April 3, 2026, 3:01 p.m. CT
The top five running backs in the 2026 NFL Draft class are unlikely to be the top priority for the Dallas Cowboys, considering they are bringing back the running back room that produced at a Top-10 level last season. They paid Javonte Williams, coming off a 1,200-yard, 11-touchdown season. Hunter Luepke is under contract and Malik Davis is still on the roster. Dallas is still hoping to develop both Day 3 draft picks from last season, Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah, and they added Israel Abanikanda before the end of the 2025 season.
But none of those players should be an impediment for adding talent to the group, even Williams. he position might not be a pressing need for the team as they have at linebacker, but it’s not out of the question for them to pick a running back in certain circumstances, like if the team is wiped out at 12 and their top option when they are on the clock is the best running back in the class. It is possible that on Day 3, one of their multiple picks is an explosive play option as insurance in case Blue is not ready. Even as an outside option, Cowboys fans should know the top running backs in this class.
RB Emmett Johnson, Nebraska
Emmett Johnson will make defenses work every snap because he’s a big-play threat as a rusher and pass catcher. He isn’t the most physical runner, but does run well between the tackles with quick cuts and the ability to beat linebackers to the angle.
He came into the 2025 season with 207 attempts for 1,009 yards and three rushing touchdowns, while catching 46 passes for 332 yards and two touchdowns. He broke out by taking 251 rushes for 1,451 yards and 12 scores and adding 46 receptions for 370 yards and three touchdowns. His late production helped save his body from a ton of attempts, and he could just be hitting his prime as a rookie.
Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.RB Kaytron Allen, Penn State
Kaytron Allen is a type of running back that’s making a comeback in the NFL. Instead of the explosive back who can be a mismatch in the passing game, Allen is a punishing runner who uses great vision and an excellent up-and-down rushing ability to get nearly 2.5 yards before contact and then be a handful to get to the ground.
He rushed the ball 210 times for 1,303 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2025. He will be a pass protector on passing downs instead of a receiving threat, but his style fits what teams are doing in the running game in 2026. Punish defenses, control the clock, score redzone touchdowns, and keep opposing offenses on the sidelines.
RB Mike Washington Jr., Arkansas
Mike Washington is an all-around, vertical rushing power back at 6-foot-1 and over 220 pounds, but runs a 4.33 in the 40-yard dash with a perfect 10 Relative Athletic Score (RAS). He might be the top back in versatility. If the defense is poor up the middle, he can punish them with tough rushes inside the tackles. He finishes his runs with power, which helps the offense in short-yardage and the red zone. If the opposing defense lacks speed, Washington Jr. can beat the defense to the corner and run for explosive plays.
He is a quality receiving option as well on screens and swing passes, with excellent ability after the catch. Washington Jr. is a do-it-all option who could fit in any rushing scheme.
RB Jadarian Price, Notre Dame
Jadarian Price is a weird prospect because he plays behind Jeremiyah Love, the top running back in the 2026 NFL Draft, but he is the best option besides his teammate. He has excellent instincts, setting up defenders to make cut-backs through open holes for explosive plays. He isn’t an overly explosive athlete.
His RAS score is 8.76, ranking him 263rd out of 2,115 running backs tested since 1987. Price isn’t an elite finisher on runs or a top-end receiving threat, but he isn’t weak in any of those areas. Price scored a touchdown every nine touches last season. He hasn’t worn himself out with a ton of rushing attempts, and he’ll have fresh legs as a rookie, having never had more than 120 carries in a season.
RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
Love isn’t the prospect Bijan Robinson or Ashton Jeanty were the last two seasons, but he is the top back from this class and could be a Top-10 pick. Over the last two seasons Love averaged only 181 attempts for 1,249 yards and 18 touchdowns. He added 28 receptions for 259 yards and 2.5 scores.
He isn’t the most athletic, but he has great athleticism and although he doesn’t run defenders over, he can finish runs well and is also a plus receiver. Love is a true workhorse back who will raise the floor of any offense he is drafted on. If the Tennessee Titans draft him, Love will help their young QB develop by opening up the passing game while defenders try to contain him, and if he falls to Dallas, he could raise the efficiency of a top-five offense.
You can find Mike Crum on Twitter @cdpiglet or on YouTube at Across the Cowboys podcast