2026 NFL Draft: Top 10 Running Back Rankings
Last Updated: November 1, 2025The 2026 running back class features a clear RB1 candidate in Jeremiyah Love, a former track star who's rewriting Notre Dame's record books. This year's group offers explosive home-run threats, versatile three-down backs, and physical downhill runners—giving NFL teams multiple archetypes to choose from depending on their offensive scheme and philosophy on the running back position.
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The Elite Tier: Top 3 Running Backs
1. Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame – Overall Rank: #9 (RB1)
Rank Movement: Consensus #1 Physical: 6'0" | 214 lbs | 4.40 40-yard dash The First-Round Lock.Love isn't just the top running back—he's the consensus RB1 across all major draft boards and a legitimate top-10 overall prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Background:Former Missouri high school track state champion who clocked a 10.7-second 100-meter dash before arriving at Notre Dame. Made an immediate impact in 2023, showing flashes of his dynamic playmaking ability. His breakout came in 2024 as he became a centerpiece of Notre Dame's national championship run.
Finished 2024 with 1,125 yards and 17 touchdowns on just 163 carries (6.9 YPC), adding 28 catches for 237 receiving yards and 2 more scores. Recorded a touchdown in every game—a Notre Dame record. His 98-yard touchdown run against Indiana in the College Football Playoff first round stands as the longest run in CFP history.
The son of a former college football player, Love has football in his DNA and track speed in his legs—a combination that makes him nearly impossible to defend when he hits the second level.
What Makes Him RB1:At 6'0", 214 lbs with legitimate 4.40 speed, Love has the prototypical size-speed combination NFL teams covet in modern running backs. His calling card is an incredibly powerful lower body that allowed him to break 62 tackles last season—elite contact balance for a back his size.
He's a devastating one-cut runner with explosive burst through the hole. Love does an excellent job of hitting the correct gaps while knowing when to utilize his cutback lane or bounce runs outside the tackles. His vision and patience are NFL-ready, combined with the decisiveness to press holes and get vertical immediately when creases open.
His speed shows up on tape consistently—he logged seven runs over 20 mph last season according to PFF's in-game athleticism tracking. When Love gets to the second level with space, defensive backs are in trouble. He has the acceleration to separate from pursuing defenders and the top-end speed to pull away for explosive touchdowns.
Against contact, Love plays bigger than his listed size. He absorbs hits, runs through arm tackles, and routinely finishes runs with physicality. His powerful leg drive allows him to fall forward consistently and pick up extra yards after initial contact. In the red zone, he's a touchdown machine—his combination of vision, power, and balance makes him nearly unstoppable inside the 10-yard line.
As a receiver, Love has shown natural hands and the ability to contribute in the passing game. He aligns in the backfield but can also be deployed in the slot to run routes or put in motion for jet sweep handoffs. His versatility as a receiver gives offensive coordinators multiple ways to get him the ball in space.
His zero fumbles on 191 offensive touches in 2024 demonstrates elite ball security—a critical trait that teams value highly when evaluating running back prospects.
Pro Comparison: Reggie Bush—dynamic athlete with track speed, receiving ability, and home-run threat capabilities The Concerns:While Love's track speed is undeniable, some evaluators question his long-term durability despite a relatively modest workload at Notre Dame. He's battled minor injuries throughout his college career, and his 214-pound frame raises questions about whether he can withstand the punishment of being a bell-cow back in the NFL.
His physicality as a runner is good but not elite for his size. Love lacks the high-end ability to consistently lower his shoulder and punish defenders in short-yardage situations. He's more likely to make defenders miss than run them over, which could limit his effectiveness in goal-line and short-yardage scenarios where power is required.
As a receiver, Love has shown flashes but only caught 28 passes in 2024. He must expand his route tree and prove more value as a dynamic third-down option. His route running is inconsistent—he needs to sell routes better and break more cleanly at the stem to become a complete pass-catching threat.
Pass protection requires significant development. Love needs more consistent attention to detail as a blocker, both in identifying blitzers and executing proper technique. His willingness is there, but the fundamentals and consistency aren't NFL-ready yet.
Ball skills as a receiver are inconsistent. He fights the ball at times, though he's shown the ability to pluck passes on the run and make lunging catches in traffic. More consistency in this area would elevate his receiving grade significantly.
