Hey Nerds! Welcome to the Dynasty Nerds 2026 Rookie Profile Series, where we break down the top prospects from the upcoming NFL Draft using the All-22 Film, production data, and dynasty-specific context.
This profile focuses on Demond Claiborne, a dynamic running back prospect out of Wake Forest. Using the Dynasty Nerds Film Room, we’ll examine Claiborne’s background, on-field strengths, areas for development, and projected dynasty outlook in 12-Team SuperFlex PPR formats.
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Demond Claiborne | Running Back | Wake Forest
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 197 lbs
As a senior at King William High School in King William, Virginia, Demond Claiborne was named the Metro Player of the Year and Tidewater District Player of the Year, and as a sophomore was the Virginia Region 2A Offensive Player of the Year. As a four-star recruit, Claiborne committed to Wake Forest, where he destroyed ACC defenses for 1,049 yards and 11 touchdowns on 228 carries, becoming the first Wake Forest back since Cade Carney in 2018 to eclipse 1,000 rushing yards. Claiborne tied for the 2nd-most rushing touchdowns (11) in a single season in Wake Forest program history (2024).
After spending four years at Wake Forest, Claiborne was named 2024 Third-team All-ACC and, in 2025, Second-team All-ACC. Claiborne caught the eye of the national media as he was named to the Doak Walker Award, Maxwell Award, and Walter Camp Player of the Year watch lists in 2025.
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Rookie Profile | Strengths and Weaknesses
When watching Demond Claiborne’s film, the first thing that you will notice is his patience behind the line of scrimmage. While his patience is not on par with Jonah Coleman or Jeremiyah Love, it is among the highest in the class for me. Claiborne displays good contact balance and change of direction, allowing him to run with an out-of-control style while remaining elusive in the open field.
As for areas of concern with Claiborne, I am worried about his ball security. Demond Claiborne had a total of 7 fumbles lost during his career at Wake Forest from 2022 to 2025, out of 10 fumbles total. In his most recent 2025 season, he recorded 7 fumbles, losing 4 of them. Claiborne’s size also limits his pass protection as he looks overmatched against bigger defenders. Claiborne has many similarities in his game to Baltimore Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell. While I do not view him as explosive as Mitchell, his special teams usage will be heavily valued by NFL teams.
Demond Claiborne | All-22 Film Breakdowns
One of the greatest benefits of a Nerd Herd subscription is access to our All-22 Film Room, where you can study prospects like Demond Claiborne for yourself. Some of Claiborne’s strengths are on display in his 2025 game against Georgia Tech. At the 8:24 mark, Claiborne displays good contact balance while shedding arm tackles on the way to a 26 yard touchdown run.
Draft Capital | Potential Landing Spots
As of today, Demond Claiborne ranks as my RB8 in a weak draft class. Claiborne is at the top of my tier 3 running backs, who I view as a fantasy bench depth. I would feel comfortable drafting Claiborne as early as the mid 3rd round in my rookie drafts. In terms of NFL Draft capital, Claiborne will be a Day 3 prospect with a chance to be drafted as early as the 5th round. The Washington Commanders could use Claiborne as a potential replacement for the Austin Ekeler role.
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🧠 People Also Ask About Demond Claiborne
Who is Demond Claiborne and why is Demond Claiborne a top NFL Draft prospect?
A: Demond Claiborne is a productive running back from Wake Forest known for his patience, contact balance, and consistent ACC production, including a 1,000-yard season and multiple All-ACC honors.
What is Demond Claiborne’s projected NFL Draft range?
A: Claiborne currently projects as a Day 3 NFL Draft pick, with a realistic range around the fifth round depending on team needs and his special-teams value.
Is Demond Claiborne a good dynasty fantasy football rookie pick?
A: In SuperFlex dynasty leagues, Claiborne profiles as depth at running back and is best valued as a mid-third-round rookie pick with situational upside.
What NFL teams are the best potential landing spots for Demond Claiborne?
A: Teams like the Washington Commanders could be a strong fit, where Claiborne could fill a change-of-pace role and contribute on special teams.
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