Running Backs - 2027 NFL Draft Preview

 

Two-year starter, Atlanta, GA. Densely built back who moves with the kind of burst and agility of a ball carrier who measures in smaller and lighter. Puts his foot in the ground and explodes north in an instant while maintaining proper bend and balance. Can cut back without losing momentum with high and tight, strong ball protection tactics. Stays on the offensive side when meeting defenders in an alley. Delivers violence and seems to harden as the game transpires. The kind of back who will wear down a defense. Remains steady and on his path against initial contact. Absorbs hits and keeps the feet active, constantly looking for more space to fall forward. Will get away from defenders in the open field. Combination of grind-it-out, move-the-chains style with big play potential makes him an every down, every situation threat. Will need to prove he can be more elusive to miss the brunt of contact by a tackler, as there is a level of tightness that limits him in space.

 

 

Two-year starter, Compton, CA. A no-nonsense runner who presses the line of scrimmage with violent, fast intentions. Short-stepper who can pounce the instant he finds space with a high level of acceleration but also possesses the final gear to outrun nearly everyone in space. Hard to find tape of him getting caught from behind. Assertive in his vision and overall decision making. Trusts his instincts which makes him exaggerate his play speed. Makes mistakes, but they are fast mistakes. Will keep the feet active post-contact with strong balance, lower-body presence, and overall grit. Creates a lot after initial contact. Picks up the hidden yards consistently. Remains strong through the end of a game, will out-condition his opponents. Can wear a few hats as a rusher. Struggles to consistently elude contact and will take heavy contact repeatedly, which could cause some long-term durability concerns.

 

 

Three-year starter, Fort Lauderdale, FL. Has a standout frame with a lot of lean muscle mass that plays both fast and strong. A powerful downhill force who can run behind his pads and make a loud impact with the defender and stay upright. Will keep his feet chopping, hungry for the hidden yards and puts pressure on defenders to finish the tackle. Relentless attitude with the ball. Shows an effective stiff arm on the move with rare length for the position to maintain leverage from lateral pursuers. Has shown more than enough stride speed in space. Has the kind of build-up acceleration and final gear to create the explosives. A rare kind of back who can wear the defense down between the tackles with paper cuts and then break off the long runaway gain. Strong base but light enough on his feet to adjust his weight and get off the ground at the last second to clear tacklers. Struggles to contribute to the passing game as he is far from a natural pass catcher and his pass blocking could use better overall technique.

 

 

Two-year starter, Dallas, TX. Big play threat every time he touches the ball with more play strength than his body suggests. The explosive speed is easy to see and there is a rare level of burst and acceleration to complement it. Has the kind of gliding, floating type lower body movement that seems light as a feather when he gets going. Will absorb contact and stay on his feet, showing a surprising level of contact balance and ability to bend. Once he decides on his running lane there is consistent and easy forward lean with the ability to subtly alter his weight without gearing down. Lateral transitions are smooth and easy. Will convert some of that speed to power. Refined footwork helps him stay square to the line of scrimmage which opens several doors and options once he approaches traffic. A nasty attitude as a blocker who takes pride in all phases of the position. Has already struggled with durability after leading the nation in rushing attempts last season, feeding into the fear his high-hipped frame may not be sturdy enough for every down action.

 

 

Two-year starter, Knoxville, TN. Compact, balanced frame capable of playing like a bowling ball in tight spaces, bouncing off defenders with full control. Thick lower half with easy, natural bend across joints. Presses the hole and can sense where creases will open up. Anticipates running lanes and can get ahead of the defense. Vision is a constant for him, an asset that is always there. Solid against initial contact which almost assumes he will make the first guy miss. Can accelerate out of his breaks and create leverage against lateral pursuit. No-nonsense type who will take what the defense gives. Natural receiver who makes catches around the clock. Coordination and control are always there. Steady and dependable as a short yardage back who rarely fumbles, blocks hard, and can stay on the field in all situations. Has limitations to his game athletically stemming from lower body tightness and questionable top end speed.

 

Texas - 5076 / 193 | RS SR

 

Texas - 5100 / 195 | RS JR

 

Georgia Tech - 5096 / 208 | SR

 

Michigan - 5110 / 215 | JR

 

Kansas State - 6000 / 212 | RS JR

 

BYU - 6014 / 220 | SR

 

Alabama - 6010 / 234 | JR

 

Mississippi State - 5100 / 230 | JR

 

Texas Tech - 5100 / 215 | JR

 

Auburn - 5103 / 202 | SR

 

Louisville - 5090 / 190 | JR

 

North Carolina State - 5100 / 220 | RS SO

 

Rutgers - 5110 / 205 | JR

 

West Virginia - 5110 / 200 | SR

 

USC - 5090 / 210 | SR

 

Penn State - 6011 / 223 | SR

 

Wisconsin - 5095 / 210 | SR

 

Kentucky - 6010 / 227 | RS JR

 

Louisville - 5110 / 215 | SR

 

Florida State - 5112 / 199 | SR

 

UCLA - 5070 / 193 | RS SR

 

Texas Tech - 5100 / 216 | SR

 

Houston - 5110 / 210 | SR

 

Minnesota - 5112 / 215 | SR

 

Utah State - 5100 / 210 | RS SR

 

Connecticut - 6002 / 202 | RS SR

 

Ohio State - 5103 / 221 | RS SR

 

Auburn - 6000 / 210 | RS JR

 

UNLV - 5073 / 195 | SR