Draft Projection: Top 15-20 Pick (First Round) Best Fit: Teams with creative offensive coordinators who can maximize his versatility (49ers, Dolphins, Rams)---
2. Nicholas Singleton, Penn State – Overall Rank: #18 (RB2)
Rank Movement: Slight decline Physical: 6'0" | 227 lbs | 4.35 40-yard dash The Physical Freak.Singleton has the most impressive athletic profile in this entire running back class—a rare combination of elite size, speed, and power that makes him a physical marvel.
Background:Former Gatorade Player of the Year in Pennsylvania and all-county track sprinter (100m, 200m, 4x100 relay) who arrived at Penn State with massive expectations. Delivered immediately with 1,061 yards as a freshman, becoming the first Penn State freshman to eclipse 1,000 yards since Ki-Jana Carter in 1993.
Followed up with 1,074 yards as a sophomore in 2023 before posting 1,106 rushing yards in 2024—the third-most among returning Power Four backs. Surprised many when he decided to return to Penn State for his senior season after being projected as a Day 2 pick, betting on himself to improve his draft stock.
The numbers are impressive, but the athletic testing is what truly sets Singleton apart. He's been clocked at 4.35 speed in the 40-yard dash at over 220 pounds and reportedly hit 23.6 mph on GPS tracking. He also broke Saquon Barkley's Penn State program record with a 655-pound squat—elite lower-body power that translates directly to his running style.
Part of a historic Penn State running back duo with Kaytron Allen—the first Power 4 RB tandem to each rush for 750-plus yards in three consecutive seasons since at least 1996. Singleton and Allen also became the first Penn State duo to each rush for 1,000 yards in a single season.
What Makes Him RB2:Singleton is a gifted athlete who converts top-tier speed and acceleration into devastating power. His calling card is his explosive athleticism—he has a final gear to pull away from defenders down the field that makes him a constant home-run threat. When he gets to the edge with space, secondary defenders simply can't run with him.
As a runner, Singleton excels when his shoulders are squared forward and he's allowed to attack downhill. He runs hard behind his pads with intentions of falling forward upon contact with defenders. His leg drive is powerful, allowing him to push piles and power forward through arm tackles and glancing blows.
His versatility is a major selling point. Singleton is more of a complete tailback than just a speed merchant—he consistently displays good hands as a receiver and occasionally aligns at outside receiver positions. Penn State uses him in motion frequently, and his ability to line up in multiple spots gives offensive coordinators flexibility.
Against the run, his physicality stands out. At 227 pounds with elite functional strength, Singleton can deliver punishment to defenders who attempt to bring him down in space. He's willing to finish runs violently and doesn't shy away from contact despite his value as a speed weapon.
Pass protection is surprisingly advanced for a player of his age. When asked to stay in and protect, Singleton showcases an unwavering desire to stick his body in the way. He's quick to identify free runners and willing to sacrifice his body to give his quarterback time. This three-down capability elevates his draft value significantly.
Pro Comparison: Jonathan Taylor—powerful downhill runner with breakaway speed and three-down capability The Concerns:Despite his elite straight-line speed, Singleton lacks good lateral agility and movement abilities. Creativity is an area of struggle—he is not an overly elusive runner who can break down alley defenders one-on-one in space. His jump cuts and directional changes lack the fluidity of elite change-of-direction backs.
Vision is the biggest concern for evaluators. Singleton can miss significant cutback opportunities due to occasional tunnel vision when following designed play paths. He shows some hip tightness that limits his agility in small spaces and prevents him from making defenders miss consistently at the second level.
His 2025 season has been concerning from a production standpoint. Through the first half of the year, Singleton averaged just 3.6 yards per carry with no single run of more than 20 yards—a dramatic decline from his previous standards. The explosiveness hasn't shown up on tape as consistently, raising questions about whether he's fighting through minor injuries or if defenses have figured out how to contain him.
Elusiveness in the open field is below-average for a first-round running back prospect. Singleton is more of a straight-line runner who relies on his speed to win, rather than making defenders miss with sudden cuts and jukes. Against NFL defenders with closing speed, this limitation could prevent him from maximizing his big-play potential.
He sometimes tries to bounce runs outside when he should take what's available between the tackles. His patience needs improvement—he can be too quick to abandon his blocking and search for the home run, leading to negative plays and tackles for loss.
