Getty Isaiah Spiller #28 of the Texas A&M Aggies looks on during the second half of the spring game at Kyle Field on April 24, 2021 in College Station, Texas.
The Green Bay Packers might seem set at running back for next season with Aaron Jones, AJ Dillon and Kylin Hill all due back, but that hasn’t stopped them from scouting one of the top rushers in the 2022 draft class.
According to Aaron Wilson of Pro Football Network, the Packers have met virtually with Texas A&M running back Isaiah Spiller ahead of the 2022 NFL draft at the end of April. Spiller — who could be first running back selected from the class — has also had meetings with Baltimore (virtual) and Buffalo (Top 30) and received “heavy” interest from Atlanta and Tampa Bay during the pre-draft process.
Texas A&M RB Isaiah Spiller @isaiah_spiller told @PFN365 he’ll do Texans’ local Pro Day Monday; ‘That would be great staying home, I think I could be a great asset’; top 30 visit with Bills; heavy interest Falcons, Buccaneers, Commanders; Zooms with Ravens, Packers #NFLDraftNews
Spiller is the highest-rated running back prospect on The Draft Network’s rankings at No. 31 overall, but other backs such as Iowa State’s Breece Hall and Michigan State’s Kenneth Walker III have been rated higher by other outlets, including ESPN and Sports Illustrated. While the Packers would seem to have too much talent to warrant an early-round look at Spiller, it is possible they are doing their research on the off chance that he falls into their range in the third round at No. 92 overall.
While Spiller is the first running back prospect reported to have met with the Packers since the NFL Scouting Combine in early March, he isn’t the first rusher who has drawn their interest over the past several months. According to Walter Football’s Charlie Campbell, they also showed “a lot of interest” in Florida’s Dameon Pierce during the Senior Bowl at the beginning of February.
The Packers have also had reported meetings with the following prospects: Ohio State wide receiver Chris Olave, Arkansas wide receiver Treylon Burks, Alabama wide receiver Jameson Williams, Georgia wide receiver George Pickens, Baylor wide receiver Tyquan Thornton, Liberty quarterback Malik Willis, Georgia offensive guard Jamaree Salyer, Iowa center Tyler Linderbaum and Ole Miss defensive end Sam Williams.
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Spiller Could Make Instant Impact in NFL
Spiller was one of Texas A&M’s most prolific offensive weapons over his three seasons at the collegiate level, averaging nearly 1,2000 yards from scrimmage each year and rushing for more than 100 yards in 16 career games. While he wasn’t as much of a volume carrier (541) as Green Bay’s Dillon (845) in college, he fulfilled a similar power-rushing role and operated as the thunder to Devon Achane’s lightning out of the Aggies’ backfield in 2021, using his frame (6-foot, 217 pounds) and physicality to be a one-cut back who regularly broke tackles and plowed over defenders.
Here’s what Lance Zierlein of NFL.com wrote about Spiller in his pre-draft profile:
Volume-carry running back with good size and talent for starting consideration as a pro. He was slowed, at times, by inconsistent run blocking but was still productive and consistent for much of the 2021 season. He has interior vision and loose hips, allowing him to locate and get to run lanes regardless of traffic. Spiller runs with good elusiveness but stays in that mode a little too long, which can affect his ability to finish with authority. He’s a solid back but not overly dynamic and lacks the desired third-down value right now.
he Green Bay Packers might seem set at running back for next season with Aaron Jones, AJ Dillon and Kylin Hill all due back, but that hasn’t stopped them from scouting one of the top rushers in the 2022 draft class.
According to Aaron Wilson of Pro Football Network, the Packers have met virtually with Texas A&M running back Isaiah Spiller ahead of the 2022 NFL draft at the end of April. Spiller — who could be first running back selected from the class — has also had meetings with Baltimore (virtual) and Buffalo (Top 30) and received “heavy” interest from Atlanta and Tampa Bay during the pre-draft process.
Vildoza Was a EuroLeague Standout
The 26-year-old may not have any NBA experience under his belt, but he’s definitely no greenhorn. Playing for the Spanish side Saski Baskonia — the same club the Knicks once plucked Pablo Prigioni from — Vildoza captured an ACB championship in 2020 and was also named Finals MVP for his efforts.
Last season, he appeared in 62 games for the Vitoria-Gasteiz-based team, averaging 10.6 points, 3.5 assists and 1.6 steals across all compdfsaetitions. He also connected on 37.6% of his three-point attempts.
The Athletic’s Mike Vorkunov once appraised him as “an adroit passer, who can create highlights.”