Fantasy football analysts are already mapping out the 2026 draft, and veteran scout Derek Brown has zeroed in on three mid‑round running backs who could deliver outsized returns.
The 2026 Running Back Landscape
The departure of Travis Etienne from Jacksonville opens a vacuum at the top of the Jaguars’ depth chart, creating an opportunity for Bhayshul Tuten to claim the lead‑back role. Meanwhile, the Titans’ offense is poised for incremental improvement, setting the stage for Tony Pollard to cement his position as the primary ball‑carrier. In Tampa Bay, Kenneth Gainwell is emerging as a versatile weapon who can both run and receive, a combination that thrives in point‑per‑reception formats.
Bhayshul Tuten’s Breakout Potential
Tuten’s rookie campaign showed a fifth‑place finish in rushing success rate among 55 qualifying backs, a metric that signals efficient yardage generation. With the Jaguars’ offensive line expected to remain solid, analysts project a higher touch count that could translate into a sizable share of carries and goal‑line work. Brown argues that Tuten’s blend of speed and vision makes him a prime candidate for a breakout season.
Tony Pollard’s Consistent Role in Tennessee
Pollard entered the previous season as the clear lead back for the Titans, ranking fifteenth in snap share and seventeenth in opportunity share. Even as the team’s passing attack and offensive line show signs of improvement, Pollard’s per‑touch production remains among the league’s most reliable, giving him a floor that fantasy owners can count on.
Kenneth Gainwell’s Dual‑Threat Value
During weeks eleven through eighteen, Gainwell posted the seventh‑best fantasy points per game among all backs, while also ranking third in target share and second in receiving yards per game. His ability to contribute in the passing game elevates his value in PPR leagues, and with the Buccaneers’ scheme emphasizing versatility, he is slated for a prominent role in 2026.
For drafts that favor upside in the middle rounds, the common thread among Tuten, Pollard and Gainwell is a clear path to touches combined with upside in scoring formats that reward receptions. Owners who secure any of these backs could see a strong return on investment as the season unfolds.