Draft Projection: Late 1st/Early 2nd Round (Pick 25-40) Best Fit: Zone-blocking schemes that maximize his downhill running (Broncos, Packers, Browns)---
3. Jonah Coleman, Washington – Overall Rank: #32 (RB3)
Rank Movement: Rising Physical: 5'9" | 228 lbs | 4.50 40-yard dash The Steady Workhorse.Coleman has the highest PFF career rushing grade (95.4) among all FBS running backs since 2023—elite consistency and production that teams can trust.
Background:Began his career at Arizona under coach Jedd Fisch, where he showed flashes of being a productive back in the Pac-12. When Fisch took the Washington job, Coleman followed him to Seattle and immediately became the Huskies' featured back.
In his junior campaign (2024), Coleman rushed for 1,053 yards and 10 touchdowns, becoming just the 15th player in Washington history to eclipse the 1,000-yard mark. Earned third-team All-Big Ten honors and established himself as one of the conference's most reliable runners.
Through the first three games of 2025, Coleman put up Heisman-like numbers, already matching the 10 total touchdowns he scored in 2024. In 2025, he averaged 5.1 yards per carry for 643 yards with 13 touchdowns through the first half of the season—on pace to shatter his previous career highs.
The most impressive stat in Coleman's profile? Zero fumbles in over 400 career carries. That level of ball security is extraordinarily rare and demonstrates the consistency and reliability that NFL teams value when investing draft capital in running backs.
What Makes Him RB3:Coleman's game is defined by his high-end vision and ability to find open holes. He can also set up defenders and create openings on the second level with patient footwork and excellent anticipation. His processing speed is elite—he sees the field like a veteran and makes quick decisions that maximize his blocking.
At over 225 pounds, Coleman runs with good power and balance to gain yards after contact. What makes him special is the combination of that size with surprising foot quickness and lateral agility. He can make defenders miss in small spaces despite his thick build, and he has the contact balance to stay on his feet through arm tackles and glancing blows.
His three-down capability is his biggest selling point to NFL teams. Coleman can be a workhorse back or a specialist in a running back committee. He's a dependable pass-catcher who tracks the ball naturally and has shown the ability to run routes from multiple alignments. His hands are reliable, and he understands how to set up blocks in the screen game.
As a pass protector, Coleman is very effective. He identifies blitzers quickly, has proper technique when picking up edge rushers, and shows the willingness to absorb contact to give his quarterback time. This makes him a true every-down back who won't need to come off the field on third downs.
His consistency is remarkable. Across his two seasons at Arizona and one with Washington, Coleman has posted a 95.4 career PFF rushing grade—tied for fifth among FBS running backs in that span. That level of sustained excellence is rare and suggests his production is sustainable, not fluky.
Pro Comparison: David Montgomery—physical power runner with good vision, reliable hands, and three-down capability The Concerns:The primary concern with Coleman is his speed. Both his top-end burst and acceleration appear to be below average by NFL standards. Coleman appears to have limited speed in the open field, which results in defenders being able to track him down from behind, limiting his opportunities for explosive plays.
He lacks the breakaway gear to be a true home-run threat. While his vision helps him create chunk plays by finding the right lanes, he doesn't have the second gear to turn 15-yard gains into 50-yard touchdowns. In the NFL, where defenders are faster and more athletic, this limitation could cap his big-play upside significantly.
His height (5'9") is below ideal for NFL teams, though his thick build (228 lbs) helps offset concerns about durability. Some evaluators worry whether his compact frame can hold up to the punishment of being a featured back over a 17-game NFL season plus playoffs.
Elusiveness in space is good but not elite. While Coleman has surprising lateral agility for his size, he's not a make-you-miss runner who can consistently beat defenders one-on-one in the open field. His game is more about power, vision, and consistency than elite athleticism and elusiveness.
He lacks the quickness and balance to make sharp cuts or sudden moves in space at times. His physicality at contact doesn't quite match his build—he should be more punishing as a runner given his 228-pound frame, but he tends to avoid contact rather than seek it out.
