The NFL Draft is rapidly approaching as the beginning of April officially kicks draft season into overdrive. For any fanbase, drafting a running back at some point in the draft is incredibly exciting as everyone turns on the highlights and envisions that player becoming a star. While Fernando Mendoza will certainly be the 1st Overall Pick, the title of the best prospect in the class belongs to Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love.
There's no debate over who the first running back taken will be, but after Jeremiyah Love hears his name called, the big question is over if a second running back makes their way into the 1st Round. Notre Dame has a great chance to produce both 1st round picks at running back, but Jadarian Price will need a team to value him highly in order to pull off the feat.
4. Tennessee Titans: Jeremiyah Love - Running Back - Notre Dame
The Tennessee Titans started a new era hiring former Jets head coach and 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh. Along with bringing in Brian Daboll, the Titans filled plenty of holes in free agency giving the team a chance to pick the best player available. Jeremiyah Love is the most talented player in this class, and he'd form a duo for the future with Cam Ward while taking pressure off the young quarterback.
32. Seattle Seahawks: Jadarian Price - Running Back - Notre Dame
While Sam Darnold and the passing game were pivotal, the Seahawks duo in the backfield was a driving force for the team's run to the Super Bowl. Kenneth Walker departed in free agency, and the draft can help the team find a star to pair with Zach Charbonnet. Jadarian Price is an elite talent like Jeremiyah Love, but he brings a unique skill set with his ability as a returner with receiving upside.
82. Minnesota Vikings: Mike Washington Jr - Running Back - Arkansas
The Vikings were able to bring back veteran Aaron Jones, but if the offense is going to have a bounceback season, adding more talent to the room is key. While Jones is reliable, adding a more explosive player to the backfield would help take pressure off whoever starts at QB. Mike Washington Jr had a stellar NFL Combine showing, and his blazing speed would be a nice compliment to Jones.
100. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jonah Coleman - Running Back - Washington
Free Agency hurt the Jaguars as Travis Etienne cashed in with a major deal joining the Saints. Liam Coen and the Jaguars will need to add another running back to the room in order to keep pressure off Trevor Lawrence. Jonah Coleman is a smaller running back prospect, but he has the production for the team to hope he can continue to create big plays at the next level.
111. Denver Broncos: Emmett Johnson - Running Back - Nebraska
Bo Nix proved he's the quarterback to build around, but the Broncos can still continue to take steps as an offense. RJ Harvey and JK Dobbins both had great moments, but this rushing attack needs to improve if the Broncos are going to go on another deep postseason run. Emmett Johnson didn't test well, but he's an exciting creator who can help take this offense to the next level as a rookie.
119. Carolina Panthers: Kaytron Allen - Running Back - Penn State
After he helped lead the Panthers to the Playoffs, Rico Dowdle cashed in with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Giving Bryce Young a solid rushing attack should be a priority for the Panthers to help ensure he continues to take steps forward in his development. Kaytron Allen showed he could be a lead back in 2025 while he's solid as a pass protector for a college prospect.
135. Pittsburgh Steelers: Nicholas Singleton - Running Back - Penn State
Free Agency dealt a significant blow to the Steelers as they lost do-it-all running back Kenneth Gainwell to the Buccaneers. The room has some solid depth, but adding pieces to compete with some of the younger backs would be wise. Nicholas Singleton has explosive speed who can make an instant impact as a receiver helping replace Gainwell.
136. New Orleans Saints: Demond Claiborne - Running Back - Wake Forest
While the Saints signed Travis Etienne in free agency, the future of Alvin Kamara is uncertain heading into the season. Continuing to add younger pieces in case Kamara doesn't play this season would only help with Tyler Shough's development. Demond Claiborne is an exciting prospect as one of the most dynamic players in this class who could grow into an electric threat for the Saints.
145. New York Giants: Seth McGowan - Running Back - Kentucky
In Free Agency, the New York Giants showed interest in Kenneth Walker, but after missing out haven't added a running back. John Harbaugh's offense is at its best with a deep backfield, and the Giants should look to get deeper. Seth McGowan has elite intangibles and could be a player who breaks out after some off the field issues slowed the start of his college career.
147. Washington Commanders: Kaelon Black - Running Back - Indiana
Taking pressure off Jayden Daniels is the top priority for the Commanders after he dealt with injuries this past season. Adding to the running back room would be impactful to help cut down on Daniels' touches. Kaelon Black was part of Indiana's elite rushing attack with explosive North South ability, but he'll slide because of his age.
166. Jacksonville Jaguars: Roman Hemby - Running Back - Indiana
This draft will likely see the Jaguars take multiple swings with running backs after the loss of Travis Etienne in free agency. Roman Hemby posted the most impressive season of his career after transferring to Indiana, and he's the type of explosive back who could excel in Liam Coen's offense.
183. Arizona Cardinals: Robert Henry Jr - Running Back - UTSA
This offseason is going to be all about adding pieces for the future for the Arizona Cardinals. Robert Henry Jr is a solid rusher from the Group of 5 level who's had success against big schools like Texas which should be enough to hear his name called on Day 3 of the draft.
199. Cincinnati Bengals: Le'Veon Moss - Running Back - Texas A&M
The Bengals have a solid duo with Chase Brown and Samaje Perine, but adding more to the rushing attack to help keep Joe Burrow healthy is a great idea. Le'Veon Moss is an explosive back who will need to grow as a receiver, but he's a great piece to add to this rotation with his upside long term.
213. Detroit Lions: Adam Randall - Running Back - Clemson
The Lions blew up their "Sonic and Knuckles" duo trading away David Montgomery while signing Isaiah Pacheco. Given Pacheco's recent struggles, the Lions will likely need to add more depth to the room as insurance. Adam Randall is a converted wide receiver who can add a ton to the passing game while he'll only get better as he continues to gain more experience.
228. New York Jets: Jamarion Miller - Running Back - Alabama
Breece Hall will be playing on the franchise tag as things currently stand making his future with the Jets uncertain. As the team continues to build for the future, taking swings at cheaper options on Day 3 of the Draft makes a ton of sense. Jam Miller had a down season while dealing with injuries, but he's an elite blocker with receiving upside which could make him a nice piece in any rotation.
235. Minnesota Vikings: Noah Whittington - Running Back - Oregon
As the Vikings try to bounce back on offense, the team should look to add several pieces to the rushing attack. Noah Whittington will come with concerns as an older prospect who tore his ACL in 2023, but he can bring a ton to the passing game as a receiver and a blocker.
252. Los Angeles Rams: Chip Trayanum - Running Back - Toledo
This offseason has proven that the Rams are all in on winning in what could be Matthew Stafford's final season. If the Rams are going to employ any strategy in the draft, it's going to be picking up more pieces that can help right away. Chip Trayanum is an experienced back who can bring depth to this room with potential to continue developing into a long term option.