Penn State running back Kaytron Allen is one of the most intriguing players at his position in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. He is coming off of back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons and has scored 25 total touchdowns over the last two seasons
This week, Allen, as well as other NFL hopefuls, are participating in the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis. While there, he will workout for and meet with representatives from multiple NFL teams in hopes that one of them will take him in the upcoming draft.
American online casinos expect the PSU product to be drafted anywhere between the third and fifth rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Penn State running abc Kaytron Allen at the NFL Combine
According to renowned NFL prospect analyst Lance Zierlein, “Allen is productive with good size and vision but below-average explosiveness. He’s a fluid runner with ideal patience and a natural feel for when to cut off his blocks.
“He runs low to the ground with the strength to run through arm tackles and fall forward after contact. A feel for lane development allows him to fit any run scheme, but his lack of burst is likely to constrict the field and limit his ability to find explosive runs. Allen appears to lack third-down and special-teams value, but he could earn a spot as a solid backup.”
Due to his average speed and below average explosiveness, it is not likely that Allen will be a starting running back in the NFL. At least, not as a rookie. At the NFL combine, teams will look particularly at his participation in receiving drills and strength exhibitions.
These teams may be looking at Allen as a potential third down running back. That is, they may view him as a player who can help protect the quarterback when he drops back to pass while also being a legitimate threat as a receiver.
Kaytron Allen leaves a legacy at Penn State
With 4,180 career rushing yards at PSU. Allen leaves the school as the program’s all-time leading rusher. He is also the only running back in school history to have eclipsed 4,000 rushing yards.
His 39 career rushing touchdowns rank third in school history, behind only Nicholas Singleton (45) and Saquon Barkley (43).
Allen’s 43 all-purpose touchdowns also rank third at Penn State, also behind Singleton (54) and Barkley (51).
Which Teams Could Target a Running Back in Round One?
As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, talk continues to build around a potential resurgence of the running back position in Round One. While teams have largely shifted focus toward premium positions like quarterback, edge rusher, and offensive tackle in recent years, several franchises are rumored to be eyeing top-end backfield talent this spring. According to early mock drafts and league insiders, the Kansas City Chiefs, New Orleans Saints, Los Angeles Rams, and Houston Texans could all be in the mix to select a running back in the first round.
Kansas City Chiefs (9th overall)
Kansas City’s offense remains dynamic under Patrick Mahomes, but injuries and workload concerns surrounding Isiah Pacheco have made the Chiefs a prime candidate to retool the backfield. With the ninth overall pick, they’re in rare territory to secure a true offensive playmaker. Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love has frequently been mocked to Kansas City — a versatile, three-down weapon whose blend of acceleration and agility draws comparisons to Reggie Bush. For Andy Reid, who has long favored multipurpose backs, Love could provide a perfect complement to Mahomes’ improvisational style and give the Chiefs another explosive piece to sustain their offensive dominance.
New Orleans Saints (8th overall)
Just one pick ahead, the Saints are also emerging as a strong candidate to prioritize a running back early. Alvin Kamara remains productive when healthy, but he’s entering the twilight of his prime, and New Orleans’ offense needs more speed and creativity. Love has appeared in several projections at this spot, offering the Saints an instant-impact weapon who could reinvigorate their attack. Head coach Dennis Allen could reignite the Saints’ identity built around dual-threat running backs, a tradition that has historically powered their success.
Los Angeles Rams (13th overall, via Atlanta)
The Rams’ involvement in the RB conversation largely depends on how they approach Kyren Williams’ future. Trade rumors have circulated, suggesting the team could explore moving the productive young back to accumulate additional draft capital. If that happens, Sean McVay may look toward the 13th pick — acquired via Atlanta — to fill the void with a premier prospect like Love or Jadarian Price. Either player could thrive in McVay’s balanced system built around explosive zone concepts. After years of creative offensive evolution, the Rams might once again make the backfield a focal point.
Houston Texans (pick TBD)
Though not consistently mocked a running back yet, the Texans remain an intriguing dark-horse candidate. With C.J. Stroud emerging as one of the league’s brightest young stars, pairing him with a high-end, all-purpose runner could take Houston’s offense to another level. Jonah Coleman and Emmett Johnson are both possibilities if Love and Price are off the board. Landing a reliable three-down option would help balance their pass-heavy tendencies and sustain drives deep into the postseason picture.
The Return of the Feature Back?
After several drafts where running backs slid out of Round One, 2026 could mark a subtle shift. With prospects like Jeremiyah Love showcasing elite athleticism and versatility, teams are once again recognizing the value of explosive playmakers who can dictate defenses both as runners and receivers. Whether Love lands with Kansas City, New Orleans, or another contender, his presence could redefine a franchise’s offensive rhythm for years to come.