2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Roman Hemby (RB – Indiana)

FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in February. Here’s a look at Indiana running back Roman Hemby.

2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Roman Hemby

Roman Hemby (RB – Indiana)

6-foot-0 – 210 Pounds

Background

Roman Hemby was a three-star recruit who originally attended Maryland, redshirting after playing sparingly in 2021 before taking over the team’s lead-back role, which he held for three seasons.

Rushed for lines of 188-989-10 (5.3) in 2022, 142-680-4 (4.8) in 2023 and 134-607-6 (4.5) in 2024, also averaged 37 catches per year during that span. Transferred to Indiana for the 2025 season and totaled 230-1,120-7 (4.9) on the ground, with 17 catches.

Positives

Four-year starter who made 2025 arguably his best season. Well-built for a lead back, and has shown that he can carry a full load. Runs with adequate knee bend and overall flexibility. No-nonsense back with a straightforward approach and above-average vision; doesn’t waste much time in the backfield, getting behind his pads and burrowing ahead between the tackles for consistent gains.

Gets up to speed pretty quickly, with good acceleration and enough speed to make it around the corner on off-tackle concepts. Can hear the pads clicking on contact at times, showing some explosive power. Shows good competitiveness and leg drive after contact to push the pile a bit and pick up yards after contact. Experienced runner who can recognize chances to cut outside, showing good lateral quickness.

Hemby showed excellent ball security, with just two career fumbles on 710 carries. Aside from this season, was pretty well-integrated into the passing game as a safety valve out of the backfield, with just three career drops. Engages from his feet in blitz pickup.

Negatives

Hemby comes with a bit more tread than some of the other backs in the class. Doesn’t seem to have a ton of burst/explosiveness to his game, or the long speed to break many big runs; definitely more of a consistent gainer than a truly dynamic option.

Runs a bit high on the outside and can be susceptible to getting tripped up as he turns the corner. Doesn’t make too many defenders miss in space. Despite his size, blitz pickup remains a weakness of Hemby’s game, which could limit his opportunities on passing downs. Willing and engages with form, but seems to struggle with recognition skills there.

Summary

An experienced, proven back who can do most things reasonably well, offering consistent, reliable gains between the tackles, solid finishing, nice ball security and good hands as a safety valve in the passing game.

While he needs to improve his recognition skills in blitz pickup and doesn’t have the most speed, explosiveness or elusiveness, Hemby should appeal to teams looking for a no-nonsense option. Probably a mid-round candidate.

Projection: Round 5