The 2026 NFL Draft is less than three weeks away as the New England Patriots continue the process of finishing their board. Things will look quite different for the team this draft picking 31st overall after back-to-back years selecting in the top-five.
After selecting TreVeyon Henderson in the second-round of last year’s draft, the Patriots likely won’t address the running back position early again but still could use an addition at some point to the room.
So, with that said, let’s take a look at some
of the prospects that might make sense for the Patriots at the position.
Patriots’ current running back situation
The Patriots are set to return the top of their running back depth chart next season with Rhamondre Stevenson and the aforementioned TreVeyon Henderson. After a slow start for the duo last year, Stevenson bounced back to be one of the team’s top offensive players down the stretch while Henderson showcased the home run ability but will look for more consistency entering his second season.
Behind the top duo returns Terrell Jennings, 2025 undrafted free agent Lan Larison, and veteran Elijah Mitchell, who joined the practice squad last season. While Jennings has earned praise from the coaching staff and Larison showed promise in training camp last season before a season-ending foot injury, this projects to be the group New England adds competition too after releasing Antonio Gibson this offseason.
Patriots NFL Draft fits at running back
Nick Singleton (Penn State): After three highly productive seasons to start his collegiate career — including two years over 1,000 yards — Singleton posted a career-low 547 rushing yards in a down-year for the entire Penn State program. Teams may still be willing to bet on Singleton’s past production and his legit top-end speed plus capabilities as a pass catcher. | Consensus ranking: No. 143
Kaytron Allen (Penn State): Singleton’s counterpart was not slowed down in 2025 posting a career-high 1,303 rushing yards — his second straight year over the 1,000-yard mark — and 15 touchdowns. He won’t produce the explosive plays like Singleton does, but features a thicker build and quickness to pick up difficult yards. The Penn State duo likely represents the ceiling when it comes to where the Patriots could select a running back. | Consensus ranking: No. 154
Adam Randall (Clemson): After beginning his career as a wide receiver, Randall switched to running back near the end of his junior season. In his first full season as a back he averaged nearly 5.0 yards per carry (168 carries for 814 yards) and found the end zone 10 times on the ground. His receiver background makes him a threat out of the backfield while the 6-foot-3 Randall showcased impressive vision in his first year in the backfield leaving the arrow pointed up. The Patriots hosted Randall on a 30 visit. | Consensus ranking: No. 200
Jaydn Ott (Oklahoma): Ott was one of the most productive running backs in college football over his first two seasons at California including a sophomore campaign in which he totaled 1,315 yards and 12 touchdowns en route to earning first-team All-Pac-12 honors. An ankle injury the following season led to a drop-off in production before Ott transferred to Oklahoma — where he was given just 21 carries last season. He impressed at the Senior Bowl and could be a strong value pick if teams believe Ott is more of the player he showed early in college. | Consensus ranking: No. 145
Roman Hemby (Indiana): A four-year contributor at Maryland and then at Indiana for last year’s National Championship squad, Hemby isn’t the flashiest back but is a steady runner who gets north. He is tough to bring down and is strong in short yardage situations while also having just two career fumbles on 710 carries. Hemby showed his ability as a pass catcher during his time at Maryland but remained an asset in pass protection for the Hoosiers. | Consensus big board: No. 229
Eli Heindenrich (Navy): A dual-threat weapon for the Midshipmen, Heidenreich recorded over 900 receiving yards and nearly 500 rushing yards last season. He is not afraid to do the dirty work as a runner and was a recipient of schemed touches in the Navy offense, while NFL teams may be more interested in his pass catching ability and versatility to align all over the formation. | Consensus big board: No. 190
The Patriots aren’t expected to target a running back on Day 2, but Mike Washington Jr. (Arkansas) and Jonah Coleman (Washington) would be the top available options. Other names to watch later in the draft include: Cash Jones (Georgia), Kejon Owens (Florida International), and Jordon Vaughn (Abilene Christian).
