NFL Draft 2026: RB medical report - Jadarian Price, Jonah Coleman, Emmett Johnson
Could the Lions take a 2nd-round RB among this group?
The running game might be the #1 core tenet of the team. While the Lions #1 RB is firmly set with Jahmyr Gibbs, adding a long-term, quality #2 RB may be a high priority in the upcoming draft. Current #2, Isiah Pacheco, has moderate medical concerns and is only on a 1-year deal.
Could the Lions draft a RB as early as Round 2? That is certainly in the realm of possibility. Here are three RB’s who are projected to go in that range.
For the full NFL 2026 draft prospect medical analysis page, click here.
Medical concern level ranges from 0 (no concern) to 5 (might be worth the risk if the reward is high) to 10 (take him off your board, Brad).
(Ages in parentheses are at start of 2026 season and are factored into the concern level. Injury info and ages based on available public information and are unverified - subject to update. Games played data courtesy of sports-reference.com.)
Quick summary of medical concern levels
Jadarian Price, RB (22): remote Achilles rupture - 1/10
Jonah Coleman, RB (23): ankle/knee lingering injury - 4/10
Emmett Johnson, RB (22): clean - 0/10
Jadarian Price, RB (22) - Notre Dame
Projected round 2. #40 on Daniel Jeremiah board March 5. #45 on Jeff Risdon board Feb 19. Ran 4.49 40 at combine.
Concern level 1/10
2025: 12/12 games
2024: 16/16 games
2023: 13/13 games
With three years of proven production and perfect reliability after his Achilles rupture, the residual concerns are very low. For those looking for optimism regarding Brian Branch’s Achilles recovery, the Price is right.
Price finished with 1692 rushing yards in college at 6.0 Y/A.
Jonah Coleman, RB (23) - Washington
Projected round 2-3. #64 on Jeff Risdon board Feb 19.
Concern level 4/10
Did not test at combine. Limited workout at pro day due to rehabbing injury.
2025: 12/13 games. Rolled up on causing possible ankle and knee injury, missed 1 game and bothered him for a few weeks.
2024: 13/13 games
2023: 13/13 games
2022: 12/12 games
Getting rolled up on often causes an MCL and high ankle sprain which would not be a significant concern long-term as long as there was no cartilage involvement. Since he only missed one game and played multiple games afterwards, it was likely just a minor injury.
However, the lack of testing at the combine and pro day due to rehabbing his injury raises the concern level. Medical will need to figure out if there are long-term residuals here. His age is also slightly older than ideal.
Coleman has otherwise been extremely reliable in his college career where he compiled 3054 rushing yards at 5.5 Y/A. He added a solid 838 receiving yards as well.
Emmett Johnson, RB (22) - Nebraska
Projected round 2-3. #100 on Jeff Risdon board Feb 19. Ran 4.56 40 at combine.
Concern level 0/10
2025: 12/13 games. Opted out of bowl.
2024: 13/13 games
2023: 12/12 games
2022: 4/12 games
Johnson displayed 100% reliability in his final three college seasons. There do not appear to be any reported injuries which makes him very clean and at the right age. He also did every athletic testing at the NFL combine which is a major plus. If the Lions are looking for a young, low-risk player, Johnson could be the choice.
Johnson finished college with 2460 rushing yards at 5.4 Y/A, and added 702 receiving yards.
For the medical review of the #1 RB prospect in 2026…