Full Breakdown
2026 NFL Draft: Running Back Projections and Prospects
4/5/2026, 11:39:01 AM
Overview of the Running Back Class
The 2026 NFL Draft features a running back class that is largely viewed as underwhelming, with Jeremiyah Love from Notre Dame standing out as the top prospect. According to the BackCAST projection system, Love is the only running back this year with a score exceeding 40%, indicating a strong potential for success in the NFL. In contrast, last year's draft had nine running backs surpassing this threshold. While Love is projected to be a valuable player, he is not considered a generational talent, ranking outside the top 25 running back prospects since 1998.
Key Running Back Prospects
Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
- BackCAST Score: 89.0%
- Scouts Inc. Ranking: 1
- Type of Back: Balanced
- Historical Comparisons: Travis Etienne Jr., Todd Gurley
Love, weighing 212 pounds, recorded the fastest 40-yard dash among running backs at 4.36 seconds. Despite his impressive college performance, concerns exist regarding the quality of offensive lines for teams projected to draft him, which may hinder his potential.
Jadarian Price, Notre Dame
- BackCAST Score: -46.4%
- Scouts Inc. Ranking: 71
- Type of Back: Ground-and-pound
- Historical Comparisons: Miles Sanders, Bilal Powell
Price's lower projection stems from limited carries due to sharing the backfield with Love. However, he has shown promise with a college average of 6.0 yards per attempt and a 4.47-second 40-yard dash time.
Jonah Coleman, Washington
Adam Randall, Clemson
Mike Washington Jr., Arkansas
- BackCAST Score: 32.2%
- Scouts Inc. Ranking: 89
Washington's speed (4.33 seconds in the 40-yard dash) is notable, but his college production has been inconsistent.
Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton, Penn State
Dallas Cowboys' Interest in Running Backs
The Dallas Cowboys are exploring options to enhance their running back depth, despite confidence in their current roster led by Javonte Williams. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer has indicated the need for competition among younger backs. Potential targets include:
- Emmett Johnson, Nebraska: A decisive runner with strong receiving skills.
- Roman Hemby, Indiana: Known for his high football IQ and competitiveness.
- Demond Claiborne, Wake Forest: A speedster who could serve as a change-of-pace back.
- Jadarian Price, Notre Dame: Although overshadowed by Love, Price's performance makes him a viable option if he falls in the draft.
Conclusion
The 2026 NFL Draft presents a running back class that, while lacking depth, features standout prospects like Jeremiyah Love and potential contributors such as Jadarian Price. The Dallas Cowboys are actively considering several running backs to bolster their roster, reflecting the ongoing evolution of team strategies in the NFL.
