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Running backs in the draft

Posted: Wed Mar 11, 2026 7:18 pm
by D-train
Sorry to obsess on this but I just can't believe our lack of options given the cupboard is completely bare:
Running backs
Kiper

1. Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
2. Jadarian Price, Notre Dame
3. Mike Washington Jr., Arkansas
4. Emmett Johnson, Nebraska
5. Jonah Coleman, Washington

Editor's Picks

Our latest 2026 NFL mock drafts: Pick predictions from Kiper, Miller, Reid and Yates
ESPN staff
Miller

1. Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
2. Jadarian Price, Notre Dame
3. Mike Washington Jr., Arkansas
4. Emmett Johnson, Nebraska
5. Nicholas Singleton, Penn State

Muench

1. Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
2. Jadarian Price, Notre Dame
3. Mike Washington Jr., Arkansas
4. Nicholas Singleton, Penn State
5. Roman Hemby, Indiana

Reid

1. Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
2. Jadarian Price, Notre Dame
3. Mike Washington Jr., Arkansas
4. Jonah Coleman, Washington
5. Emmett Johnson, Nebraska

Yates

1. Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
2. Jadarian Price, Notre Dame
3. Emmett Johnson, Nebraska
4. Mike Washington Jr., Arkansas
5. Nicholas Singleton, Penn State

Re: Running backs in the draft

Posted: Wed Mar 11, 2026 7:24 pm
by D-train
Love isn't an Option so I will start with Price:
Notre Dame's running back tandem is a force to be reckoned with, where Price stands out as a star in his own right. Stuck behind his teammate Love, who is widely regarded as one of the best backs in the nation, Price has still managed to shine with his explosiveness and versatility. In a recent game against Purdue, Price put on an impressive performance by scoring four touchdowns, three on the ground and one on a 100-yard kick return. Price's skill set is tailor-made for NFL offensive coordinators, with his ability to contribute on all three downs and excel on special teams. His combination of speed, power, shiftiness, and instincts make him an enticing prospect for teams looking for a dynamic weapon in the backfield.

Despite concerns about his pass protection and workload history, Price's explosive traits and three-down potential make him a valuable asset for teams willing to take a chance on him in the draft. His ability to read defenses, press holes, and burst through gaps showcases a blend of vision and burst that is reminiscent of Alvin Kamara. Teams that run zone-heavy schemes or utilize gap concepts will find Price to be a perfect fit for their offensive systems. Additionally, Price's special teams value as a kick returner adds another dimension to his game, which could push his draft stock higher for teams valuing versatility.

Projected to land in the third or fourth round, Price offers immediate competition at the running back position with the potential to thrive in a committee approach. While he may not be a workhorse back, Price's game-breaking ability and receiving skills make him a valuable asset for teams looking to create mismatches in the passing game. With his natural hands and smooth route-running ability, Price has the potential to be a steal for any team that takes a chance on him in the draft. His explosiveness, efficiency, and room for growth make him a standout prospect with the potential to make a significant impact at the next level.

Re: Running backs in the draft

Posted: Wed Mar 11, 2026 7:51 pm
by Donn Beach
I asked AI for an opinion. I don't think it's going to be a single answer approach, it will be more Jerry Dipoto, bringing in a number of options. JS is going to sign some FA RBs and probably draft one as well as relying on who's already on the roster. The game one starter is going to be the result of a preseason competition
Free Agency/Veterans: The Seahawks are exploring options to replace Kenneth Walker III, with Rico Dowdle (Pittsburgh) and Tyler Allgeier (Arizona) mentioned as potential, more affordable alternatives. Other options included Travis Etienne (New Orleans) and Kenneth Gainwell (Tampa Bay).

Draft Class (2026): The 2026 draft class is considered strong at running back, featuring prospects like Ashton Jeanty (Heisman finalist), Kaleb Johnson (Iowa), and Omarion Hampton (North Carolina).

Draft Mid-Round Targets: Other potential draft additions in the later rounds include Quinshon Judkins (Ohio State), TreVeyon Henderson (Ohio State), Dylan Sampson (Tennessee), and Cam Skattebo (Arizona State).

Current Roster: The team still has Zach Charbonnet, who is expected to return from a season-ending injury, making a high-cost replacement for Walker less likely

Re: Running backs in the draft

Posted: Wed Mar 11, 2026 8:09 pm
by Captain 97
D-train wrote:
Wed Mar 11, 2026 7:24 pm
Love isn't an Option so I will start with Price:
Notre Dame's running back tandem is a force to be reckoned with, where Price stands out as a star in his own right. Stuck behind his teammate Love, who is widely regarded as one of the best backs in the nation, Price has still managed to shine with his explosiveness and versatility. In a recent game against Purdue, Price put on an impressive performance by scoring four touchdowns, three on the ground and one on a 100-yard kick return. Price's skill set is tailor-made for NFL offensive coordinators, with his ability to contribute on all three downs and excel on special teams. His combination of speed, power, shiftiness, and instincts make him an enticing prospect for teams looking for a dynamic weapon in the backfield.

Despite concerns about his pass protection and workload history, Price's explosive traits and three-down potential make him a valuable asset for teams willing to take a chance on him in the draft. His ability to read defenses, press holes, and burst through gaps showcases a blend of vision and burst that is reminiscent of Alvin Kamara. Teams that run zone-heavy schemes or utilize gap concepts will find Price to be a perfect fit for their offensive systems. Additionally, Price's special teams value as a kick returner adds another dimension to his game, which could push his draft stock higher for teams valuing versatility.

