2026 NFL draft, position by position: Where the Eagles stand at running back
Saquon Barkley and Tank Bigsby appear set, but a developmental Day 3 prospect could be in the cards for the Birds.
From April 6-17, the Inquirer’s Eagles reporting team is breaking down each position on the roster ahead of the NFL draft, looking at the depth chart and long-term personnel picture, as well as some names that could emerge as Eagles targets in the April 23-25 event.
RB personnel picture
Here’s the state of the running back depth chart ahead of the draft:
After Saquon Barkley became the ninth running back in NFL history to top 2,000 rushing yards in a season in 2024, the running game took a significant step back in 2025. The Eagles rushed for 179.3 yards per game in 2024, good for second in the league. They averaged 116.9 in 2025, 18th in the NFL.
The reasons for that were mostly beyond the control of Barkley and the rest of the running backs on the roster. The offensive line was banged up and not as impactful. The offense, under first-year coordinator Kevin Patullo, did not consistently scheme ways to create running room. Opposing defenses keyed on Barkley even more than they had in 2024. The Eagles faced the fourth-highest stacked box rate in the league.
What’s ahead for 2026? Well, mostly the same unit to start, but under new coordinator Sean Mannion.
From a personnel perspective, the Eagles weren’t expected to do much at running back with Barkley, Tank Bigsby, and Will Shipley all under contract. But they did go out and sign four-year veteran Dameon Pierce in free agency.
For now, we’re slotting Pierce and Shipley in at RB3. Last year, the Eagles kept four running backs on the initial 53-man roster, although one was a fullback (Ben VanSumeren). That seems like a likely scenario for 2026. Carson Steele, who was signed to a futures deal after spending last season on Kansas City’s practice squad, is listed on the official roster as a running back, but if he makes the team it will likely be as a special teamer and a fullback.
Not listed here is Cameron Latu, whom the Eagles designate as a tight end. While Pierce and Shipley could be a fun roster battle in camp (and both could theoretically make the team), the Eagles also could have an old-fashioned fullback battle between Steele and Latu.
While the top of the depth chart is clear with Barkley and Bigsby, it remains to be seen what happens behind them. Shipley, who is entering the third year of his four-year rookie deal, and Pierce obviously will be in the mix and have paths to roster spots, but the Eagles will bring more running backs to camp, either by way of the draft (via a late-round pick) or free agency (undrafted or otherwise). — Jeff Neiburg
Who are the potential RB targets for the Eagles in the draft?
While it’s unlikely the Eagles spend early draft resources at a position where they are mostly set, adding a Day 3 running back could be valuable to keep fresh, young legs in the running back corps.
The lack of a reliable receiving and pass-protecting running back after Kenneth Gainwell went to Pittsburgh last offseason was noticeable. The Eagles could be looking for an upgrade at the RB3 spot.
Here are three late-round options the Eagles could target in the draft:
Nicholas Singleton, Penn State
Singleton, who had a breakout season in 2024 as a junior (1,099 rushing yards, 17 total touchdowns), struggled in 2025, averaging 4.5 yards per carry and catching just 24 passes out of the backfield. The Shillington, Pa., native’s speed and skill set suggest he should go much earlier in the draft, but a broken bone in his foot suffered at the Senior Bowl and his lack of production last season are contributing to his late-round projection.
When healthy and at his best, Singleton is a dynamic, high-cut runner that can create explosive plays as a runner and receiver. He struggles consistently finding cutback lanes and doesn’t make many defenders miss in the open field, despite his speed and athleticism.
He does bring a willingness to pass protect, has return ability (averaged 23.7 yards per kick return), and has natural hands out of the backfield. If he can continue to improve his vision and pass protection, Singleton could be the Eagles’ long-term backup and serve as a reliable returner, which the team desperately needed last season.
Demond Claiborne, Wake Forest
Claiborne, a three-year starter at Wake Forest, has a similar mold as Singleton. He had 51 catches over the last two seasons, has two career kick return touchdowns, averaged 26.3 yards per return, and is a dynamic, one-cut runner who has the speed to create explosive plays out of the backfield.
He has a smaller frame than Singleton (5-foot-10, 188 pounds) and his game is not predicated on being a short-yardage or power back, but his lateral agility, second gear in the open field, and receiving ability make him an intriguing Day 3 player.
At the very least, he could be an option for the Eagles as a returner and has third-down back potential if Barkley needs a breather.
Rahsul Faison, South Carolina
Faison is a 26-year-old Pottstown native who has had a long, winding career that began at Marshall and included two junior college stops and two seasons at Utah State. He is a sturdy running back who embraces contact and is a patient runner.
His production took a step back this year (470 rushing yards, three touchdowns) but he averaged 4.9 yards per carry and showed some growth as a receiver at South Carolina and the Senior Bowl. He doesn’t have breakaway speed, though, and doesn’t always press running lanes with urgency, which can lead to him getting stacked up in the backfield.
Faison’s age and lack of special teams snaps also make him a potential undrafted free agent candidate, but his downhill running style and receiving chops would make sense as a late-round pick for the Eagles. — Devin Jackson