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Los Angeles Chargers select Texas A&M running back Isaiah Spiller in 2022 NFL Draft

IMG_0985by:Griffin McVeigh04/30/22

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John Bunch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

One of the top running backs is off the board in the 2022 NFL Draft, with the Los Angeles Chargers selecting Isaiah Spiller out of Texas A&M. One of the top backs in the SEC over the past three seasons, head coach Jimbo Fisher now has another offensive player heading to the league.

Coming out of high school, Spiller was the No. 10 overall running back in the 2019 recruiting class. After Los Angeles Chargers drafted him on Saturday. His work while at Texas A&M showed why he can be effective in the NFL.

During his time at the NFL Scouting Combine, Spiller went through workouts but did not run the 40-yard dash. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Spiller was nursing a strained abductor muscle and his father begged the running back to not run. However, he did post a time at the Texas A&M Pro Day, running a 4.63.

Spiller spent three years in College Station, having 1,000-yard seasons in his final two. The running back was voted to the AP All-SEC second-team during the 2021 season after finishing fifth in rushing yards. Overall, Spiller played in 35 games, going for 2,993 yards, and scoring 25 touchdowns.

What NFL Draft analysts are saying about Isaiah Spiller

Spiller was scouted by NFL.com’s Lane Zierlein, saying there is a lot to like about the new TEAM NAME running back. He thinks Spiller had better tape during the 2020 season thanks to better blocking upfront but still likes the qualities he will bring to the NFL. However, one of the negatives Zierlein sees right now is the possible inability to play on third-down.

“Volume-carry running back with good size and talent for starting consideration as a pro,” Zierlein said. “He was slowed, at times, by inconsistent run blocking but was still productive and consistent for much of the 2021 season. He has interior vision and loose hips, allowing him to locate and get to run lanes regardless of traffic. Spiller runs with good elusiveness but stays in that mode a little too long, which can affect his ability to finish with authority. He’s a solid back but not overly dynamic and lacks the desired third-down value right now.”