Rookie Scouting Profile: RB Isaiah Spiller

Isaiah Spiller (RB) Texas A&M

College Production

A sizable power back with solid receiving skills, Spiller posted consecutive seasons with 1000-plus rushing yards after debuting in 2019 with 174 totes for 946 yards and a career-high 10 rushing scores. As a testament to his three-down skill set, Spiller reeled in 20-plus in each of his three campaigns with the Aggies. Was named to the All-SEC First Team in 2020 and earned Second Team accolades in 2021 after averaging 5.6 yards per carry, the highest of his collegiate career. Spiller displayed the size and strength to be a plus short-yardage option in the NFL and was more than adequate as a pass-catcher.

Strengths

• Nice blend of size and power. Powerful legs churned out extra yards while he also was willing to lower his head and deliver blows to would-be tacklers.

• Displayed the foot quickness, cutting ability, and decisiveness to excel in a zone scheme.

• Excellent vision and ability to consistently make correct decisions in choosing proper running lanes and cuts in the backfield.

• Seemed to be gliding as a runner, with good anticipation. Keeps feet moving to churn out plenty of yards after contact.

• Good receiver who snagged 20-plus balls in each of his three collegiate seasons. Hands are good enough for Spiller to stay on the field on third downs.

• Has the ability to play in all situations, including 2-minute drills, third downs, and has the profile to develop into a plus goal-line option.

Weaknesses

• Did not run at the Combine and does not have elite speed. Projected to run somewhere between 4.5 and 4.6.

• Has ball security issues. Committed 8 fumbles at A&M, some of which resulted in carrying the ball carelessly or leaving himself open to having ball punched out from behind.

• Upright running style could leave him susceptible to big hits, leading to the potential for injuries and the potential to turn the ball over.

• Adequate blocker but will need to improve in this area against faster and stronger NFL pass-rushers to earn consistent playing time early.

Fantasy Outlook

Spiller is often comped to Arian Foster due to the latter’s success as a three-down, one-cut runner that lacked top-end speed. Spiller probably has better power than Foster but has yet to show the breakaway ability to consistently run away from defenders.

Injuries prevented Spiller from participating in most of the on-field drills at the NFL Scouting Combine, which will temporarily hurt his fantasy football value in both redraft and dynasty. A solid showing at the Texas A&M Pro Day could reverse that, particularly if Spiller can run in the low 4.5s.

Landing spot will also be key and worrisome if Spiller slips into the middle part of the third round of the NFL Draft and lands with a pro team that already has an established starter. For now, Spiller is still a top-3 fantasy prospect and will warrant top-10 attention in rookie-only drafts, after Breece Hall and the top 3-4 wideouts.