Chargers Preseason Report: Running Backs + Fullback

Position Group Grade: B-

Austin Ekeler is a bonafide weapon, but the Chargers have struggled to find a competent RB2 in their offense since Melvin Gordon left. There is hope that Isaiah Spiller and Joshua Kelley can take that step forward but until they show the ability to be relied on as weapons in the offense, their grade brings down the overall position. The Chargers are top heavy in this position group, and if Austin Ekeler goes down with injury, there is not enough confidence that Spiller and Kelley will be able to carry a heavy workoad in his place.

First-String: Austin Ekeler

Grade: B+

Austin Ekeler is one of the premier runningbacks in the NFL, even if he isn't the prototypical runner in terms of size. Since 2019, Austin Ekeler has the second most touchdowns (52), trailing only Derrick Henry (58). He has almost the same number of receiving touchdowns (29) as he does rushing touchdowns (34) throughout his NFL career, showing why he is a fantasy football monster.

Ekeler's all-purpose yards (5,678) ranks 7th in the NFL since 2019, which is something that works against him in pro bowl voting. A case could be made that Ekeler has been the Chargers most valuable player. Since he became the full time starter, Ekeler's offensive production has far outweighed every other offensive skill player. He's been mostly healthy every season and he scores points. Under Kellen Moree, Ekeler should get more true rushing snaps, and will finally have an opportunity to break the 1,000 yard threshold that runningbacks are graded against.

This will likely be Ekeler's last season in Los Angeles. NFL runningbacks are devalued, and while Ekeler has earned the right to be paid a NFL contract in excess of $10.0M AAV, he will have a hard time finding a suiter willing to pay him that value as he nears age 30. Ekeler has a lot to play for this season, with a big contract in the line should he continue to replicate the production he's put on the field.

Second String: Isaiah Spiller Grade: C

Isaiah Spiller basically had a redshirt season for the Chargers last year. Spiller wasn't injured, he just didn't get a chance to play behind Joshua Kelley and Sony Michel on the depth chart. That should change this season! Spiller was the third youngest player in the NFL last season, and the Chargers wanted to develop him further before throwing him out to the wolves.

Many analysts had Spiller as the third-best runningback in the 2022 draft class. He was the 9th runningback taken, and many believed that was far too low. The Athletic's Dane Brugler had a 3rd-4th round grade on Spiller, stating, "Spiller is a good-sized back with the controlled feet, processing speed, and tempo to pick through the defense, forcing missed tackles through his instincts and contact balance. He has all the tools to develop into a three-down back NFL starter."

Spiller has foot quickness, power, contact balance and a hunger to play. With this being Austin Ekeler's last season wearing powder blue, and Joshua Kelley being a free agent next season, Spiller has an opportunity to become the future featured runningback in a scheme that will utilize his size and power in the run game.

Third-String: Joshua Kelley

Grade: C-

Kelley had a hot start as a rookie, but a stretch of fumbles, and a bad 2020 offensive line sapped his confidence early in his career. He is far better than the credit he's given, and has really started to hit his stride as a runningback last season before injuries began taking their toll. Kelley could be a comfortable backup to Austin Ekeler as a between the tackles runner who is at his best in a gap scheme, where he is asked to act and not think about when to hit the hole.

The biggest knock on Kelley is his inability to make defenders miss in the open field. On 75 attempts, Kelley made just 12 missed tackles forced, and he had just 6 runs of over 10 plus yards. That's improved from his rookie season of 13 missed tackles forced on 111 attempts, but a 17% missed tackle rate is below average. Kelley's role has been that of a short yardage back, where his job has been to find a gap and hit it at full speed to pick up first downs. It hasn't worked out, not because he doesn't have the power, but because it's been predictable, and the offensive line has not provided the push for him to excel in that role.

Kelley is the prototypical one-cut runningback. The Chargers have had issues schematically in the run game, and less so for the talent at the offensive line and runningback positions the last two seasons. Matt Feiler was one of the better run blocking guards in the NFL during the 2021 season, between Rashawn Slater and Corey Linsley, two All-Pro offensive lineman, yet the Chargers still struggled? Then in 2022, Joe Lombardi completely abandoned the run all together. With an offensive coordinator like Kellen Moore, who found a way to get the best out of his running game, Kelley should benefit and get an opportunity to hit free agency with some interest next season.

Zander Horvath

Grade: C

Zander Horvath had a quick start to the 2022 season, scoring a touchdown in back to back games. When the Chargers moved into more of a pass heavy attack, his role diminished, and he was relagated to more of a special teams only usage. Horvath provides more value than Gabe Nabers did, and with Kellen Moore's style of offense, we could see more of Horvath, especially in true running situations. There is no battle for Horvath, as he is the only true Runningback on the roster.

Larry Rountree III

Grade: D

Larry Rountree was drafted in the 6th round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He has bounced between the active roster and the practice squad as injury has required but he has not been overly productive in a limited capacity. Rountree lacks top end speed and hasn't shown the contact balanced and vision he displayed at Missouri in college. He has only averaged 2.4 yards per carry in his professional career and hasn't showed growth. This will be an important training camp with two UDFA's fighting for a spot on the roster.