Running Back Prospects

2026 Prospects

Evaluated Through the Vikings Lens

Running back evaluation is about more than production — it’s about role, efficiency, and value. The Skol Draft Room 2026 Running Back Prospects page breaks down the upcoming class with a focus on how backs fit within the Minnesota Vikings’ offensive structure and roster-building philosophy.

This isn’t a highlight reel ranking. It’s an assessment of traits, usage, and sustainability — viewed through the reality of positional value and modern NFL offenses.

How We Evaluate Running Backs

Running backs are judged on how they function within the system, not just how many yards they produce. Our evaluations prioritize:

Vision and processing at the line of scrimmage
Decisiveness and burst through designed lanes
Contact balance and finish
Pass-catching ability and route versatility
Pass protection reliability
Ball security and situational awareness

Explosiveness matters — but consistency keeps backs on the field.

Fit Within the Vikings Offense

Minnesota’s offense asks running backs to be more than early-down runners. Each prospect is evaluated on their ability to:

Execute zone concepts with patience and precision
Contribute in the passing game as a receiver
Hold up in protection on key downs
Complement existing skill sets already on the roster

Versatility often determines value more than raw rushing totals.

Role-Based Rankings, Not Just Stars

The 2026 running back class is diverse — featuring every-down options, complementary backs, and situational specialists. This page distinguishes between:

Three-down backs
Rotational and committee fits
Third-down and change-of-pace roles
Developmental depth options

Not every effective NFL back needs to be a feature player.

Draft Value & Longevity

Running back value is closely tied to cost and longevity. Our rankings weigh:

Draft capital vs. expected role
Mileage and usage history
Skill sets that age well
Ability to provide value on rookie contracts

The goal isn’t to overspend — it’s to maximize production efficiently.

Building the Backfield

Skol Draft Room evaluates running backs as part of a complete offensive ecosystem, not in isolation. Every prospect is viewed through how they complement the roster, the scheme, and the long-term plan.

Because in today’s NFL, the best backfields are built with intention — not impulse.

Running Back Prospects

RK	PLAYER	SCHOOL	YEAR	POS	POS RK	HT	WT
3	Jeremiyah Love	Notre Dame	Jr	RB	1	6-0	214
4	Jadarian Price	Notre Dame	Jr	RB	2	5-11	210
18	Jonah Coleman	Washington	Sr	RB	3	5-9	220
21	Emmett Johnson	Nebraska	Sr	RB	4	5-11	220
30	Seth McGowan	Kentucky	Sr	RB	5	5-11	219
37	Nic Singleton	Penn State	Jr	RB	6	6-4	210
38	Kaytron Allen	Penn State	Jr	RB	7	5-11	219
60	Demond Claiborne	Wake Forest	Jr	RB	8	6-4	200
61	Mike Washington Jr.	Arkansas	Sr	RB	9	5-9	170
67	J’Mari Taylor	Virginia	Sr	RB	10	5-11	180

70	Le’Veon Moss	Texas A&M	Sr	RB	11	6-2	220
71	Jaydn Ott	Oklahoma	Sr	RB	12	6-5	215
73	Desmond Reid	Pittsburgh		RB	13	6-3	205
80	Robert Henry Jr.	UTSA	Sr	RB	14	6-1	204
84	Roman Hemby	Indiana	Jr	RB	15	5-11	190
86	Terion Stewart	Virginia Tech	Sr	RB	16	6-1	224
89	Rahsul Faison	South Carolina	Jr	RB	17	5-10	180
101	Kaelon Black	Indiana	Sr	RB	18	6-2	213
105	Chip Trayanum	Toledo	Sr	RB	19	5-11	180
120	Jamal Haynes	Georgia Tech	Sr	RB	20	6-0	190