We are still months away from the NFL Combine, but I have seen enough film to begin putting together my early positional rankings for the 2027 NFL Draft.
This is strictly a pre-combine evaluation. It is based on game film, production, physical traits and how I believe each player’s skill set translates to the NFL. Testing numbers will eventually move some names, but the film has to remain the foundation of the evaluation.
At running back, I currently see one clear first-round prospect. The remaining backs in my top five carry second- or third-round grades.
- JADAN BAUGH, FLORIDA
Baugh is the most complete running back in this class and the only one I currently have graded as a first-round selection.
He has the size and power to run between the tackles, but he is more than a straight-line power back. Baugh displays good vision, balance through contact and enough quickness to create yardage when the blocking breaks down. He runs behind his pads, finishes forward and has the physical makeup to handle an NFL workload.
Running backs have been devalued in recent drafts, so team need will ultimately determine where he lands. But based strictly on talent, Baugh belongs in the first round.
PROJECTED RANGE: FIRST ROUND
- KEWAN LACY, OLE MISS
Lacy is an explosive runner who can change direction without losing much speed. He sees the crease, plants his foot and gets through it quickly.
He brings legitimate big-play ability and can create problems when he gets into space. My biggest question will be whether he can consistently produce after contact against NFL defenders and hold up through a full professional workload.
Right now, I see him as an early-to-mid second-round prospect.
PROJECTED RANGE: SECOND ROUND
- ISAAC BROWN, LOUISVILLE
Brown may be the most dangerous open-field runner in this group. His acceleration jumps off the film, and once he clears the first level, he has the speed to turn an ordinary play into a touchdown.
His value should extend beyond the running game because he can become a dangerous receiving option out of the backfield. The primary concern will be whether NFL teams view him as a three-down back or as part of a backfield rotation.
Either way, his explosiveness will be difficult to ignore.
PROJECTED RANGE: SECOND ROUND
- NATE FRAZIER, GEORGIA
Frazier has the burst, balance and physical running style NFL teams look for. He attacks the hole decisively and does not spend much time dancing behind the line of scrimmage.
Georgia’s backfield rotation may limit some of his individual production, but it could also help preserve his body. His combine testing and work in the passing game will help determine whether he pushes into the second round or settles into the third.
PROJECTED RANGE: SECOND TO THIRD ROUND
- MARK FLETCHER JR., MIAMI
Fletcher is a big, physical runner who can wear down a defense. He runs with patience, understands how to follow his blocks and consistently finishes runs with authority.
He may not have the home-run speed of some of the other backs in this class, but he has the build and running style to contribute immediately in an NFL rotation. Teams looking for a dependable downhill runner should value him.
PROJECTED RANGE: THIRD ROUND
THE WILDCARD: AHMAD HARDY, MISSOURI
If Hardy were completely healthy, I would have him ranked No. 2 in this class.
The talent is not the issue. He has the vision, toughness, balance and natural running instincts to be one of the first backs selected. The question is how well he recovers and whether he can return to the same level of explosiveness.
Until we know that answer, I cannot place him inside the official top five. If he returns healthy and tests well, he could climb right back near the top of the position.
EARLY POSITIONAL OUTLOOK
This does not look like a running-back class that will flood the first round. Baugh is the only player I currently believe carries a legitimate first-round grade. Lacy and Brown appear to be second-round talents, while Frazier and Fletcher should fall somewhere in the second-to-third-round range.
That can change as the season progresses, but this is where I have them before the combine numbers and groupthink begin influencing the conversation.
— Jim Baxter
JB Talking Sportz