Projected to land in the third or fourth round, Price offers immediate competition at the running back position with the potential to thrive in a committee approach. While he may not be a workhorse back, Price's game-breaking ability and receiving skills make him a valuable asset for teams looking to create mismatches in the passing game. With his natural hands and smooth route-running ability, Price has the potential to be a steal for any team that takes a chance on him in the draft. His explosiveness, efficiency, and room for growth make him a standout prospect with the potential to make a significant impact at the next level.
Highlights below.
Looks decent finds the holes but doesn't look like he has elite burst to me.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3lWAEwPHAU

Re: Running backs in the draft

Posted: Wed Mar 11, 2026 8:11 pm
by Captain 97
Donn Beach wrote:
Wed Mar 11, 2026 7:51 pm
I asked AI for an opinion.
This is the most Donn thing ever. :lol:

Re: Running backs in the draft

Posted: Wed Mar 11, 2026 8:23 pm
by Michael K.
Donn Beach wrote:
Wed Mar 11, 2026 7:51 pm
I asked AI for an opinion. I don't think it's going to be a single answer approach, it will be more Jerry Dipoto, bringing in a number of options. JS is going to sign some FA RBs and probably draft one as well as relying on who's already on the roster. The game one starter is going to be the result of a preseason competition
Free Agency/Veterans: The Seahawks are exploring options to replace Kenneth Walker III, with Rico Dowdle (Pittsburgh) and Tyler Allgeier (Arizona) mentioned as potential, more affordable alternatives. Other options included Travis Etienne (New Orleans) and Kenneth Gainwell (Tampa Bay).

Draft Class (2026): The 2026 draft class is considered strong at running back, featuring prospects like Ashton Jeanty (Heisman finalist), Kaleb Johnson (Iowa), and Omarion Hampton (North Carolina).

Draft Mid-Round Targets: Other potential draft additions in the later rounds include Quinshon Judkins (Ohio State), TreVeyon Henderson (Ohio State), Dylan Sampson (Tennessee), and Cam Skattebo (Arizona State).

Current Roster: The team still has Zach Charbonnet, who is expected to return from a season-ending injury, making a high-cost replacement for Walker less likely
Jerry Dipoto? Jerry is one trade deadline away from having one playoff appearance in his entire career. I'm not sure I want JS to be Jerry. Remember when Ruskell decided to just throw a few RBs at the problem? TJ Duckett, that was fun.

JS might bring in more than one back, but it won't be because Jerry fucking Dipoto inspired him with all his success in doing so!

Re: Running backs in the draft

Posted: Wed Mar 11, 2026 8:52 pm
by Donn Beach
I didn't say he was an inspiration but I think it's what you tend to get. I think Dipoto and JS are both analytically minded. I see a lot of similarities actually.

Speaking of similarities... How about a Mike MacDonald Don James comp? I was thinking about that the other day. MM as a young Don James.

And speaking of AI, I was having trouble bringing up Don James name. So I asked for a list of great UW coaches. The list didn't include Don James. You really don't want to rely on AI too heavily

Re: Running backs in the draft

Posted: Wed Mar 11, 2026 8:55 pm
by Donn Beach
Captain 97 wrote:
Wed Mar 11, 2026 8:11 pm
Donn Beach wrote:
Wed Mar 11, 2026 7:51 pm
I asked AI for an opinion.
This is the most Donn thing ever. :lol:
What do you think of that list? Price isn't on it, how about the others? I'm not familiar at all with that sort of stuff

Re: Running backs in the draft

Posted: Wed Mar 11, 2026 10:03 pm
by D-train
Michael K. wrote:
Wed Mar 11, 2026 8:23 pm
Donn Beach wrote:
Wed Mar 11, 2026 7:51 pm
I asked AI for an opinion. I don't think it's going to be a single answer approach, it will be more Jerry Dipoto, bringing in a number of options. JS is going to sign some FA RBs and probably draft one as well as relying on who's already on the roster. The game one starter is going to be the result of a preseason competition
Free Agency/Veterans: The Seahawks are exploring options to replace Kenneth Walker III, with Rico Dowdle (Pittsburgh) and Tyler Allgeier (Arizona) mentioned as potential, more affordable alternatives. Other options included Travis Etienne (New Orleans) and Kenneth Gainwell (Tampa Bay).

Draft Class (2026): The 2026 draft class is considered strong at running back, featuring prospects like Ashton Jeanty (Heisman finalist), Kaleb Johnson (Iowa), and Omarion Hampton (North Carolina).

Draft Mid-Round Targets: Other potential draft additions in the later rounds include Quinshon Judkins (Ohio State), TreVeyon Henderson (Ohio State), Dylan Sampson (Tennessee), and Cam Skattebo (Arizona State).

Current Roster: The team still has Zach Charbonnet, who is expected to return from a season-ending injury, making a high-cost replacement for Walker less likely
Jerry Dipoto? Jerry is one trade deadline away from having one playoff appearance in his entire career. I'm not sure I want JS to be Jerry. Remember when Ruskell decided to just throw a few RBs at the problem? TJ Duckett, that was fun.

JS might bring in more than one back, but it won't be because Jerry fucking Dipoto inspired him with all his success in doing so!
I bet Jerry could find a way to draft Ashton Jeanty though! lol

Re: Running backs in the draft

Posted: Thu Mar 12, 2026 5:34 am
by Donn Beach
The draft class is a season old, thats weird. I was about to actually investigate the names. AI is tricky, i enjoy running questions by it but i would be very careful with something important