NFL Post-Draft Running Back Power Rankings: Projecting All 32 Starters in 2026

May 10, 2026

Quincy's NFL RB power rankings for post-NFL Draft. He ranks all 32 starting NFL running backs following the NFL Draft, from Bijan Robinson to Jacory Croskey-Merritt.

With the NFL Draft in the rearview mirror, we can start to project next year's starters. The weaker-than-average running back draft class this season did not move the needle much for some of the incumbent starters. As such, there are several players with a very low risk of losing their jobs.

Still, there were a couple of surprising landing spots for a couple of rookies. Notably, the Cardinals' grabbing of Jeremiyah Love at pick No. 3 has been universally panned as a terrible pick. Love will be a great player, but he will not help the Cardinals with a quick rebuild as a running back. However, Love's selection certainly shuffled our board a bit.

Training camp could end up resetting our rankings, as unknown rookies can often emerge during that time. However, overall, it is pretty safe to say that most of the players on this list will start for their team in 2026. Let's dive in and see where everyone stands.

• 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. 32: Jacory Croskey-Merritt - Washington Commanders

The Commanders missed out on Love and subsequently waited on a running back in the draft. They ended up drafting Kaytron Allen in the sixth round. For now, it would seem that Jacory Croskey-Merritt will have a chance to lead the Commanders backfield. Rachaad White and Jerome Ford are also in the fold and should factor in on passing downs. However, keep an eye on the potential for Allen to rise in the depth chart.

No. 31: Aaron Jones Sr. - Minnesota Vikings

Aaron Jones Sr. was at serious risk of losing his job during the draft. He was already the subject of offseason trade rumors. However, the Vikings did not address running back until Round 6. Jones should roll out as the starter for at least one more season.

No. 30: Bhayshul Tuten - Jacksonville Jaguars

Bhayshul Tuten looks like he will get his chance to lead the Jaguars backfield in 2026. Jacksonville signed Chris Rodriguez Jr. this offseason, and both players will likely factor in for playing time. However, Tuten already flashed solid ability in 2025 and will likely receive the first crack at the starting gig.

Tuten that rock 🚂@bhayshul | #BUFvsJAX on CBSpic.twitter.com/bVOz3o5Zmz

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) January 11, 2026

No. 29: Tony Pollard - Tennessee Titans

Tony Pollard was another draft winner. The Titans added Nicholas Singleton in the fifth round. Singleton will have a role to play as a bruiser to complement Pollard's speed. As a fifth-round selection, Singleton is unlikely to threaten Pollard's job, at least to start the year.

No. 28: Cam Skattebo - New York Giants

The Giants were not even able to consider taking Love since he was gone by pick No. 5. As such, Cam Skattebo looks like he will have a chance to reclaim his starting role once he returns from injury. It will take Skattebo some time to regain his full strength, but once he does, he should be formidable once again.

No. 27: Quinshon Judkins - Cleveland Browns

Quinshon Judkins and backfield mate Dylan Sampson appear to be the future of the Browns backfield. Judkins was a solid rookie in 2025, showcasing excellent running ability and solid pass-catching chops. With a few offensive improvements, Judkins could surprise a lot of people with a big season in 2026.

No. 26: David Montgomery - Houston Texans

David Montgomery was traded to the Texans this offseason so he could have more opportunities. While the team may not give him the rock as much as it did to Joe Mixon a couple of seasons ago, Montgomery should mostly get his wish. His success hinges on the Texans offensive line's prowess.

No. 25: Chuba Hubbard - Carolina Panthers

The Panthers did not draft a running back, and did their existing backs a favor by continuing to upgrade the offensive line. After a down season last year that saw him lose his job to Dowdle, Chuba Hubbard has a great chance to bounce back. The team currently employs Jonathon Brooks, Trevor Etienne, and AJ Dillon as well, but Hubbard should receive the majority of the work.

No. 24: Jaylen Warren/Rico Dowdle - Pittsburgh Steelers

This is a difficult backfield to predict right now. Jaylen Warren is a better all-around player, and he has history in Pittsburgh, but Rico Dowdle is a better pure runner. So, who will start? This feels like a situation in which Dowdle will receive a lot of early down work, but the snap count for both players will ultimately be around 50%.

