Bold takeaway: the 2026 NFL Combine running backs delivered a mix of breakout athleticism and mid-round intrigue, with several prospects elevating their stocks and a few sleeper performances that could change draft board conversations. And this is the part most people miss: the Lions’ draft calculations aren’t just about the fastest times, but about fit, versatility, and long-term impact. Here’s a refreshed, beginner-friendly retelling that preserves all key details and implications.
The running backs group opened Day 3 at the NFL Combine, and as with most position groups, roughly half of the eligible players participated in the testing—either in the measurable drills or the on-field work. Yet a handful of top talents seized the moment and stood out in notable ways.
Jeremiyah Love from Notre Dame and Jadarian Price, also from Notre Dame, attracted a lot of attention. Love posted a 40-yard dash time of 4.36 seconds and Price 4.50. They delivered strong performances, but because they’re widely projected as the first two backs off the board, they’re unlikely to be within the Detroit Lions’ draft-value sweet spot this year.
Among the five players we labeled as “winners” in our coverage, three were also highlighted in our prior running backs Combine preview. The piece noted the Lions should be watching these backs closely, along with two others who weren’t included in that preview for different reasons. Here are the five backs the Lions likely had their eyes on:
Mike Washington, Arkansas (6-foot-1, 223 pounds)
Washington has been a consistent favorite in Pride of Detroit’s offseason discussions. He topped the Senior Bowl talk list and led our Combine preview as a top back to track. A big, powerful back, he would answer several long-term questions for the Lions and provide a reliable safeguard if an unexpected development with other backs occurs. The buzz around him lately has been very positive, and his Combine results—4.33 seconds in the 40, a 39-inch vertical, and a 10-foot-8 broad jump at 233 pounds—could push him higher on draft boards than previously anticipated.
Emmett Johnson, Minnesota or not listed here by school (5-foot-10, 202 pounds)
Johnson wasn’t in our Combine preview because he was positioned as RB3 this offseason. Still, Washington’s rise and a few other developments have shifted the landscape. Johnson’s 4.56-second 40-yard dash isn’t blazing, but it sits in a reasonable range for his play style. His 35.5-inch vertical jump and 10-foot broad jump highlight his explosiveness.
During on-field drills, Johnson attacked with a downhill mindset, showed quick reactions, and powered through with strong hands after the catch. He didn’t look perfectly balanced while making fast cuts, but his overall movement was powerful. His fit with the Lions’ scheme could be a plus, though he might be more of a Day 3 consideration than an immediate major addition.
Desmond Claiborne, Wake Forest (5-foot-10, 188 pounds)
Claiborne entered conversations at multiple events for his speed, most notably clocking a 4.37-second 40-yard dash. On the field, he demonstrated sharp recognition and reaction, lateral explosiveness, and sustained speed through drills. He was aggressive at the line, trusted his pace, sold routes well, and showed clean breaks. His tape backs up the performance, keeping him in the conversation as a potential top-five back in this class.
J’Mari Taylor, Virginia (5-foot-10, 199 pounds)
Taylor is a compact, quick-twitch runner who didn’t participate in measurable testing but impressed with on-field drills. He attacks downhill and shows solid power in his legs, staying square through his cuts. His lateral agility is average, and he didn’t appear fully comfortable on deeper routes. His underneath routes were clean, and he showed the ability to sink low and drive out of cuts.
Jam Miller, Alabama (5-foot-10, 209 pounds)
Miller flashed potential during scouting, though he narrowly missed the cut in our preview. He quickly became a value-to-high upside Day 3 candidate. In measured testing, Miller clocked a 4.42-second 40-yard dash and displayed quick feet, strong jump cuts, and good lateral movement. He consistently got low in his cuts and accelerated into his routes. He showed reliable hands, though he could benefit from selling certain routes—like the Texas route—more convincingly. Nonetheless, his open-field acceleration and route running were clean, and he projects as a developable prospect with notable upside if he can refine his route selling and consistency.
In summary, the Lions’ evaluators likely came away with a clear sense of which backs could contribute in the near term and which ones offer longer-term upside. It’s a nuanced mix of raw athleticism, hand-eye coordination, and on-field smarts that could shape the backfield for years to come.
Do you think the Lions should prioritize a power back with Washington’s profile, or lean into Johnson or Claiborne for speed and versatility? Share your take in the comments—do you favor immediate impact or longer-term upside?
