The Baltimore Ravens selected Adam Randall, a running back out of Clemson, with their fifth-round pick at No. 174 overall. It was an under-the-radar need after Keaton Mitchell departed in free agency, and Randall should fill that void nicely.
In terms of his frame, Randall is pretty much the complete opposite of Mitchell. He stands at 6-foot-3 and weighs 232 pounds. But he does bring a similar trait in home-run ability, supplying impressive speed for size. What makes him an intriguing prospect, though, is the fact that he’s new to the position and is already showing signs of dominance.
If you’re a fan not sold on the pick just yet, allow Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney to tell you what Randall is all about. He had the highest praise for his former running back.
Clemson HC Dabo Swinney on new Ravens RB Adam Randall:
— Ryan Mink (@ryanmink) April 25, 2026
"I think Adam Randall is one of the more unique players in this draft. I told a couple of GMs before the draft that I think he's a steal. He's like getting three players with one pick because I think he's just scraping the…
Baltimore Ravens may have gotten themselves a steal in Adam Randall
Entering the draft, Baltimore had three running backs. Derrick Henry is obviously the lead bell cow, Justice Hill remains on the team as a reliable option as a pass catcher and pass protector (unless he's cut to free up cap space), and Rasheen Ali is looking to attack a bigger role in year three. With the Randall selection, the competition for the backup role to Henry could get tight.
Sure, he’s a fifth-round pick, but Randall has the talent to immediately get the majority of reps when Henry comes off the field. Heck, he could even be the eventual heir to Henry.
Randall has the potential to be a true three-down back. We already know he has the size and explosiveness, but he’s a former wide receiver; he has a natural ability as a pass catcher. He still needs to develop as a pass protector, but he has the size to win in that area, too.
The Ravens have also noted they believe that Randall could get a shot as a returner. He showed promise in that role at Clemson, and after losing Mitchell and still not having a sure thing at kick returner, Randall may become the go-to guy. He could legitimately be a do-it-all player once he’s fully developed.
That development is going to take some time; he just started getting running back snaps in 2025. However, Dabo Swinney’s comments make it clear that there’s a limitless ceiling there. And when Derrick Henry is on your team, you have the perfect mentor. It’ll be a while before we see Randall maximize his potential, but he is in a position to become an extremely fun player.
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