2027 NFL Draft
Running Back Prospects & Rankings

Last Updated: August 2026
Big Board Scouting staff

The 2027 running back class promises to deliver an elite mix of true three-down bell-cows and explosive, space-creators tailored for modern NFL perimeter schemes. Featuring a premium tier of physically punishing underclassmen mixed with elusive transfer portal stars, this class offers exceptional depth across various offensive systems.

1. Jadan Baugh (Florida)

Traits & Film Summary: At the top of the board, Jadan Baugh checks nearly every physical box. He has prototypical NFL size but moves with the kind of sudden agility you usually see from a smaller back. Watch his tape on interior zone plays: he finds the cutback lanes instantly, and his contact balance allows him to bounce right into the second level.

The only real hesitation here is workload; we need to see him carry the load over a sustained period to prove he can take an NFL pounding.

Track Jadan Baugh's Mock Draft History & Simulator Data on the DKDB

2. Ahmad Hardy (Missouri)

Traits & Film Summary: To be sure, Hardy is a terrifying physical specimen who wins with punishing run mechanics. Right now, he might be the most physically punishing runner in college football. He'll need to show better lateral quickness in congested areas to secure a first-round grade, but the raw upside is massive. Just keep in mind that a May 2026 leg injury from a gunshot wound adds some complexity to his medical evaluations.

Track Ahmad Hardy's Mock Draft History & Simulator Data on the DKDB

3. Mark Fletcher Jr. (Miami)

Traits & Film Summary: Fletcher is a classic, heavy downhill brawler. Built low to the ground with a powerful center of gravity, he is exactly the kind of back you want on 3rd-and-short because he almost never gets stopped on initial contact. You probably aren't going to utilize him much as a dynamic receiver out of the backfield, but run-heavy NFL teams are going to value his ability to simply wear down defenses over four quarters.

Track Mark Fletcher Jr's Mock Draft History & Simulator Data on the DKDB

4. Kewan Lacy (Ole Miss)

Traits & Film Summary: Few backs in this class look as smooth on tape as Lacy. He navigates heavy traffic with incredible spatial awareness and has the hip flexibility to slip past defenders without losing speed. The main priority for Lacy at the next level is the weight room. He needs to add some functional mass to survive the weekly grind of an NFL schedule. If he puts on the weight without losing his wiggle, his ceiling is massive.

Track Kewan Lacy's Mock Draft History & Simulator Data on the DKDB

5. Keyjuan Brown (Louisville)

Traits & Film Summary: Louisville actually boasts a pair of legitimate NFL prospects in their backfield, and Keyjuan Brown is the definitive big-play lightning to that combo. He is a nightmare for linebackers in space, using sudden lateral cuts to make people miss and changing gears instantly. Combine that agility with elite pass-catching traits, and you have a ready-made modern third-down weapon.

Track Keyjuan Brown's Mock Draft History & Simulator Data on the DKDB

6. Isaac Brown (Louisville)

Traits & Film Summary: The other half of the Louisville tandem slots right behind his teammate, but brings a completely different style. Isaac Brown plays with a low, sturdy base that makes it incredibly tough for defenders to bring him down with arm tackles. He pairs that contact balance with excellent natural vision, projecting as a highly productive rotational piece at the next level.

Track Isaac Brown's Mock Draft History & Simulator Data on the DKDB

7. L.J. Martin (BYU)

Traits & Film Summary: Martin is just a safe, dependable, high-floor football player. He wastes absolutely no motion in the backfield, relying on immaculate footwork to find yards through muddy interior lanes and fight for extra space after contact. He looks like a rock-solid mid-round pick right now. Whether he can climb into the early rounds will depend on whether he can flash a bit more explosive breakaway speed.

Track L.J. Martin's Mock Draft History & Simulator Data on the DKDB

8. Nate Frazier (Georgia)

Traits & Film Summary: Frazier plays like he's caffeinated. He runs with a hyper-active, high-energy style, utilizing rapid footwork and a great short-area burst to hit the hole with absolute urgency. For a guy with his build, his balance through contact is impressive. If he can tighten up his ball security and look a bit smoother as a pass protector, his draft stock should shoot up.

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9. Caden Durham (LSU)

Traits & Film Summary: Pure, unadulterated track speed. If Durham finds even a tiny crease in the defense, he erases pursuit angles instantly and leaves defensive backs in the dust. He is a certified home-run threat every time he touches the ball. To become a complete back, he needs to show more patience and discipline between the tackles rather than trying to bounce every single play to the outside.

Track Caden Durham's Mock Draft History & Simulator Data on the DKDB

10. Justice Haynes (Georgia Tech)

Traits & Film Summary: Rounding out the top ten is Haynes, a compact bowling ball of a runner who wins with leverage and pure competitive grit. He might look like a grinder, but he shows a surprisingly smooth second gear once he hits the open field. His ultimate draft grade will come down to whether NFL front offices think his smaller frame can handle a high volume of carries against physical defensive fronts.

Track Justice Haynes' Mock Draft History & Simulator Data on the DKDB

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2027 NFL Draft Running Back Prospects & Rankings