No. 23: Jadarian Price - Seattle Seahawks

It might take a few games, but there is no reason why Jadarian Price won't be able to establish himself as Seattle's top runner this season. Price has first-round draft capital and will be competing with the likes of George Holani and Emanuel Wilson to start the season. Both players are solid in their own right, but Price should prove to be too explosive to take off the field until Zach Charbonnet's return from injury.

The best returner in the country ☘️

Jadarian Price has been named a finalist for the Jet Award 💪#GoIrish☘️ | @Jadarian15 pic.twitter.com/2kbBH1OvUd

— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) November 24, 2025

No. 22: Ashton Jeanty - Las Vegas Raiders

Ashton Jeanty was a huge beneficiary of the offseason with all of the improvements to the Raiders' infrastructure. However, this team drafted Mike Washington Jr. for depth in its running back room. Washington is an intriguing prospect given his athleticism. Additionally, head coach Klint Kubiak has been vocal about wanting a committee. It is currently unclear how much work Jeanty could cede this season.

No. 21: J.K. Dobbins - Denver Broncos

J.K. Dobbins appears poised to lead the Broncos running back room once again, but the team's drafting of Jonah Coleman places Dobbins' job at risk down the stretch. Coleman and Dobbins should play similar roles in this offense. It has already been suggested that Coleman will receive short-yardage opportunities immediately.

No. 20: D'Andre Swift - Chicago Bears

D'Andre Swift will run it back as the Bears' starting running back in 2026. He will likely share time with Kyle Monangai, but both players should play similar roles as in 2025. Swift was effective in 2025, rushing for 1,087 yards and nine touchdowns.

No. 19: Bucky Irving - Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Bucky Irving will return as the Buccaneers starter in 2026, but the presence of Kenneth Gainwell certainly threatens his ability to hold onto the starting gig. Gainwell is a good player who surpassed Warren in Pittsburgh in 2025. Could he do the same to Irving? Irving is more talented than Warren, and his 2025 season was marred by injuries. Perhaps he can bounce back in a big way in 2026.

No. 18: Javonte Williams - Dallas Cowboys

Javonte Williams is back with the Cowboys after a career year in 2025. He should pick up right where he left off as he continues to revive his career on the heels of bad knee injuries early in his career.

No. 17: Jeremiyah Love - Arizona Cardinals

In the days leading up to the draft, rumors surrounding the Cardinals' potential selection of Love began to swirl. Those rumors came true, and Love will now lead a running back room already consisting of Tyler Allgeier, James Conner, and Trey Benson. Great player, tough pick.

HIT THE MUSIC. ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE 🫶

Jeremiyah Love's second touchdown of the game ☘️ #GoIrish☘️ | @JeremiyahLove pic.twitter.com/kMa3ltal9k

— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) November 22, 2025

No. 16: Omarion Hampton - Los Angeles Chargers

Omarion Hampton will enter the 2026 season in the driver's seat for a massive workload. Ankle injuries kept him off the field throughout his rookie season, but this guy has all the talent in the world, and he should thrive in new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel's scheme.

No. 15: Chase Brown - Cincinnati Bengals

Chase Brown looks like he is entering a stage in his career similar to Austin Ekeler’s in his heyday. Brown is a touchdown machine, and he is able to succeed at a high level when this offense is humming. That should continue in 2026.

CONFIRMED: CHASE. BROWN. TOUCH. DOWN.#ProBowlVote + Chase Brown
📺: #CINvsBUF on FOX pic.twitter.com/11zsYMdNT4

— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) December 7, 2025

No. 14: Rhamondre Stevenson/TreVeyon Henderson - New England Patriots

The Rhamondre Stevenson/TreVeyon Henderson tandem should be great in 2026. With Henderson entering Year 2 in the league, the sky is the limit. Adding Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown into the fold soon enough should also serve to benefit the running game.

No. 13: Kyren Williams - Los Angeles Rams

Kyren Williams will look to hold down the starting gig in Los Angeles, but suddenly, there appears to be some competition in the form of Blake Corum. Corum emerged as a quality runner in 2025, with traits similar to Williams'. For now, they complement each other well, but it would not be surprising to see Corum eat into Williams' work.

