With the 123rd pick, the LA Chargers selected running back out of Texas A&M Isaiah Spiller. A running back number two to take snaps behind Austin Ekeler was something that the Chargers have been trying to address in the past couple seasons, with the selection of Joshua Kelley in 2020.
Isaiah Spiller, who before the draft process was projected to be a second-round selection, goes in the middle of the fourth round to Los Angeles.
Why will Isaiah Spiller work well in the Chargers offense?
A taller running back at six feet tall, has a lot of attractive traits to his game. He is a very shifty player that can make quick cuts to make the initial defender miss, which can translate very well to the league. Another amazing part of his game is his ability to pass block. Over the last two years, the Chargers' main goal has been to protect superstar Justin Herbert. The addition of a running back with impressive blocking abilities is going to be key in Spiller's success.
His impressive abilities also include receiving ability. Spiller does well at getting open, hauling in 25 receptions including one for a touchdown in his 2021 season with A&M. Being well rounded in what he can do will allow Brandon Staley to throw him into multiple different play sets on the offense. Still being only 20 years old, he has a lot of room to grow and develop into a very solid player in this league.
Some concerns that hit Spiller's game is his speed. Not being the fastest player, clocking in a 4.64 40-yard dash is primarily what made his draft stock drop by a couple of rounds. Even though he is not the fastest, he can still be quick with his cuts, which will allow him to create separation with defenders to pick up extra yards.
The player I compare him to most is Seahawks running back Rashaad Penny. His shiftiness and medium speed combined with his consistent running ability throughout his college career make him an attractive selection to any team when they are looking for a potential contributor to the running game.
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In the fourth round, it is a good place to take him. A player that excelled with the Aggies in his three years, he will be a player to watch in the high-powered Chargers offense, who are looking to make a deep run in the 2022-23 season.