For the Baltimore Ravens, running the football isn’t just part of the offense. It is their offensive identity. That identity now features future Hall of Fame power back Derrick Henry, but even legends need relief over a 17-game season.

The King’s presence raises the ceiling of Baltimore’s offense, yet his workload must be managed to keep him fresh for January. Adding a young, physical runner in the later rounds would give the Ravens insurance while maintaining their punishing ground attack. It would also help out Lamar Jackson in the play-action passing game.

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What’s that old saying? A QB’s best friend is a string rushing attack, right?

Baltimore also has Justice Hill and Rasheen Ali in its flock. Keaton Mitchell is an impending free agent, but a tender is all that is needed to keep the restricted FA around. Still, this conversation is interesting.

Once Baltimore addresses more pressing needs early in the 2026 NFL Draft, hopefully these guys will be available later as targets if they want to add something else to their RB room.

J’Mari Taylor’s physicality mirrors the tone Baltimore wants. He could step into short-yardage or clock-killing situations without the offense losing its edge.

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Kaytron Allen may be one of the cleaner schematic fits. His power, patience, and durability resemble the type of backs Baltimore has historically developed successfully.

Adam Randall adds even more versatility to a run-heavy offense. His receiving ability could create matchup advantages when defenses load the box to stop Derrick Henry.

Emmett Johnson’s quickness offers a stylistic changeup. That contrast can be valuable late in games when defenses are worn down from Henry’s physical running. He ran for 1,305 yards, hauled in 46 receptions for 370 more. In total, he tallied 15 TDs

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L.J. Martin’s vision and burst make him an intriguing developmental option, especially in Baltimore’s option-heavy run schemes alongside Lamar Jackson. He averaged 5.5 yards per carry and scored 12 TDs. He also added 36 receptions for 255 additional yards.

Food for thought

The Ravens understand something many teams often forget. Depth at running back isn’t a luxury. It’s a survival instinct, certainly needed.

If Baltimore wants Henry dominating when the games matter most, finding his future running mate in the later rounds would be a smart investment now. We’ll see if Eric DeCosta and company agree, and if one of these guys becomes a future Raven.

This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: NFL Draft: Late-round RBs who add one more dimension to Ravens rotation