Ranking the top 32 NFL running backs for the 2022 season
![Feb 6, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, USA; AFC running back Jonathan Taylor of the Indianapolis Colts (28) runs with the ball against the NFC during the third quarter during the Pro Bowl football game at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports Feb 6, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, USA; AFC running back Jonathan Taylor of the Indianapolis Colts (28) runs with the ball against the NFC during the third quarter during the Pro Bowl football game at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/e2df8ea80e42096b760feb93a15cb93a75cea5bcc006cf5ddf5be7e26215e22f.jpg)
27. Kenneth Walker, Seattle Seahawks
2021 stats (at Michigan State)
- 1,725 yards from scrimmage
- 19 total touchdowns
- 13 receptions
There were few running backs in college football last season better than Kenneth Walker, who made a strong bid for the Heisman trophy with his 1,725 yards from scrimmage and 19 total touchdowns.
Walker has an outstanding combination of speed and contact balance that makes him an absolute nightmare at the second and third levels of defense.
The biggest question here — can Walker grow into a more dynamic presence on third down?
He only caught 13 passes at Michigan State last season and that’s obviously going to need to be a much bigger part of his game if he’s going to be a featured back in the NFL.
As a rookie, he will be working in tandem with the recently re-signed Rashaad Penny, a former first-round pick who averaged over six yards per carry last season for the Seahawks.
I think Walker will win the “featured” running back role as a rookie and I think we’ll see him do a really good job behind a revamped Seahawks offensive line.