun Watson or Aaron Rodgers this offseason. Otherwise, the Panthers need to consider moving down to target a quarterback — they’ve been connected to Kenny Pickett — or offensive lineman. Cross is a powerful blocker who can do damage at the second level in the run game with premium athleticism and his target-lock awareness. He developed into a dominant pass protector this season and could end up cracking the top-10 in April, despite this being a bit early for him. Top needs: QB, OL, LB
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Ron Cook: Mike Tomlin makes a statement with Brian Flores hireChase Stevens
Passing on Micah Parsons could haunt the Giants for years. They haven’t drafted a linebacker in the first round since 1984 (Carl Banks), but Lloyd deserves serious consideration here. Lloyd can rush the passer (he had eight sacks), impact the run game and make plays in coverage — he had four interceptions this season. New defensive coordinator “Wink” Martindale would likely utilize Lloyd similarly to how the Cowboys use Parsons. Top needs: OL, Edge, LB
Chase StevensPassing on Micah Parsons could haunt the Giants for years. They haven’t drafted a linebacker in the first round since 1984 (Carl Banks), but Lloyd deserves serious consideration here. Lloyd can rush the passer (he had eight sacks), impact the run game and make plays in coverage — he had four interceptions this season. New defensive coordinator “Wink” Martindale would likely utilize Lloyd similarly to how the Cowboys use Parsons. Top needs: OL, Edge, LB
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Ron Cook: Mike Tomlin makes a statement with Brian Flores hireRebecca Blackwell
I don’t anticipate the Falcons being active in free agency with their salary cap issues, so that means addressing the pass rush here. After playing only 26 snaps for the Wolverines before his junior year, Ojabo was a revelation this season with 11 sacks and five forced fumbles. He has a surprising amount of moves for someone who has only been playing football for less than five years — he grew up playing soccer in Scotland. Ojabo needs some refinement to go with his impressive traits, but a successful showing at the combine could help him crack the top-10. Top needs: Edge, S, RB
Rebecca BlackwellI don’t anticipate the Falcons being active in free agency with their salary cap issues, so that means addressing the pass rush here. After playing only 26 snaps for the Wolverines before his junior year, Ojabo was a revelation this season with 11 sacks and five forced fumbles. He has a surprising amount of moves for someone who has only been playing football for less than five years — he grew up playing soccer in Scotland. Ojabo needs some refinement to go with his impressive traits, but a successful showing at the combine could help him crack the top-10. Top needs: Edge, S, RB
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Ron Cook: Mike Tomlin makes a statement with Brian Flores hireMarcio Jose Sanchez
Patrick Peterson and Bashaud Breeland were only signed to one-year deals and neither played well enough to be asked back — Breeland was released in-season. Stingley features rare ball-tracking skills that make him a threat to take the ball away anytime it’s in his vicinity. As an 18-year-old, he produced one of the most impressive true freshman seasons in college football history in 2019. Durability has been a concern ever since. He’s a top-five talent, but there’s still a lot of questions surrounding him. Top needs: DB, G, Edge
Marcio Jose SanchezPatrick Peterson and Bashaud Breeland were only signed to one-year deals and neither played well enough to be asked back — Breeland was released in-season. Stingley features rare ball-tracking skills that make him a threat to take the ball away anytime it’s in his vicinity. As an 18-year-old, he produced one of the most impressive true freshman seasons in college football history in 2019. Durability has been a concern ever since. He’s a top-five talent, but there’s still a lot of questions surrounding him. Top needs: DB, G, Edge
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Ron Cook: Mike Tomlin makes a statement with Brian Flores hireChris Carlson
