7 Fantasy Football Rookie Running Back Sleepers: Dynasty Draft Targets

March 17, 2026

Phil's 7 fantasy football rookie running backs to target in dynasty rookie drafts to accelerate team rebuilds. His top rookie running back sleeper targets for 2026.

This year’s rookie class of running backs will not enter the NFL landscape with the exceptional depth that existed in the 2025 class. Jeremiyah Love’s elite talent has also fueled his ascension beyond the collection of other first-year backs, as Love’s capabilities as an explosive difference maker ensure an early Round 1 selection during the upcoming NFL Draft.

Love’s stock has clearly disengaged from other members of his class. The absence of a clear-cut RB2 has also combined with the nebulous composition of tiers below Love to alter the usual parameters for defining sleepers at the position. For this article, Jonah Coleman, Jadarian Price, Mike Washington Jr., and Emmett Johnson will comprise the next tier of backs who are considered strong candidates for selection during the early portion of rookie drafts.

However, other members of the incoming rookie class could exceed current expectations after they have been integrated into their new environments. This would also provide their pathway toward potentially emerging as contributors to your rosters. This article will examine seven of these first-year backs that can be targeted during upcoming drafts. You can also examine an enticing group of rookie wide receiver sleepers here.

Nicholas Singleton, Penn State

The combination of Singleton’s disappointing 2025 season and the fractured foot that he sustained at Senior Bowl practice has created uncertainty when attempting to project his eventual draft position.

Singleton was a five-star recruit who was the top-ranked running back in his 2022 class. He enrolled at Penn State after the completion of his high school career at Governor Mifflin (Reading, Pennsylvania).

HE IS GONE!!! 💨

Nick Singleton breaks away and gets the TD for @PennStateFball! pic.twitter.com/yZMkgFPbhj

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 7, 2024

Singleton’s size, speed, acceleration, and explosiveness were on display when he assembled 3,461 rushing yards and produced 45 rushing touchdowns while sharing touches with Kaytron Allen throughout his collegiate career.

Singleton also demonstrated his versatility during his tenure with the Nittany Lions, as he garnered 102 of his 138 targets, assembled 987 yards, and produced nine touchdowns as a receiving weapon.

Nick Singleton with the one-handed TD for @PennStateFball 🔥

📺: NBC pic.twitter.com/pAdlJ2guWn

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 27, 2024

Singleton’s stock declined after he also registered career lows in rushing yards (549) and carries (123) during his final season, even though he did generate a career best 13 touchdowns.

Singleton's aforementioned foot injury prevented him from being involved in events during the NFL Combine, and he is not expected to participate in Penn State’s Pro Day on March 18.

However, Singleton’s blend of attributes sustains his prospects of eventually securing touches in his new offense.

Adam Randall, Clemson

Randall is an intriguing prospect with an uncommon assortment of attributes that could lead to his selection early in Day 3. At 6’3” and 235 pounds, Randall possesses size that mixes favorably with his speed, balance, and physicality to propel his effectiveness as a one-cut runner.

There he goes!!

📺 ESPN || @8adamrandall pic.twitter.com/debc8vjkt5

— Clemson Football (@ClemsonFB) November 15, 2025

Randall also gained extensive experience as a pass-catching presence at the collegiate level, when he operated as a wide receiver at Clemson from 2022 to 2024. Randall captured 48 receptions, assembled 533 yards, and averaged 11.1 yards per reception during that sequence.

He transitioned to running back in 2025 and paced Clemson’s backfield in attempts (168), rushing yards (814), and rushing touchdowns (10).

Randall also accumulated carries in both zone (74) and gap schemes (91) in 2025, while generating 23 explosive runs and accumulating 32 missed tackles forced, according to PFF. Randall also accrued a career best 254 receiving yards and produced 213 yards as a kick returner.

Randall also completed the 40-yard dash in 4.50 at the NFL Combine and led all backs with 26 reps on the bench press. He also tied for third in the broad jump (10’4”), tied for fourth in the vertical jump (37”), and registered an RAS score of 9.49 out of a possible 10.00.

Makin' it look easy 🐅

📺 SECN || @8adamrandall pic.twitter.com/409yGg8Bzo

— Clemson Football (@ClemsonFB) November 29, 2025

Randall’s versatility could fuel his gradual ascension into a hybrid role if he emerges with a franchise that maintains a measured approach with his development.

Kaytron Allen, Penn State

Allen is an effective downhill runner who combines size, power, vision, and balance to consistently advance beyond initial contact.