Draft Projection: 2nd-3rd Round (Pick 50-90) Best Fit: Teams needing a reliable every-down back who can handle heavy workloads (Bills, Seahawks, Chargers)---
The Rising Stars: Prospects 4-7
4. Demond Claiborne, Wake Forest – Overall Rank: #45 (RB4)
Rank Movement: Rising Physical: 5'9" | 195 lbs | Sub-4.40 speed (projected) The Lightning Bolt.Claiborne has a "lightning-in-a-bottle" element that generates De'Von Achane comparisons—elite speed and agility that can take over games.
Background:Wake Forest senior who's been a productive contributor throughout his career despite playing in a less-heralded offense. Across 35 career games, Claiborne has logged 404 carries for 1,939 yards and 20 rushing touchdowns, with 37 receptions for 315 yards and two receiving scores.
In 2025, he's having his best season yet—averaging 6.7 yards per carry for 612 yards and eight touchdowns through the first half of the year. His explosiveness has caught the attention of NFL scouts looking for big-play specialists who can change games with one touch.
Claiborne is the only back on this top-10 list currently listed under 200 pounds, which raises obvious durability concerns. But his superpower—hyper-elite change of direction, transition balance, and recalibration ability through contact—makes him too dynamic to ignore.
Strengths:His profile invites comparisons to Miami's De'Von Achane thanks to his lightning-in-a-bottle element that shows up as a runner, receiver, and returner. Claiborne's electric agility and speed make him one of the most explosive prospects in this class when he touches the ball in space.
His change-of-direction ability is elite. Claiborne can plant his foot and change direction without losing speed, making defenders miss in the open field consistently. His transition balance through contact is exceptional—he can absorb hits, stay on his feet, and immediately accelerate back to full speed.
As a receiver, Claiborne is dynamic. He has natural hands, understands how to set up blocks in space, and can line up in multiple positions. Wake Forest uses him on jet sweeps, screens, and as a receiver split out wide, showcasing his versatility as a playmaker.
His vision and instincts are advanced. Despite his size limitations, Claiborne understands how to press holes, when to cut back, and how to maximize his blocking. He's a smart runner who rarely leaves yards on the field due to poor decisions.
Weaknesses:At 5'9", 195 pounds, Claiborne's size is a legitimate concern for NFL durability. He's undersized even by modern NFL standards, and scouts question his ability to hold up to the greater physicality he'll face at the next level. Bell-cow workloads seem unrealistic given his frame.
His power and physicality are limited. Claiborne is not going to run through arm tackles or deliver punishment to defenders. In short-yardage and goal-line situations, his effectiveness will be limited, which caps his every-down potential and could relegate him to a change-of-pace role.
Between-the-tackles running is not his strength. Claiborne is best in space where he can use his speed and agility, but when forced to run between the guards against NFL defensive tackles and linebackers, his lack of size and power becomes glaring.
Projection: Day 2 (3rd Round, Pick 70-100) NFL Fit: Change-of-pace back/receiving specialist with elite big-play ability (Dolphins, Chiefs, Eagles)---
5. Makhi Hughes, Oregon – Overall Rank: #51 (RB5)
Rank Movement: Steady Physical: 5'11" | 210 lbs | 4.44 40-yard dash The Transfer Success.Hughes transferred from Tulane to Oregon and has been productive everywhere he's played—his 2,776 rushing yards since 2023 are the most by any returning FBS back by 476 yards.
Background:Hughes began his collegiate career at Tulane, where he rushed for over 1,300 yards in back-to-back seasons (2023-2024). His 2024 campaign at Tulane was particularly impressive: 265 carries for 1,401 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns, plus 19 receptions for 176 receiving yards and 2 scores.
Transferred to Oregon for the 2025 season to assume a prominent role as the Ducks' starting running back. The move to a bigger program with better blocking has allowed Hughes to showcase his skills against elite competition on a weekly basis, elevating his draft stock significantly.
Over his college career, Hughes has averaged 5.3 yards per carry across 523 attempts with 22 rushing touchdowns and 30 receptions. Most impressively, he hasn't fumbled once in his entire college career—elite ball security that NFL teams covet.
Strengths:Hughes is an explosive running back with a dynamic blend of vision, lateral agility, and acceleration that allows him to create big plays. His ability to identify cutback lanes and let blocks develop shows advanced processing and patience for a college back.
He fights through contact and picks up yards after it consistently. Hughes has good contact balance and leg drive, allowing him to fall forward and convert short-yardage situations. His competitive toughness shows up on tape—he's willing to absorb hits and keep churning his legs.
