Every NFL Draft has its share of surprises, and late-round running backs are proving to be some of the most exciting finds this year. While most late-round picks are expected to provide depth, a few are already showing they could be much more than that. Think of them as the hidden gems that can turn a team's season around—and maybe even your fantasy roster.
Take Kyle Monangai of the Chicago Bears, for example. A seventh-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Monangai has already earned the "straight baller" label. He's the kind of unicorn every team hopes to uncover late in the draft. But not every late-round back is so fortunate. Most are simply depth pieces, one injury away from relevance. Yet a handful of rookies are sitting behind depth charts so thin they can almost smell the snaps before August ends.
The path to playing time is simple: an unclear RB2, an unreliable RB3, and a coaching staff that prioritizes ball security and quarterback protection. That's how late-round backs become real contributors. Here are a few rookies with viable paths to meaningful snaps in 2026.
Houston's Backfield: The Texans' depth chart isn't exactly stacked, which gives rookie Whittington a real shot. He doesn't need to win a starting job outright—just prove he's the best third option in camp. With legit burst, contact balance, and receiving ability, Whittington is a one-cut accelerator who can turn a small crease into a 12-yard gain. He's not a plodder; he's a playmaker who can stay on the field during passing downs. If he handles pass protection and special teams, he'll be active on Sundays. And with the backs ahead of him, one minor injury could flip him into real touch volume.
Baltimore's Rotation: The Ravens have a clear blueprint for success: speed and decisiveness. Rookie Randall is being mentioned as a candidate to challenge for the No. 3 RB role, provided he improves his pass protection. If he wins the job, it's because he hits the right gap fast and finishes runs. In Baltimore's run-heavy, rotation-friendly offense, that makes him one injury away from real snaps.
Las Vegas's Wild Card: The Raiders are in transition, and their backfield usage could get messy fast. That's where rookie Hemby comes in. With a three-down skill set, he runs with urgency, catches naturally, and offers versatility. In a changing offense, Hemby's ability to carve out a role could make him a valuable asset for both the team and savvy fantasy owners.
These late-round backs may not be household names yet, but they're proving that the NFL Draft's biggest surprises often come in the later rounds. Keep an eye on them—they might just be the next big thing in your favorite team's backfield.