Dameon Pierce

Dameon Pierce took the title as PFF's highest-graded running back in the FBS (92.0) despite seeing just 100 carries. The senior's 39% missed tackle rate ranked second among the 2022 draft class. 

There's no doubt Pierce's freakish athleticism aided in his colossal rise in 2021. Bruce Feldman listed Pierce at No. 21 on his annual "College Football Freaks" list, which highlights the most athletically gifted players around the country. According to Feldman, Pierce squats 705 pounds, benches 390 pounds, has a 37-inch vertical jump and has been clocked at 4.50 seconds in the 40-yard dash.

However, the fact Pierce never fully took over Florida's backfield does raise red flags. His 12% career dominator rating is eerily similar to Trey Sermon (12%) from last season, and Sermon struggled to separate himself from the pack in his rookie campaign. 

Even during his breakout senior season, the 5-foot-10 and 218-pound running back earned just a 22% dominator rating while sharing the backfield alongside fellow draft-eligible running back Malik Davis.

However, I am willing to offer some benefit of the doubt after Pierce never topped 106 carries in college. There may have been some underlying issue with former Gators head coach Dan Mullen that prevented Pierce from seeing a more featured role. Case in point: Pierce only had two games with double-digit carries in 2021, both of which came after Mullen was fired toward the end of the season. 

Pierce's lackluster dominator rating doesn't capture his coach's potential ineptitude. The fact Pierce competed with NFL talent like Jordan Scarlett and La'Mical Perine very early in his college career paints a better picture of how his impact will be felt in years to come. 

His running style and body type bears striking resemblance to Patriots running back Damien Harris.

Dameon Pierce selected No. 107 by Houston Texans

The Houston Texans have selected RB Dameon Pierce with the No. 107 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Fantasy Impact

With Marlon Mack and Rex Burkhead the only proven running backs on the team, Pierce walks into a situation where he could earn touches early in his rookie season. He is a sneaky name to watch out for in 2022 and moving forward.