Dynasty Rookie RB Rankings 2026 (Running Back)

Updated on Wed, 28 Jan 2026

These Dynasty Rookie RB Rankings aren’t like any others … because of how we build them.

Draft Sharks doesn’t just slot the RBs in the order we think they belong. We build these rankings out from our actual, award-winning projections.

We combine those 2026 projections with two decades of NFL research – as well as a series of machine-learning models – to produce three-year, five-year, and 10-year projections for every player. That process includes research-based aging curves and expected retirement rates specific to varied RB archetypes.

The result: You get 3D+ Values that determine the rankings and present the clearest picture of a player’s dynasty outlook you’ll find anywhere.

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RK	Player	ADP	Bye	Age	1yr. Proj	3yr. Proj	5yr. Proj	10yr. Proj	DS Analysis	3D Value +


Tier 1
1	Jeremiyah Love J Love RK RB2	N/A	18	20.6	199	568	944	1,767	Love has been a marvel with two straight 1,100-yard rushing seasons with a combined 35 rushing TDs. His contact balance and power are among the top RBs in recent years, and he grades out similarly to Ashton Jeanty. This is despite teammate Jadarian Price being a top RB in this class as well. Love offers three-down upside and should be instantly a top dynasty RB. He won't turn 21 until after the draft.	96
5yr. Proj 944 10yr. Proj 1767 ADP N/A Bye 18 Age 20.6 DS Analysis Love has been a marvel with two straight 1,100-yard rushing seasons with a combined 35 rushing TDs. His contact balance and power are among the top RBs in recent years, and he grades out similarly to Ashton Jeanty. This is despite teammate Jadarian Price being a top RB in this class as well. Love offers three-down upside and should be instantly a top dynasty RB. He won't turn 21 until after the draft.

Tier 7
2	Jadarian Price J Price RK RB18	N/A	18	22.3	122	328	526	897	Price is a straight forward power runner who has a third gear for long TDs. He ran for 674 yards and 11 TDs this year while playing behind teammate Jeremiyah Love. Price's agility and ability to work through contact could make him an NFL starter. Price may be a better receiver than his numbers indicate, but that won't be where he scores fantasy points.	31
5yr. Proj 526 10yr. Proj 897 ADP N/A Bye 18 Age 22.3 DS Analysis Price is a straight forward power runner who has a third gear for long TDs. He ran for 674 yards and 11 TDs this year while playing behind teammate Jeremiyah Love. Price's agility and ability to work through contact could make him an NFL starter. Price may be a better receiver than his numbers indicate, but that won't be where he scores fantasy points.

Tier 9
3	Jonah Coleman J Coleman RK RB23	N/A	18	22.4	108	261	424	644	Coleman scored 17 total TDs this season as the focal point of the Washington offense. He is on the shorter end, but at 220 pounds, Coleman is a punishing rusher with a low pad level. He is also a strong receiver for his size. If Coleman performs at the Senior Bowl and Combine, he could be a top-50 pick.	18
5yr. Proj 424 10yr. Proj 644 ADP N/A Bye 18 Age 22.4 DS Analysis Coleman scored 17 total TDs this season as the focal point of the Washington offense. He is on the shorter end, but at 220 pounds, Coleman is a punishing rusher with a low pad level. He is also a strong receiver for his size. If Coleman performs at the Senior Bowl and Combine, he could be a top-50 pick.
4	Emmett Johnson E Johnson RK RB25	N/A	18	22.3	87	259	421	640	Johnson was a 2026 surprise. He ran for 1,451 yards and 12 TDs, averaging 5.78 yards per carry. He has also caught 85 passes over the last two years. Johnson can be a PPR difference maker with his pass-catching and shiftiness in the open field. He likely will come in under 200 pounds, but Johnson can be a three-down RB in the right offense.	16
5yr. Proj 421 10yr. Proj 640 ADP N/A Bye 18 Age 22.3 DS Analysis Johnson was a 2026 surprise. He ran for 1,451 yards and 12 TDs, averaging 5.78 yards per carry. He has also caught 85 passes over the last two years. Johnson can be a PPR difference maker with his pass-catching and shiftiness in the open field. He likely will come in under 200 pounds, but Johnson can be a three-down RB in the right offense.
5	Nicholas Singleton N Singleton RK RB31	N/A	18	22	85	248	403	612	Singleton, a former five-star recruit, has been a disappointment over his four year career at Penn State. His final rushing stats this year was 123-549-13, mainly profiling as a red zone runner. Singleton should ace the Combine with 4.4 speed at 224 pounds, but he has never developed the vision or decision-making to be an NFL starter. High ceiling and low floor.	14
5yr. Proj 403 10yr. Proj 612 ADP N/A Bye 18 Age 22 DS Analysis Singleton, a former five-star recruit, has been a disappointment over his four year career at Penn State. His final rushing stats this year was 123-549-13, mainly profiling as a red zone runner. Singleton should ace the Combine with 4.4 speed at 224 pounds, but he has never developed the vision or decision-making to be an NFL starter. High ceiling and low floor.

