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
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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2025 rushing yards: 2,409
2025 average yards per carry: 8.1
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 Getty Images
Kejon Owens – Florida International
Draft projection: Round 7
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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2025 rushing yards: 1,334
2025 average yards per carry: 6.3
Accolades: Second Team FBS All-American, First Team All-Conference USA, Conference USA Player of the Year, Senior Bowl invitee, American Bowl invitee
Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Draft projection: Round 7
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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College: University of Texas at San Antonio
Career rushing yards: 2,339
Career average yards per carry: 5.7
Career passing yards: 428
Accolades: First Team FBS All-American, Walter Jones Trophy winner
Getty Images
Draft projection: Round 7
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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Career rushing yards: 1,157
Career average yards per carry: 6.8
Career passing yards: 1,994
Accolades: Second Team All-American, Second Team All-Western Athletic Conference, East-West Shrine Bowl invitee