As the NFL season approaches, the landscape of running back depth charts is constantly evolving, and 2026 is no exception. Fantasy football managers are finding themselves in a whirlwind of roster changes, with breaking news impacting their strategies almost daily. Recent developments have left several teams in flux, particularly affecting their backfields.
In Cleveland, the situation has shifted dramatically with the departure of Jerome Ford to Washington in free agency. This leaves Dylan Sampson, who has solidified his role as the Browns’ primary passing-down back. Last season, Sampson showcased his receiving skills, catching 33 passes for 271 yards, which significantly outpaced his rushing totals of 165 yards on 98 touches. Notably, he led all running backs with at least 30 targets in yards per route run, boasting an impressive target rate of 28% per route. With no immediate replacement drafted by the Browns, Sampson is poised to take on a more significant workload in 2026.
While Quinshon Judkins is expected to be the starter, his limited involvement in the passing game raises questions about his overall impact. Judkins only ran routes on 28% of Cleveland's pass plays last season and did not receive any targets on crucial third or fourth downs. In games where Judkins was sidelined, Sampson stepped up with double-digit carries, indicating his potential for increased touches. However, Judkins appears to be recovering well from an ankle injury, which could cap Sampson's ceiling. Currently, Sampson's average draft position (ADP) falls between RB49 and RB55, making him an attractive late-round option.
Meanwhile, in Denver, Jonah Coleman is emerging as a noteworthy prospect. Drafted by the Broncos, Coleman is being considered more than just a handcuff for J.K. Dobbins, who has a history of injuries. Coleman is currently being selected around RB51, with an ADP of approximately 130 overall. Coach Sean Payton has praised Coleman's football intelligence and ability to maintain balance during contact, suggesting that he could handle a larger workload if called upon. This is particularly relevant given Dobbins' track record of missing games throughout his career.
Despite some skepticism regarding Coleman's past performance—he averaged just 4.9 yards per rush last season—he demonstrated impressive efficiency on runs with at least one yard before contact, averaging 8.1 yards per carry. This statistic places him among the top performers in his draft class. Analysts have described his situation as “cloudy, but plausible,” indicating that while competition exists, there is a path for Coleman to carve out a significant role.
In Green Bay, Chris Brooks has found himself in a favorable position following Josh Jacobs' placement on the Commissioner’s Exempt List due to legal issues. This unexpected turn has opened the door for Brooks, who is now listed second on the Packers’ depth chart behind Kaleb Johnson. Brooks, who signed a two-year deal worth $4.85 million, has limited experience but is seen as a reliable power back. His lack of extensive playing time raises concerns, but some analysts believe he could be a valuable late-round pick if he secures a starting role.
Lastly, Jacory Croskey-Merritt of the Washington Commanders has made a name for himself after a strong rookie season, where he rushed for 805 yards and scored eight touchdowns. Despite the addition of Rachaad White and Kaytron Allen to Washington's backfield, Croskey-Merritt is still viewed as a potential leader in the team’s new outside-zone scheme. However, his limited involvement in the passing game could hinder his fantasy value, as he caught only nine passes last season. With an ADP around RB38 to RB40, he remains a risky yet intriguing option for fantasy managers looking for depth.
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