Tier 10
6	Kaytron Allen K Allen RK RB39	N/A	18	23	78	240	379	533	Allen has four straight seasons of over 860 rushing yards. He has been the consistent backfield presence and ascended past teammate Nicholas Singleton despite a difference in athleticism. Allen is one of the most technically sound RBs in the class and that shows with him averaging over 5 yards per carry in every college season. He won't add much receiving and may not have high-end athleticism, but a good Combine could push him into Day 2.	10
5yr. Proj 379 10yr. Proj 533 ADP N/A Bye 18 Age 23 DS Analysis Allen has four straight seasons of over 860 rushing yards. He has been the consistent backfield presence and ascended past teammate Nicholas Singleton despite a difference in athleticism. Allen is one of the most technically sound RBs in the class and that shows with him averaging over 5 yards per carry in every college season. He won't add much receiving and may not have high-end athleticism, but a good Combine could push him into Day 2.
7	Jamarion Miller J Miller RK RB54	N/A	18	21.8	76	196	316	567	Miller never had a breakout season for Alabama, topping out at 504 rushing yards in 2025. His lack of production is concerning, but Miller's skillset of a stout RB who moves nimbly in short spaces makes him an attractive depth RB in the NFL. He has soft hands that weren't showcased enough as well.	6
5yr. Proj 316 10yr. Proj 567 ADP N/A Bye 18 Age 21.8 DS Analysis Miller never had a breakout season for Alabama, topping out at 504 rushing yards in 2025. His lack of production is concerning, but Miller's skillset of a stout RB who moves nimbly in short spaces makes him an attractive depth RB in the NFL. He has soft hands that weren't showcased enough as well.

Tier 11
8	Demond Claiborne D Claiborne RK RB68	N/A	18	22.3	64	179	288	517	Claiborne injured his ribs in the first game of the year that seemed to affect him throughout the season. He is a smaller runner with 4.3 speed who can break long runs. He has 21 rushing TDs over the last two years on a weak Wake Forest offense. Claiborne could certainly have a big play role on an NFL team, but is unlikely to become an NFL three-down back.	2
5yr. Proj 288 10yr. Proj 517 ADP N/A Bye 18 Age 22.3 DS Analysis Claiborne injured his ribs in the first game of the year that seemed to affect him throughout the season. He is a smaller runner with 4.3 speed who can break long runs. He has 21 rushing TDs over the last two years on a weak Wake Forest offense. Claiborne could certainly have a big play role on an NFL team, but is unlikely to become an NFL three-down back.
9	Adam Randall A Randall RK RB77	N/A	18	21.5	37	160	269	500	Randall came to Clemson as a WR, but transitioned to RB before 2025. The 6'2, 235 back was a track star in high school, so his size and speed offers a unique runner who succeeded on a weak Clemson offense. He is next in the line of WR to RB players like Tyrone Tracy and Brashard Smith, but Randall may offer even more athletic upside for his size.	-2
5yr. Proj 269 10yr. Proj 500 ADP N/A Bye 18 Age 21.5 DS Analysis Randall came to Clemson as a WR, but transitioned to RB before 2025. The 6'2, 235 back was a track star in high school, so his size and speed offers a unique runner who succeeded on a weak Clemson offense. He is next in the line of WR to RB players like Tyrone Tracy and Brashard Smith, but Randall may offer even more athletic upside for his size.

