Dynasty Rookie RB Rankings 2026 (Running Back)

Updated on Tue, 28 Apr 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 15
1	Jeremiyah Love J Love ARI RB2	2.04	8	20.8	207	608	1,012	1,892	Love was a force at Notre Dame, posting back-to-back 1,100-yard rushing seasons with 35 total rushing TDs. His contact balance and power rank among the best RB traits in recent draft classes, and his profile stacks up favorably with Ashton Jeanty’s. Arizona doesn't supply an excellent situation in 2026, as the OL and QB spots lack talent. Still, Love brings true three-down upside and will be just 21 years old as a rookie. He's an easy fit inside the top-five dynasty RBs.	0
5yr. Proj 1012 10yr. Proj 1892 ADP 2.04 Bye 8 Age 20.8 DS Analysis Love was a force at Notre Dame, posting back-to-back 1,100-yard rushing seasons with 35 total rushing TDs. His contact balance and power rank among the best RB traits in recent draft classes, and his profile stacks up favorably with Ashton Jeanty’s. Arizona doesn't supply an excellent situation in 2026, as the OL and QB spots lack talent. Still, Love brings true three-down upside and will be just 21 years old as a rookie. He's an easy fit inside the top-five dynasty RBs.
2	Jadarian Price J Price SEA RB17	8.04	8	22.5	144	406	644	918	Price profiles as a power runner with enough burst to rip off long TDs. He ran for 674 yards and 11 scores this past season while working behind stud teammate Jeremiyah Love. His contact balance and short-area agility translate well to the next level. And there’s reason to believe he offers more in the passing game than his 15 career catches suggest. The landing spot boosts his early outlook. Seattle has an opening with Kenneth Walker gone and Zach Charbonnet recovering from a January ACL tear.	0
5yr. Proj 644 10yr. Proj 918 ADP 8.04 Bye 8 Age 22.5 DS Analysis Price profiles as a power runner with enough burst to rip off long TDs. He ran for 674 yards and 11 scores this past season while working behind stud teammate Jeremiyah Love. His contact balance and short-area agility translate well to the next level. And there’s reason to believe he offers more in the passing game than his 15 career catches suggest. The landing spot boosts his early outlook. Seattle has an opening with Kenneth Walker gone and Zach Charbonnet recovering from a January ACL tear.
3	Kaytron Allen K Allen WAS RB59	16.06	12	23.3	85	200	322	543	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 wasn't drafted until the sixth round, but Allen lands in a weak Commanders' RB depth chart.	0
5yr. Proj 322 10yr. Proj 543 ADP 16.06 Bye 12 Age 23.3 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 wasn't drafted until the sixth round, but Allen lands in a weak Commanders' RB depth chart.
4	Jonah Coleman J Coleman DEN RB69	11.03	12	22.7	68	185	295	523	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. Coleman didn't test at the Combine, but nobody will mistake him for a burner. The Broncos could end up being a good landing spot if Coleman can outperform second-year RB RJ Harvey.	0
5yr. Proj 295 10yr. Proj 523 ADP 11.03 Bye 12 Age 22.7 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. Coleman didn't test at the Combine, but nobody will mistake him for a burner. The Broncos could end up being a good landing spot if Coleman can outperform second-year RB RJ Harvey.
5	Emmett Johnson E Johnson KC RB63	12.12	10	22.5	56	211	333	468	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. Johnson could make the Chiefs roster and eventually run as a complement to Kenneth Walker.	0
5yr. Proj 333 10yr. Proj 468 ADP 12.12 Bye 10 Age 22.5 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. Johnson could make the Chiefs roster and eventually run as a complement to Kenneth Walker.
6	Mike Washington Jr. M Washington Jr. LVR RB60	10.12	8	22.8	55	200	318	565	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 didn't display much big-play upside. He will likely operate as the backup to Ashton Jeanty for the foreseeable future. HC Klint Kubiak has commented about wanting to utilize two RBs.	0
5yr. Proj 318 10yr. Proj 565 ADP 10.12 Bye 8 Age 22.8 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 didn't display much big-play upside. He will likely operate as the backup to Ashton Jeanty for the foreseeable future. HC Klint Kubiak has commented about wanting to utilize two RBs.
