Zach Charbonnet is ahead of schedule as he rehabilitates a postseason ACL tear, but the idea that he could be on the field Week 1 is pure coach fiction.
If and when Charbonnet lands on the PUP list to start the season, first-round rookie Jadarian Price and George Holani will likely split the RB touches. Holani has been working most with the first team offense, but Price has been praised by coaches and will likely have a significant role Week 1. Regardless, Charbonnet is a clear buy-low target in dynasty leagues as he profile more as an every-down running back than Price and Holani.
After averaging six yards per carry across his three seasons...
After recording 20 touchdowns on just 243 touches over his ...
The Seattle Seahawks made a major addition to their ...
Precious few running backs open their rookie season in a bell cow role, however, it is noteworthy that league insiders are already suggesting that Jadarian Price will not operate as primary back early on. Price’s struggles in pass protection and limited receiving experience will likely prevent him from ever becoming a true three-down back in the NFL.
While he is an explosive interior runner, his clear limitations on passing downs are expected to restrict his immediate usage. Consequently, Price will likely split work with Emanuel Wilson and George Holani in Week 1, making him a fringe starter in fantasy football with delayed gratification in dynasty leagues.
The Seattle Seahawks closed out Day 1 of the NFL Draft by selecting Jadarian Price at No. 32, securing an elusive, one-cut back with the elite vision and contact balance to dominate in the Pacific Northwest. Price is an efficiency monster, boasting a massive 6.0 College Yards Per Carry (72nd-percentile) and a rugged 3.92 Yards After Contact per attempt, proving he can generate chunk plays in structure while maintaining a scorched-earth 45.0% Breakaway Rate.
This is a nuts landing spot for Price and buoys his value in dynasty formats. His combination of first-round draft capital and a versatile skillset—highlighted by a 14.5 Yards Per Reception —makes him a mid-first round rookie pick and almost a certainty to be the RB2 in this class, only behind his college teammate Jeremiyah Love.
NFL scouts view Jadarian Price as a second-round pick with late first-round upside, though he has yet to emerge as the class’s consensus RB2. He successfully rebounded from a 2022 Achilles rupture to record 1,517 scrimmage yards and 20 total touchdowns over the past two seasons as a key contributor for Notre Dame.
In dynasty leagues, Price’s projected Day 2 draft capital and elite college efficiency make him a strong consideration in rookie drafts as early as the mid-first round in single QB leagues and late first in superflex and tight end premium formats.
While Charbonnet’s surgery went well, an ACL tear in the Divisional Round (January) makes him a strong candidate for the PUP list to start the 2026 season. Even upon return, his grinder profile creates a natural pairing with a hyper-efficient playmaker. Price’s dynasty stock could double and his best ball stock would surge if he landed in Seattle in Round 1.
Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price has secured his invitation to the 2026 NFL Combine. With teammate Jeremiyah Love garnering the heaviest interest in fantasy rookie drafts, Price is a player to watch.
Price accumulated 674 rushing yards on 113 carries, finding the endzone 11 times in 2025. He has kick return ability and plenty of highlights that showcase his skillset. His draft stock has been limited by the fact that he has played in a support role to Love. According to PFF’s Big Board 2026, Price will get late round 2 draft capital.
Should Price test well at the Combine, expect his name to rise in ranks towards the RB2 discussion overall in this class. Fittingly enough, Price could find himself 2nd to Love once again.
Author: Jeremiah Retzlaff (@coachretzlaff1)
