Five Things to Know About Tyler Badie
The versatile running back from Missouri is an excellent pass-catcher who wants to be a firefighter after his playing career ends.
With their final pick in the 2022 draft, the Ravens selected Missouri running back Tyler Badie in the sixth round (No. 196).
Here are five things to know about him:
Badie Will Be Returning to the Baltimore Area
Badie spent most of his childhood in the Baltimore area, living in Randallstown from elementary school until the 11th grade. He played rec football for the Owings Mills Wolfpack not far from the Ravens' headquarters at the Under Armour Performance Center. He went to high school at Friends School in Baltimore until the 11th grade, when his mother got a new job and the family moved to Memphis.
His Family Was Displaced By Hurricane Katrina
Badie was born in New Orleans, but his family moved to Maryland in 2006 after their home was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina when Badie was just 5 years old. He has memories of former Saints players Drew Brees and Deuce McAllister and head coach Sean Payton coming into his neighborhood to offer assistance after the hurricane.
Badie Is a Pass-Catching Running Back
Badie's ability to catch passes effectively out of the backfield is what separates him from many running backs in this draft class. He caught 126 passes during his career at Missouri for 1,149 yards and 11 touchdowns. In fact, Badie was more productive as a pass-catcher than as a running back until 2021, when he broke out as runner with 1,604 yards and 14 touchdowns, averaging 6.0 yards per game.
While the Ravens are hoping J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards return 100 percent coming off season-ending knee injuries, Badie's ability as a pass-catcher out of the backfield could be a way for him to make an immediate contribution.
"Anytime I can be an outlet for the quarterback, I believe it's easier to just dump the ball down and run for 20 yards," Badie said on “Good Morning Football." It's just like a long handoff."
Badie Believes He's Big Enough For Heavy Workload
Listed at 5-foot-8, 197 pounds, Badie's stature may have raised concerns about his ability to take the pounding that NFL running backs absorb. However, he said anyone who doubts his toughness or durability should watch tape of him breaking tackles and gaining tough yards after being hit.
"You can put on the film and see everything a 200-pound can do," Badie said. "Any team that picks me is going to be excited about the skillset I can do."
He Wants to Be a Firefighter After Football
Badie has already decided on his post-football career, and he wants to serve his community as a firefighter.
"I know football's going to end one day," Badie said. "I believe firefighting is doing something for a bigger goal."
