2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: RB Justice Haynes, Michigan

Tyler Lawrence
Jan 2
4 min read

Updated: 1 hour ago

Name: Justice Haynes

Position: Running Back

School: University of Michigan

Height/Weight: 5’11”, 210 lbs

Class: Junior (2025 season)

Hometown: Buford, GA

High School: Buford High School

Recruiting Rank: 5-star recruit, #33–34 overall, #2 RB nationally in 2023 class (247Sports Composite)

Draft Projections:

• Pro Football Network → Day 2 (Rounds 2–3), RB3–4 (late 2025)

• PFF → Day 2, top-100 potential

• NFL Draft Buzz → 2nd round upside, RB4

• Bleacher Report/ESPN → Round 2–3, strong RB2 case behind Love

• Consensus → Day 2 (Rounds 2–4), RB3–5 with injury concerns tempering top-50 buzz

Career Background

A five-star recruit and one of Georgia’s most productive high school runners (7,574 yards, 95 TDs), Justice Haynes (son of former NFL RB Verron Haynes) committed to Alabama. He saw limited action in a crowded backfield over two seasons (2023–2024), flashing efficiency before entering the transfer portal in December 2024. Haynes transferred to Michigan, thriving in a run-heavy scheme with multiple 100-yard games and big-play runs before a mid-season foot injury requiring surgery limited him to ~7–9 games. Despite the setback, he declared for the 2026 NFL Draft in late 2025, citing readiness for the next level.

Career Stats

• 2023–2024 (Alabama): ~130 carries, ~616 yards, 9 TDs; limited receptions

• 2025 (Michigan, injury-shortened): ~121 carries, 857 yards, 10 rush TDs (~7.1 YPC); minimal receptions

• Career Totals: ~251 carries, ~1,473 yards, 19 rush TDs; low receiving volume

Advanced Stats (2025, PFF/cross-referenced):

• PFF Overall Grade → ~84–85 (strong for limited sample)

• Yards Per Carry → ~7.1 (elite efficiency)

• Forced Missed Tackles → High rate (strong elusiveness/contact balance)

• Yards After Contact → ~3.4+ per attempt (above average)

• Breakaway Run Rate → High (multiple 50+ yard runs)

• Explosive Plays → Frequent (top-end speed separator)

• Receiving Grade → Below average (limited role)

• Pass Protection → Developing/inconsistent

Awards and Accolades

High School:

• Multiple state championships contributor

• Highly productive (11.1 YPC senior year)

College:

• Maxwell Award Watch List (2025 preseason)

• Recognized breakout performer (multiple 100-yard games streak early 2025)

Character and Leadership

Haynes earns praise for his maturity and leadership, with Michigan coach Sherrone Moore noting he “exudes leadership on and off the field” through his approach to academics and team dynamics. In interviews, Haynes discusses his bond with running backs like Jam Miller, emphasizing closeness outside football and a team-first mentality. Alabama coach Robert Gillespie highlighted his improvement in pass blocking, crediting his willingness to embrace tough roles. Fans and media describe him as a hard worker and great person, with no off-field issues or reprimands found; however, former Alabama RB Bo Scarbrough criticized his transfer to Michigan as “turning his back on the team.” Academically, no specific major or GPA details surfaced.

Character Sources:

Injuries

Suffered a foot injury mid-2025 season requiring surgery, limiting him to ~7 games after a hot start. Previously battled minor issues; physical running style raises durability questions, but compact build aids contact absorption. Expected full recovery for pre-draft process.

Play Style

Haynes is a compact, downhill runner with patience, vision, and elite top-end speed for home-run plays. He presses the line, fights through contact with balance/power, and explodes into open field (multiple 50+ yard runs). Limited as a receiver/pass protector; best in early-down, between-the-tackles roles. A close comparison may be Chase Brown, who offers similar home run ability and can take on a featured role if given the opportunity.

Strengths

1. Top-End Speed — Rare breakaway ability; rarely caught from behind once in space.

2. Contact Balance — Powers through arm tackles; dense build for extra yards.

3. Vision & Patience — Decisive one-cut runner; sets up blocks effectively.

4. Downhill Power — Aggressive finisher; succeeds fighting for yards after contact.

5. Big-Play Threat — High YPC; game-changing speed at size.

Weaknesses

1. Receiving/Passing Downs — Limited route tree; minimal third-down value currently.

2. Pass Protection — Inconsistent recognition/anchor; developmental area.

3. Power Limitations — Struggles to push piles consistently; not elite short-yardage.

4. Injury History — Physical style + 2025 foot surgery raise durability flags.

5. Volume Experience — Limited carries pre-2025; unproven as full-time bellcow.

(Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images)

Final Evaluation

Justice Haynes flashed RB1 potential early in 2025 at Michigan with explosive efficiency and big plays, positioning him as a riser behind Jeremiyah Love in the 2026 class. Cross-referencing PFN, PFF, and NFL Draft Buzz highlights his speed, balance, and vision as NFL translatable, though limited receiving/pass pro and mid-season injury temper expectations. In run-heavy schemes, Haynes has Day 2 upside as an early-down complement or committee lead with rotational floor. Strong Combine/testing could restore top-50 buzz; he projects as a productive contributor capable of playoff impact in the right system.