Allen was a four-star recruit who eclipsed 3,000 rushing yards (3,077) during a high school career that began at Norview High School in Norfolk, Virginia, before he transitioned to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida.

Allen enrolled at Penn State in 2022 and advanced through his collegiate career in a timeshare with Singleton. Allen's yardage totals improved during each of his four seasons as a Nittany Lion (867/902/1,108/1,303), while the 4,180 yards that he assembled during his tenure established a school record.

Oh my what a move 😳😯

Kaytron Allen breaks off for a big @PennStateFball gain pic.twitter.com/EVd2LYYSm4

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 11, 2023

Allen also carried 769 times and generated 39 rushing touchdowns during his collegiate career, while accumulating 101 targets/70 receptions/490 receiving yards as a receiving weapon.

Allen also established career highs in yardage (1,303), touchdowns (15), and yards per attempt (6.2) in 2025, while leading Penn State’s backfield in each category. He also tied for 12th among all backs in missed tackles forced (57), and produced 30 explosive runs according to PFF.

Allen was involved in events at the NFL Combine but opted not to run. However, he appears primed to participate in Penn State’s Pro Day.

Allen could ultimately earn a role that includes touches as a short-yardage back. However, his prospects of advancing into a rotation are highly dependent upon his landing spot.

Demond Claiborne, Wake Forest

Claiborne has secured his place among the most explosive prospects at his position. This is a byproduct of his elite speed, elusiveness, and lateral agility, which sustain his big-play potential.

Claiborne emerged as a four-star recruit following a high school career that included his role in securing a state championship for King William High School (Aylett, Virginia). Claiborne’s performance as a sprinter also included a state title in the 100-meter dash and a second-place finish in the 200 meters.

Most TDs in the CFP Era 🏆@ClaiborneDemond 💫 https://t.co/avk5Z3PL1d pic.twitter.com/tQMAVCMfq7

— Wake Forest Football (@WakeFB) November 15, 2025

Claiborne enrolled at Wake Forest in 2022, where he accumulated 558 attempts, 2,599 rushing yards, and 26 rushing touchdowns. That includes his numbers during 2024-2025, when Claiborne stockpiled 407 carries, assembled 1,956 yards, and produced 21 touchdowns. He also registered 82 missed tackles forced and 48 explosive runs during that span, according to PFF.

Claiborne also demonstrated his pass-catching prowess while capturing 51 of his 73 targets and generating 394 receiving yards during his final two seasons.

What a run to kick us off on Day 3.@WakeFB RB Demond Claiborne with a speedy 4.38u.

2026 NFL Combine on @nflnetwork
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/lLTUbZtWCh

— NFL (@NFL) February 28, 2026

Claiborne also bolstered his stock at the NFL Combine by soaring to third among all backs in the 40-yard dash (4.37), tying for fifth in the 10-yard split (1.59), and finishing sixth in the broad jump (10’2”).

At 5’9” and 190 pounds, Claiborne is unlikely to operate as a workhorse at the NFL level. However, he can infuse an additional level of explosiveness into an offense. That should open his runway toward securing touches in a rotation if he surfaces in a favorable landing spot.

Seth McGowan, Kentucky

McGowan will enter the NFL with promising aspects in his profile that are offset by multiple yellow flags that have emerged.

The 6’0”, 225-pound McGowan is a physical runner who operates with power, burst, decisiveness, and explosiveness.  He will also turn 25 in October, has fumbled six times since 2024, and was also involved in an off-field incident during his collegiate career.

McGowan was a four-star recruit who was rated 13th among all running backs by Rivals after performing at Poteet High School (Mesquite, Texas).

McGowan enrolled at Oklahoma during 2022 and generated 370 rushing yards with his 58 attempts (6.4 yards per attempt) as a freshman. McGowan was also dismissed from the Sooners in the aftermath of an alleged armed robbery. He later pleaded guilty to larceny and served three months in jail.

🚨 TOUCHDOWN KENTUCKY! 🚨

Seth McGowan punches it in from 2 yards out to make it 24-7 Cats with 1:26 left in the first half.

Y'all having fun yet?!pic.twitter.com/YcFYbrWjGj

— KSR (@KSRonX) November 9, 2025

However, McGowan later resuscitated his career through a progression of stops at Texas College, Butler Community College, New Mexico State, and Kentucky.

