NFL Draft 2026 Scouting Report for Michigan RB Justice Haynes

Damian ParsonNov 9, 2025

Justice Haynes is an explosive one-cut, straight-line runner who is a big play waiting to happen.

Haynes is a compact and patient ball carrier with the top-end speed to take it the distance.

His career began at Alabama as a 4-star recruit in the 2023 class. Haynes spent two years there but never received the touches to have a significant impact on the offense. This offseason, he transferred to Michigan, where he is approaching his first 1,000-yard rushing season.

Haynes is currently sidelined with a foot injury, and his return timetable is unknown at this time.

Dame Parson is the lead host of the Locked On NFL Draft podcast. He also serves as co-host of the Scouting Room NFL Podcast alongside Daniel Harms.

Where He Wins

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COLLEGE FOOTBALL: OCT 04 Wisconsin at Michigan

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- Haynes is a hard-charging downhill runner. He runs with aggression and power, powering through arm tackles at the first and second levels of the defense. His lower-body strength pushes through defenders, allowing him to fall forward.

- The former 4-star recruit possesses big-play speed. He has rattled off multiple 50-plus-yard runs this season. Once Haynes reaches top speed, he is rarely caught from behind.

- The Alabama transfer's build is compact and dense, leading to success when fighting for extra yards. Haynes runs hard and has good contact balance to keep his feet. He keeps his pad level low and limits the strike zone for approaching defenders.

- Haynes' vision is one of his top traits as a prospect. He reads the action in the box well and is a quick processor. His patience allows blocks to set up and create running lanes. His peripheral vision helps him bounce runs outside when the lanes between the tackles are clogged or closed.

Areas of Improvement

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- Haynes offers little to nothing as a receiver out of the backfield. He does not run a robust route tree and is only an underneath/shallow receiving option. This can limit his upside/ceiling in the NFL.

- Lateral agility is average. He is not an overly elusive runner who will make defenders miss in close quarters. His game is more predicated on run strength and breakaway speed. He lacks creativity as a runner to make the wrong things right.

- Physical running style raises concerns about staying healthy. Haynes has battled different injuries this season alone.