Kaelon Black Draft Grade | Round 3, Pick 26 | FanVerdicts

D-

Bottom 12%Pick Grade

Pick Context

Market Value

Significant Reach

Position

RB · Discount Position

Decision Grade reflects market consensus at the moment of the pick. Teams often have private information the consensus does not.

Scouting Report

Big Board Rank: #164 · Day 3 Sleeper

Kaelon Black enters the 2026 NFL Draft as a physical, north-south runner who transformed Indiana's ground game during his three-year collegiate career. The Ohio native transferred to Bloomington after a prep career at IMG Academy and immediately established himself as a workhorse back capable of handling heavy workloads. Black's draft stock has steadily risen throughout his college tenure, evolving from a rotational player to a feature back who can punish defenders between the tackles. His combination of size, power, and surprising lateral agility makes him an intriguing developmental prospect, though questions about his top-end speed and pass-catching consistency keep him from higher consideration.

Strengths

+Exceptional contact balance allows him to absorb initial contact and continue churning forward, consistently falling forward for extra yards after first contact.

+Natural power runner who excels at breaking arm tackles and running through contact, showing rare strength for a back under 220 pounds.

+Outstanding vision between the tackles enables him to identify and hit cutback lanes, particularly effective in gap-scheme concepts.

+Reliable pass protector who shows proper technique and willingness to engage blitzers, rarely missing pickup assignments in obvious passing situations.

+Impressive durability having handled 250+ carries in consecutive seasons without significant injury concerns or performance decline.

+Strong hands as a receiver on checkdowns and swing passes, securing contested catches in traffic and maintaining possession through contact.

+Effective red zone runner who maximizes opportunities near the goal line, showing good body lean and leg drive to power through pile-ups.

+Excellent football IQ demonstrated through pre-snap reads, audible recognition, and ability to adjust protection calls when lined up in backfield.

+Physical runner who punishes defenders with aggressive running style, often initiating contact rather than avoiding it in short-yardage situations.

+Consistent performer in clutch situations, elevating his play in fourth quarters and crucial downs throughout his collegiate career.

+Natural leadership qualities evident in his preparation and mentoring of younger running backs, showing maturity beyond his years.

Weaknesses

NFL Comparison: AJ Dillon

Fan voting will be available once grades are published.

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