5 speedy running backs the Cardinals could select in the 2022 NFL Draft

Isaih Pacheco (Rutgers)

At 5-foot-10 and 216 pounds, Isaih Pacheco boasts an Emmitt Smith type of build. The only exception is that he runs a 4.37-second time in the 40-yard dash. He also boasts enough size to be a three-down back, and the Cardinals can snag him for a bargain in the later rounds. So there’s a lot of potential here with Pacheco.

He also boasts a similar running style to Smith, who dominated the league in the 1990s and even padded his stats for a couple of years in Arizona. Also, like Smith, he runs with heart, continually moving his legs. Despite his love for contact, he’s also agile enough to make defenders miss.

So why is he such a late-round projection? He lacks field vision, often taking runs to the outside that warrant a loss of yards. He also lacks third-down pass protection ability, making him strictly a runner. He also has a wait-and-react style of running, like Le’Veon Bell, which at times pays off. But it also runs the risk of little-to-no gain or heavy losses.