It wasn’t long ago that the Eagles had three of the top 14 picks. They executed quite the turnaround, but no thanks to the front-seven. The Butkus Award winner is a dynamic blitzer who is capable of making plays all over the field. Georgia will be the most-represented program at the combine (early March) with 14 participants, three more than Alabama and Oklahoma, and a good showing by Dean will go a long ways in quieting all the murmurings about his size not translating well to the next level. Top needs: WR, S, LB
Chris CarlsonIt wasn’t long ago that the Eagles had three of the top 14 picks. They executed quite the turnaround, but no thanks to the front-seven. The Butkus Award winner is a dynamic blitzer who is capable of making plays all over the field. Georgia will be the most-represented program at the combine (early March) with 14 participants, three more than Alabama and Oklahoma, and a good showing by Dean will go a long ways in quieting all the murmurings about his size not translating well to the next level. Top needs: WR, S, LB
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Ron Cook: Mike Tomlin makes a statement with Brian Flores hireButch Dill
Ben Roethlisberger has opted for the gold watch (and likely gold jacket in five years). The buzz coming out of Mobile is the Steelers were crushing on Willis. His dynamic mobility and strong arm were certainly on display there. There are serious accuracy issues that will need to be ironed out in the NFL, but I’d trust Mike Tomlin and his staff to help Willis reach his full potential. Top needs: QB, OL, CB
Butch DillBen Roethlisberger has opted for the gold watch (and likely gold jacket in five years). The buzz coming out of Mobile is the Steelers were crushing on Willis. His dynamic mobility and strong arm were certainly on display there. There are serious accuracy issues that will need to be ironed out in the NFL, but I’d trust Mike Tomlin and his staff to help Willis reach his full potential. Top needs: QB, OL, CB
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Ron Cook: Mike Tomlin makes a statement with Brian Flores hireChris Szagola
The Cowboys need more pass rushers and Randy Gregory will likely leave in free agency. Hall’s bull-rush and swim move are nightmares for opposing offensive linemen. He’s has the size (6-foot-6, 275 pounds) and versatility to lineup just about anywhere. Top needs: LB, DL, TE
Chris SzagolaThe Cowboys need more pass rushers and Randy Gregory will likely leave in free agency. Hall’s bull-rush and swim move are nightmares for opposing offensive linemen. He’s has the size (6-foot-6, 275 pounds) and versatility to lineup just about anywhere. Top needs: LB, DL, TE
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Ron Cook: Mike Tomlin makes a statement with Brian Flores hireButch Dill
The Packers utilized seven different offensive line combinations with nine different players taking meaningful snaps during the 2021 season. Raimann is surprisingly polished for only having two years of experience at tackle. The former tight end graded out as one of the best offensive lineman in the country last season, according to Pro Football Focus. He allowed zero pressures over his last six games. Top needs: WR, OL, LB
Butch DillThe Packers utilized seven different offensive line combinations with nine different players taking meaningful snaps during the 2021 season. Raimann is surprisingly polished for only having two years of experience at tackle. The former tight end graded out as one of the best offensive lineman in the country last season, according to Pro Football Focus. He allowed zero pressures over his last six games. Top needs: WR, OL, LB
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Ron Cook: Mike Tomlin makes a statement with Brian Flores hireJay LaPrete
If there’s a quarterback the Lions fall in love with, he’ll likely be selected here if he’s available. It’s rare you find a route technician with reliable hands who can also run as fast as Olave. He might have made it into the first round had he left school last year and it wouldn’t surprise me if he cracks the top-20. Top needs: QB, WR, CB
Jay LaPreteIf there’s a quarterback the Lions fall in love with, he’ll likely be selected here if he’s available. It’s rare you find a route technician with reliable hands who can also run as fast as Olave. He might have made it into the first round had he left school last year and it wouldn’t surprise me if he cracks the top-20. Top needs: QB, WR, CB
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Ron Cook: Mike Tomlin makes a statement with Brian Flores hireJeff Dean
