Cowboys 2026 draft: Top early round running backs in the draft
With the Dallas Cowboys season now fully in draft mode, this is a good time to continue looking at needs for Dallas. We are looking at the key prospects in the early rounds the Cowboys could take. In this edition, we look at the running back position.
Running back is a curious one because if they re-sign Javonte Williams, they are likely not going to use an early round pick. If they head into the draft with guys like Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah, they may need to expend a resource earlier than they want. What happens with Malik Davis could also alter the picture.
Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
Strengths
Love is a one-cut and go runner who hits creases fast and keeps his balance through contact. He’s dangerous when the blocking gives him a lane because he accelerates quickly and can turn routine runs into chunk gains, and he’s more than just a runner.
Weaknesses
The biggest improvement area is the pass protection and playing under control. He can also put himself in danger by trying to hurdle defenders, which he tries to do often. He’s also more of a slasher than a pure pile-mover, he’ll finish runs, but his best work comes from speed, angles, and quick cuts rather than constant short-yardage power.
Summary
Love is the clear best running in the draft. He’s explosive, efficient, and productive enough to carry an offense. He was one of college football’s most productive backs in 2025 and added real receiving value, which is why he entered the draft conversation as a top running back.
(Top-10 prospect)
Jonah Coleman, Washington
Strengths
Coleman is a compact, tough runner who makes his yards the hard way. A quick one-cut decision runner with good vision between the tackles, and excellent balance when first contact hits. He’s built to bounce off arm tackles and keep falling forward, and he also gives real value in the pass game
Weaknesses
The biggest knock back is his top-end speed. He can rip chunk runs, but he’s not the type who regularly runs away for 80-yard touchdowns. Pass protection is another improvement area, he’s willing, but technique can be inconsistent.
Summary
Coleman’s college résumé is a steady workhorse growth curve. He’s a dependable, physical back who keeps an offense on schedule and scores touchdowns. His NFL ceiling depends on sharpening pass pro and proving he has enough burst to consistently create big plays against faster defenders.
(Top-60 prospect)
Jadarian Price, Notre Dame
Strengths
Price is a burst and balance runner who hits one cut and accelerates like he’s late for a flight. He’s been efficient every year he’s played at Notre Dame and he adds real extra value as a kick returner. His speed, instincts, and ability to flip a game with explosive plays, and the return game value makes him an easy choice to take early in the draft.
Weaknesses
He’s not the ‘run through three guys’ type back. He wins more by slipping contact and bursting through daylight than by living in constant short-yardage pileups. Also because he’s shared a backfield with a star teammate, some teams will have questions on whether he can handle true feature-back volume week after week.
Summary
Price is an explosive runner and a dangerous return man who creates points fast. The stats show steady efficiency and a big touchdown rate, and the scouting consensus frames him as an NFL-caliber back because he brings speed, chunk plays, and special teams value in one package. If he proves he can hold up with heavier weekly touches, he looks like a back who can be a starter in a committee.
(Top-70 prospect)
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