Tier 12
10	Mike Washington Jr. M Washington Jr. RK RB78	N/A	18	23.1	58	156	248	444	Washington finally broke out in his final season after transferring from Buffalo to Arkansas. He is a big between-the-tackles back who churns his legs to pick up extra yards on every run. He showcased good vision and cutback ability, but doesn't offer much big play upside.	-3
5yr. Proj 248 10yr. Proj 444 ADP N/A Bye 18 Age 23.1 DS Analysis Washington finally broke out in his final season after transferring from Buffalo to Arkansas. He is a big between-the-tackles back who churns his legs to pick up extra yards on every run. He showcased good vision and cutback ability, but doesn't offer much big play upside.
11	Seth McGowan S McGowan RK RB82	N/A	18	22.3	50	151	242	435	McGowan started at Oklahoma but was charged with robbery and battery on a drug-related crime. He transferred to New Mexico State and succeeded as their starter. Finally, he ended in Kentucky this past year, rushing for 165-725-12. McGowan has good size and burst, staying balanced through contact. If has has matured since the off field concerns, McGowan could be a late round draft pick.	-4
5yr. Proj 242 10yr. Proj 435 ADP N/A Bye 18 Age 22.3 DS Analysis McGowan started at Oklahoma but was charged with robbery and battery on a drug-related crime. He transferred to New Mexico State and succeeded as their starter. Finally, he ended in Kentucky this past year, rushing for 165-725-12. McGowan has good size and burst, staying balanced through contact. If has has matured since the off field concerns, McGowan could be a late round draft pick.
12	Jaydn Ott J Ott RK RB85	N/A	18	23.1	51	138	219	392	Ott burst onto the scene as a true freshman at Cal in 2022, going 170-897-8 on the ground and 46-321-3 through the air. He followed that up with 1,315 yards and 12 TDs rushing in 2023. Injuries cut his 2024 short, but Ott transferred to Oklahoma in hopes of hitting it big. He never climbed the depth chart, rushing for only 68 yards. He could be a hidden gem with his early college success, but Ott's recent play leaves a lot of questions.	-7
5yr. Proj 219 10yr. Proj 392 ADP N/A Bye 18 Age 23.1 DS Analysis Ott burst onto the scene as a true freshman at Cal in 2022, going 170-897-8 on the ground and 46-321-3 through the air. He followed that up with 1,315 yards and 12 TDs rushing in 2023. Injuries cut his 2024 short, but Ott transferred to Oklahoma in hopes of hitting it big. He never climbed the depth chart, rushing for only 68 yards. He could be a hidden gem with his early college success, but Ott's recent play leaves a lot of questions.
13	Jamal Haynes J Haynes RK RB86	N/A	18	23.3	50	135	213	382	Haynes made the switch from WR to RB after his freshman year at Georgia Tech and immediately made an impact. He ran for 1,059 yards and 7 TDs as a sophomore. He showcased his receiving in his sophomore season with 944 rushing yards and 166 receiving yards along with 12 total TDs. He took a step back in 2025, splitting carries in the RB room and only rushing for 531 yards. But Haynes still worked as the primary receiving back. He should have that role in the NFL.	-7
5yr. Proj 213 10yr. Proj 382 ADP N/A Bye 18 Age 23.3 DS Analysis Haynes made the switch from WR to RB after his freshman year at Georgia Tech and immediately made an impact. He ran for 1,059 yards and 7 TDs as a sophomore. He showcased his receiving in his sophomore season with 944 rushing yards and 166 receiving yards along with 12 total TDs. He took a step back in 2025, splitting carries in the RB room and only rushing for 531 yards. But Haynes still worked as the primary receiving back. He should have that role in the NFL.
14	Kaelon Black K Black RK RB90	N/A	18	24.3	50	127	196	344	Black split the backfield at Indiana in 2025 with Roman Hemby, but did still go 186-1040-10 with 5.59 yards per carry. He followed HC Curt Cignetti from James Madison and earned his was into playing time at IU. Black has good size and a low pad level that allows him to crash through the line with some homerun potential.	-9
5yr. Proj 196 10yr. Proj 344 ADP N/A Bye 18 Age 24.3 DS Analysis Black split the backfield at Indiana in 2025 with Roman Hemby, but did still go 186-1040-10 with 5.59 yards per carry. He followed HC Curt Cignetti from James Madison and earned his was into playing time at IU. Black has good size and a low pad level that allows him to crash through the line with some homerun potential.

