Noah Whittington 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Houston Texans RB

Damian ParsonDec 15, 2025

The Houston Texans are reportedly signing Oregon RB Noah Whittington as an undrafted free agent, per Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports.

Noah Whittington is a low-center-of-gravity, well-rounded running back prospect who offers value in both the running and passing games.

Whittington has a natural feel for the running back position and projects as an adequate backup or RB2 in the NFL.

Whittington's career began at Western Kentucky as a former 3-star recruit in the 2020 recruiting class. He has proven to be a steady, consistent player when given touches to produce. He offers special teams value as a kick returner.

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.

Highlights

1 of 5

Scroll down for the full scouting report.

Where He Wins

2 of 5

Steph Chambers/Getty Images

- Whittington runs hard with a low center of gravity. He lowers his shoulder and charges downhill, driven by momentum, his strong lower half carrying him through arm tackles.

- Oregon's RB plays with good vision and quick processing. He reads leverage well when pressing the line of scrimmage. Whittington's abilities work well in both gap and zone-schemed concepts.

- He is a patient runner who sticks behind his lead blockers. His shorter stature is used to his advantage, allowing him to hide behind his OL before making his move into the open field. His eyes and feet are paired together as he navigates the line of scrimmage.

- Whittington's lateral agility is impressive. He strings together jukes and patterns to force missed tackles against alley defenders and get out of the backfield.

- The Ducks' versatile RB is a former high school wide receiver, and it shows up when he is asked to run routes out of the backfield. His quick footwork helps freeze second-level defenders on option routes and in/out-breaking routes. He has displayed great hands, plucking the ball away from his frame.

Areas of Improvement

3 of 5

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: NOV 14 Minnesota at Oregon

Brian Murphy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

- Whittington is not a big-bodied runner and will not check the boxes for some NFL teams. He will need to be paired with a bigger back for those short-yardage situations against NFL defenses.

- Despite a few long runs this season, he is not a breakaway runner with outstanding top-end speed. His acceleration is above average at best; he wins with nuance and not elite athleticism.

- Love his effort in pass protection, but his technique needs to be refined. He will lunge and bend at the waist over his toes, giving up leverage at the POA. Cleaning this up will solidify him as a reliable third-down option in pass pro.