Bucs Draft 2026 Preview + Bucs Best Bets: RBs

Gainwell, who won a Super Bowl in Philadelphia, signed a one-year deal with Pittsburgh last year and was named the Steelers MVP as a newcomer after posting over 1,000 total yards from scrimmage. Gainwell, who signed a two-year, $14 million contract, is a one-cut runner with great elusiveness and a nice burst. He can excel in either a gap scheme, which the Bucs block so well, or a wide zone scheme like the one Zac Robinson is bringing to Tampa Bay. Gainwell is also a tremendous receiver out of the backfield.

Sean Tucker returns on a one-year deal worth $3.5 million as a restricted free agent and provides quality depth. He’s proven he can be a starting running back in a pinch, capable of producing a 100-yard day on the ground. Tucker has improved in pass protection and is a quality kick returner as well.

Tampa Bay also has Josh Williams, an undrafted free agent from a year ago, who served as a part-time kick returner, on the roster. Michael Wiley and Owen Wright, two practice squad running backs from a year ago, are also on the roster heading into the offseason program.

What The Bucs Need At Running Back

Tampa Bay has three proven runners atop the depth chart in Bucky Irving, Kenneth Gainwell and Sean Tucker. Running back is not a team need right now, as the Bucs could roll into the 2026 season and feel good about their backfield with those three proven ballcarriers.

Yet the team has done its due diligence on a few running backs in this year’s draft class just in case there might be an opportunity to upgrade the depth chart and possibly find someone who could challenge the likes of Josh Williams, Michael Wiley, Owen Wright and perhaps even Tucker. It would take the right running back in the right round for Tampa Bay to draft one this year, especially with many more pressing needs elsewhere on the roster. Tampa Bay needs to invest multiple draft picks on defense, and it feels like adding another running back would be a luxury that the team simply can’t afford right now.

If the Bucs do pull the trigger on a running back anywhere other than the late rounds it could be a sign that the team has some concerns about Irving’s mentality heading into the 2026 season after last year’s issues. But from what Pewter Report has heard, Irving is in a very good head space right now and ready to roll this year.

Top Running Backs In 2026 NFL Draft

*Important Note: These players are NOT listed in the order of Pewter Report’s ranking for them. Rather, the numbers are provided to show you the rough order in which we expect them to come off the board during the draft.

1. Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love – Junior – 6-0, 212, 4.36

There’s no surprise that Love has widely regarded as the top running back in this year’s draft class. He’s got a fantastic blend of size and speed that translates to the next level. Love has quickly emerged as one of the most dynamic playmakers in the Notre Dame offense, showcasing his explosiveness and versatility. As a young back, he made an immediate impact with 1,125 rushing yards and a whopping 17 rushing touchdowns. He followed that up last season with 1,372 yards and 18 touchdowns, becoming a unanimous All-American.

His game is built on speed, agility, and making plays in space. Love has the kind of acceleration that can flip the field, along with the lateral quickness to make defenders miss in tight areas. He can be used in a variety of ways and immediately help a team as a top 10 – or perhaps top 5 – selection.

2. Notre Dame RB Jadarian Price – RS Junior – 5-11, 203, 4.49

Price has been a steady contributor for Notre Dame, overcoming an early injury in his career to carve out a role in the backfield rotation. In his most productive stretches, he’s shown efficiency with limited touches, averaging around six yards per carry while flashing his ability to hit creases and generate chunk gains in a balanced offensive system. Price met formally with the Bucs at the NFL Scouting Combine.

What stands out about Price is his burst and decisiveness. He runs with good tempo, gets north quickly, and has enough acceleration to turn small openings into explosive plays. While he hasn’t consistently handled a feature workload due to splitting carries with Jeremiyah Love, his efficiency and big-play flashes make him an intriguing complementary back with upside if given more volume. Price is also an exceptional kick returner, earning first team All-American because of it, and figures to be a Day 2 selection.