THAT'S A Seth McGowan TOUCHDOWN 😼

📺 - SECNetwork pic.twitter.com/zBhhHd4Vr7

— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) August 30, 2025

He led the Wildcats in attempts (165), rushing yards (725), and rushing touchdowns (12) during 2025. McGowan was also invited to the Senior Bowl, and capitalized by generating 35 yards with his four attempts.

6'0", 223-pound @UKFootball RB Seth McGowan just launched for a 42.5" vertical. 👀

That's the second-best mark all-time at the Combine for the running backs.

2026 NFL Combine on @nflnetwork
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/ItEHHVigop

— NFL (@NFL) February 28, 2026

McGowan also performed impressively at the NFL Combine, while leading all backs in the vertical jump (42.50") and the broad jump (10’11”), and finishing sixth in the 40-yard dash (4.49).

McGowan’s unique profile makes it unclear what level of draft capital he will attain. However, he is capable of seizing a role for the team that is incentivized to select him.

J'Mari Taylor, Virginia

The 5’10”, 200-pound Taylor is a smaller back in comparison to several other rookies who have been examined in this article.

However, Taylor possesses an encouraging combination of power, determination, vision, and balance that sustains his effectiveness as a one-cut runner.

That fuels Taylor’s status as a deeper sleeper who should be garnering more interest as the NFL Draft approaches.

GET OFF 'EM 💪

That's J'Mari Taylor's seventh TD of the year‼️

📺 ESPN pic.twitter.com/UybIZABXMy

— Virginia Football (@UVAFootball) September 27, 2025

Taylor has also performed proficiently as a receiving weapon and is a capable blocker. That enhances his prospects of functioning as a three-down back if he surfaces in a favorable environment following the NFL Draft.

Taylor enrolled at North Carolina Central in 2020, and gradually ascended into the most productive season of his tenure during 2024 (196 attempts/1,146 rushing yards/15 touchdowns.

J'Mari Taylor will NOT be denied 😤

Hoos tie it up at 7 apiece!

📺 ABC x @UVAFootball pic.twitter.com/CeTxyHsSRV

— ACC Football (@ACCFootball) December 7, 2025

Taylor transferred to Virginia and vaulted to second among all ACC backs in attempts (222) and rushing touchdowns (14) during 2025. He also rose to third in rushing yards (1,062) and accumulated 53 missed tackles forced per PFF.  Taylor also paced Virginia's backfield in targets (57), receptions (43), and receiving yards (253).

THERE GOES J’MARI TAYLOR 💨💨#SeniorBowl on @nflnetwork #GoHoos 🔶⚔️🔷 pic.twitter.com/NxABmDq4ze

— Virginia Football (@UVAFootball) January 31, 2026

Taylor was later invited to the Senior Bowl and participated in the NFL Combine.  He did not run the 40-yard dash, but did register 34.50” in the broad jump and 9’7” in the vertical jump.

Taylor appears destined for selection during Day 3. However, his prospects of surpassing expectations should not be dismissed if he is operating with a navigable depth chart.

Le'Veon Moss, Texas A&M

Moss is a decisive runner who operates with determination and toughness. He can also accelerate beyond potential contact while assembling additional yardage. This elevates Moss’s proficiency as a downhill runner while amplifying his ability to secure touches in short-yardage situations.

Moss was a four-star recruit who accumulated 1,754 rushing yards in football and completed the 100 meters in 10.8 at Istouma High School (Baton Rouge, Louisiana).

Moss enrolled at Texas A&M, where he generated 1,767 rushing yards and 22 rushing touchdowns with his 321 attempts from 2022 to 2025.

Moss’s most prolific numbers were assembled in 2024 (121 carries/765 rushing yards/10 touchdowns). However, he also suffered a knee injury that sidelined him during the Aggies’ final four matchups.

LE'VEON MOSS OFF TO THE RACES 🔥

A 75-YARD TD TO START THE HALF 👏 pic.twitter.com/W6rWTwZgto

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 5, 2024

Moss was also limited to seven games in 2025 after he sustained an ankle injury in October. That has elevated concern surrounding his ability to elude health issues. Moss was not involved in on-field events at the NFL Combine, but he should participate in Texas A&M’s Pro Day on March 25.

Moss's minimal involvement as a receiving weapon (41 targets/236 receiving yards) and his recent injuries should not prevent him from emerging on an NFL roster. His collection of skills could eventually launch him into a rotation if he integrates into an ideal landing spot.

Deeper Sleepers To Consider:

Jaydn Ott, Oklahoma

Roman Hemby, Indiana

Rahsul Faison, South Carolina

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