🏈 The BEST RBs in the 2026 NFL Draft

Counting down the runners who will impact fantasy right away

AuthorAuthor

Doug Norrie & Joe Holka
March 23, 2026

Incoming Rookie RBs

Here are some of the top RB prospects going into next month’s NFL draft
 in two minutes or less.

#10 - Seth McGowan (Kentucky)

McGowan’s testing profile put real NFL eyes on him, pairing an NFL-ready frame with rare lower-body explosion and enough production to stay in the top-10 conversation.

  • Ran 4.49 at 223 pounds with an 83rd-percentile speed score.

  • Posted the top vertical at 42.5 inches and top broad jump at 10'11".

  • Quick processor with patience, decisiveness, and short-yardage finishing ability.

The production is not flawless and the ball security is a concern, but the size-athleticism combo gave McGowan the kind of combine bump that keeps him firmly in this range.

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#9 - Nicholas Singleton (Penn State)

Singleton has the raw tools that SCREAM NFL talent, even in a season that did not match the promise of his earlier years.

  • Big-play athlete with burst, acceleration, and true top-end speed.

  • Built like a pro back at 6'0", 221-224 pounds.

  • Brings pass-game and protection value with receiving versatility.

The vision and 2025 dip keep him out of the upper tier, but the size-speed profile and three-down flashes are still strong enough to keep him inside this top-10.

#8 - Le’Veon Moss (Texas A&M)

Moss is a tough, no-nonsense runner who consistently creates extra yards and looks like the kind of back coaches trust when the game gets physical.

  • Averaged strong production across multiple seasons, including 765 yards and 10 scores in 2024.

  • Adds yards after contact and finishes runs with balance.

  • Fits multiple run schemes and offers willing blitz pickup.

He may not bring much receiving juice or breakaway speed, but Moss has the build, toughness, and between-the-tackles reliability to hang in this countdown.

#7 - Demond Claiborne (Wake Forest)

Few backs in this class offer Claiborne’s blend of juice, agility, and true home-run speed once he gets into space.

  • Ran 4.37 with the third-fastest 40 in the class.

  • Put up 907 rushing yards, 10 touchdowns, and 28 catches in 2025.

  • Twitchy slasher with elite burst and chunk-play ability.

The size and between-the-tackles limitations are real, but his speed profile and explosive-play potential give him a strong case as one of the most dangerous backs in this class.

And the top six gets even better from here


#6 - Emmett Johnson (Nebraska)

Johnson cracks the top six because his 2025 workload, passing-game production, and steady downhill style give him one of the most complete résumés in this group.

  • Massive 2025 season with 1,451 rushing yards and 46 catches.

  • Big part of the passing game with soft hands and natural adjustments.

  • Runs urgent, decisive, and north-south with real stamina.

The combine raised some real questions, especially with the slow 40, but Johnson’s production, consistency, and all-around usage still make him one of the safer bets to hear his name called early enough to matter.

That’s the 10–6 range. Good backs, real NFL traits, and enough different styles that the top five has some real pressure to separate from this group
 as promised, in two minutes or less.

See you next time for the Top-5,

-Joe