The New York Giants should have a good running back tandem in 2026 with Tyrone Tracy and Cam Skattebo. However, depth is important and the team could part with Devin Singletary to create cap space.
Indiana’s Roman Hemby isn’t a big back, however he has a well-rounded game that could allow him to get on the field in a variety of situations. The fact that he was a big part of Indiana’s stunning turnaround from one of the worst programs in the nation to undefeated national champions will likely boost his appeal
The Giants could look to the draft to create competition and improve the depth behind their starters. If so, Hemby would have to draw their eye.
Prospect: Roman Hemby (1)
Games Watched: vs. Iowa (2025) vs. Oregon (2025), vs. Ohio State (2025 Big 10 Championship)
Red Flags: None
Measurables
Height: 6-foot
Weight: 210 pounds
Strengths
Best traits
- Foot quickness
- Agility
- Vision
- Cutback ability
- Receiving
Roman Hemby is a well-rounded running back with adequate size, very quick feet, and the agility to pick his way through the trash around the line of scrimmage.
He runs with great patience behind the line of scrimmage, showing a clear understanding of the blocking scheme and waiting for blocks to be established before pressing the hole. Hemby has good vision in the backfield and is able to track and anticipate defenders at the second and third levels. His understanding of his blocking and vision allows him to manipulate his path to the hole in order to set up defenders before using a great jump cut to access his intended hole.
Hemby’s vision makes him a dangerous runner at the second and third levels. His quick feet allow him to alter defenders’ angles and slip would-be tacklers in the open field. Hemby isn’t a burner, but he has enough speed to turn short runs into big plays when he gets a sliver of daylight. He also has very good competitive toughness and consistently churns his legs to grind out whatever yardage he can.
Finally, while Hemby wasn’t often used as a receiving threat in the Hoosiers’ offense, he has experience as a pass catcher at Maryland prior to transferring. Hemby is a capable route runner who understands his role in route concepts and wastes little time in getting into his routes. He does a good job of getting his head around to find the ball as a check-down option, presents a good target, and is a natural “hands” catcher.
Weaknesses
Worst traits
- Play strength
- Long speed
- Pass protection
Hemby is a well-rounded back, but there are a couple weaknesses that could keep him from being an every-down “bellcow”.
Most notably, Hemby isn’t a powerful running back. He has relatively modest size for a modern running back at 210 pounds and isn’t a powerful runner. He can churn out yards after contact against defensive backs, but he’s stopped cold by defensive linemen or linebackers. Likewise, he doesn’t run behind his pads and won’t punish defenders for daring to tackle him.
Hemby’s contact balance is merely “okay” in that he can survive incidental contact to his upper body, but is relatively easily tripped up by contact to his legs or feet. He also struggles to regain his balance once he stumbles and winds up on the ground a bit too easily.
Hemby’s lack of strength also shows up in his pass protection. He understands his assignment, looks for work, and doesn’t shy away from contact. However, he simply lacks the strength to anchor against rushers and rarely serves as more than a speedbump for blitzers.
Finally, he lacks elite athletic traits to offset his relative lack of playstrength. He accelerates well, but isn’t explosive, and has the speed to get chunk yardage, but isn’t a true homerun threat in the open field.
Game Tape
(Hemby is the Indiana running back with long hair wearing number 1)
Projection
Roman Hemby’s evaluation will depend heavily on the team evaluating him.
Teams that run a power-heavy offense will likely look at him as a 3rd down back who mostly sees the field in obvious passing situations. He has little upside as an inside runner in short-yardage situations, as his lack of play strength and contact balance don’t allow him to push the pile at all.
Zone-based teams could see Hemby as more of an “any down” rotational option. His slashing style of running lends itself well to outside or wide-zone schemes and he has upside in “scat protection” as a receiving back.
Does he fit the Giants? Possibly, depending on offensive scheme and preferences.
Final Word: A later Day 2 or early Day 3 value
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