Dynasty Rookie RB Rankings 2026 (Running Back)

Updated on Sat, 28 Mar 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 2
1	Jeremiyah Love J Love RK RB3	2.04	18	20.8	219	596	992	1,856	Love has been a force, 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. That’s especially impressive given Jadarian Price’s presence as another top back in this class. Love brings true three-down upside and will be just 21 years old as a rookie.	84
5yr. Proj 992 10yr. Proj 1856 ADP 2.04 Bye 18 Age 20.8 DS Analysis Love has been a force, 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. That’s especially impressive given Jadarian Price’s presence as another top back in this class. Love brings true three-down upside and will be just 21 years old as a rookie.

Tier 7
2	Jadarian Price J Price RK RB23	8.04	18	22.4	122	320	523	804	Price is a straightforward 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, too.	18
5yr. Proj 523 10yr. Proj 804 ADP 8.04 Bye 18 Age 22.4 DS Analysis Price is a straightforward 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, too.

Tier 8
3	Mike Washington Jr. M Washington Jr. RK RB31	10.12	18	22.7	92	278	442	784	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. There's a chance he gets into Round 3 of the NFL Draft.	11
5yr. Proj 442 10yr. Proj 784 ADP 10.12 Bye 18 Age 22.7 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. There's a chance he gets into Round 3 of the NFL Draft.

4	Emmett Johnson E Johnson RK RB36	12.12	18	22.4	96	271	440	668	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 weighed in at just 202 pounds at the NFL Combine, but Johnson can be a lead back in the right offense.	9
5yr. Proj 440 10yr. Proj 668 ADP 12.12 Bye 18 Age 22.4 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 weighed in at just 202 pounds at the NFL Combine, but Johnson can be a lead back in the right offense.
5	Jonah Coleman J Coleman RK RB38	11.03	18	22.6	116	272	428	603	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. Round 3 draft capital would be a nice outcome here.	9
5yr. Proj 428 10yr. Proj 603 ADP 11.03 Bye 18 Age 22.6 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. Round 3 draft capital would be a nice outcome here.
Tier 9
6	Kaytron Allen K Allen RK RB43	16.06	18	23.2	78	260	419	707	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 his polish could push him into late Day 2 or early Day 3.	7
5yr. Proj 419 10yr. Proj 707 ADP 16.06 Bye 18 Age 23.2 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 his polish could push him into late Day 2 or early Day 3.
7	Nicholas Singleton N Singleton RK RB44	11.09	18	22.2	83	257	418	635	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.	7
5yr. Proj 418 10yr. Proj 635 ADP 11.09 Bye 18 Age 22.2 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.

Tier 10
8	Demond Claiborne D Claiborne RK RB60	20.05	18	22.4	60	210	341	637	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.	0
5yr. Proj 341 10yr. Proj 637 ADP 20.05 Bye 18 Age 22.4 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 RB59	368.10	18	21.7	52	217	348	622	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.	0
5yr. Proj 348 10yr. Proj 622 ADP 368.10 Bye 18 Age 21.7 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 11
10	Jamarion Miller J Miller RK RB73	N/A	18	21.9	49	190	308	572	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. He has soft hands that weren't showcased enough, too.	-4
5yr. Proj 308 10yr. Proj 572 ADP N/A Bye 18 Age 21.9 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. He has soft hands that weren't showcased enough, too.
11	Seth McGowan S McGowan RK RB74	N/A	18	22.4	54	185	300	560	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 300 10yr. Proj 560 ADP N/A Bye 18 Age 22.4 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.

Tier 12
12	Le'Veon Moss L Moss RK RB91	20.12	18	23.3	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.	-14
5yr. Proj 200 10yr. Proj 359 ADP 20.12 Bye 18 Age 23.3 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.
Tier 13
13	J'Mari Taylor J Taylor RK RB97	22.08	18	23.8	48	113	175	307	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.	-17
5yr. Proj 175 10yr. Proj 307 ADP 22.08 Bye 18 Age 23.8 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.

14	Roman Hemby R Hemby RK RB99	N/A	18	23.6	55	100	158	283	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 there than he has shown in 2025. A solid late-round sleeper.	-18
5yr. Proj 158 10yr. Proj 283 ADP N/A Bye 18 Age 23.6 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 there than he has shown in 2025. A solid late-round sleeper.
15	Rahsul Faison R Faison RK RB103	367.06	18	26.1	30	97	153	243	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.	-20
5yr. Proj 153 10yr. Proj 243 ADP 367.06 Bye 18 Age 26.1 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.
Tier 14
16	Eli Heidenreich E Heidenreich RK RB106	N/A	18	22.2	26	75	128	250	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. The versatile athlete and playmaker could be a gadget all-around talent who also excels on special teams.	-22
5yr. Proj 128 10yr. Proj 250 ADP N/A Bye 18 Age 22.2 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. The versatile athlete and playmaker could be a gadget all-around talent who also excels on special teams.
17	Noah Whittington N Whittington RK RB107	N/A	18	24.3	49	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. He is on the older side, starting college back in 2020, but there is some upside for Whittington to make a roster.	-22
5yr. Proj 111 10yr. Proj 187 ADP N/A Bye 18 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. He is on the older side, starting college back in 2020, but there is some upside for Whittington to make a roster.
18	Robert Henry Jr. R Henry Jr. RK RB111	N/A	18	21.8	44	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. A late round pick as a G5 RB, Henry could outperform his draft position.	-24
5yr. Proj 103 10yr. Proj 185 ADP N/A Bye 18 Age 21.8 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.
19	Desmond Reid D Reid RK RB113	367.02	18	21.6	33	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. He likely will be a late round pick, but could have PPR upside if he finds a role.	-24
5yr. Proj 100 10yr. Proj 180 ADP 367.02 Bye 18 Age 21.6 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.
20	Jaydn Ott J Ott RK RB114	N/A	18	23.3	51	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. He could be a hidden gem with his early college success, but Ott's recent play leaves a lot of questions.	-25
5yr. Proj 87 10yr. Proj 155 ADP N/A Bye 18 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. He could be a hidden gem with his early college success, but Ott's recent play leaves a lot of questions.
21	CJ Donaldson C Donaldson RK RB115	369.11	18	21.7	43	55	88	159	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.	-25
5yr. Proj 88 10yr. Proj 159 ADP 369.11 Bye 18 Age 21.7 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.
Tier 15
22	Chip Trayanum C Trayanum RK RB116	N/A	18	24.1	23	48	74	129	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.	-27
5yr. Proj 74 10yr. Proj 129 ADP N/A Bye 18 Age 24.1 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.
23	Jamal Haynes J Haynes RK RB117	N/A	18	23.4	50	16	26	46	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.	-31
5yr. Proj 26 10yr. Proj 46 ADP N/A Bye 18 Age 23.4 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.
24	Barry Kpeenu B Kpeenu RK RB118	N/A	18	21.6	35	18	30	53	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.	-31
5yr. Proj 30 10yr. Proj 53 ADP N/A Bye 18 Age 21.6 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.
25	Kejon Owens K Owens RK RB119	369.04	18	24.1	25	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.	-32
5yr. Proj 30 10yr. Proj 53 ADP 369.04 Bye 18 Age 24.1 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.

Dynasty Rookie RB Rankings 2026 (Running Back)

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