Rob Rang's Top 5 Running Backs
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**Overview:** The Seahawks have invested a first or second round selection on a running back in three of the past eight drafts and I think there is a strong chance of that occurring again this year. The 2026 draft is not as rich at the position as last year, but I agree with Schneider – running back is a position where good players can be found. I like the value and fit in Seattle, specifically, that several of the backs listed below would offer. I can appreciate if some are skeptical of my top two running backs both coming from Notre Dame. Back in 2013, I remember when Auburn had three backs – Ronnie Brown, Carnell "Cadillac" Williams and Brandon Jacobs – all get drafted and enjoy strong NFL careers. There is an old scouting maxim of "evaluate the player, not the helmet" and that applies with the two Notre Dame backs. Both are future NFL standouts. A few other mid and late round candidates not listed below that I am intrigued by include Clemson's Adam Randall, Indiana's Kaelon Black and Oregon's Noah Whittington.
**1\. Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame, 6-0, 212, First Round**
Blessed with a rare combination of size and joystick moves, Love ranks right there with Christian McCaffrey, Saquon Barkley and Bijan Robinson as one of the elite running back talents to enter the NFL in the past decade. He's my top-rated overall prospect on offense, beating opponents with elusiveness, power and breakaway speed. He shows McCaffrey-like versatility as a pass-catcher, showing savvy as a route-runner with excellent hands.
**2\. Jadarian Price, Notre Dame, 5-11, 203, First-Second Round**
It is often said that when every other team in the NFL has a tendency to "zig," Schneider and the Seahawks "zag." Price runs with a similar style, showing rare feel for defenders around him, with subtle changes of pace and direction. Price deserves kudos, not questions for committing to Notre Dame for the duration of his college career. He is the most instinctive runner in this class.
**3\. Mike Washington, Jr., Arkansas, 6-1, 223, Second-Third Round**
While I'm personally higher on the smoother (but undeniably slower) Price, Washington offers an intoxicating combination of size and breakaway speed. He generated a lot of buzz at the Combine by running the 40-yard dash in a jaw-dropping 4.33 seconds and that pursuit-angle-busting breakaway speed was apparent against Texas and Texas A&M earlier this year, as well.
**4\. Jonah Coleman, Washington, 5-08, 220, Second-Third Round**
I think part of Schneider's confidence that a back can be found in this draft may very well stem from the belief that one of the country's best starred just a few miles down the road from his office. Coleman's compact frame, balance through contact and ball security remind me a lot of former UCLA and NFL standout Maurice Jones-Drew.
**5\. Emmett Johnson, Nebraska, 5-10, 202, Second-Third Round**
Johnson was among this year's biggest breakout stars in college football, jumping from three touchdowns in 2024 to 15 this past season as the focal point of former NFL head coach Matt Rhule's offense. Like with Price earlier, Johnson plays faster than his workout numbers would suggest, showing the lateral agility and stop-start quickness to make defenders miss.