His underrated speed produces several runs over 30 yards each season. While he's not a track star, Hughes has enough long speed to threaten defenses vertically and turn chunk plays into touchdowns when he reaches the second level with space.
Ball security is exceptional—zero fumbles in his entire college career. This reliability makes him trustworthy in critical situations and demonstrates the ball awareness that NFL coaches value highly.
Weaknesses:Hughes doesn't have much of a plan in the open field other than running over defenders. His elusiveness and ability to make defenders miss one-on-one is average at best. He's more of a downhill power runner than a finesse back who creates with agility.
He's still a work in progress in both pass blocking and the receiving game. Most of his routes are checkdowns or swing routes—he hasn't shown the route-running nuance or hands consistency to be a complete pass-catching threat. Expanding this part of his game is critical for his draft stock.
As a pass blocker, Hughes struggles with hand placement and picking up blitzing defenders. His technique needs significant refinement, and his willingness sometimes exceeds his ability, leading to whiffed blocks and free rushers.
Draft Projection: Day 2-3 (3rd-4th Round, Pick 80-120) Best Fit: Power-running schemes that emphasize downhill running (Steelers, Ravens, Bears)---
6. Justice Haynes, Michigan – Overall Rank: #57 (RB6)
Rank Movement: Rising rapidly Physical: 5'11" | 210 lbs | Sub-4.45 40-yard dash (projected) The Son of a Legend.Haynes is the son of former NFL running back Verron Haynes and has elite genetics—his stock has soared after transferring from Alabama to Michigan and becoming the first Wolverine to rush for 100 yards in his first four games.
Background:Transferred from Alabama to Michigan before the 2025 season, seeking a larger role and the opportunity to showcase his abilities as a featured back. The move paid immediate dividends—in his first five games at Michigan, Haynes amassed 654 rushing yards on only 85 carries, averaging an impressive 7.7 yards per attempt.
He became the first Michigan player to rush for 100 yards in his first four games of his career as a Wolverine—rewriting the record books and immediately establishing himself as one of the Big Ten's most explosive backs.
As the son of former NFL running back Verron Haynes (who played for the Steelers, Patriots, and Falcons), Justice grew up around professional football and understands the nuances of the position at a high level.
Strengths:Haynes is a safe bet to run a sub-4.45 40-yard dash—he has elite straight-line speed that shows up consistently on tape. When he gets to the second level, he has the speed to take every carry to the house, making him a constant home-run threat.
He's a natural one-cut runner with decisive footwork and vision. Haynes sees cutback lanes developing and hits them with immediate acceleration, showing the processing speed and anticipation that NFL teams covet. His ability to press holes and get vertical quickly maximizes his blocking.
There are flashes of real contact balance that suggest his power will translate to the NFL. Haynes plays with strong pad level, making him tougher to tackle than his frame would suggest. He runs low to the ground and finishes runs by falling forward consistently.
His explosiveness is NFL-caliber. The combination of his first-step quickness, acceleration, and top-end speed makes him dangerous every time he touches the ball. Defenses have to account for his big-play ability, which opens up the rest of the offense.
Weaknesses:The 5'10", 210-pound Haynes isn't much of a receiving threat, and that limits his NFL draft upside significantly. He hasn't shown the route-running ability or hands consistency to be a factor in the passing game beyond simple checkdowns and screens.
Without significant improvements as a receiver and in pass protection, Haynes likely begins his NFL journey in a committee backfield with primary responsibilities on early downs and short-yardage situations. His inability to stay on the field for third downs caps his value.
His elusiveness in space is good but not elite. While Haynes has the speed to run away from defenders, he doesn't consistently make defenders miss with sudden cuts and directional changes. His one-cut style is effective but somewhat predictable.
Draft Projection: Day 2 (2nd-3rd Round, Pick 50-80) Best Fit: Gap-blocking schemes that emphasize decisive downhill running (Packers, Titans, Cowboys)---
7. Jaydn Ott, Oklahoma – Overall Rank: #62 (RB7)
Rank Movement: Falling Physical: 5'10" | 215 lbs | 4.48 40-yard dash The Injury Enigma.Ott was one of college football's most electric underclassmen at Cal, earning 90.1 and 89.5 PFF rushing grades as a freshman and sophomore—but injuries have derailed his last two seasons.
