Is the running back class really THAT bad?

In this episode of Purple Insider, host Matthew Collar welcomes NFL Draft on SI's Justin Mello to discuss the perceived weakness of the 2026 running back class. While Mello acknowledges the class lacks elite talent—highlighting Jeremiah Love as a generational prospect with a massive gap between him and the rest—he argues it's not as dire as many claim. He breaks down the potential fall of Love, suggesting he could drop to the Vikings at pick 18 if the Titans and Commanders pass, making a trade-up feasible. Mello praises Jadarian Price as a high-upside second-round fit for the Vikings due to his explosiveness and instinctual play, even if he didn't start in college. He also champions Jonah Coleman and Emmitt Johnson for their intelligence, toughness, and three-down potential, while expressing intrigue in Adam Randall’s unique size and athleticism. The conversation shifts to broader draft strategy, with Mello supporting the idea of the Vikings focusing on defensive depth to strengthen their already strong defense, though he cautions against neglecting offensive weapons like wide receivers. The episode concludes with a deep dive into positional value, where Mello defends the surplus value argument—prioritizing positions with higher scarcity and financial leverage—while acknowledging elite players transcend positional tiers.