3. Arkansas RB Mike Washington – RS Senior – 6-1, 223, 4.33

The lone running back to meet with the Bucs on an official 30 visit, Washington began his college career playing at Buffalo for three seasons, then transferred to New Mexico State for a season, and then played for Arkansas last year. He became a 1,000-yard rusher for the Razorbacks going for 1,070 yards on 167 attempts and scoring eight touchdowns.

Washington was named second team All-SEC for his efforts and is expected to be drafted on Day 2 in the third round.

4. Nebraska RB Emmett Johnson – RS Junior – 5-10, 205, 4.49

Johnson emerged as a versatile offensive weapon for the  Cornhuskers, particularly as a pass-catching threat out of the backfield. In his most productive season, he totaled over 1,451 rushing yards while adding 370 receiving yards, showing his ability to impact the game in multiple phases and provide a spark to the offense.

What makes Johnson intriguing is that he runs hard and has incredible balance, vision and elusiveness as a runner. He was a first team All-American, first team All-Big Ten and the Big Ten Running Back of the Year. He met formally with the Bucs while at the NFL Scouting Combine and is regarded as a third- or fourth-round draft pick.

5. Penn State RB Kaytron Allen – Senior – 5-11, 216, N/A

Allen has been a steady, physical presence in the Penn State Nittany Lions football backfield, forming one of the nation’s top running back tandems alongside Nicholas Singleton. Since his freshman season, Allen has consistently produced, rushing for 700+ yards in multiple seasons while averaging around 4.5–5.0 yards per carry. He’s also been a reliable option near the goal line, using his size and strength to convert in short-yardage situations.

Allen’s game is built on power, balance, and consistency. He doesn’t have the same explosive, home-run speed as Singleton, but he’s often the more dependable between-the-tackles runner. He breaks arm tackles, finishes runs with authority, and keeps the offense on schedule. That skill set gives him a clear path to the next level as a dependable early-down back who can handle volume and wear down defenses.

6. Washington RB Jonah Coleman – Senior – 5-8, 220, N/A

Coleman transferred to the Washington Huskies football after beginning his career at Arizona, where he showed flashes as a powerful, compact runner. In his breakout season with the Wildcats, he rushed for over 800 yards and averaged better than 6.8 yards per carry, establishing himself as a physical presence who could handle a steady workload.

At Washington, Coleman brought that same downhill mentality to a more explosive offensive environment. He runs with excellent contact balance and a low center of gravity, consistently churning out tough yards between the tackles. While he’s not a pure burner, his ability to absorb contact and finish runs makes him a valuable early-down option with the potential to carve out a significant role.

7. Wake Forest RB Demond Claiborne – Senior – 5-10, 188, 4.37

Claiborne has developed into a productive back for Wake Forest, showcasing his quickness and versatility in a unique offensive system. He posted a breakout season in 2024 with over 1,049 rushing yards while averaging around five yards per carry, adding another layer to the Demon Deacons offense with his ability to create in space.

What stands out about Claiborne is his burst and lateral agility. He’s effective at pressing the line of scrimmage before cutting decisively, and he’s shown the ability to contribute in the passing game as well. While he’s not the biggest back, his elusiveness and playmaking ability give him intriguing upside as a change-of-pace option at the next level on Day 3.

8. Penn State RB Nicholas Singleton – Senior – 6-0, 219, N/A

Singleton has been one of the most explosive backs in college football since arriving at Penn State. As a true freshman, he burst onto the scene with over 1,000 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, averaging an eye-popping 6.8 yards per carry while quickly establishing himself as a home-run threat.

At his best, Singleton combines size, speed, and acceleration in a way few backs can match. He’s capable of flipping field position on a single carry and has continued to be a focal point of Penn State’s offense. While there have been stretches of inconsistency, his big-play ability and physical tools make him one of the most dangerous runners in the country. He brings special teams ability as well as a returner.

9. Navy RB Eli Heidenreich – Senior – 6-0, 198, 4.44

Heidenreich has been a key contributor in the Navy Midshipmen football option-based offense, where discipline and physicality are essential. He’s produced solid numbers within the system, rushing for 1,157 yards in his career in a rotational role while averaging strong per-carry efficiency thanks to the scheme’s ability to create running lanes.

