The 2027 NFL draft running back prospects are underwhelming at the top, but there is a lot of intriguing talent that could turn heads during the 2026 college football season. With shell coverage returning to NFL defenses, it has inherently revamped run games across the league. This trend has marked the return of the bell cow running back.
Below are my top 5 running back prospects before the 2026 college football season.
1. Nate Frazier, Georgia
5’10” | 205 | 20 | Junior
Strengths
• Track background gives him rare long speed for a player with his powerful build
• Good vision and burst
• Runs with high energy and toughness on every down
• Lightning-quick feet that never stop moving
Weaknesses
• Runs wildly, out of control at times
• Lacks ideal acceleration
• Can get too choppy with feet. Not great at starting and stopping
What I’m Looking For in 2026
• Can he maintain a high-energy playstyle throughout a labor-intensive game?
• Can he handle the rigors of a full season as a bell-cow back? Never had more than 200 touches in a season.
2. Jadan Baugh, Florida
6’1″ | 227 | 21 | Junior
Strengths
• Great size. Tall, but runs low
• Good shiftiness and lateral agility for his size
• Can run with power or elusiveness. Stiff arm, jump cut, and finishing power
• Diverse route tree and soft hands
Weaknesses
• May lack NFL long speed
• Neither power nor shiftiness is elite
What I’m Looking For in 2026
• How is his pass protection?
• Can he handle a heavy workload? Never more than 253 touches
3. Ahmad Hardy, Missouri
5’10” | 206 | 20 | Junior
Strengths
• Elite contact balance. Runs through arm tackles, bounces off defenders and always finds hidden yardage
• Good vision, especially in outside zone. Forces defense to fill every gap
• Can stop and start quickly
Weaknesses
• No receiving production. 14 receptions in 2 years
• Average NFL long speed
What I’m Looking For in 2026
• Poor route running or understanding of the pass game? Why no receiving production?
• How is his pass protection?
• Will he be able to run away from NFL defenders?
4. Justice Haynes, Georgia Tech
5’11” | 210 | 20 | Senior
Strengths
• Rare size/speed combination. Power back who finishes every run, but has adequate long speed
• Excellent contact balance to absorb contact, bounce off defenders and run through arm tackles
• Good feet in the backfield and to get through the hole
Weaknesses
• Bounces runs outside more than you would like from a power back
• Never more than 140 touches in a season
What I’m Looking For in 2026
• Will lesser competition hurt his draft stock?
• Will the body hold up as he continues punishing run style?
5. Antwan Raymond, Rutgers
5’11” | 205 | 21 | Junior
Strengths
• Glides through the backfield and trash. His feet naturally follow his eyes
• Finishes every run with power
• Great contact balance
• Good receiving ability – even downfield
• North & south runner who can make defenders miss in open field
Weaknesses
• Struggles with moving laterally and outside runs
• Below average start and stop ability
• Dramatic high and tight ball carrying
What I’m Looking For in 2026
• Perfect build for pass protection. Can he do it at an NFL level?
• High and tight ball carrying is unorthodox. Is there a fumbling problem?
• Will playing for Rutgers undervalue his ability?
More Draft Content Coming!
NFL Draft season never ends for the die-hards. Last year, Blitz Sports Media brought you our first-ever draft prospect profiles, big board, and mock draft simulator. 2026-2027 will be even bigger.
Summer scouting is at full blast, and I will be bringing you pre-season position rankings right up to the start of college football. I will update trends throughout the season and, of course, lead right into NFL draft coverage starting right before the combine.
If you’re looking for NFL Draft coverage all season long, you have come to the right place!
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