Best RB Fits for Patriots in 2026 NFL Draft

The Patriots could look to add a big-bodied running back in the upcoming draft.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 9:25pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a football game broken down into overlapping geometric shapes and planes in vibrant blues, reds, and greens, capturing the dynamic action and energy of the sport.The Patriots' search for a powerful, well-rounded running back in the 2026 NFL Draft reflects their desire for a diverse backfield that can handle different game situations.Boston Today

The New England Patriots may target a larger, well-rounded running back in the 2026 NFL Draft to complement their existing backfield. Phil Perry identifies several Day 2 and Day 3 prospects who could be good fits for the Patriots, including players from Arkansas, Penn State, Washington, Indiana, Clemson, and Ohio State.

Why it matters

The Patriots have placed value on having a diverse running back room, with both smaller, explosive backs as well as bigger, more physical options. Adding another big-bodied back to pair with Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson could give the Patriots offense more flexibility and power in short-yardage and goal-line situations.

The details

The Patriots could target running backs like Mike Washington Jr. (Arkansas), Kaytron Allen (Penn State), Jonah Coleman (Washington), Kaelon Black (Indiana), Adam Randall (Clemson), Chip Trayanum (Toledo), and CJ Donaldson (Ohio State) on Days 2 and 3 of the draft. These players offer a mix of size, power, and well-rounded skill sets that could complement the Patriots' existing backfield.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place from April 24-26, 2026.

The players

Mike Washington Jr.

A 6-foot-1, 225-pound running back from Arkansas who ran a 4.33-second 40-yard dash at the combine and has impressive lower-body explosiveness.

Kaytron Allen

A 5-foot-11, 216-pound running back from Penn State who is nicknamed 'Fatman' and has back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons with the Nittany Lions.

Jonah Coleman

A 5-foot-8, 220-pound running back from Washington who runs with a hard-charging style and has shown the ability to protect the football.

Kaelon Black

A 5-foot-9, 211-pound running back from Indiana who is fresh off a National Championship run and has a hard-charging running style.

Adam Randall

A 6-foot-3, 232-pound running back from Clemson who converted from wide receiver and showed promise in 2025 with 814 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns.

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What they’re saying

“When Mike Vrabel was in Tennessee, the Titans made investments in smaller 'sub' backs like Tyjae Spears and Darrynton Evans. But they also drafted a bigger back in Hassan Haskins to slot in behind the imposing All-Pro Derrick Henry.”

— Phil Perry, Author

“Meanwhile, Patriots executive president of player personnel Eliot Wolf hails from a tree of executives -- with his father, Ron Wolf, at the top -- that has for years placed real value on size in their backs.”

— Phil Perry, Author

What’s next

The Patriots will have the opportunity to select one or more of these running back prospects during the 2026 NFL Draft, which takes place from April 24-26, 2026.

The takeaway

The Patriots' interest in adding a bigger, more physical running back to their backfield highlights their desire to have a diverse group of ball carriers that can handle different game situations and provide complementary skill sets. These prospects offer the size, power, and well-rounded abilities that could make them valuable additions to the Patriots' offense.