FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in February. Here’s a look at Wake Forest running back Demond Claiborne.
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2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Demond Claiborne
Demond Claiborne (RB – Wake Forest)
5-foot-10 | 195 Pounds
Background
Demond Claiborne is a Virginia native who played sparingly as a freshman in 2022 before rotating into the offense the following year (two starts in 10 appearances) and finishing with 137-586-5 (4.3).
Took over the starting role in 2024, enjoying his most productive season with 228-1,049-11 (4.6) rushing and 23-254-2 receiving. Followed that up with 179-907-10 (5.1) this past season.
Positives
Productive two-year starter who carried a reasonably big offensive load for the Deacons, who have a relatively balanced rushing attack. One of the fastest and most explosive backs in the class. Shows plenty of juice to win the corner on horizontal running concepts, with home-run hitting speed if he finds a lane; very difficult to catch from behind.
Makes crisp cuts in the backfield, with clean footwork and very good burst in the hole; looks solid on one-cut concepts. Runs with good knee-bend/flexibility and a naturally low pad level. Generally does a pretty good job of following his blockers, but flashes the ability to escape/bounce runs to the outside and make something out of nothing.
Was targeted pretty often on swing passes and routes of that nature, and has the type of speed to create big plays there when he finds a lane. Flashes the body control/flexibility to adjust and bring in throws away from his frame. Returned a couple of dozen kicks in school (including fair catches), scoring two touchdowns. Has the speed and explosiveness teams look for in that role.
Negatives
Claibore is on the smaller side for a pro running back, so he’ll likely be part of a running-back rotation at the next level. Can be a little bit feast-or-famine, with a mix of big runs and unsuccessful attempts, rather than modest but consistent gains. Compounds some negative plays by trying to stretch the defense laterally, rather than limiting the damage.
Not the most powerful runner, and can occasionally be brought down by arm tackles. Competitive after contact, but isn’t really going to push the pile and grind out tough yardage consistently. Doesn’t present the biggest target as a receiver, and struggled with drops this past season (six on 28 receptions).
Claibore’s effectiveness was falling off there as his yards per catch were cut by more than half. Lacks sand in his pants to hold the point of attack in blitz pickup and tends to lower his head into contact.
Summary
You won’t find many running backs with a better combination of flexibility, quickness, burst and long speed than Claibore — traits that made him a legitimate home-run threat at the college level. However, he’s also on the smaller side for a running back, without the most power, consistency or reliability in the passing game, either as a receiver or blocker.
Still, Claibore could bring a spark, both as a runner or potentially as a kick returner. He should get some mid-round interest for those reasons. Would probably be best in a zone-based blocking scheme.
Projection: Round 5/Round 6
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