For the second consecutive year, I’m bringing you my top ten running backs in the upcoming NFL draft. These are not fantasy rankings or even who I predict will have the best season. No, these are simply a pre-draft ranking of the 10 most talented RBs coming out this year – according to WCG’s own version of ‘Rudy.’
Born a running back to a father who was a running back (and a mother who was a power forward), I knew about ball security, stiff arms, and high knees before I could walk. Before every game
I played growing up, my pops showed me the same highlight video of the all-time greats, and I immediately fell in love with the skill, toughness, grit, and unique style of running backs. To this day, I enjoy watching the position more than any other.
In other words, yes, I am here for the long-overdue RB resurgence! Though they might still not garner the most impressive contract, if you’ve been around here long enough, you have likely seen me state that I feel “running backs are the most impressive athletes on the field.” But the beauty of the position is that they come in all shapes, sizes and styles.
Speed backs like Gale Sayers and O.J. Simpson were just as dangerous as Eric Dickerson and Chris Johnson, no matter what generation of athletes they lined up against. Power backs like Jerome Bettis and Craig Heyward got the job done much like Earl Campbell and Christian Okoye, despite being much shorter and wider. All-around backs like Sweetness and Jim Brown, elusive backs like Barry and Marshall, durable workhorse backs like Emmitt and Gore, the list and variety go on and on.
In this series, I will highlight my top ten favorite running backs from the upcoming NFL draft class, one current or former pro they remind me of most, and whether or not I see them as a fit for Ben Johnson’s offense this season for the Chicago Bears.
#10: Kaelon Black – Indiana – WORKHORSE
Fresh off a National Championship win alongside his QB and Heisman Trophy winner, Fernando Mendoza, Kaelon Black was inexplicably excluded from attending the NFL Combine this spring. Nonetheless, however, as showing up on the biggest stages is more than enough of an opportunity to showcase one’s abilities, and that is precisely what Black did and why he ultimately made my top ten. A well-built back at 5’9”, 208lb, Black runs with aggression and purpose with each step. While he may not go out of his way to bowl over would-be tacklers, the former Indiana Hoosier wastes little motion with his angles, often choosing to run through arm tackles, knowing they have little to no chance of slowing him down. Ohio State, Alabama, Oregon or even in the Natty against the ‘U’, Black punished defenses all year and helped Mendoza thrive as he demanded the attention of defensive coordinators.
Having started his career at James Madison, Black transferred to Indiana with his head coach, Curt Cignetti, and was integral to the school’s first-ever National Championship, rushing for 1,034 yards and 10 TDs with a 5.6 yard average on the year, including 241 yards and 3 TDs in Indiana’s three College Football Playoff wins. While his stats may not be as gaudy as some others on this list, anytime you lead the backfield of a national championship team, you earn some respect. My comp for him is another proven winner.
Pro Comp: James White
Black: 5’9”, 208, 4.45-4.55 forty*
White: 5’9”, 204, 4.57 forty
Though James White was more involved in the passing game in college and also had slightly superior cutting ability, both B1G Ten backs pack a punch in their 5’9” frame and are efficient as ball-carries though they each lack breakaway speed. James White was taken at the end of the 4th round, which would be earlier than I expect Black to go, but I would not be surprised if he lands anywhere between the 4th and 6th rounds and immediately steps in as a solid and dependable RB2. One of the more telling aspects of a great running back is how hard it is for coaches to take them off the field despite other talented backs on the roster. Both of these backs have managed to carve out critical roles for their team’s success, and I could see Black continuing that trend in the league. Sooner or later, whichever team’s fan base lands Kaelon Black, expect them to be grateful for the pick as soon as he touches the field.
Here are a couple of clips of each.
Fit for Bears? No
While I would never complain if we added a player like Kaelon Black, I feel his skill-set is extremely similar to that of 2025 rookie, Kyle Monangai, and the team would be better served adding a back with a more explosive skill-set to account for the likelihood of veteran D’Andre Swift’s departure after the ‘26 season.
Stay tuned for the rest of my list, and sound off below on whether you see similarities between Black and White, or who you believe is a better selection for #10!
*reported time range
