Trevor Sikkema

Allen is somewhat limited in his overall athletic profile, but when viewed through the lens of a power back — short-yardage efficiency, yards after contact and pass protection — he projects as a useful committee contributor. He fits best in an offense built around man- and gap-scheme concepts between the tackles.

Washington brings alluring size, straight-line speed and yards-after-contact potential as a power back, but also noticeably good vision and footwork to be a potential early-down back in a committee in a man- or gap-scheme run game.

Claiborne is a souped-up, scatback-type runner with a sprinter’s track background that clearly translates to the field. He is at his best in zone-blocking concepts, where his speed and acceleration can stress defenses. He offers solid receiving upside and projects as an RB3 with special-teams value or as a speed complement in a two-back rotation.

Price has the look, strength and explosiveness of an NFL back. His vision and anticipation for space can be hot and cold behind man-blocking concepts between the tackles, but in a zone-blocking scheme, he can be an effective part of a two-man backfield.

Johnson brings excellent footwork and quickness to the backfield, with good receiving ability to boot. His résumé is of a player who can be successful in man- or gap-blocking concepts, with three-down potential, especially as a receiver.

The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine kicks off in earnest with drills on Thursday, Feb. 26. Here are three potential risers and fallers.

McGowan has the build and athleticism to be a starting-caliber back at the NFL level. His explosiveness in short areas and long speed, paired with quick processing and play speed, make him a difference-maker between the tackles in power-run concepts.

Coleman may not have the flashy athleticism of a fan-favorite RB1, but his game is efficient, powerful and translatable to NFL success, specifically behind zone-blocking schemes where he can gain momentum and one-cut into rushing lanes. He also brings plus third-down reliability as a receiver and pass protector.

Simply put, Jeremiyah Love is what a first-round running back looks like: frame, athleticism, coordination and playmaker mentality. He brings true impact value in the running and passing games.

Learn more about the top five interior defender prospects on the 2026 PFF Predictive Big Board through their strengths and weaknesses.

Learn more about the top five linebacker prospects on the 2026 PFF Predictive Big Board through their strengths and weaknesses.

Offensive tackle is shaping up to be one of the premier position groups in the 2026 NFL Draft. At the top, prospects such as Francis Mauigoa and Spencer Fano headline the class, but the strength of the group extends well beyond Round 1, with quality starters and developmental options likely to be available into Days 2 and 3.

Learn more about the top five tight end prospects on the 2026 PFF Predictive Big Board through their strengths and weaknesses.

Mendoza doesn't have rare physical gifts, but his football IQ, football character and ball placement are top-class, making him worthy of a first-round selection as an early-impact projection and potential franchise quarterback.

Simpson has intriguing NFL traits both as a passer and as an athlete, flashing high-level throws against zone coverage and posting a strong success rate attacking the middle of the field. However, his limited starting experience at the college level shows up in his timing, inconsistent ball placement and uneven performance under pressure. He would benefit from landing in a situation that allows him to sit and develop early, though the physical tools and flashes suggest legitimate starting upside.

Klubnik brings high football character and a pretty passing style as a touch passer, but there’s a good chance he lacks the physical traits or arm talent to be a long-term starter in the pro game. He’ll have to be an assassin in his pre-snap reads and post-snap recognition to be a starter — but at worst, he is a preferred long-term backup.

Nussmeier brings NFL bloodlines and a polished, foundational approach to the position, traits that fuel his confidence as a vertical pocket passer. However, his average arm strength and below-average stature could create challenges for his aggressive, gunslinging style at the next level.

Altmyer’s physical limitations lower his ceiling in the pros, but due to his high football IQ and how calm he is as a pocket passer with good feel, timing and touch, he presents a good floor as a backup quarterback who could come in and start with moderate success in a pinch.

Allar has the arm talent to play in any offense in the NFL, but he was gun-shy and too inaccurate in 2025. He's a developmental toolsy prospect who needs some time to refine his game.

Beck enters the NFL with a ton of playing experience, clean fundamentals and a good game manager’s mindset. However, his arm talent took a big hit in 2025 after his UCL surgery and could be an unfortunate roadblock to NFL success.