Stoked to bring back this series where I will highlight my top ten favorite running backs from the upcoming NFL draft class, one current or former pro they remind me of most, and whether or not I see them as a fit for Ben Johnson’s offense this season for the Chicago Bears.
#9: Demond Claiborne - Wake Forest - SPEED
WINSTON-SALEM, NORTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 27: Demond Claiborne #1 of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons dives for extra yardage during the first half of a football game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium on September 27, 2025 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)
WINSTON-SALEM, NORTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 27: Demond Claiborne #1 of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons dives for extra yardage during the first half of a football game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium on September 27, 2025 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)
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You’d be hard-pressed to find a more explosive running back in this year’s class. He reminds me of one of my top backs from last year’s class, Jaydon Blue, who I compared to Jahmyr Gibbs. Each player has that rare “cannon” characteristic where it looks like they are shot out of a cannon each time the ball touches their hands. There will always be a place in the NFL for players like this. The most notable difference in styles is that Claiborne is an inch taller and roughly 10lb lighter than those two, who both weighed in under 200lb to begin with.
While a 3-down role might never be in play for Claiborne, he should immediately make an impact as an electric complement in more of a 3rd down or change-of-pace role, and I could also see him becoming an All-Pro kick returner at the next level as well. That said, his lack of size and ability to push the pile are areas of concern, as are his lack of elite hands and route-running for his size and skill set, along with his propensity to put the ball on the ground and struggles in pass pro.
Either way, you can’t teach 4.37 speed, and Claiborne also has the vision to exploit any defensive front, so this is a kid I am really excited to see develop. If he lands with the right team/system with a proven RB coach, he could thrive as a lethal weapon for a pro-offense.
Pro Comp: Keaton Mitchell
Claiborne: 5’10”, 188lb, 4.37 forty, 1.59 split, 10’2” broad, 30.15” arms, 9” hands
Mitchell: 5’8”, 179lb, 4.37 forty, 1.48, 10’6”, 30.75”, 9.25”
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After serving as a change-of-pace back to Derrick Henry to start his career, Mitchell signed a nice 2-year, $9.25 million contract with the Los Angeles Chargers, where he will serve as a change of pace to second-year pro Omarion Hampton. This is quite the feat considering Mitchell went undrafted out of East Caroline University in 2023. That amount is noteworthy, especially for a backup RB and similar to the contracts given to Sean Tucker, James Connor and Chris Rodriguez Jr. What’s also noteworthy is the amount of Ravens fans and media who were disappointed to see him go.
While I could imagine a scenario where Claiborne goes undrafted like Mitchell, I would be genuinely surprised given his explosive skill set. Mitchell was able to put on weight since entering the league and now checks in around 190, and I would expect Claiborne to do the same - adding 10 pounds within the next two seasons and hovering right around 200lb. Considering he won’t be tasked with being the primary ball-carrier, I am not concerned about his size out of the gate and fully expect to see him making impact plays as a rookie. I have a 4th or 5th round grade on him.
Here are some clips of each.
Fit for Bears? Yes
With D’Andre Swift in the final year of his contract and unexpected to remain on the team past his current deal, Chicago will be in need of an explosive back who can create big plays. Enter Claiborne. His vision and patience allows him to see the crease and his burst makes him effective in the outside zone schemes that Ben Johnson likes to run. If he can add some weight as a rookie, shore up his pass blocking and ball security concerns, I could see him immediately contribute as kick returner as a rookie and get some meaningful snaps on offense. I expect him to cost an early day 3 pick but wouldn’t be surprised if he landed in the end of the 3rd due to his elite speed.
What are your thoughts on this speed demon from Wake Forest and how would you feel about seeing him in Chicago?