Are There Gems in this Weak RB Class? | 2026 NFL Draft RB Rankings

In this episode of Firstdown Football, host Andrew Grinskis breaks down his top 10 running back prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft, offering detailed evaluations of each player's strengths, weaknesses, and draft potential. The class is described as relatively weak, with few true elite talents, leading Grinskis to place only two players in the top five and emphasize the importance of value and fit over high draft capital. Jeremiah Love from Notre Dame is ranked #1, praised for his elite speed and home run ability, though concerns remain around pass protection and route running. Jadarian Price and Jonah Coleman are highlighted as impactful second-tier options, with Coleman lauded for his vision and ball security. Mike Washington and Emmitt Johnson round out the top five, with Washington’s athleticism offset by ball security issues and Johnson’s production hindered by lack of size and straight-line speed. The episode concludes with a strong emphasis on positional value, with most backs projected in the late second to early fifth rounds, and a call to follow the show for upcoming mock drafts and film breakdowns across platforms. Key takeaways include: 1) The 2026 RB class lacks a true franchise-caliber talent, making value picks crucial; 2) Players with elite vision, ball security, and pass protection upside (like Jonah Coleman) are more valuable than pure speedsters; 3) Athleticism at the combine doesn’t guarantee NFL success—film and production matter more; 4) Teams should prioritize fit over pedigree, especially with backs like Kalen Black and Damond Claiborne who may thrive in specific systems; 5) The Notre Dame backfield could make history by producing the first two running backs taken in NFL Draft history. Overall, the episode is cautiously optimistic about the class, stressing that savvy drafting can uncover hidden gems.