7 running backs the Vikings could select in the 2022 NFL Draft
Dameon Pierce (Florida)
Measurements:
- Height: 5-foot-10 | Weight: 215 pounds
2021 Stats:
- 100 carries, 574 rushing yards, 13 touchdowns
- 19 catches, 216 yards, 3 touchdowns
Dameon Pierce was engineered to play running back. With a thick frame and strong lower body, his physicality creates mismatches in the open field for solo tacklers.
A strong showing at the senior bowl caught the attention of NFL Scouts as well as former TVA staff writer and current NFL Draft Analyst at ESPN, Jordan Reid.
You can feel how hard Dameon Pierce runs. Forces defenders to tackle him. Classic case of a prospect that will be a better pro than college player. Underutilized at Florida and was the best pass protecting RB all week at the Senior Bowl.
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) February 5, 2022
Pierce is coming into the NFL with fresh legs, only tallying 100 carries in his final season with the Gators. He still managed to score 13 touchdowns, proving to be a viable option on the goal line. Pierce would be a solid No. 2 option on the Vikings behind Cook should the team decide to move on from Alexander Mattison in the offseason.
Mattison and Pierce share similar builds at 5-foot-11, 215 pounds, and being the change of pace option behind Cook allows them to run behind their shoulder pads more so than Cook as they won’t take the same amount of hits with fewer carries.
Pierce would be a good pick for the Vikings no earlier than the fifth round. He is not going to be the back of the future but will have a nice opportunity to create depth and become a bruising backup behind Cook.