Demond Claiborne Scouting Report
By: Michael Higgins
(Image courtesy of Jim Dedmon/IIMAGN Images)
School: Wake Forest
Class: Senior
Position: RB
HT: 5’10
WT: 195 lbs
Background: Demond Claiborne was a prized recruit for the Wake Forest program in the class of 2022. Demond was a top 150 player and top 10 running back in the class. Out of Aylett, VA, Claiborne played for King William High School. As a senior, he was named Tidewater District Player of the Year and led his team to a district championship. In addition to football, Claiborne competed in track & field, where he won the 100m dash Virginia Class AA title. Claiborne committed to play for Wake Forest over West Virginia, Vanderbilt, and Virginia.
College: Claiborne didn’t see real action until his sophomore 2023 campaign, where he posted 586 yards and 5 touchdowns. In 2024, Claiborne was an All-ACC Third Team selection after rushing for 1,049 yards and 11 touchdowns. Demond had another productive year in 2025 with 907 yards and 10 touchdowns. He was named an All-ACC Second Team selection.
Strengths: Despite a lean frame, Claiborne has demonstrated an ability to run with strength, which is on full display when watching him bounce off defenders and remain up despite contact. In the backfield, he is patient to wait for blocks to develop. Once he identifies the gap he wants to attack, his acceleration is unbeatable. He is able to get skinny between tackles to navigate crowded areas. In open space, he has excellent change of direction ability. His lateral agility is elite and will immediately be up there with the best in the NFL. Defenders have difficulty wrapping him up in the open field due to his wiggle ability and movement skills. Demond is also a dynamic pass catcher with a solid route tree. He has reliable hands and gets in and out of breaks well. Claiborne will also provide upside as a return specialist as he was one of the best kick returners in the country.
Weaknesses: His size may limit him from being a three down back in the NFL. He is on the shorter side and possesses a wiry frame. The wear and tear of an NFL schedule and physicality will take its toll on Claiborne. Occasionally, Claiborne tries to do too much instead of taking guaranteed yards in front of him. Sometimes this can result in a home run, but it too often results in a negative play. Claiborne is not an impactful pass protector; he gets bull rushed too often.
Conclusion: Demond Claiborne is the most dynamic player at his position in this draft cycle. He has freakish movement skills that will make him an interesting lead running back in the NFL. He will be able to impact the game from every aspect and could lead a team in all-purpose yards immediately.
Best Team Fits: KC, DAL, DEN
Player Comparison: De’Von Achane
Player Grade: Round 2 (86.5)
