RADIO
Quincy ranks the top 10 NFL Draft running back prospects and predicts their landing spots. His landing spot predictions for RB rookies in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The 2026 NFL Draft class is a bit light on running backs. Outside of standout Jeremiyah Love, there is a reasonable possibility that we will not see the second running back come off the board until close to Round 3. Many of this year's prospects project primarily as committee backs.
Despite it being a lighter year at the position, there are a few teams with glaring holes. The Seahawks, Commanders, and Titans all come to mind as teams with serviceable options. However, were a second-tier prospect to land with one of those teams, they would have a golden opportunity in front of them.
Given the general turnover at the position, many teams will likely wait on running back this year in an effort to pursue other positions that have more high-end talent in the draft. Still, these guys have to go somewhere, and as usual, we will likely be surprised by some of the landing spots. Let's dive in and make a few fun predictions of the top 10 PFF-ranked running backs before the draft arrives in three weeks. Note that Jaydn Ott was swapped with Demond Claiborne, given Ott's unusual 2025 season.
Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings:- Overall fantasy football rankings
- Running back (RB) rankings
- Wide receiver (WR) rankings
- Quarterback (QB) rankings
- Tight end (TE) rankings
- Defense (D/ST) rankings
- Kicker (K) rankings
- FLEX rankings
- Dynasty rankings
No. 10: Kaytron Allen - Atlanta Falcons
While not as highly touted as his Backfield mate, Nicholas Singleton, Kaytron Allen was actually the more productive back over the last few seasons. He is Penn State's all-time rushing leader and has surpassed at least 1,108 rushing yards in two straight seasons. Allen has the size and skills to be a meaningful contributor in the right situation.
The Falcons already have Bijan Robinson on the roster, but Tyler Allgeier was a very meaningful member of the team before departing in free agency this offseason. Adding Allen would give the Falcons a solid option to spell Robinson on early downs as necessary.
No. 9: Demond Claiborne - Minnesota Vikings
Demond Claiborne can flat out fly. He is a smaller back standing at 5-foot-8, 188-lbs. However, he ran a 4.37 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. He is going to be an explosive player at the next level.
Claiborne could land with a team such as the Vikings, who could be looking for an upgrade at the position with Jordan Mason playing underwhelmingly, and Aaron Jones aging. Additionally, neither of those two players brings the explosive element that Claiborne would bring. If Kyler Murray wins the quarterback battle this offseason, an explosive running back would pair well with his running ability.
No. 8: Le'Veon Moss - Los Angeles Chargers
Le'Veon Moss is an interesting prospect. His career at Texas A&M was marred by injuries. However, he possesses solid patience and good quickness that provide him with a future in the NFL.
The Chargers are in need of a complement to Omarion Hampton after injuries ravaged the position in 2025. Moss's quickness could spell Hampton's power style effectively.
No. 7: Nicholas Singleton - Jacksonville Jaguars
Singleton flip-flopped between productive and lackluster seasons in college, essentially following Penn State's own patterns. He does not have a massive season to his name, but Singleton is a very efficient runner with a 5.6-yard per carry average over four seasons. He is also a touchdown machine, having logged 54 rushing and receiving touchdowns during his career at Penn State.
Singleton is by no means flashy, but he is a big back who will get the job done, which divides a lot of draft analysts. He fits in well with the Jaguars, who need to replace Travis Etienne Jr. Bhayshul Tuten would factor in as a big-bodied, fast running back, but Singleton has true three-down traits.
No. 6: Emmett Johnson - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Emmett Johnson ran an underwhelming 40-yard dash at the combine, which will hurt his draft status. However, this guy was pretty ridiculously productive this past season at Nebraska. Johnson ran for 1,451 yards and 12 touchdowns as a Junior. While he only had the one large season, Johnson looks like an NFL-ready back who could contribute meaningful snaps right away.
Running back is not the main need for the Buccaneers, but they require a second piece to play alongside Bucky Irving. With Irving already bringing the speed in the backfield, Johnson's 40-time would not necessarily be a detriment.
No. 5: Seth McGowan - Green Bay Packers
Seth McGowan was not extraordinarily productive in college, nor did he stick with any team for very long. He has the tools to be a solid contributor in the league, but he will need an opportunity to prove it, given his shallow production profile.
McGowan feels like a good fit in Green Bay towards the middle of the draft. The team will need to replace Emanuel Wilson behind Josh Jacobs with a solid complement.
No. 4: Jonah Coleman - Las Vegas Raiders
Jonah Coleman is perhaps the stockiest running back in this class. Standing at 5-foot-8, Coleman checks in at a whopping 220 lbs. He did not run the 40-yard dash, but his playing speed is solid, and his strength will be an asset at the next level.
Jonah Coleman HURDLES a would-be tackler 🔥👏@UW_Football inside the 20! pic.twitter.com/9JiY2aGV7w
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 22, 2024
New Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak has already stated his desire to use Ashton Jeanty with a complementary back. Coleman could be just that in a running scheme that has proven to work over the last couple of seasons in Seattle and New Orleans.
No. 3: Mike Washington Jr. - Tennessee Titans
Mike Washington Jr. is an athletic freak. At 6-foot-1, 223 lbs, Washington ran a 4.33 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. That size and speed combination is rare in the NFL. The problem? It took Washington five college seasons to truly break out. It was not until 2025 that Washington surpassed 1,000-rushing yards, and it took him three different schools to get there.
Still, you cannot coach physical gifts such as Washington's, and he may find his way into a substantial role sooner rather than later. The Titans are an intriguing fit for Washington. The team needs a prototypical workhorse at the position, and Washington and incumbent starter Tony Pollard could play well off of each other.
No. 2: Jadarian Price - Seattle Seahawks
Jadarian Price played bridesmaid to Love over the past few seasons, leaving his outlook muddy. He is very explosive, having averaged at least 6,0 yards per carry over the last two seasons, but the sample size is small. Price never received more than 124 offensive touches in a given season. As such, he has a wide range of outcomes as an NFL running back.
Price fits in well with a Seahawks team in need of an explosive element in the backfield after losing Kenneth Walker III. The good news in this scenario is that Price would not have to operate as a feature back. George Holani would factor in early in the season, and Zach Charbonnet should return from a torn ACL later in the year.
No. 1: Jeremiyah Love - Washington Commanders
The top running back in this class is touted by many as the best overall player in the draft. Love's position means he will not be selected No. 1 overall, but it would be a shock to see him last past the top 10.
The Titans and Giants have been floated as potential destinations for Love at picks No. 4 and 5, respectively. However, the Giants already have a stable of solid backs, and the Titans would be better served going in another direction. The Commanders have fewer holes on their roster and are in desperate need of offensive playmakers to support quarterback Jayden Daniels. This feels like a good fit at pick No. 7.
JEREMIYAH LOVE GOES 98 YARDS FOR THE TOUCHDOWN 😱 pic.twitter.com/SSAjPnrRtt
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) December 21, 2024
More Fantasy Football Analysis
Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App
Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy football app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, rankings, starts/sits & more. All free!
Check out all of RotoBaller's fantasy football rankings. Staff rankings are updated regularly for all positions and include standard formats, PPR scoring, tiered rankings and dynasty leagues.