No. 12: Travis Etienne Jr. - New Orleans Saints

Travis Etienne Jr. comes to the Saints at a great time. New Orleans has completely reloaded its offensive roster, and Etienne should reap those benefits. There is a chance for a serious career year in 2026, which has shot Etienne up the power rankings.

No. 11: Breece Hall - New York Jets

Somehow, Breece Hall is back in New York after a long suggestion that this regime was not going to bring him back. The Jets offense is suddenly one to feel somewhat excited about with Kenyon Sadiq and Omar Cooper Jr. entering the fold. The quarterback situation is still in flux, but Hall should enjoy more success in what should be an improved offense in 2026.

No. 10: Kenneth Walker III - Kansas City Chiefs

Kenneth Walker III will receive his first crack at a true workhorse role in Kansas City. The Chiefs are going to scheme excellent plays for Walker that will showcase his speed and agility. This is going to be a fun ride.

Kenneth Walker III for the score! +6️⃣

📺: @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/gYX2j7Wt5R

— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) November 16, 2025

No. 9: Saquon Barkley - Philadelphia Eagles

Saquon Barkley did not follow up his stellar 2025 season with an encore. The Eagles offense struggled as a whole, and Barkley suffered because of it. If new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion can get this unit right, Barkley should enjoy another couple of seasons at the top of his game.

No. 8: Josh Jacobs - Green Bay Packers

Josh Jacobs is back in Green Bay to anchor an offense that has become heavily predicated on a stellar running game. Most of the infrastructure in Green Bay has remained the same, so there is no reason why Jacobs should not continue enjoying his end-zone success. Now, it is only a matter of whether the regular-season success will translate into the postseason.

No. 7: Jonathan Taylor - Indianapolis Colts

Jonathan Taylor was on pace for a historic season in 2025 before Indianapolis' offense fell apart, and Taylor stumbled down the stretch. There are still many unknowns for this team with a harder schedule on its way in 2026. Taylor's talent is undeniable, but even the best running backs need a lot of support to succeed.

No. 6: De'Von Achane - Miami Dolphins

De'Von Achane looks like he is going to be the Dolphins' entire offense in 2026. Miami hardly addressed its wide receiver issues, and Achane is clearly the best running back it has. However, early offseason trends suggest that a holdout could be in Achane's future as he looks to secure a new contract.

No. 5: Derrick Henry - Baltimore Ravens

This man does not age. Derrick Henry continues to dominate as he creeps further into his 30s. It feels like the ball has to drop at some point, but perhaps Henry will continue to defy the odds for many more seasons to come.

Derrick Henry is unreal 😱

📺: #BUFvsBAL on NBC/Peacock
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/os3S3L0RWP

— NFL (@NFL) September 30, 2024

No. 4: James Cook III - Buffalo Bills

James Cook III has emerged as one of the league's best backs. His ability to break away for long touchdowns has become a marvel. He has complemented Josh Allen's bruising nature with an element of speed and quickness. Cook will look to continue that success in 2026 in an offense that is largely unchanged.

No. 3: Jahmyr Gibbs - Detroit Lions

Jahmyr Gibbs' fourth season figures to possibly be his best yet. With no more David Montgomery in the fold, Gibbs seems likely to receive a lot of opportunities in this offense. The Lions spent the offseason retooling their offensive line. If those selections work out, Gibbs will be that much more supported.

No. 2: Christian McCaffrey - San Francisco 49ers

Christian McCaffrey is noticeably less explosive at this point in his career, but he is still one of the very best running backs in the league. McCaffrey's savvy in the passing game is just about unrivaled. The 49ers are facing a lot of offensive questions as we head into 2026, but McCaffrey should continue to be an anchor for this team.

No. 1: Bijan Robinson - Atlanta Falcons

Bijan Robinson took the mantle as the No. 1 back in the league after a gangbuster 2025 season. Of course, it is all for not as Robinson is relegated to a Falcons roster that has not been very competitive for years. Still, this team was a game away from making the postseason in 2025. A feat that could be accomplished in a weak division in 2026.

BIJAN ROBINSON. 93 YARDS.

ESPN | NFL+ pic.twitter.com/fRjPbmd2kv

— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) December 30, 2025

More Fantasy Football Analysis