Background:Made an immediate impact at Cal as a true freshman in 2022, showcasing elite vision, quickness, and big-play ability. His 90.1 PFF rushing grade as a freshman was exceptional, and he followed it up with an 89.5 grade as a sophomore, establishing himself as one of the Pac-12's elite backs.
His 2024 season at Cal was derailed by an ankle injury suffered in the season opener that never fully healed. Ott totaled just 385 yards and four touchdowns while averaging only 3.3 yards per attempt—a dramatic decline from his previous standards.
Transferred to Oklahoma in April 2025, choosing the Sooners over Georgia for his senior season. The move reunited him with offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle and dual-threat quarterback John Mateer in a creative offensive scheme designed to maximize his versatility.
Unfortunately, injuries have continued to plague Ott at Oklahoma. He sustained a serious sprain of the AC joint in his shoulder during the second week of preseason camp, causing him to miss two-plus weeks. Against Illinois State, he played only four snaps with one carry as he works back to full health.
Strengths:When healthy, Ott is an explosive athlete with elite lateral agility and change-of-direction ability. His vision and processing speed are advanced—he identifies cutback lanes quickly and has the footwork to exploit them. His ability to make defenders miss in the open field is elite when he's at full strength.
His receiving ability is a major strength. Ott has natural hands, understands route concepts, and can line up in multiple positions. He's effective on screens, swing routes, and even some downfield passing concepts. His versatility as a receiver gives him three-down upside.
Ott's quickness and acceleration in small spaces are special. He can get to full speed in just a few steps, allowing him to hit holes explosively and reach the second level before linebackers can fill. This trait makes him dangerous in zone-blocking schemes.
Weaknesses:Durability concerns have surfaced over the last two seasons as nagging injuries have limited his effectiveness and production. The ankle injury at Cal and shoulder injury at Oklahoma raise red flags about his ability to stay healthy through the rigors of an NFL season.
His 2024 season (385 yards, 3.3 YPC) was a significant step backward and will require explanation during the draft process. Teams will want to see medical reports and understand whether the ankle injury fully affected his performance or if there were other factors at play.
At 5'10", 215 pounds, Ott's size is below ideal for an every-down NFL back. While his frame is thick and compact, questions remain about whether he can hold up to the punishment of a featured role at the next level, especially given his recent injury history.
His power and physicality between the tackles are limited. Ott is best in space where he can use his quickness and agility, but when forced to run inside against NFL defensive linemen, his lack of size and power becomes apparent.
Draft Projection: Day 3 (4th-5th Round, Pick 110-150) Best Fit: Zone-blocking schemes that value elusiveness and receiving ability (Broncos, Falcons, Texans)---
The Depth: Prospects 8-10
8. Kaytron Allen, Penn State – Overall Rank: #68 (RB8)
Rank Movement: Steady Physical: 5'11" | 220 lbs | 4.52 40-yard dash The Downhill Hammer.Allen is the other half of Penn State's historic running back duo—a decisive downhill runner with enough juice to punish defenses between the tackles.
Background:Allen and Nicholas Singleton form the first Power 4 running back duo to each rush for 750-plus yards in three consecutive seasons since at least 1996. They also became the first Penn State duo to each rush for 1,000 yards in a single season, with Allen achieving this milestone in his junior year (2024).
Over his three seasons at Penn State, Allen has been the more physical, between-the-tackles complement to Singleton's speed and explosiveness. His consistent production and ability to share carries effectively demonstrate the unselfishness and team-first mentality that NFL coaches value.
Allen and Singleton see themselves as college football's version of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, who powered the Detroit Lions. Like Montgomery, Allen brings the power and vision to exploit open running lanes as a decisive downhill threat.
Strengths:Allen delivers as a decisive downhill hammer with enough juice to punish defenses between the tackles. He runs with proper pad level and leg drive, consistently falling forward and gaining extra yards after contact. His physicality wears down defenses over the course of games.
His vision between the tackles is excellent. Allen understands blocking schemes, identifies the right gaps quickly, and has the decisiveness to hit holes without hesitation. He doesn't dance behind the line—he presses, cuts once, and gets vertical immediately.
