There are four Day 3 running backs who are going to outperform their draft position. While the 2026 class features Jeremiyah Love as the lone top 16 candidate, several prospects in this group possess the necessary traits to become immediate contributors in the right scheme. With a combination of college production, athleticism, and versatility, these four names are worth monitoring as we head into the third day of the draft.
J’Mari Taylor, Virginia (Projected: Rounds 6-7)
At 5-10, 199 pounds, J’Mari Taylor is often overlooked as a back capable of accumulating double-digit carries on Sundays. However, Taylor is a proven ACC workhorse with a sturdy frame and a physical running style that takes advantage of his stature. After earning the starting nod at North Carolina Central, he transferred to Virginia and quickly made his mark. In 2025, Taylor rushed for 1,062 yards and 14 touchdowns on 222 carries (4.8 yards per attempt) while reeling in 43 passes for 253 yards and another score. His production is obvious, and his physicality shows up clearly on film.
Taylor’s vision, patience, and receiving skills make him a potential threat on any down, and his style is far from scheme dependent. While he lacks ideal bulk for grinding out tough yardage, his quick-cut ability should get him on the field in third-down packages immediately. He has the potential to carve out consistent touches in any game plan, with the upside to spot-start and grow into a larger role.
J’Mari Taylor has a similar athletic profile to Andre Ellington of Clemson. Andre has a solid start to his pro career in Arizona when opportunity arose rather quickly. I could easily see Taylor quickly overachieving in relation to his projected selection spot if the chance to perform was given.
Gridiron HeroicsChristian Lance currently ranks J’Mari Taylor at No. 162 overall.
Seth McGowan, Kentucky (Projected: Rounds 4-5)
At 6-foot, 223 pounds, McGowan has the size and burst of a potential three-down back. His college journey included a dismissal from Oklahoma for a drug-related robbery offense, a stop at New Mexico State, and finally landing as Kentucky’s lead rusher in 2025. McGowan rushed for 725 yards and 12 touchdowns on 165 carries (4.4 yards per attempt) while adding 19 receptions for 126 yards. His combine performance should help him gain traction after he posted a 4.49-second 40-yard dash, a 42.5-inch vertical, and a 10-foot-11 broad jump.
Scouts praise his tackle-breaking ability and quick decision-making, though he’ll need to tighten up his pass protection and clean up the ball security questions. Teams willing to overlook his checkered off-field past could land a rotational player with the potential to become a 1,000-yard contributor.
Seth McGowan has an athletic profile very similar to that of David Johnson from Northern Iowa, albeit with an overly energized approach in comparison. There are explosive traits here that will translate to the next level.
Gridiron HeroicsChristian Lance currently ranks Seth McGowan at No. 150 overall.
Pages: 1 2