7	Nicholas Singleton N Singleton TEN RB49	11.09	10	22.3	45	224	364	552	Singleton, a former five-star recruit, has been a disappointment over his four-year career at Penn State. His final rushing line this past year was 123-549-13, mainly profiling as a red zone runner. Singleton would likely have dominated at the NFL Combine, but he suffered a broken bone in his foot at the Senior Bowl. He may not produce much in 2026 in a crowded Titans backfield, but Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears are set to become free agents after this season.	0
5yr. Proj 364 10yr. Proj 552 ADP 11.09 Bye 10 Age 22.3 DS Analysis Singleton, a former five-star recruit, has been a disappointment over his four-year career at Penn State. His final rushing line this past year was 123-549-13, mainly profiling as a red zone runner. Singleton would likely have dominated at the NFL Combine, but he suffered a broken bone in his foot at the Senior Bowl. He may not produce much in 2026 in a crowded Titans backfield, but Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears are set to become free agents after this season.
8	Kaelon Black K Black SF RB55	N/A	14	24.5	41	238	344	440	Black split the backfield at Indiana in 2025 with Roman Hemby, but did still go 186-1040-10 with 5.5 yards per carry. Despite not being invited to the NFL Combine, he was the third RB selected in the 2026 NFL Draft. Black will get the opportunity to compete for the backup RB job to Christian McCaffrey, but still lacks fantasy upside to become a difference maker.	0
5yr. Proj 344 10yr. Proj 440 ADP N/A Bye 14 Age 24.5 DS Analysis Black split the backfield at Indiana in 2025 with Roman Hemby, but did still go 186-1040-10 with 5.5 yards per carry. Despite not being invited to the NFL Combine, he was the third RB selected in the 2026 NFL Draft. Black will get the opportunity to compete for the backup RB job to Christian McCaffrey, but still lacks fantasy upside to become a difference maker.
9	Adam Randall A Randall BAL RB71	390.03	7	21.8	33	180	289	516	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. Randall could fill the Keaton Mitchell role down the line as a change of pace receiving back.	0
5yr. Proj 289 10yr. Proj 516 ADP 390.03 Bye 7 Age 21.8 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. Randall could fill the Keaton Mitchell role down the line as a change of pace receiving back.
10	Demond Claiborne D Claiborne MIN RB79	20.05	6	22.5	30	158	254	473	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 make the Vikings roster as the third RB and make an impact in 2027.	0
5yr. Proj 254 10yr. Proj 473 ADP 20.05 Bye 6 Age 22.5 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 make the Vikings roster as the third RB and make an impact in 2027.
11	Seth McGowan S McGowan IND RB88	N/A	11	22.5	27	132	212	395	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 fell to the seventh round, but the depth chart is clear for him to make the roster and compete to back-up Jonathan Taylor	0
5yr. Proj 212 10yr. Proj 395 ADP N/A Bye 11 Age 22.5 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 fell to the seventh round, but the depth chart is clear for him to make the roster and compete to back-up Jonathan Taylor
12	Eli Heidenreich E Heidenreich PIT RB93	N/A	5	22.3	27	110	187	365	Heidenreich played the slot back in Navy's option offense, playing in the slot but also taking part in the triple option. That led to going 77-499-3 as a runner and 51-941-6 as a receiver in 2025. He even threw a pass this season. Heidenreich's role on the Steelers remains to be seen, but he may struggle to crack the 53-man roster.	0
5yr. Proj 187 10yr. Proj 365 ADP N/A Bye 5 Age 22.3 DS Analysis Heidenreich played the slot back in Navy's option offense, playing in the slot but also taking part in the triple option. That led to going 77-499-3 as a runner and 51-941-6 as a receiver in 2025. He even threw a pass this season. Heidenreich's role on the Steelers remains to be seen, but he may struggle to crack the 53-man roster.
13	Jamarion Miller J Miller NE RB92	N/A	14	22	26	125	203	377	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 skill set as a stout RB who moves nimbly in short spaces makes him an attractive depth RB in the NFL. Miller could make the Patriots roster as a third RB and get some carries if one of the top RBs go down.	0
5yr. Proj 203 10yr. Proj 377 ADP N/A Bye 14 Age 22 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 skill set as a stout RB who moves nimbly in short spaces makes him an attractive depth RB in the NFL. Miller could make the Patriots roster as a third RB and get some carries if one of the top RBs go down.
