Mike Washington Jr., Emmett Johnson, Nick Singleton's Top Landing Spots in 2026 NFL Draft

NFL teams largely stayed away from the running back position through the first three rounds of the NFL draft, with only the Notre Dame pair of Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price selected in the opening round and Indiana's Kaelon Black taken in the third.

So where does that leave Arkansas' Mike Washington Jr., Nebraska's Emmett Johnson and Penn State's Nick Singleton? What teams would be logical suitors for this trio of running backs?

Let's break it down.

Tennessee Titans

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The Tennessee Titans need more playmakers on offense, even after drafting wideout Carnell Tate. Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears are a fine one-two punch, but a more powerful downhill runner like Washington would offer a strong contrast.

The Titans need more home-run hitters. Washington has that type of upside.

Best Fit: Washington

Minnesota Vikings

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Aaron Jones isn't going to play forever, and at some point the Minnesota Vikings are going to need to replace him. Adding a player like Singleton, who would offer a threat as both a runner and receiver, would make a lot of sense for Minnesota.

Best Fit: Singleton

Carolina Panthers

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Chuba Hubbard is a solid option at running back, but the jury is out on Jonathon Brooks, who has all of nine carries across two seasons as injuries continue to be a major concern. Adding another option to the running back room would make a lot of sense.

Honestly, any of the three players we've listed thus far would make sense in Carolina, but Rico Dowdle had a monster season for the Panthers last year and Johnson is probably the closest of the three to that archetype of player, so he gets the nod.

Best Fit: Johnson

Kansas City Chiefs

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Kansas City's splashiest offseason move was adding Kenneth Walker, and he'll undoubtedly be the lead back. But Andy Reid loves a shifty receiving option out of the backfield and Brashard Smith is probably the team's best option at the moment.

A bit of competition at scatback would make sense for Kansas City.

Best Fit: Singleton

New England Patriots

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TreVeyon Henderson rules. But enough Rhamondre Stevenson, please. If the Patriots are insistent on going running-back-by-committee, it's probably time to upgrade the second player in that committee.

A one-two punch of Henderson and Washington would be a highlight reel waiting to happen.

Best Fit: Washington

Teams That Could Use an Upgrade at Backup RB

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Think the Green Bay Packers behind Josh Jacobs, Indianapolis Colts behind Jonathan Taylor, Atlanta Falcons or Jacksonville Jaguars behind Bhayshul Tuten, among others. All could make sense as suitors for the top remaining running backs on the board.