2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: RB Roman Hemby, Indiana

Tyler Lawrence
Jan 7
3 min read

Updated: Jan 13

Name: Roman Hemby

Position: Running Back

School: Indiana University

Height/Weight: 6’0”, 208 lbs

Class: Senior (2025 season)

Hometown: Edgewood, MD

High School: The John Carroll School

Recruiting Rank: 3-star recruit (initially), developed into key contributor

Draft Projections:

• Pro Football Network → Day 3 (Rounds 4–7), RB10–15

• PFF → Late-round/UDFA with developmental upside

• NFL Draft Buzz → Round 5–7, complementary back

• ESPN → Day 3 value, rotational depth

• Consensus → Day 3 (Rounds 5–7) or priority UDFA; mid-to-late round in deeper RB class

Career Background

Hemby earns praise for his maturity and high character, with Indiana coach Curt Cignetti calling him a “warrior” who gives 100% every day, emphasizing his physicality, speed, and smarts. Maryland coach Mike Locksley noted his embodiment of the program before urging his transfer, while high school coach Mitch Goldberg described him as a “hard worker… high character, great kid, great teammate.” In interviews, Hemby credits his Catholic education for shaping his values of teamwork and perseverance. No off-field issues, reprimands, or negative media/student criticism surfaced; scouts and fans view him as humble and resilient. Academically, he graduated with a communications degree from Maryland, boasting the highest team GPA in 2023 and earning Academic All-District honors.

Career Stats

• 2021–2024 (Maryland): ~500+ carries, ~2,143 rushing yards, 21 rush TDs; strong receiving (1,000+ rec yards career)

• 2025 (Indiana Senior): 176 carries, 916 yards, 6 rush TDs (5.2 YPC); ~14 receptions, ~160 yards

• Career Totals: ~676 carries, ~3,059 yards, ~27 rush TDs; ~1,074 receiving yards, versatile all-purpose

Advanced Stats (2025, PFF):

• PFF Overall Grade → ~81.5 (solid efficiency in zone scheme)

• Yards Per Carry → 5.2 (above average)

• Forced Missed Tackles → 34 (0.193 per attempt; 42nd percentile among qualified FBS RBs)

• Yards After Contact → 623 (3.54 per attempt; 78th percentile among qualified FBS RBs)

• Breakaway Run Rate → ~28.7% (62nd percentile among qualified FBS RBs)

• Explosive Plays → 20 (0.114 per attempt; 55th percentile among qualified FBS RBs)

• Receiving Grade → Functional (reliable hands, underneath threat)

• Pass Protection → Developing

Awards and Accolades

High School:

• Highly productive multi-position player

College:

• Big Ten honors at Maryland (multiple weeks)

• Contributed to Indiana’s historic 2025 season (undefeated regular season)

• Versatile contributor in playoff offense

(Photo by James Black/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Character and Leadership

Hemby is praised for professionalism, toughness, and adaptability after transferring for opportunity. No off-field issues; viewed as reliable veteran who handled committee role positively. His move to Indiana and consistent production highlight maturity and team-first approach.

Injuries

No major injuries reported; durable across careers at Maryland and Indiana.

Play Style

Hemby is a smooth, one-cut runner with good vision, patience, and burst in zone schemes. He sets up blocks, finds creases, and gains YAC with balance/quick cuts. Reliable receiver on screens/checkdowns; functional in protection. Lacks elite power/speed but wins with feel and efficiency; comps include Antonio Gibson (versatility) or a less explosive Nyheim Hines.

Strengths

1. Vision & Patience → Excellent processor; surveys and redirects effectively.

2. Yards After Contact → Strong leg drive; falls forward, breaks arm tackles.

3. Receiving Ability → Soft hands, route polish; proven pass-game weapon.

4. Efficiency → Consistent 5+ YPC; maximizes scheme.

5. Versatility → Contributes rushing/receiving; low-error player.

Weaknesses

1. Elite Burst/Speed → Good quickness but not home-run threat consistently.

2. Power in Traffic → Can get stalled vs. stacked boxes; limited short-yardage dominance.

3. Pass Protection → Technique/recognition inconsistencies; developmental.

4. Size Limitations → Average build; may struggle absorbing NFL hits volume-wise.

5. Explosive Ceiling → Solid big plays but not elite separator deep.

Final Evaluation

Roman Hemby is a reliable, versatile mid-to-late round RB with translatable vision, receiving skill, and efficiency in the 2026 class. Cross-referencing PFN, PFF, and NFL Draft Buzz positions him as a committee/rotational back with third-down value, though lacking elite traits caps ceiling behind premier prospects like Love/Singleton. In zone offenses valuing multi-faceted runners, Hemby has Day 3 upside as a dependable depth piece (Antonio Gibson traits) with early contributing floor. Strong pre-draft process could push into Round 4–5; he projects as a solid pro adding consistency.