33. Jacksonville — Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn St., Sr.
34. Detroit — Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina, Jr.
35. N.Y. Jets — Jaquan Brisker, S, Penn St., Sr.
36. N.Y. Giants — Cameron Thomas, Edge, San Diego St., Jr.
37. Houston — Kenneth Walker III, RB, Michigan St., Jr.
38. N.Y. Jets from Carolina — David Bell, WR, Purdue, Jr.
39. Chicago — Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington, Jr.
The Bears will need to add two cornerbacks this offseason so Jaylon Johnson won’t have to continue to chase top receivers all over the field. McDuffie plays bigger than his 5-11 frame. He’s one of the surest tacklers at the position in this draft class and his instincts are elite. Top needs: OL, WR, CB
40. Denver — Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati, Sr.
41. Seattle — Roger McCreary, CB, Auburn, Sr.
The Seahawks allowed 1,341 yards to the slot in 2021, the second-most in the NFL. McCreary simply doesn’t allow much separation and he’s battle-tested out of the SEC. He’s capable of thriving in man and zone. Top needs: OL, DB, WR
42. Washington — Jalen Tolbert, WR, South Alabama, Sr.
43. Atlanta — Breece Hall, RB, Iowa St., Jr.
44. Cleveland — Nik Bonitto, Edge, Oklahoma, Jr.
45. Baltimore — Perrion Winfrey, DL, Oklahoma, Sr.
46. Minnesota — Darian Kinnard, OL, Kentucky, Sr.
47. Indianapolis — Trey McBride, TE, Colorado St., Sr.
The Colts have an aging Jack Doyle at tight end with Mo Alie-Cox facing free agency. The 6-foot-4, 260-pound McBride had a highly-productive senior season — 1,121 yards on 90 receptions — and showcased significant blocking prowess along the way. Top needs: WR, OL, TE
48. L.A. Chargers — Jalen Pitre, DB, Baylor, Sr.
Both Michael Davis and Chris Harris Jr. — who is slated for free agency — struggled mightily in 2021. Pitre is a hybrid slot defensive back who is a physical run supporter with on-ball coverage skills. Top needs: WR, T, Edge
49. New Orleans — George Pickens, WR, Georgia, Jr.
50. Miami — Alec Lindstrom, C, Boston College, Sr.
51. Philadelphia — Lewis Cine, S, Georgia, Jr.
52. Pittsburgh — Nicholas Petit-Frere, T, Ohio St., Jr.
53. Las Vegas — DeMarvin Leal, DL, Texas A&M, Jr.
54. New England — Arnold Ebiketie, Edge, Penn St., Sr.
55. Arizona — Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson, Jr.
56. Dallas — Leo Chenal, LB, Wisconsin, Jr.
57. Buffalo — Kyler Gordon, CB, Washington, Jr.
58. Atlanta from Tennessee — Verone McKinley III, S, Oregon, So.
59. Green Bay — Quay Walker, LB, Georgia, Sr.
60. Tampa Bay — Carson Strong, QB, Nevada, Jr.
61. San Francisco — Myjai Sanders, Edge, Cincinnati, Jr.
The 49ers utilize a deep rotation of defensive linemen to keep their pass rush fresh. Sanders features great speed and explosiveness off the edge. He’ll need to add some muscle and finetune his focus to become an impact run defender. Top needs: CB, G, Edge
62. Kansas City — Drake Jackson, Edge, USC, Jr.
63. Cincinnati — Josh Jobe, CB, Alabama, Sr.
64. Denver from L.A. Rams — Daniel Faalele, T, Minnesota, Sr.
Jeff Dean33. Jacksonville — Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn St., Sr.
34. Detroit — Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina, Jr.
35. N.Y. Jets — Jaquan Brisker, S, Penn St., Sr.
36. N.Y. Giants — Cameron Thomas, Edge, San Diego St., Jr.
37. Houston — Kenneth Walker III, RB, Michigan St., Jr.
38. N.Y. Jets from Carolina — David Bell, WR, Purdue, Jr.
39. Chicago — Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington, Jr.
The Bears will need to add two cornerbacks this offseason so Jaylon Johnson won’t have to continue to chase top receivers all over the field. McDuffie plays bigger than his 5-11 frame. He’s one of the surest tacklers at the position in this draft class and his instincts are elite. Top needs: OL, WR, CB