Contact balance is a strength. At 220 pounds with a compact build, Allen can absorb hits and stay on his feet through arm tackles. He has good core strength that helps him power through contact and maintain balance when defenders try to bring him down.
His reliability and consistency are valuable traits. Allen has shared carries with an elite back (Singleton) for three years and never complained, always producing when his number is called. That team-first attitude and consistent production make him trustworthy.
Weaknesses:Allen lacks the elite speed and explosiveness to be a home-run threat at the NFL level. While he has adequate speed for a power back, he doesn't have the breakaway gear to consistently turn chunk plays into touchdowns. NFL defenders with pursuit angles will catch him from behind.
His receiving ability needs significant development. Allen isn't a natural pass-catcher and hasn't shown the route-running ability or hands consistency to be a factor in the passing game. His routes are basic, and he doesn't always track the ball smoothly.
Pass protection is a work in progress. While he shows willingness to block, his technique needs refinement. He struggles with hand placement and sometimes whiffs on blitzing linebackers, particularly when asked to pick up edge rushers with speed.
Elusiveness in space is below-average. Allen is a one-cut-and-go runner who relies on his vision and decisiveness rather than making defenders miss with agility. In the open field, he's not going to create much on his own without blocking.
Draft Projection: Day 3 (4th-5th Round, Pick 120-150) Best Fit: Power-running schemes needing a physical early-down back (Browns, Ravens, 49ers)---
9. Mark Fletcher Jr., Miami – Overall Rank: #74 (RB9)
Rank Movement: Rising Physical: 6'2" | 225 lbs | 4.52 40-yard dash The Pass-Pro Specialist.Fletcher is already among the best backfield blockers in the country and this draft class—his elite pass protection gives him immediate NFL value.
Background:Entering his junior season as the unquestioned lead back for the Miami Hurricanes after accumulating 1,121 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns in his first two seasons as a rotational player. His 2025 campaign has been his best yet—averaging a career-high 5.9 yards per carry with five scores in his last three games.
At 6'2", 225 pounds, Fletcher has an exceptional size-speed combination with a frame that can withstand the punishment of bell-cow usage at the next level. His physical profile is prototypical for modern NFL power backs.
Fletcher has developed under Miami's offensive staff into a more complete back, showing improvements in his vision, patience, and ability to create after contact. His emergence as a featured back in 2025 has put him on NFL radars as a potential mid-round value pick.
Strengths:His standout trait is his pass protection—Fletcher is already among the best backfield blockers in the country and this draft class. He identifies blitzers quickly, has proper technique when engaging edge rushers, and shows the physical toughness to absorb contact and anchor. This skill alone makes him valuable as a third-down back.
He's a downhill bruiser who embraces contact and consistently falls forward. Fletcher runs with proper knee bend and pace, altering his gait through the hole and leaving defenders guessing. His physicality at contact creates extra yardage and wears down defenses.
At 6'2", 225 pounds with a thick build, Fletcher has the prototypical size NFL teams want in a power back. His frame can handle increased workloads, and his durability profile is excellent based on his college usage and injury history.
He's equally adept at lowering his shoulder into defenders and breaking tackles or triggering off either foot to daylight. His versatility as a runner allows him to function in multiple blocking schemes—he can be a patient zone runner or a downhill gap scheme thumper.
Weaknesses:Fletcher lacks the quickness and balance to make sharp cuts or sudden moves in space. His elusiveness is limited—when he gets to the second level, he's not going to make many defenders miss one-on-one. He relies more on his size and power than agility or creativity.
His physicality at contact doesn't quite match his build. For a 225-pound back, Fletcher should be more punishing as a runner, but he tends to go down on first contact more than expected. His leg drive and finish through contact need improvement to maximize his physical tools.
As a receiver, Fletcher is limited. His hands are adequate on checkdowns and screens, but he hasn't shown the route-running ability or tracking skills to be a complete pass-catching threat. Expanding this part of his game is critical for three-down potential.
Top-end speed is below-average. While Fletcher has adequate speed for a power back, he lacks the acceleration and breakaway ability to consistently create explosive plays. NFL defenders will track him down from behind on longer runs.
