2026 NFL Draft quarterbacks to RBs: top names, sleepers and hidden gems
USA TODAY Sports' Christian D'Andrea breaks down the top running back studs, sleepers, and deep sleepers in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Video Transcript
2026 NFL Draft is looking a lot like the 2025 one, in that there's one sure fire first round running back.
After that though, things get a little bit dicey.
So let's talk about the stud, a sleeper, and a rem cycle star among this year's crop of tailbacks.
The stud, no surprise here, Jeremiah Love of Notre Dame does everything well, but elite speed, elite cuts, incredible lateral quickness, and most importantly, this is a guy who can split out into the slot and give you reps as a receiver and just baffle defenses.
Draft him, and you are getting a guy who can give you prime Le'Veon Bell production.
Behind him, my sleeper, Mike Washington.
This is a guy who started at Buffalo, went to New Mexico State.
Didn't break out though until he was facing SEC defenses at Arkansas.
Four three three, forty time, explosive as C4.
This is a guy, 12 games in 2025, nine of them where he had at least one run of twenty plus yards.
Now my sleeper, Desmond Reed, Pittsburgh.
Yes, a diminutive back, measured in at five foot six.
But those Deuce Vaughn, Darren Sproles, Tarik Cohen comparisons, they fit 'cause this is a guy who is electric with the ball in his hands.
Nearly 1,500 yards from scrimmage in his first season at Pitt.
Dealt with injuries.
He's a smaller guy, but absolutely electric, very elusive, and a guy who had a punt return touchdown each of his seasons with the Panthers.
Here is a player who will have to be in a platoon, but can bring you a ton of value out of the backfield or on special teams.
