Running backs, multi-position offensive prospects, and general combine/offseason offensive narratives

The NFL Scouting Combine continues to prove its critical role in shaping the 2026 draft landscape, with a distinct emphasis on athletic testing metrics that are redefining offensive player evaluations. While traditional college production remains relevant, teams are increasingly prioritizing measurable traits such as speed, explosiveness, and agility, which now serve as the primary currency in draft considerations—particularly for skill-position players like running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends.

Running Backs and Multi-Position Offensive Prospects: Rising Stars and Scheme Flexibility

Among the running back prospects making headlines, Jeremiyah Love stands out as a prime example of a versatile, dynamic weapon. Known for his exceptional quickness, agility, and top-tier speed, Love’s well-rounded skill set positions him as a valuable mid-round target for offenses seeking to diversify their schemes. His athletic profile complements the trend of teams valuing athletic upside over college production alone, echoing the Combine’s broader emphasis on traits.

The wider running back class features similarly explosive athletes who can contribute in multiple roles—whether as a traditional ball carrier, a pass catcher, or a versatile mismatch. As teams look for dual-threat backs capable of extending plays and creating mismatches, prospects like Love are gaining traction on draft boards.

Broader Offensive Weapon Trends: The Explosive Wide Receiver Class

The wide receiver group is witnessing a surge of athletic talent that feeds directly into team strategies aimed at maximizing speed, route versatility, and scheme flexibility. Notable prospects such as Makai Lemon, Carnell Tate, Omar Cooper, and K.C. Concepcion have posted impressive testing results, including sub-4.4 40-yard dash times, high vertical jumps, and agility scores that captivate scouts and front offices.

These players are characterized by their ability to serve as vertical threats, quick separators, and mismatch creators. Their athletic traits align with the priorities of teams like the Giants, Steelers, Ravens, Jets, and Eagles, who are actively seeking explosive, scheme-agnostic wideouts capable of making immediate impacts in various offensive packages. For example, the Pittsburgh Steelers are eyeing speed and mismatch options in Round 2, with Lemon and Tate fitting their offensive evolution.

Tight Ends: The Rise of Mismatch Creators

Tight ends are also benefiting from this athletic-driven evaluation trend. Michael Trigg from Baylor exemplifies a high-upside, mismatch-oriented weapon, excelling in receiving, contested catches, and downfield routes. While still developing as a blocker, his elite athleticism and scheme versatility make him an intriguing late-first or early-second-round target.

Similarly, Stanford’s Sam Roush has gained attention for his route running, reliable hands, and ability to line up inline or in the slot, fitting modern offenses that seek tight ends capable of creating mismatches across different alignments.

Combine and Analytics: Transforming Draft Valuations

Combine performances and advanced analytics are shifting draft valuations significantly. Prospects like Drew Allar and Ty Simpson from SEC programs have seen their stocks climb due to athletic improvements, decision-making, and composure—traits that are now highly valued. Conversely, concerns over injuries or inconsistent college production are causing caution; for instance, LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier reportedly blamed a secret injury for his disappointing senior year, adding a layer of complexity to evaluations.

The quarterback class remains less deep, with the Raiders showing particular interest in developmental options such as Fernando Mendoza, whose athletic traits and leadership qualities fit the modern, trait-driven offensive schemes. This aligns with the league-wide shift towards athletic quarterbacks who can extend plays and create mismatches both in the pocket and on the move.

Strategic Team Adjustments and Future Movements

Teams like the Raiders, under Klint Kubiak’s offensive philosophy, are refining their draft strategies based on combine data. They are monitoring prospects like Pavia, Mendoza, and Simpson, all of whom possess the athletic traits suited for their scheme. The Raiders are also considering trades—either moving up to target top-tier athletes or down to accumulate additional picks—guided heavily by combine results and interview insights.

This trait-focused approach is expected to generate surprise draft day movements, with teams valuing athletic upside and scheme fit over traditional metrics. As a result, the 2026 NFL Draft is increasingly becoming a showcase of explosive, scheme-specific athletes—particularly at WR, RB, and TE—whose athletic traits promise immediate impact and long-term success.

In Summary

• Athletic testing at the combine is now the dominant factor in offensive prospect evaluations.
• Running backs like Jeremiyah Love exemplify the trend of valuing versatility and explosiveness.
• The wide receiver class boasts speedy, scheme-flexible athletes ready to create mismatches.
• Tight ends such as Michael Trigg and Sam Roush are rising as athletic mismatch weapons.
• Analytic-driven evaluations are prompting draft board shifts, especially at QB and skill positions.
• Teams are adapting their strategies, with trades and targeted picks centered around athletic upside.

As combine performances continue to influence team evaluations, speed, explosiveness, and scheme fit will remain the key drivers in the 2026 draft, shaping a league that values dynamic, athletic offensive playmakers more than ever before.