The 2026 running back rookie class was considered one of the worst in recent memory. By comparison, the 2025 rookie class was touted as one of the best ever. However, the class had mixed results for fantasy football purposes.
Ashton Jeanty was the only rookie to finish as an RB1 in PPR scoring, ending the year as the RB11. Meanwhile, RJ Harvey (RB20), TreVeyon Henderson (RB21), Quinshon Judkins (RB26), Kyle Monangai (RB30), and Jacory Croskey-Merritt (RB33) had solid seasons but were far from consistent every week. Unfortunately, the two best running backs from the rookie class missed significant time with injuries. Omarion Hampton was the RB13 on a points-per-game basis, while Cam Skattebo was the RB9.
While everyone has low expectations for the 2026 rookie running back class, nothing is a given in fantasy football. Could this year’s rookie class be sneaky good? Maybe. Therefore, let’s break down the redraft league fantasy impact for all 12 rookie running backs selected during the 2026 NFL Draft.
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Impact Rookie Running Backs for Redraft Fantasy Football Leagues
Fantasy Starters
Jeremiyah Love (RB – ARI)
No one loves the fact that Love landed with the Cardinals. However, he still should get drafted as a top-12 running back in redraft leagues. While Arizona has a crowded backfield, that won’t be the case when the season starts. James Conner and Trey Benson will be on other teams, leaving Tyler Allgeier as Love’s only meaningful competition. While the veteran should have a role at the goal line, expect Love to produce enough in the passing game to make him far and away the top-scoring rookie running back.
Jadarian Price (RB – SEA)
Price was the biggest winner from the NFL Draft. Not only did he get first-round capital, but the former Notre Dame star also landed in an excellent fantasy situation. The Seahawks lost Kenneth Walker in free agency, while Zach Charbonnet is coming off a torn ACL and likely won’t play until Thanksgiving, if not later. Last year, Seattle had the third-most rushing attempts in the NFL, averaging 25.8 per game from their running backs. While Emanuel Wilson will have a role, Price will be the featured guy in the backfield.
Potential Fantasy Starters
Jonah Coleman (RB – DEN)
Denver has one of the messiest backfields for fantasy players. RJ Harvey produced late last season with J.K. Dobbins injured. Many thought the Broncos wouldn’t bring back the veteran. Instead, they signed him to a significant contract despite his extensive injury history and drafted Coleman. Meanwhile, Harvey averaged only 3.7 yards per rushing attempt as a rookie, totaling only four runs of 15 or more yards. While the rookie is third on the depth chart, no one should be surprised if he takes over as the starter sooner rather than later.
Kaytron Allen (RB – WAS)
The only backfield that might be messier than the Broncos’ is the Commanders’. Jacory Croskey-Merritt had some moments as a rookie, but was way too inconsistent. Rachaad White and Jerome Ford are solid veterans but lack starting upside. While he was a sixth-round pick, Allen should have been drafted higher. He was one of the best running backs in Penn State history and likely would have been a late Day 2 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Allen could be the Week 1 starter with an impressive training camp.
High-End Handcuffs with Standalone Value
Mike Washington Jr. (RB – LV)
Last year, Ashton Jeanty had a solid rookie season despite playing on one of the NFL’s worst offenses. Yet, that didn’t stop the Raiders from using a fourth-round pick on Washington. New head coach Klint Kubiak used a two-headed backfield last year in Seattle, so fantasy players should expect a similar approach in Las Vegas. Jeanty is far and away the better running back, but Washington should see enough volume to be a solid flex option. Furthermore, the rookie would have top-12 upside if Jeanty misses time with an injury.
Emmett Johnson (RB – KC)
After years of ignoring the running back position, the Chiefs made a big splash move this offseason and signed Kenneth Walker in free agency. While he has been outstanding as the featured guy, Walker has struggled to stay healthy. Johnson is the only meaningful competition in the backfield. Kansas City will feature Walker after signing him to a massive contract in free agency. However, Johnson should see enough volume to be a flex option in deeper leagues. More importantly, the rookie is one of the top handcuffs in fantasy football.
Possible Second-Half Sleepers
Nicholas Singleton (RB – TEN)
Singleton was a popular dynasty rookie draft pick, as many believe he can have fantasy value starting in 2027, with Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears heading into the final year of their contracts. However, fantasy players shouldn’t rule out the rookie having fantasy value in the second half of the season. The Titans aren’t expected to be a playoff team. Therefore, Tennessee could start playing the rookie more late in the year as they try to evaluate his long-term outlook, giving Singleton a chance to be a league winner.
Adam Randall (RB – BAL)
While Derrick Henry is one of the top running backs in the NFL, the veteran turns 32 years old next month. Unfortunately, the depth behind Henry is thin, with Justice Hill being the only other notable name in the backfield. Randall is a bigger running back but can have an impact in the passing game, totaling 36 receptions for 254 receiving yards and three touchdowns last season at Clemson. While fantasy players shouldn’t handcuff Henry with Randall, the rookie could have meaningful value if the superstar gets hurt.
Demond Claiborne (RB – MIN)
Minnesota didn’t make any changes on offense this offseason outside of the quarterback position. They held onto Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason. However, Jones is coming off the worst year of his career, posting career lows in yards per rushing attempt (4.2) and yards after contact per attempt (1.8). The Vikings traded two picks to move up in the NFL Draft to select Claiborne, their only meaningful addition to the backfield this offseason. If Jones struggles or gets hurt, the rookie could have a role next to Mason.
Potential Handcuff Upside
Kaelon Black (RB – SF)
Every year, the 49ers draft a mid-round running back. While many believe San Francisco reached for Black, selecting him in the third round, the rookie could be Christian McCaffrey‘s backup with Brian Robinson Jr. now in Atlanta. The former Indiana star had over 1,000 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns last season despite splitting the backfield work. More importantly, the last time McCaffrey had over 400 touches, he missed 23 games over the next two years. The superstar had 413 touches last season, making whoever is his backup a must-roster handcuff.
Seth McGowan (RB – IND)
The Colts are one of the most run-heavy offenses in the NFL, as Jonathan Taylor had a league-high 323 rushing attempts last season. Unfortunately, the last time he had over 305 rushing attempts, he missed 16 games over the following two years. Yet, McGowan was Indianapolis’ only addition to the backfield this offseason, leaving DJ Giddens as his only competition for the No. 2 running back role. Unless the Colts add a veteran before Week 1, McGowan is an injury to Taylor away from potentially being a must-start running back.
Jam Miller (RB – NE)
Last year, the Patriots had one of the better running back duos in the NFL. Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson combined for 1,514 rushing yards, 566 receiving yards, and 19 total touchdowns. However, Stevenson missed three games because of injury, and Henderson struggled to stay healthy as the featured guy at Ohio State. Miller was the only running back New England added this offseason after releasing Antonio Gibson. If Stevenson or Henderson misses significant time with an injury, Miller could be an impact waiver wire addition for fantasy players.
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Mike Fanelli is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Mike, check out his archive and follow him @Mike_NFL2.