We’re nearing the end of our prospect breakdown, and after evaluating the wide receivers, we move to our second-to-last position group: running backs. The position continues to carry an unusual value in today’s NFL, with one or two prospects going early before a significant drop-off.
This year’s class features one clear top-15 talent, and two programs that produce multiple backs within our top 10. How they’re distributed across the draft will be worth watching, but for now, here’s a look at our top 10 running backs and where they could come off the board.
1. Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
6’0”, 212lbs, 32” arms, 9 ⅛” hands
Love is this year’s Ashton Jeanty, a clear No. 1 back with a complete three-down skill set. As with Jeanty, the only real question is how high teams are willing to take him given the position’s value.
Love brings legitimate breakaway speed while still running with power. His tape shows a patient runner who allows blocks to develop, with vision that stands out even among top college backs. He protects the ball, contributes in the short passing game, and has the lateral quickness to make defenders miss in space.
Pass protection remains the primary concern, but it’s the only notable weakness on film. Otherwise, Love projects as an impact player on Sundays.
Projection: Top 10 - 15
2. Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame
5’11”, 203lbs, 30 ⅞” arms, 9 ⅝” hands
Notre Dame had an embarrassment of riches this past season, with its top two backs also ranking at the top of this list. Price isn’t as east-west as Love, but he brings a physical edge that more than compensates. Despite being just over 200 pounds, he runs with power, often breaking tackles and generating extra yards after contact. Like Love, he shows patience behind the line, allowing blocks to develop before committing.
There will be some concern about how that power translates to the NFL given his size. Teams may look to add weight to his frame, and there’s the question of how Price performs as a true feature back, rather than in the 1A/1B role he held at Notre Dame. Time will tell.
Projection: Mid 2nd
3. Mike Washington Jr., RB, Arkansas
6’1”, 223lbs, 33 ⅝” arms, 9 ¼” hands
From a physical standpoint, Washington Jr. may be the most gifted running back in this class. At 223 pounds with 4.33 speed, he’s a force in the open field, combining burst with power. He fits naturally in a zone scheme, where his ability to make one cut and get downhill could translate into a true bellcow role. His time at Arkansas showcased both his breakaway ability and a forward-driving running style that makes him a dangerous weapon.
There are, however, notable concerns. Ball security is the biggest issue, and it’s one that can quickly limit opportunities as a pro. NFL coaches have little tolerance for fumbles, and if Washington doesn’t address it, he risks losing snaps and falling out of the rotation altogether.
Projection: Mid 2nd
4. Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington
5’8”, 220lbs, 28 ⅞” arms, 9 ⅛” hands
Coleman is the definition of a downhill runner. At 5’8” and 220 pounds, he built his college production on hitting holes decisively and running through contact. His low center of gravity helps him generate yards that aren’t there and shed arm tackles with ease. He also brings reliable hands, making him a low fumble risk and a capable option out of the backfield.
That said, his limitations show up in space. He lacks the lateral explosiveness to turn screens into big gains, and his hip stiffness can limit his ability to adjust when plays break down. Coleman projects best as an early-down back in a zone scheme who can handle short-yardage and goal-line work, but he may not offer full three-down versatility.
Projection: Late 2nd
5. Emmett Johnson, RB, Nebraska
5’10”, 202lbs, 30 ¼” arms, 9 ¾” hands
Arguably the most productive back in college football last season, Johnson was a legitimate threat both on the ground and as a receiver. He’s not the biggest back, but he runs through contact, shows strong vision, and can operate in both man and zone schemes. Johnson gets downhill quickly, absorbs contact, and offers versatility, whether catching out of the backfield or aligning in the slot in spread sets.
So why is he this low on the list? The primary concern is speed. His game suggests a breakaway threat, but he may not have the top-end burst to consistently create explosive plays at the professional level. There are also questions, similar to Price, about his ability to handle a full three-down workload at his size.
Johnson should be a productive NFL back, but he’s more likely to thrive in a committee role than as a featured option.
Projection: Early 3rd
6. Nicholas Singleton, RB, Penn State
6’0”, 219lbs, 31” arms, 9 ⅜” hands
Singleton entered the year with expectations of ranking much higher on this list, and it’s easy to see why. He’s a powerful runner with excellent burst, able to reach top speed quickly and beat defenders to the edge before angles develop. He’s also the best pass protector in this class, with the lower-body strength to hold up against blitzers.
However, Penn State’s struggles brought some of his limitations into focus. Singleton is most effective when he builds momentum, but he lacks lateral agility and isn’t an east-west tackle breaker. When plays break down, he can struggle to adjust in the backfield.
Add in a concerning injury history, and he becomes more of a risk. The upside is clear, but those questions could push him down.
Projection: Mid 3rd
7. Demond Claiborne, RB, Wake Forest
5’10”, 188lbs, 30 ⅛” arms, 9” hands
Claiborne is the true speed back in this class, bringing track credentials as a 100-meter sprinter. A classic home-run threat, he can turn the corner and outrun defenses, while his smaller frame helps him slip through tight running lanes. Add in his return ability, and his one-play upside will be appealing to teams.
That said, his role in the league will likely be limited. He doesn’t generate much after contact, and ball security is a concern after a high number of fumbles last season. The speed is undeniable, but he’ll need to clean up those issues to earn playing time as a pro.
Projection: Mid-Late 4th
8. Kaytron Allen, RB, Penn State
5’11”, 216lbs, 29 ½” arms, 9 ½” hands
Allen is a physical runner, plain and simple. He runs behind powerful legs and earns every yard, bringing a bruising style to the Penn State backfield alongside Singleton. Allen pairs that strength with solid gap vision and an aggressive first step, hitting holes with authority. He projects as an effective power back and goal-line option at the next level.
That may not be the full role he envisions, but it’s likely where he fits. Allen lacks the top-end speed to consistently reach the second level and turn runs into explosive plays, and he remains a work in progress in pass protection and as a receiver. Expect him to settle into a role similar to a Marion Barber-type contributor in the NFL.
Projection: Mid 5th
9. Le’Veon Moss, RB, Texas A&M
5’11”, 203lbs, 31” arms, 9 ½” hands
The best way to describe Moss’ running style is confident. The Aggies product identifies his lane quickly and attacks, giving defenses little time to react. He runs through contact, regularly falling forward for positive yardage, and his experience in multiple schemes makes him an easy plug-and-play option.
The concern is durability. Injuries to his knee and ankle have taken a toll, particularly for a back whose game is built on physicality. Some of that power has diminished, and it likely impacts his ceiling. A couple of years ago, Moss may have been viewed much higher on draft boards.
Projection: Late 5th - Early 6th
10. Seth McGowan, RB, Kentucky
6’0”, 223lbs, 31 ⅜” arms, 8 ¾” hands
McGowan’s Combine performance confirmed what scouts already saw on tape, he’s built on power. The Kentucky senior posted 99th-percentile marks in both the vertical and broad jump, highlighting the explosiveness behind his physical running style. He also ran sub-4.5 in the 40, showing more straight-line speed than expected.
That speed hasn’t always translated on the field, though, which limits his overall upside. For now, he projects best as a short-yardage and situational back.
Projection: 6th
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