His game is built on toughness, vision, and decisiveness — traits that are critical in Navy’s run-heavy attack. While he hasn’t been featured as a high-volume back, Heidenreich, who is also a dangerous receiver, consistently executes his assignments and maximizes opportunities. That experience in a disciplined system could appeal to teams looking for a fundamentally sound, team-oriented runner who understands situational football.

10. Indiana RB Kaelon Black – RS Senior – 5-9, 211, 4.45

Black has been a steady and productive presence for James Madison, operating as a reliable piece in a balanced offensive attack. His best year at JMU was in 2023 where he led the team in rushing at 637 yards, showing efficiency even without being a high-volume feature back. His ability to contribute as both a runner and receiver has made him a versatile option in multiple personnel groupings. He then followed head coach Curt Cignetti to Indiana. In 2025 he led the team with 10 rushing touchdowns and won a national championship.

What stands out with Black is his patience and vision. He’s not an explosive, home-run hitter, but he reads blocks well and consistently finds positive yardage. That skill set, combined with his experience in a rotational role, could translate well to the next level as a dependable depth back who can handle situational carries and contribute on passing downs.

11. Texas A&M RB Le’Veon Moss – Senior – 5-11, 211, 4.58

Moss has emerged as one of the more physical runners in Texas A&M’s backfield, bringing a downhill style that fits the SEC mold. He’s flashed strong production in limited opportunities, while showing the ability to wear down defenses with his power and contact balance. Moss is regarded as a Day 3 prospect.

At his best, Moss is a tone-setter. He runs through arm tackles, finishes runs with authority, and consistently falls forward. While he’s still growing into a larger role and refining his all-around game, his physical traits and running style suggests he could develop into a reliable early-down back with short-yardage value at the next level. Moss had an official 30 visit with Tampa Bay several weeks ago.

12. Virginia RB J’Mari Taylor – RS Senior – 5-10, 197, 4.63

This is another great example of a running back shining at a smaller school and then catapulting into better competition. Taylor began his career at North Carolina Central and then transferred to Virginia for the 2025 season. He led the team in rushing with 1,062 yards and 14 touchdowns, even throwing a touchdown pass on a play.

Taylor’s explosiveness may not be as high as others, but he has quick footwork. He can contribute in a rotational backfield make him an intriguing developmental prospect with upside as a depth piece.

13. Kentucky RB Seth McGowan – RS Senior – 6-0, 223, 4.49

McGowan’s path has been anything but conventional, but he re-established himself as a productive runner with New Mexico State. After beginning his career at Oklahoma, he resurfaced at Kentucky and put together a strong season, rushing for over 1,000 yards and averaging north of six yards per carry, reminding evaluators of his natural talent.

On the field, McGowan brings a blend of size, speed, and explosiveness. He has the burst to hit big plays and the strength to run through contact, making him a well-rounded threat when he’s in rhythm. The key for him moving forward will be consistency — both on and off the field — but the upside is evident based on his production and physical tools.

14. Oregon RB Noah Whittington – RS Senior – 5-8, 205, N/A

Whittington has been a reliable contributor in the Ducks offense after previously playing for Western Kentucky. He produced efficiently within a committee backfield. Whittington posted a season with 829 rushing yards but averaged 6.4 yards per attempt, demonstrating consistency in a system that spreads touches among multiple backs.

He’s a smooth, patient runner with good vision and enough burst to capitalize on open lanes. While he may not possess elite top-end speed, Whittington’s balance and decisiveness make him effective between the tackles. His experience in a rotational role and ability to produce without high volume could translate well as a dependable depth option at the next level.

15. Alabama RB Jam Miller – Senior – 5-10, 209, 4.42

Emerging as a key contributor for Alabama Crimson Tide football, Miller showcased his burst and lateral quickness in a rotational backfield. He rushed for over 600 yards and averaged better than five yards per carry attempt last season, flashing big-play ability while also contributing as a receiver out of the backfield.

