The 2026 NFL Draft is over and teams are getting comfortable with their new draft picks. The next class of players is getting prepared now for another year of college football. Each position will be analyzed in the coming days. Here is the 2027 NFL Draft prospect watchlist: Running Backs.
Baugh was a four-star recruit in the class of 2024 who signed with Florida out of Georgia. He played a lot as a freshman, registering 673 rushing yards, 33 receiving yards and eight total touchdowns. In 2025, his production increased to 1,170 rushing yards, 210 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. Despite his good play, Florida struggled last season.
At 6-foot-2 and 228 pounds, Baugh has great size for an NFL running back. With his size comes good power and contact balance, which is useful in short yardage situations. He has solid quickness and has some third-down value as a receiver and a blocker. He isn’t the most elusive and doesn’t have great speed, but Baugh’s other traits could make him a valuable draft prospect.
In the class of 2024, Frazier was a four-star recruit who signed with Georgia out of California. In his first season with the Bulldogs, he amassed 671 rushing yards, 85 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. His work usage increased in 2025 with Frazier delivering 947 rushing yards, 116 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. He aided the Bulldogs in making the CFP the last two seasons, but could lead Georgia further this season.
Frazier has solid size for an NFL running back, standing at 5-foot-10 and 205 pounds. He has good contact balance for his size and nice short-area quickness. Frazier’s track background helps him break out for big plays. While he does show effort in pass pro, he has limited receiving production in his career. His vision can be improved this season to become more consistent. Another big year for Frazier could have him rise to being the top back in the class.
Hardy was a three-star prospect in the class of 2024 who signed with UL Monroe out of Mississippi. He broke out immediately for the Warhawks, registering 1,351 rushing yards, 72 receiving yards and 13 total touchdowns. Following the season, Hardy decided to transfer to Missouri. With the Tigers last season, Hardy totaled 1,649 rushing yards, 22 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns. Missouri had a solid year and will be looking for more with Hardy coming back.
At 5-foot-10 and 205 pounds, Hardy has solid size for a running back. He is patient and shows good vision to find space to run, even at the second level of the defense. His quickness can help him pick up yards quickly, while his contact balance will help him break plenty of tackles. He’ll need to work on his third-down value, as he can improve as a receiver and in pass protection. Hardy also doesn’t have the greatest long speed, but the other traits he has, along with his great production, should help his stock immensely.
Lacy was a four-star recruit in the class of 2024 who signed with Missouri out of Texas. He rushed for just 104 yards in his lone season with the Tigers. Lacy transferred to Ole Miss for the 2025 season and broke out. With Ole Miss, Lacy accrued 1,567 rushing yards, 177 receiving yards and 24 touchdowns. He helped the Rebels make the CFP semifinals and is now returning for another possible run.
He stands at 5-foot-11 and 205 pounds, which is quality for an NFL running back. Lacy demonstrates good contact balance and can run right through arm tackles. He also has good quickness and vision, helping him find holes and hit them before the defense can react. Lacy won’t do a lot as a receiver and can be more patient at times to allow more holes to open up. Another highly productive season will help Lacy’s draft stock.
Isaac Brown, Louisville Cardinals
Brown is a smaller running back who brings limited power, but has great movement abilities. He is quick, agile and can get to a nice top speed to spring big plays. After dealing with a hamstring injury last season, a healthy 2026 will see his value increase.
Justice Haynes, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Haynes spent the first two seasons of his career at Alabama, where he rushed for 616 yards and nine touchdowns. He transferred to Michigan and was more productive, but now will suit up for the Yellow Jackets. He has solid size and speed, but could show more as a third-down back in both receiving and blocking.
LJ Martin, BYU Cougars
Martin was solid in his first two seasons for BYU, then shined in 2025. He has good power to go with a lot of third-down value. Martin isn’t the quickest or fastest, but has been very productive.
Hollywood Smothers, Texas Longhorns
Smothers showed both rushing and receiving chops at NC State, but will now suit up for Texas. He can fill out his frame and improve his pass protection more to help his stock. His vision and ball security are assets that help him.
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