40. Denver — Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati, Sr.
41. Seattle — Roger McCreary, CB, Auburn, Sr.
The Seahawks allowed 1,341 yards to the slot in 2021, the second-most in the NFL. McCreary simply doesn’t allow much separation and he’s battle-tested out of the SEC. He’s capable of thriving in man and zone. Top needs: OL, DB, WR
42. Washington — Jalen Tolbert, WR, South Alabama, Sr.
43. Atlanta — Breece Hall, RB, Iowa St., Jr.
44. Cleveland — Nik Bonitto, Edge, Oklahoma, Jr.
45. Baltimore — Perrion Winfrey, DL, Oklahoma, Sr.
46. Minnesota — Darian Kinnard, OL, Kentucky, Sr.
47. Indianapolis — Trey McBride, TE, Colorado St., Sr.
The Colts have an aging Jack Doyle at tight end with Mo Alie-Cox facing free agency. The 6-foot-4, 260-pound McBride had a highly-productive senior season — 1,121 yards on 90 receptions — and showcased significant blocking prowess along the way. Top needs: WR, OL, TE
48. L.A. Chargers — Jalen Pitre, DB, Baylor, Sr.
Both Michael Davis and Chris Harris Jr. — who is slated for free agency — struggled mightily in 2021. Pitre is a hybrid slot defensive back who is a physical run supporter with on-ball coverage skills. Top needs: WR, T, Edge
49. New Orleans — George Pickens, WR, Georgia, Jr.
50. Miami — Alec Lindstrom, C, Boston College, Sr.
51. Philadelphia — Lewis Cine, S, Georgia, Jr.
52. Pittsburgh — Nicholas Petit-Frere, T, Ohio St., Jr.
53. Las Vegas — DeMarvin Leal, DL, Texas A&M, Jr.
54. New England — Arnold Ebiketie, Edge, Penn St., Sr.
55. Arizona — Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson, Jr.
56. Dallas — Leo Chenal, LB, Wisconsin, Jr.
57. Buffalo — Kyler Gordon, CB, Washington, Jr.
58. Atlanta from Tennessee — Verone McKinley III, S, Oregon, So.
59. Green Bay — Quay Walker, LB, Georgia, Sr.
60. Tampa Bay — Carson Strong, QB, Nevada, Jr.
61. San Francisco — Myjai Sanders, Edge, Cincinnati, Jr.
The 49ers utilize a deep rotation of defensive linemen to keep their pass rush fresh. Sanders features great speed and explosiveness off the edge. He’ll need to add some muscle and finetune his focus to become an impact run defender. Top needs: CB, G, Edge
62. Kansas City — Drake Jackson, Edge, USC, Jr.
63. Cincinnati — Josh Jobe, CB, Alabama, Sr.
64. Denver from L.A. Rams — Daniel Faalele, T, Minnesota, Sr.
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Ron Cook: Mike Tomlin makes a statement with Brian Flores hireButch Dill