Miller led Alabama with 504 rushing yards last season despite missing three games. He’s a very accountable player and a good team leader. His lateral quickness and strength as a runner will help him at the NFL level.

Best Of The Rest

16. Indiana RB Roman Hemby – RS Senior – 6-0, 208, 4.54

Hemby has been a productive dual-threat weapon, combining vision with pass-catching ability. After spending most of his career with Maryland, he then transferred to Indiana and posted the first 1,000-yard rushing of his career. He consistently added value in the passing game, totaling 30+ receptions in multiple seasons. Then most recently with the Hoosiers, winning a national championship.

17. Toledo RB Chip Trayanum – RS Senior – 5-11, 224, 4.50 

Trayanum finished his career with Toledo after playing for Kentucky and Ohio State and beginning his career at Arizona State. Trayanum brings a physical, downhill running style. While his production has been more situational, he’s averaged around five yards per carry in limited action and provides value as a tough, between-the-tackles runner.

18. Clemson RB Adam Randall – Senior – 6-2, 232, 4.50 

Randall transitioned into a hybrid role for Clemson, utilizing his wide receiver background to add versatility to the offense. Though his rushing numbers have been modest, his ability to contribute in multiple phases — including as a pass-catcher and gadget player — makes him an intriguing offensive weapon. The big back’s best year came last season where he posted 814 yards and 10 touchdowns while being a team captain and making honorable mention All-ACC.

19. South Carolina RB Rahsul Faison – Senior – 6-0, 206, 4.62

Following stops at Marshall, Lackawanna College (where he just took classes and didn’t play), and Snow College, Faison became highly productive back for Utah State, rushing for over 1,109 yards and averaging well above five yards per attempt in 2024. He’s shown strong contact balance and durability, emerging as one of the more under the radar productive runners that played outside the power five conferences. Faison spent his last college football season at South Carolina against tougher competition and led the Gamecocks in rushing.

20. Oklahoma RB Jaydn Ott – Senior – 6-0, 198, 4.46

Ott was the centerpiece of the offense for California Golden Bears football, producing a breakout season with over 1,305 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns in 2023. With his combination of vision, acceleration, and receiving ability, Ott has established himself as one of the more dynamic backs on the West Coast. He wanted more of a challenge last season and transferred to Oklahoma, where injuries limited his production to playing in just seven games.

Bucs Best Bets – By Scott Reynolds

Rounds 1-3: Arkansas RB Mike Washington

It seems highly unlikely that the Bucs would splurge on a running back in the first three rounds, especially given the amount of talent the team has in starter Bucky Irving and capable backups in the newly acquired Kenneth Gainwell and Sean Tucker. But Tampa Bay did bring in Washington, who is coming off a 1,000-yard season at Arkansas, in for an official 30 visit, so there is some interest in him possibly as a third-round pick.

Washington, who starred at the Senior Bowl, scored 26 rushing touchdowns between stops at Buffalo, New Mexico State and Arkansas. He also proved to be a good receiver with 73 career catches for 470 yards (6.4 avg.) and three TDs. What makes Washington intriguing is his size-speed combination. At 6-foot-1, 223 pounds, Washington blazed a 4.33 in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine. The Bucs could use a back with more size and power.

Rounds 4-7: Nebraska RB Emmett Johnson

If Tampa Bay was going to draft a running back this year, it would likely happen later in Day 3 than in the first three rounds. Rachaad White was a former third-round pick, while Bucky Irving was a fourth-rounder. If the Bucs addressed needs on defense with the first three selections, it wouldn’t be an out of the realm of possibility to draft a running back in the fourth round – if the right guy was there. Johnson, who met with the Bucs formally at the Combine, is regarded as a third- or fourth-round pick.

His superpower is his vision and the ability to start and stop on a dime. He can quickly gear down from running full speed, which makes him one of the more elusive backs in the nation. Johnson runs with good pad level and has some surprising power despite weighing just over 200 pounds. That comes into play around the goal line where he bulled his way into the end zone for 12 touchdowns last season at Nebraska.