One prospect the Denver Broncos are showing interest in and could draft on day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft is Indiana running back Kaelon Black. He is a 5-9, 208-pound running back who could be a potential late-round steal for a team in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Black started his college career at James Madison before transferring to Indiana in 2024, where he saw limited snaps and carries for them. However, this past year, Black was their starting running back and a key part of Indiana’s National Championship-winning
team. This past year, Black appeared in 16 games and had 186 carries for 1,040 yards, averaging 4.6 yards per carry, and 10 rushing touchdowns.
The Denver Broncos re-signed veteran running back JK Dobbins, have RJ Havrey coming off a 12-touchdown rookie season, and are bringing back depth running backs Jaleel McLaughlin and Tyler Badie. However, the Broncos running back room could use some better depth, especially with JK Dobbins’ injury history, and could draft a back sometime on Day 3 of the draft. If they do, Indiana’s Kaelon Black could be an interesting option for them.
Player Profile
Kaelon Black | Running Back |Indiana
- Height: 5-9
- Weight: 208 pounds
- 40-time: 4.43 seconds (Pro Day)
- Vertical Jump: 37.5 inches (Pro Day)
- Broad Jump: 10-5 (Pro Day)
- Bench Press: 27 reps (Pro Day)
Note: Kaelon Black was not invited to the Combine, and his testing numbers are via Indiana’s Pro Day
Film Room
Scouting Report
Strengths
- Is a high-motor runner who hits the hole hard and will fight for extra yardage
- Low pad level and good contact balance
- Creates yards after contact
- Strong finisher who will lower his shoulder and run through you
- He doesn’t have great long speed, but has good burst in the open field
- Is able to get “skinny” and squeeze through creases along the offensive line
- Has good vision and is able to find open running lanes on the backside
- Willing pass protector
- No real issues with ball security
- Played well in tough games during Indiana’s Championship run
Weaknesses
- Ran a faster 40-time than I expected, but he lacks elite play speed and is often run down by defenders
- Little to no pass-catching production
- Will need to work on pass-blocking technique
- Never carried the ball more than 186 times in a year and lacks experience as a true lead runner
- Isn’t the most creative runner in space, and is a true north/south downhill runner
What other analysts are saying about Indiana RB Kaelon Black
NFL.com’s draft analyst Lance Zierlein on Indiana RB Kaelon Black
“Get what is blocked” runner with good size and above-average aggression as a finisher. Black split carries in Indiana’s downhill attack and generally kept the run on its designed track. He lacks ideal burst and utilizes too many stutter-steps in processing the run lane while headed to the hole. He’s not elusive inside but will add yards with his tackle-breaking and fall-forward running style. Black is a grinder with below-average third-down value, but he could create competition for a RB3/4 role in camp.
Should the Broncos draft Indiana RB Kaelon Black on Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft?
I wouldn’t be upset about it.
Black profiles as an early down between-the-tackles grinder who can get you 4-5 yards per carry and occasionally pop off a 15+ yard gain. He showcased his talents during Indiana’s Championship run and played well against some of the top schools and players in college football.
- vs. Ohio State – 16 for 69 yards
- vs. Alabama – 15 for 99 yards
- vs. Oregon – 12 for 63 yards
- vs. Miami – 17 for 79 yards
Those were all during Indiana’s playoff run and against some of the top defensive prospects in college football and this draft. Not eye-popping numbers, but he proved he can go toe to toe against some of the top prospects in the game and hold his own.
He projects a day 3 option for the Broncos and would give them an early down option and potential insurance for JK Dobbins. He isn’t the biggest, fastest, or flashiest back, but he’s a grinder and someone who can be a late-round steal for whoever drafts him.
