Arizona Cardinals select USC running back Keaontay Ingram in 2022 NFL Draft

For the first time since 2017, the USC Trojans have seen a running back selected in the NFL Draft. Keaontay Ingram was selected on Saturday in the sixth round, with the Arizona Cardinals taking a chance on the Carthage, TX, native.

Ingram began his college career with the Texas Longhorns before heading out west. He could have stayed in college for another season but decided to enter the NFL draft and make the jump to the professional ranks. During his time in Los Angeles, Ingram ran for 911 yards and five touchdowns during his 10 appearances. Against Arizona, he ran for over 200 yards, with a long rush of 45-yards.

Despite being a Day Three pick, there is some confidence from Ingram. While speaking at the podium during the NFL Scouting Combine, Ingram talked about what makes him a special player. He listed off his best qualities as a running back.

“I’m very confident in my style, very confident in my play,” Ingram said. “Even though I am big, I am pretty twitchy. I can change it up, I can go from gear one to four, however it takes. I have a good football IQ, I know run fits, where the safety’s coming… So I feel like that’s what makes me stand out more than anybody else. I’m confident in it.”

Now, he will join the Cardinals running back room, hoping to contribute as soon as possible.

What NFL Draft analysts are saying about Keaontay Ingram

Ingram was scouted by Lance Zierlein of NFL.com, who said the running back “leaves you wanting more.” He noticed some improvement after leaving Texas and joining the USC program but there is no one thing in particular that stands out.

“Running back prospect with adequate size and quickness who leaves you wanting more,” Zierlein said. “Ingram was noticeably quicker and more elusive at a lighter weight after transferring to USC from Texas. He sees the interior clearly but can be too content to bounce runs wide rather than continuing to probe between the tackles. He’s a below-average run finisher but will create additional yardage with quick decision-making at times. Ingram can handle an occasional pass and blitz pickup, but he’s not ready to be a third-down option. There aren’t any real standout qualities, but he should be competitive in a camp.”