Grading four Georgia running backs in the NFL: Preseason Week One

There were four former Georgia Bulldogs that had significant carries this past week of preseason football: Daijun Edwards, Kendall Milton, Kenny McIntosh, and Zamir White. Today, I’ll give a grade on their performance from what I saw.

Daijun Edwards, Pittsburgh Steelers

Opponent & Result: Houston Texans, L 12-20

Statline: 3 carries, 28 yards, 1 rushing touchdown, 1 reception, 9 yards, 1 kick return, 27 yards

Edwards was used in several instances today: as a kick returner for the Steelers (which has become less physically taxing under the new kickoff rules), and as the lead running back during the 4th quarter. His biggest run was a 24-yard gain that almost saw him punch it into the end zone early in the 4th, and he would on the next play.

The Steelers offensive line was effective at blocking for him, but he showed some legitimate agility, especially on his reception, where he juked a defender and almost moved the chains on a check down from Kyle Allen. Time will tell if he makes the 53-man roster, but the undrafted pickup for the Steelers definitely improved his case.

Grade: A

Kendall Milton , Philadelphia Eagles

Opponent & Result: Baltimore Ravens, W 16-13

Statline: 9 carries, 39 yards, 1 target

Milton looked less impressive than Edwards, although he had more yards and carries. He did use his trademark downhill running style from UGA to run out several minutes of the clock and help the Eagles get into range to kick the game-winning field goal. He had a target, but QB Tanner McKee threw it too far right.

He showed patience until he could find a hole from the offensive line, especially on some eight and nine yard gains when he was running up the middle. The Eagles running back room is crowded, with five running backs got 20+ yards on the day (not including Saquon Barkley) but with more showings like this, he can also make the 53-man roster as a depth back behind Barkley and Kenneth Gainwell for the Eagles.

Grade: B

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Kenny McIntosh, Seattle Seahawks

Opponent & Result: Los Angeles Chargers, W 16-3

Statline: 8 carries, 40 yards, 2 receptions, 1 yard

McIntosh, who’s more experienced than Edwards and Milton, had a stellar game in the preseason. He came in during the 2nd drive of the game for Seattle and immediately had two impressive runs for five and 14 yards. He would have had another four-yard run if not for a holding penalty. Then, on a broken screen play, he juked through one defender, but couldn’t shake his jersey off the Charger’s defender’s hands, losing three yards.

On the next drive, he went back to work, converting two first downs in two drives with a four yard run and reception. Both those plays helped extend two touchdown drives for the Seahawks. Right now, he’s slated as the third back behind Zach Charbonnet and Kenneth Walker III, but if one of the two are out for a while, he could potentially see an extended workload. Regardless, he looks in good shape to get his first carries in his career (in the regular season).

Grade: A

Zamir White, Las Vegas Raiders

Opponent and Result: Minnesota Vikings, L 23-24

Statline: 6 carries, 23 yards, 1 touchdown

No doubt, 1st-round pick Brock Bowers was the most notable former Bulldog on the Raiders, but former Bulldog Zamir White also started for the Raiders today. He mostly got tough, physical four-five yard runs. White showed his strength on the run where he found paydirt, bulldozing through a couple Minnesota defenders to add on to the Raiders lead.

Other than that, White wasn’t asked to do much. The Raiders are looking to solve a quarterback competition between Gardner Minshew II and Aidan O’Connell, so the game script relied on mostly passes from both. He is also the favorite to be the lead back for the Raiders in the regular season, so his roster spot is all but secure.

Grade: C