Tier 13
15	Le'Veon Moss L Moss RK RB91	N/A	18	23.2	47	126	200	359	Moss was a four-star recruit who never quite hit his potential at Texas A&M. He averaged 6.32 yards per carry in 2024, but fell off to 5.25 in 2025. He has never led the team in carries, but has flashed the ability to sidestep defenders on the second level. He is a Day 3 pick who could find a roster spot.	-9
5yr. Proj 200 10yr. Proj 359 ADP N/A Bye 18 Age 23.2 DS Analysis Moss was a four-star recruit who never quite hit his potential at Texas A&M. He averaged 6.32 yards per carry in 2024, but fell off to 5.25 in 2025. He has never led the team in carries, but has flashed the ability to sidestep defenders on the second level. He is a Day 3 pick who could find a roster spot.
16	Roman Hemby R Hemby RK RB92	N/A	18	23.4	46	126	200	358	Hemby flashed playing for Maryland in his first four seasons, but he finally succeeded as the lead back for Indiana. Hemby hit 1,000 rushing yards for the first time in his career. He plays with a low pad level despite being 6'2 and sees cutback lanes cleanly. Hemby was also used as a receiver in Maryland and has more ability their than he has shown in 2025. A solid late round sleeper.	-9
5yr. Proj 200 10yr. Proj 358 ADP N/A Bye 18 Age 23.4 DS Analysis Hemby flashed playing for Maryland in his first four seasons, but he finally succeeded as the lead back for Indiana. Hemby hit 1,000 rushing yards for the first time in his career. He plays with a low pad level despite being 6'2 and sees cutback lanes cleanly. Hemby was also used as a receiver in Maryland and has more ability their than he has shown in 2025. A solid late round sleeper.
17	Robert Henry Jr. R Henry Jr. RK RB93	N/A	18	21.6	44	123	197	354	Henry went 151-1045-9 on the ground for UTSA this year. He was dominant to start the year with three straight games of 140+ rushing yards and 2+ TDs. An ankle injury limited Henry late in the year, but he flashed NFL talent. A late round pick as a G5 RB, Henry could outperform his draft position.	-9
5yr. Proj 197 10yr. Proj 354 ADP N/A Bye 18 Age 21.6 DS Analysis Henry went 151-1045-9 on the ground for UTSA this year. He was dominant to start the year with three straight games of 140+ rushing yards and 2+ TDs. An ankle injury limited Henry late in the year, but he flashed NFL talent. A late round pick as a G5 RB, Henry could outperform his draft position.
18	CJ Donaldson C Donaldson RK RB97	N/A	18	21.5	43	120	193	347	Donaldson started his college career as a FB, but his between-the-tackles ability grew to a sizable role at West Virginia. He had two straight seasons with 730+ yards and 11 rushing TDs. The transfer to Ohio State didn't help much as he fell behind freshman RB Bo Jackson, but Donaldson could play a FB and short yardage back role in the NFL.	-10
5yr. Proj 193 10yr. Proj 347 ADP N/A Bye 18 Age 21.5 DS Analysis Donaldson started his college career as a FB, but his between-the-tackles ability grew to a sizable role at West Virginia. He had two straight seasons with 730+ yards and 11 rushing TDs. The transfer to Ohio State didn't help much as he fell behind freshman RB Bo Jackson, but Donaldson could play a FB and short yardage back role in the NFL.
19	J'Mari Taylor J Taylor RK RB99	N/A	18	23.7	48	121	187	328	Taylor started as a walk-on at North Carolina Central in 2020. He worked his way up to being Virginia's starting RB in 2025, rushing for 222-1062-14. Taylor isn't the most athletic back, but he plays with a low center of gravity and avoids big hits. He is an intriguing NFL backup type.	-10
5yr. Proj 187 10yr. Proj 328 ADP N/A Bye 18 Age 23.7 DS Analysis Taylor started as a walk-on at North Carolina Central in 2020. He worked his way up to being Virginia's starting RB in 2025, rushing for 222-1062-14. Taylor isn't the most athletic back, but he plays with a low center of gravity and avoids big hits. He is an intriguing NFL backup type.
20	Rahsul Faison R Faison RK RB98	N/A	18	25.9	30	131	206	327	Faison has been on 5 different colllege teams over the past 6 seasons. He nearly didn't play in 2025 with the NCAA not alloiwng him to practice with the team until days before the opening game due to eligibility questions. This caused a slow start, but he flashed great vision and athleticism. His age likely makes Faison a late round pick.	-10
