The 2026 NFL Draft, like any class, has distinct strengths and weaknesses. While a questionable crop of passers decides whether quarterback-needy teams will be happy this spring, it's clear that edge rushers and offensive linemen will be aplenty in April.
Among the less certain positions is running back, where Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love entered the season atop boards before a suboptimal start. He remains the consensus RB1, but the backs behind him haven't dominated the early-season slate.
If this class's running backs are going to emerge as a strength of this class, it's going to come later in the cycle, accelerated by conference play and bowl-season showdowns. One late riser could very well be Alabama running back Jamarion "Jam" Miller, who will make his season debut on Saturday.
Jam Miller to make his 2025 debut
The premier SEC clash in Week 5 will come in Athens when the Crimson Tide visits the Bulldogs, hoping to turn the College Football Playoff picture upside down. For the first time this season, they'll have an extra arrow in the quiver -- their starting running back.
Miller missed the beginning of the season with a collarbone injury. His senior season starts on Saturday.
Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer spoke about his return, along with defensive lineman Tim Keenan's, on Wednesday.
“We’ve been missing these guys the entire year, so it’s really good to have them back out there on the football field,” DeBoer said. “I think just, the vibe that surrounds them, they do it different ways. Jam’s a little more quiet. ... With his explosiveness, he’s really just an all-purpose back that can protect, run the ball, catch out of the backfield, and be a threat that way.”
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Miller's return is a big boost for the Crimson Tide, and the runway is there for him to impact the 2026 NFL Draft, too. Off of last season's film, he'll begin his platform year with a fourth-round grade, akin to a useful backup who can play a real role in a committee. As DeBoer noted, though, he has passing-down experience and the ability to create big plays.
At 5'9", 220 pounds, Miller's frame is fairly similar to 2025 draft pick Cam Skattebo, and he profiles as another power-first back who is comfortable between the tackles. Miller lacks the pure power that Skattebo offers, although he finishes well and has good contact balance. That mass helps him in pass protection, where he's a work-in-progress but has a decent floor.
Fundamentally, Miller has strong footwork to make the right cuts efficiently. His vision and second-level reads, however, are far less consistent, creating a hurdle for him to clear as a senior. He's a capable receiver with enough competency to stick on passing downs, even if he's more comfortable as a between-the-tackles rusher and consistent chain-mover.
Soft factors are working in his favor. Starting at Alabama and being fairly productive (823 yards and eight total touchdowns in 2024) is a strong start, and he'll get a similar chance in 2025. He's big enough to check the box and should test well, too.
Subsequently, a jump into Day 2 remains possible, offering Miller the opportunity to improve his NFL standing while giving more credibility to an underwhelming crop of running backs. An SEC schedule will fill his fall with quality opponents, but making a good first impression against Georgia could set the tone for his senior season.
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