FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in February. Here’s a look at Oregon running back Noah Whittington.
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2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Noah Whittington
Noah Whittington (RB – Oregon)
5’8″ – 203 lbs.
Background
Originally attended Western Kentucky, playing sparingly in 2020 before rotating in more heavily in 2021 and finishing with 102-619-2 (6.1) on the year. Transferred to Oregon and became an immediate part of the rotation, with 140-777-5 (5.6) on the year, then tore his ACL early in the 2023 season. Returned to post 118-540-6 (4.6) in 2024, then won the starting role but remained in a running-back rotation, with 129-8298-6 (6.4) in 2025. Has also caught 90 career passes.
Positives
Has four seasons of efficient production between two different programs, playing in pretty balanced offensive attacks. Very quick-footed back with a naturally low center of gravity and excellent knee bend. Runs with good patience, decisiveness, and processing, and can hide behind blockers before finding a lane. Agility and lateral quickness are very impressive, with nice jump-cuts to slot into lanes. Has impressive burst in the hole, reaching his top speed quickly; looked fast this past season, with a few home runs after a 2024 season in which he was limited to chunk plays. Shows excellent contact balance to stay upright when working through glancing blows or running through arm tackles. Does a nice job of getting behind his pads to protect his body into contact at the end of his runs. Ball security has been very good, with just three fumbles on 527 career rushing attempts. Suddenness at the route stem can create separation in the passing game. Also has a pretty reliable pair of hands as a receiver, and the type of phone-booth elusiveness that’s worth trying to scheme one-on-one matchups in space. Shows good willingness to stick his nose in as a pass protector. Has a little bit of experience returning kicks as well.
Negatives
Older than usual after spending six years in school, and was never quite able to establish himself as the feature back. On the small side for a pro running back, and his 2023 ACL tear will require further medical investigation during the pre-draft process. Not going to push the pile and grind out too many tough yards between the tackles. Doesn’t present the biggest target in the passing game, and was primarily used as a checkdown. Generally good in blitz pickup, but can sometimes struggle to hold the point of attack as a pass protector, and is sometimes late to recognize the rush.
Summary
A smaller back who has an impressive combination of processing, quickness, burst, and contact balance, and who showed a greater capacity for breaking big runs this past season. However, he’ll likely be limited to a rotational role, as he lacks ideal power at the position. Should get some interest on the third day as a change-of-pace back who could be more valuable on passing downs at the next level than he was in college. Would probably be best in a zone-based scheme.
Projection: Round 6
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