5yr. Proj 206 10yr. Proj 327 ADP N/A Bye 18 Age 25.9 DS Analysis Faison has been on 5 different colllege teams over the past 6 seasons. He nearly didn't play in 2025 with the NCAA not alloiwng him to practice with the team until days before the opening game due to eligibility questions. This caused a slow start, but he flashed great vision and athleticism. His age likely makes Faison a late round pick.
21	Barry Kpeenu B Kpeenu RK RB102	N/A	18	21.4	36	117	196	365	Kpeenu was a JUCO runner whose athleticism as a track and basketball player translated to the football field. He ran for 1,005 yards and 20 TDs in 2025 for North Dakota State. He excelled in the red zone, finishing runs and crossing the goal line. He is likely a late-round pick.	-10
5yr. Proj 196 10yr. Proj 365 ADP N/A Bye 18 Age 21.4 DS Analysis Kpeenu was a JUCO runner whose athleticism as a track and basketball player translated to the football field. He ran for 1,005 yards and 20 TDs in 2025 for North Dakota State. He excelled in the red zone, finishing runs and crossing the goal line. He is likely a late-round pick.
22	Desmond Reid D Reid RK RB103	N/A	18	21.4	40	113	190	353	Reid dealt with ankle issues in 2025 leading to a poor season. But he was one of the top RBs in 2024 going 52-579-4 through the air and 184-966-5 on the ground. He is small, sitting at 5'8 and 175 pounds, but Reid makes up for it with explosiveness and short area quickness. He likely will be a late round pick, but could have PPR upside if he finds a role.	-11
5yr. Proj 190 10yr. Proj 353 ADP N/A Bye 18 Age 21.4 DS Analysis Reid dealt with ankle issues in 2025 leading to a poor season. But he was one of the top RBs in 2024 going 52-579-4 through the air and 184-966-5 on the ground. He is small, sitting at 5'8 and 175 pounds, but Reid makes up for it with explosiveness and short area quickness. He likely will be a late round pick, but could have PPR upside if he finds a role.
23	Kejon Owens K Owens RK RB108	N/A	18	23.9	39	100	154	270	After four years at FIU, Owens finally got his crack as the starting RB and thrived. He went 213-1334-11 on the ground this year, averaging 6.26 yards per carry. He doesn't offer much in the receiving game, but a thick built and smooth movements makes him an intriguing developmental RB.	-15
5yr. Proj 154 10yr. Proj 270 ADP N/A Bye 18 Age 23.9 DS Analysis After four years at FIU, Owens finally got his crack as the starting RB and thrived. He went 213-1334-11 on the ground this year, averaging 6.26 yards per carry. He doesn't offer much in the receiving game, but a thick built and smooth movements makes him an intriguing developmental RB.
24	Chip Trayanum C Trayanum RK RB107	N/A	18	23.9	39	98	152	267	Trayanum has had a volatile college career. A four-star RB recruit who went to Arizona State, Trayanum broke out as a true freshman showcasing elite athleticism to pair with 220 pound size. He eventually moved to LB and transferred to Ohio State, where he would pivot back to RB. He went 182-1015-12 on the ground this year. Trayanum's age and injury history likely makes him a late round pick with upside.	-15
5yr. Proj 152 10yr. Proj 267 ADP N/A Bye 18 Age 23.9 DS Analysis Trayanum has had a volatile college career. A four-star RB recruit who went to Arizona State, Trayanum broke out as a true freshman showcasing elite athleticism to pair with 220 pound size. He eventually moved to LB and transferred to Ohio State, where he would pivot back to RB. He went 182-1015-12 on the ground this year. Trayanum's age and injury history likely makes him a late round pick with upside.
25	Kentrel Bullock K Bullock RK RB109	N/A	18	23.8	39	98	151	266	Bullock had a five-year career with South Alabama, improving his output every season. He ended his final year going 218-1045-14. A power gap runner with good vision and balance, he has the skillset to be an NFL reserve.	-15
5yr. Proj 151 10yr. Proj 266 ADP N/A Bye 18 Age 23.8 DS Analysis Bullock had a five-year career with South Alabama, improving his output every season. He ended his final year going 218-1045-14. A power gap runner with good vision and balance, he has the skillset to be an NFL reserve.

Dynasty Rookie RB Rankings 2026 (Running Back)

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