14	Kejon Owens K Owens MIN RB117	390.09	6	24.2	22	20	30	53	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.	0
5yr. Proj 30 10yr. Proj 53 ADP 390.09 Bye 6 Age 24.2 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.
15	Jaydn Ott J Ott KC RB112	N/A	10	23.3	21	55	87	155	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. Ott went undrafted.	0
5yr. Proj 87 10yr. Proj 155 ADP N/A Bye 10 Age 23.3 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. Ott went undrafted.
16	Le'Veon Moss L Moss MIA RB104	20.12	12	23.4	19	73	116	208	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. Moss went undrafted.	0
5yr. Proj 116 10yr. Proj 208 ADP 20.12 Bye 12 Age 23.4 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. Moss went undrafted.
17	Kentrel Bullock K Bullock CIN RB116	N/A	10	24	19	20	31	55	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.	0
5yr. Proj 31 10yr. Proj 55 ADP N/A Bye 10 Age 24 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.
18	Robert Henry Jr. R Henry Jr. WAS RB109	N/A	12	24.3	17	64	103	185	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. Henry went undrafted.	0
5yr. Proj 103 10yr. Proj 185 ADP N/A Bye 12 Age 24.3 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. Henry went undrafted.
19	Roman Hemby R Hemby LVR RB115	N/A	8	23.7	17	28	43	76	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 at 6'0 tall and sees cutback lanes cleanly. Hemby was also used as a receiver at Maryland and has more ability there than he showed in 2025 (17 catches). Hemby went undrafted.	0
5yr. Proj 43 10yr. Proj 76 ADP N/A Bye 8 Age 23.7 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 at 6'0 tall and sees cutback lanes cleanly. Hemby was also used as a receiver at Maryland and has more ability there than he showed in 2025 (17 catches). Hemby went undrafted.
20	Noah Whittington N Whittington HOU RB106	N/A	6	24.3	16	71	111	187	Whittington transferred from Western Kentucky to Oregon in 2022 and slowly grew his role on the Ducks. He won the starting job in 2026 despite stiff competition, showcasing short area quickness and receiving ability. Whittington went undrafted but landed on the Texans.	0
5yr. Proj 111 10yr. Proj 187 ADP N/A Bye 6 Age 24.3 DS Analysis Whittington transferred from Western Kentucky to Oregon in 2022 and slowly grew his role on the Ducks. He won the starting job in 2026 despite stiff competition, showcasing short area quickness and receiving ability. Whittington went undrafted but landed on the Texans.
21	J'Mari Taylor J Taylor JAC RB114	22.08	8	23.9	15	44	67	118	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. Taylor went undrafted.	0
5yr. Proj 67 10yr. Proj 118 ADP 22.08 Bye 8 Age 23.9 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. Taylor went undrafted.
22	Desmond Reid D Reid BUF RB110	388.07	7	21.7	13	62	100	180	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. Reid went undrafted.	0
5yr. Proj 100 10yr. Proj 180 ADP 388.07 Bye 7 Age 21.7 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. Reid went undrafted.
23	CJ Donaldson C Donaldson NO RB118	391.03	11	21.8	10	13	20	37	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. Donaldson went undrafted.	0
5yr. Proj 20 10yr. Proj 37 ADP 391.03 Bye 11 Age 21.8 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. Donaldson went undrafted.
24	Chip Trayanum C Trayanum NYJ RB113	N/A	9	24.2	10	48	74	129	Trayanum has encountered a volatile college career. A four-star RB recruit at Arizona State, he flashed elite athleticism at 220 pounds as a freshman. 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 past year, albeit with underwhelming advanced metrics. Trayanum's age and late breakout likely signal a later-round pick.	0
5yr. Proj 74 10yr. Proj 129 ADP N/A Bye 9 Age 24.2 DS Analysis Trayanum has encountered a volatile college career. A four-star RB recruit at Arizona State, he flashed elite athleticism at 220 pounds as a freshman. 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 past year, albeit with underwhelming advanced metrics. Trayanum's age and late breakout likely signal a later-round pick.
25	Jamal Haynes J Haynes CIN RB119	N/A	10	23.5	9	12	18	32	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. Haynes went undrafted.	0
5yr. Proj 18 10yr. Proj 32 ADP N/A Bye 10 Age 23.5 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. Haynes went undrafted.

Dynasty Rookie RB Rankings 2026 (Running Back)

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