The NFL Draft is always an exciting time for football fans and analysts alike, as it offers a glimpse into the future of the league. In this article, we'll delve into the 2026 NFL Draft and specifically focus on the running back position, exploring who might be the second rusher off the board and the factors that could influence their selection.
The RB2 Conundrum
The 2026 NFL Draft is shaping up to be an intriguing one, especially when it comes to the running back position. While we can safely assume that Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love will be a top-five pick, the question remains: who will be the second running back selected, and will they follow the even-year trend of recent drafts?
Notre Dame's Dynamic Duo
One name that has been making waves is Jadarian Price, Love's backfield running mate at Notre Dame. Despite often playing second fiddle to Love during his college career, Price has certainly made his mark. With 1,692 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns over three years, Price averaged an impressive six yards per carry. What's more, he achieved this efficiency with a limited number of carries per game, keeping his legs fresh for the long haul.
Price's style is characterized by vision and patience, waiting for holes to develop in the offensive line. Once he finds his outlet, he accelerates with precision and runs with excellent balance and body control. However, there are some concerns about his change of direction and a tendency to rely too much on bouncing outside. Additionally, Price's success was undoubtedly bolstered by the impressive Notre Dame offensive line, and it remains to be seen how he'll fare without that level of support in the NFL.
The Case for Mike Washington Jr.
Arkansas's Mike Washington Jr. is another name in the mix for the RB2 spot. While he's generally considered the RB3 of the class, his ranking varies among experts. NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah has him at 39th overall, Dane Brugler of The Athletic at 51st, and Todd McShay of The Ringer at 69th. These rankings would typically place Washington in the third round, but the scarcity of top-tier running back prospects in this draft could change that.
The lack of depth at the running back position could drive up the value of these prospects, potentially pushing Price into the first round. Once Price is selected, it's possible that we'll see a run on running backs as teams look to bolster their backfields.
A Deeper Look
What makes this draft particularly fascinating is the impact that a thin prospect pool can have on draft strategy. In a year where running back talent is scarce, teams might be more willing to take a chance on players like Price or Washington, who might otherwise be overlooked. This dynamic adds an extra layer of intrigue to an already exciting draft class.
Final Thoughts
As we look ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft, the running back position is shaping up to be an interesting battle. While Jeremiyah Love is a clear frontrunner, the race for RB2 is wide open. Whether it's Jadarian Price or Mike Washington Jr., the second running back selected will undoubtedly have a significant impact on their respective teams. This draft will be a testament to the importance of depth and the value of finding hidden gems in unexpected places.
