Demond Claiborne — 2026 Fantasy Outlook

Following a breakout 2024 campaign (251/1,303/13 with 23 catches), Claiborne took a step back last season. He was more efficient on the ground (5.1 yards per carry), but 49 fewer attempts pushed his rushing total lower (907 yards and 10 scores). His value in the passing game was a relative non-factor: 28 catches for 140 yards (5.0 per reception) and no touchdowns. Claiborne’s final six games of 2025 were particularly concerning, as he barely held onto a starting-caliber workload (110 carries for 368 yards – 3.3 per carry) with 12 catches for 67 yards over that stretch.

His physical tools are legitimate. Claiborne ran a 4.37 at the 2026 NFL Combine and plays with the burst to match. At 5'10" and 190 pounds, he's built more for open space than grinding through traffic. Claiborne has natural vision and the quickness to redirect and turn nothing into something at the second level. His problem surfaces when the lane isn't there, as he struggles to generate yards against a compressed line of scrimmage, and a below-average offensive line will expose that limitation quickly.

Pass protection is another concern that will keep his snap count and touch ceiling in check early in his career. His overall profile fits best as a change-of-pace back with receiving upside, the kind of back who can be electric in the right situation but unreliable as a true feature back.