The Arizona Cardinals had the worst luck with running backs last season. Both starters ended up on IR, and the backups and practice squad guys ended up leading the way down the stretch.
The offensive line didn’t help and had issues of its own. But the running game was atrocious.
RELATED: RB EMMETT JOHNSON PROFILE
At season’s end, overall, the Cardinals’ offense ranked #19. The passing aspect did pretty well with a #7 ranking, while the run game came in at a pitiful #31. Then there was the Emari Demercado incident against the winless Tennessee Titans. Bam Knight became injured as well.
Meanwhile, RT Jonah Williams was lost to IR, LT Paris Johnson became hurt late in the year, while OG Will Hernandez was hurt to begin the season, came back, and then was injured again.
Both James Conner and Trey Benson ended up on season-ending IR. They are reported to be back before training camp, but what will their skills be after recovery? Will they be the same backs they were before their injuries? Will their cutting ability be altered? What about any loss of speed or being able to shift gears?
GM Monti Ossenfort re-signed Knight and then inked Tyler Allgeier of the Atlanta Falcons in free agency.
Ossenfort may not be done. The NFL draft could bring in another capable back for quality depth. Here are several prospects that are all small-college guys.
Curtis Allen - Virginia Union
Draft projection: Round 6
Cardinals pick: #183
Allen rushed for an NCAA Division II single-season record 2,409 yards and led the nation with 30 rushing touchdowns — all accomplished in just 12 games.
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Specifics:
College: Virginia Union
Height: 6’-2”
Weight: 215 pounds
40-time: 4.67
2025 attempts: 297
2025 rushing yards: 2,409
2025 average yards per carry: 8.1
2025 touchdowns: 30
Career points: 90
Accolades: Harlon Hill Trophy winner, Deacon Jones Trophy winner, Walter Camp D-2 Player of the Year, CIAA Offensive Player of the Year, D-2 rushing leader, First Team
Kejon Owens #5 of the FIU Panthers
Kejon Owens #5 of the FIU Panthers
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Kejon Owens – Florida International
Draft projection: Round 7
Cardinals pick: #217
Very solid back with good speed. Broke school record for most rushing yards in a single season. Excellent at reading blocks to find gaps. Soft hands but very physical.
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Specifics:
College: FIU
Height: 5’-10”
Weight: 185 pounds
40-time: 4.6
2025 attempts: 213
2025 rushing yards: 1,334
2025 average yards per carry: 6.3
2025 touchdowns: 11
Career points: 134
Accolades: Second Team FBS All-American, First Team All-Conference USA, Conference USA Player of the Year, Senior Bowl invitee, American Bowl invitee
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Robert Henry, Jr. - UTSA
Draft projection: Round 7
Cardinals pick: #217
Workhouse back with 408 attempts in just three seasons with legit second-gear acceleration. Good blocker with versatility to catch passes and was ultra-productive at the college level.
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Specifics:
College: University of Texas at San Antonio
Height: 5’-9”
Weight: 196 pounds
40-time: 4.52
Career attempts: 408
Career rushing yards: 2,339
Career average yards per carry: 5.7
Career touchdowns: 30
Career passing yards: 428
Career points: 180
Accolades: First Team FBS All-American, Walter Jones Trophy winner
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Eli Heidenreich - Navy
Draft projection: Round 7
Cardinals pick: #217
Very fast with great hands. Broke his school’s all-time receiving yards record. Outstanding body control and a dual-threat athlete. Great blocker with a compact, tough frame.
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Specifics:
College: Navy
Height: 6’-0”
Weight: 198 pounds
40-time: 4.44
Career attempts: 169
Career rushing yards: 1,157
Career average yards per carry: 6.8
Career touchdowns: 16
Career passing yards: 1,994
Career points: 140
Accolades: Second Team All-American, Second Team All-Western Athletic Conference, East-West Shrine Bowl invitee