Draft Projection: Day 3 (5th-6th Round, Pick 150-180) Best Fit: Teams needing a physical early-down runner with elite pass protection (Patriots, Steelers, Commanders)---
10. Quintrevion Wisner, Texas – Overall Rank: #79 (RB10)
Rank Movement: Steady Physical: 6'0" | 194 lbs | 4.48 40-yard dash The Shifty Longhorn.Wisner is a dynamic dual-threat back who excels in both the run and pass games—his 44 receptions in 2024 showcase his versatility.
Background:Had a breakout 2024 season for the Texas Longhorns, rushing for 1,064 yards on 226 carries with five touchdowns while adding 44 catches for 311 yards and another score. Earned third-team All-SEC honors in Texas's first year in the conference.
His best performance came against rival Texas A&M with 186 rushing yards on 33 carries—a dominant display against a quality SEC defense that showed his ability to handle heavy workloads and produce against elite competition.
Wisner has dealt with hamstring injuries during the 2025 season, which have limited his opportunities to build on his strong 2024 campaign. When healthy, he's shown the ability to be a productive runner and receiver in Texas's diverse offensive scheme.
Strengths:Wisner has near-elite acceleration, vision, and an ideal blend of patience and decisiveness. He understands how to press behind blocks, when to cut, and when to get vertical. His processing speed and anticipation are advanced for a college back.
His receiving skills translate well to the next level—he tracks passes naturally and has route-running ability to line up in the slot. Wisner is dynamic in both the run and pass games, and his 44 receptions in 2024 demonstrate his value as a pass-catching weapon.
He's shifty with the ball in his hands, showing good elusiveness in space. Wisner can make defenders miss with subtle changes of direction and has the balance to stay on his feet through arm tackles. His ability to create after the catch makes him dangerous on screens and swing routes.
His football IQ is high. Wisner understands blocking schemes, recognizes defensive alignments, and makes smart decisions with the ball. He rarely leaves yards on the field due to poor reads or indecisiveness.
Weaknesses:Without high-end size or elite creative efficiency and speed, Wisner may never be a team's unquestioned lead back at the NFL level. At 194 pounds, there's concern whether his frame can hold up to the punishment of NFL linebackers over a full season as a featured back.
He lacks the physical tools to create much when the blocking breaks down. Wisner needs his offensive line to create running lanes—he's not a back who can consistently generate yards on his own through elite athleticism or power. Against NFL defensive fronts, this limitation could be magnified.
His power and physicality are limited. Wisner is not going to run through arm tackles or deliver punishment to defenders. In short-yardage and goal-line situations, his effectiveness will be questioned, which could relegate him to a committee role.
Durability is a concern after hamstring issues in 2025. His lean frame raises questions about whether he can hold up to increased workloads at the NFL level, where the speed and physicality of defenders is significantly higher than in college.
Draft Projection: Day 3 (4th-5th Round, Pick 110-150) Best Fit: Spread offenses that value versatility and receiving ability (Rams, Cardinals, Saints)---
Stock Watch: Who's Rising?
Jeremiyah Love
Justice Haynes
Demond Claiborne
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Stock Watch: Who's Falling?
Nicholas Singleton (Minor Dip)
Jaydn Ott (Significant Dip)
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The Verdict: Is This a Strong RB Class?
Mixed—elite at the top, concerning depth behind.
The 2026 RB class features:Love vs. Singleton:
Love is the consensus RB1 on every board. The real question is whether Singleton can regain his 2024 form and challenge for RB1 status, or if his struggles in 2025 drop him to Day 2.
Coleman is the safest pick—elite PFF grades, zero fumbles, three-down capability—but his lack of elite speed caps his ceiling.
Bottom Line:
This is a class with legitimate first-round talent at the top but lacks the overwhelming depth of recent elite RB classes (2023, 2024). The efficiency metrics are generally lower than ideal, making this feel like a down year for the position. If you need a running back, you better draft one in the first two rounds—after Coleman, there's a significant talent drop. Expect 2-3 RBs in Round 1, 3-5 in Round 2, but limited premium talent in Rounds 3-7.
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Final Thoughts: Players to Continue Watching
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Test Your Draft Strategy: Mock the 2026 NFL Draft
Want to see how these running backs fit with your favorite team? Head over to StickToTheModel.com's 2026 NFL Mock Draft Simulator and build your dream draft board.
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âś… Personalized draft grades based on team fit
Will you take Love in the first round? Can you snag Coleman's reliability in Round 2?
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