65. Jacksonville — Christian Harris, LB, Alabama, Jr.
66. Detroit — Derion Kendrick, CB, Georgia, Sr.
67. N.Y. Giants — Jalen Wydermyer, TE, Texas A&M, Jr.
68. Houston — Jamaree Salyer, OL, Georgia, Sr.
69. N.Y. Jets — Brandon Smith, LB, Penn St., Jr.
70. Jacksonville from Carolina — Boye Mafe, Edge, Minnesota, Sr.
71. Chicago — Wan’Dale Robinson, WR, Kentucky, Jr.
72. Seattle — Max Mitchell, T, Louisiana, Jr.
73. Washington — Coby Bryant, CB, Cincinnati, Sr.
74. Atlanta — John Metchie III, WR, Alabama, Jr.
75. Denver — Damone Clark, LB, LSU, Sr.
76. Baltimore — Tariq Woolen, CB, Texas-San Antonio, Sr.
77. Minnesota — Kingsley Enagbare, Edge, South Carolina, Sr.
78. Cleveland — Travis Jones, DL, Connecticut, Jr.
79. L.A. Chargers — Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota St., Sr.
80. Houston from New Orleans — Khalil Shakir, WR, Boise St., Sr.
81. N.Y. Giants from Miami — Smoke Monday, S, Auburn, Sr.
82. Indianapolis — Skyy Moore, WR, Western Michigan, So.
83. Philadelphia — Phidarian Mathis, DL, Alabama, Sr.
84. Pittsburgh — Mykael Wright, CB, Oregon, So.
85. New England — Chad Muma, LB, Wyoming, Jr.
86. Las Vegas — Sean Rhyan, OL, UCLA, Jr.
87. Arizona — Isaiah Spiller, RB, Texas A&M, Jr.
88. Dallas — Jeremy Ruckert, TE, Ohio St., Sr.
89. Buffalo — Rasheed Walker, T, Penn St., Jr.
90. Tennessee — DeAngelo Malone, Edge, Western Kentucky, Sr.
91. Tampa Bay — Isaiah Likely, TE, Coastal Carolina, Sr.
92. Green Bay — Dylan Parham, C, Memphis, Sr.
93. San Francisco — Marcus Jones, CB, Houston, Sr.
94. Kansas City — Zachary Carter, DL, Florida, Sr.
95. Cincinnati — Charlie Kolar, TE, Iowa St., Sr.
96. Denver from L.A. Rams — Dane Belton, S, Iowa, Jr.
Butch Dill65. Jacksonville — Christian Harris, LB, Alabama, Jr.
66. Detroit — Derion Kendrick, CB, Georgia, Sr.
67. N.Y. Giants — Jalen Wydermyer, TE, Texas A&M, Jr.
68. Houston — Jamaree Salyer, OL, Georgia, Sr.
69. N.Y. Jets — Brandon Smith, LB, Penn St., Jr.
70. Jacksonville from Carolina — Boye Mafe, Edge, Minnesota, Sr.
71. Chicago — Wan’Dale Robinson, WR, Kentucky, Jr.
72. Seattle — Max Mitchell, T, Louisiana, Jr.
73. Washington — Coby Bryant, CB, Cincinnati, Sr.
74. Atlanta — John Metchie III, WR, Alabama, Jr.
75. Denver — Damone Clark, LB, LSU, Sr.
76. Baltimore — Tariq Woolen, CB, Texas-San Antonio, Sr.
77. Minnesota — Kingsley Enagbare, Edge, South Carolina, Sr.
78. Cleveland — Travis Jones, DL, Connecticut, Jr.
79. L.A. Chargers — Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota St., Sr.
80. Houston from New Orleans — Khalil Shakir, WR, Boise St., Sr.
81. N.Y. Giants from Miami — Smoke Monday, S, Auburn, Sr.
82. Indianapolis — Skyy Moore, WR, Western Michigan, So.
83. Philadelphia — Phidarian Mathis, DL, Alabama, Sr.
84. Pittsburgh — Mykael Wright, CB, Oregon, So.
85. New England — Chad Muma, LB, Wyoming, Jr.
86. Las Vegas — Sean Rhyan, OL, UCLA, Jr.
87. Arizona — Isaiah Spiller, RB, Texas A&M, Jr.
88. Dallas — Jeremy Ruckert, TE, Ohio St., Sr.
89. Buffalo — Rasheed Walker, T, Penn St., Jr.
90. Tennessee — DeAngelo Malone, Edge, Western Kentucky, Sr.
91. Tampa Bay — Isaiah Likely, TE, Coastal Carolina, Sr.
92. Green Bay — Dylan Parham, C, Memphis, Sr.
93. San Francisco — Marcus Jones, CB, Houston, Sr.
94. Kansas City — Zachary Carter, DL, Florida, Sr.
95. Cincinnati — Charlie Kolar, TE, Iowa St., Sr.
96. Denver from L.A. Rams — Dane Belton, S, Iowa, Jr.
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Running backs hoping to change perceptions at NFL combineMichael Conroy
Michigan State running back Kenny Walker III speaks during a press conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, March 3, 2022. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Michael ConroyMichigan State running back Kenny Walker III speaks during a press conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, March 3, 2022. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
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