Is Dameon Pierce the Rookie Running Back to Watch in the NFL?
- Darryl White
- May 20, 2022
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 18
Our thoughts on 2022 NFL rookie running back Dameon Pierce.
Measurables:
5’10” 218 lbs.
4.59 forty-yard dash
34.5" Verticle Jump
9’11” Broad Jump
3rd Most Missed Tackles per attempt
Most Missed Tackles per reception
" A lack of college production makes you wonder if he can be productive in a favorable landing spot."
Strengths:
Pierce has a compact build and looks like an NFL running back.
He runs with attitude and toughness with excellent instincts when running between the tackles.
The power in his lower body gives him excellent contact balance.
He caught all of his 2021 targets and had no fumbles in 2020 or 2021.
Pierce seems to fit the touchdown vulture mold and finished 2021 with 13 rushing touchdowns.
His parents instilled humility in him. Pierce went into the stands to thank the Florida band after the 2021 Bowl game.
He is no stranger to special teams playing 441 snaps but in coverage.
Weaknesses:
He doesn’t have the speed to bounce runs outside regularly, and he isn't a home run threat.
Over the last two seasons, he had only two runs of 25-plus yards.
He invites contact rather than trying to avoid it, and his vision can be hit or miss.
Pierce's production is suspect. He never reached 600 yards and never rushed over 100 yards, with a high of 87 yards and no more than 23 snaps in a game.
Even worse is he only saw 15 or more touches twice in 50 career games at Florida.
His 40-yard dash time is not ideal, and he doesn't look game-fast on the field.
Scouting Report
While we don't think Dameon Pierce can be a bell-cow or big-play RB, his build, running style, and instincts project him as a better professional than a college player. There is plenty of tread left, and he should be the starter in a rotation for the Texans in his rookie year. Take him in the middle of round 2 in your rookie drafts.
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