It is never too early to start preparing for the future. The Baltimore Ravens are one of the best at shaping the best future possible. Their drafting skills are up there with the best, and their scouting department impresses every year.
Baltimore has loads of talent, but some players are getting up there in age. Specifically, running back Derrick Henry is getting closer to the end of his NFL career. While he looks better than ever and was extended in May, he is entering his age 31 season. At this point, running backs would be wrapping up their career, and while Henry is still a perennial Offensive Player of the Year candidate, Baltimore’s front office will likely find his heir soon.
Trevor Sikkema listed one area that every team needs to focus on in the 2026 NFL Draft, and for the Ravens, finding Henry’s successor is the central focus in 2026.
“Henry earned the highest PFF rushing grade of his career (93.1) during his age-31 season. He signed a contract extension that added two more years to his deal, but we know how it goes with running backs — when they decline, they often do so quickly. The question is: Is Henry's successor on the roster?,” Sikkema wrote.
Backup running backs Keaton Mitchell and Justice Hill have flashed capabilities to take crucial carries, but there are questions if either can be a lead bell cow. In next year’s draft, there is plenty of talent for the Ravens to draft as Henry’s eventual replacement.
Two running backs Baltimore could select in the 2026 NFL Draft
Nicholas Singleton, Penn State
Baltimore loves the Penn State Nittany Lions. It is one of their go-to football factories to select players from to continue improving their team. Next season, Nicholas Singleton might be the best player on the team’s roster.
Singleton is entering his senior year and has been one of the most consistent backs in the country. He rushed for a career-high 1,099 yards in 2024, the second time he has amassed over 1,000 yards in his collegiate career. He has the desired skill set, as well. From speed to balance to receiving and blocking abilities, the 21-year-old has all the traits to be a Pro Bowl-caliber running back at the NFL level.
While he is going into his fourth season with starting reps, and the tread on the tires is racking up, he is part of a talented duo with fellow running back Kaytron Allen. Allen takes enough carries to keep Singleton fresh now and in the future while allowing him to showcase his skills and dominate defenses.
CJ Baxter, Texas
CJ Baxter comes from another loaded running back school with the Texas Longhorns. The college has had numerous star backs in the past couple of years. Jonathan Brooks and Jaydon Blue were drafted into the NFL in the last two years. Current Longhorns Quintrevion Wisner and Jerrick Gibson are highly touted players and will compete for starting reps against Baxter in 2025.
While Baxter has just 138 carries heading into his third season, injuries have taken a toll on his body. In a 2024 preseason practice, the 19-year-old tore his LCL and PCL, causing him to miss the entire year. However, Baxter is back. He has been cleared for practice and is ready to showcase his talents.
He is a workhorse back who rushed for 659 yards and five touchdowns in his freshman season and was already proving to be one of the most physical backs in college. He possesses the size and strength to break tackles with ease and has enough juice to break off big runs. While no one knows what he will look like after the brutal injury, the former five-star recruit looks to be one of the best running back prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Baltimore’s offense thrives on the run game, so if Henry regresses and Mitchell does not separate himself as a starter, the Ravens will need to look to the NFL Draft to find their next great running back.