Running Backs To Watch For The 2027 NFL Draft: Ahmad Hardy, Kewan Lacy And More

It’s never easy following up a draft class that was headlined by a potential generational talent in Jeremiyah Love, yet the 2026 RB room has plenty of names worth watching, including a standout at Missouri and an emerging star in Ole Miss. This is a great companion piece to my Wide Receivers to Watch article. While no RBs are currently projected to go in the first round of next year’s NFL Draft per my way-too-early 2027 mock, there are a few who are on the cusp with a breakdown below.

RBs to Watch for the 2027 NFL Draft

Ahmad Hardy - Missouri

In a potential down year for the position, the spotlight is shining bright on Ahmad Hardy, who is in a great position to jump into the first round as one of the top RBs in the nation. Hardy carried Missouri’s offense on his shoulders in 2025, finishing the season with 1,549 rushing yards and 16 TDs while averaging 6.4 yards per carry.

Unfortunately for the Tigers RB, Hardy’s availability is in question after suffering a gunshot wound in the offseason, potentially having to miss the start of the season while going through rehab. As of this writing, it has been reported Hardy is in stable condition and projected to be ready by Week 1, yet will not rush into anything while recovering from a scary situation.

Should Hardy be able to pick up from where he left off and rattle off another dominant campaign, then the Tigers RB will build a strong case for going in the first round, filling the void for any contender in need of addressing the position. If the race for the first pick at RB is tight, then Hardy will be worth a wager once betting markets for the NFL Draft open up.

Kewan Lacy - Ole Miss

Even after the departure of Lane Kiffin, Kewan Lacy decided to stay put at Ole Miss to play alongside Trinidad Chambliss, giving the Rebels a dangerous one-two punch in their backfield. Lacy was a dominant force in Kiffin’s scheme last season, rushing for 1,567 yards and a stunning 24 TDs while leading the offense to top-40 marks in Rush Success Rate and in PPA.

While a new scheme normally indicates regression is looming large, the production Lacy receives from his QB will help widen the width of his running lanes in the middle. When stretched out, Lacy will have plenty of room to work with once he breaks through the trenches, drastically increasing his chances of generating an explosive run.

If Hardy is unable to round back into form, Lacy will be the clear leader in the clubhouse to be selected as the first RB in next year’s draft. Especially if he is able to play a bigger role in the Rebels pass attack, proving he can be a pivotal two-way player at the next level.

Nate Frazier - Georgia

Even in a clogged RB room, Nate Frazier was able to carve out a role as Georgia’s RB1, leading the team in rushing yards while nearly doubling his teammate Chauncey Bowens' total in carries. While the lack of explosiveness is a cause for concern, the Bulldogs were able to consistently stay ahead of the sticks, finishing the year ranked 18th in Success Rate.

With Georgia expected to lean heavier on Frazier this season, his stock is poised to balloon up, skyrocketing his name up the draftboards in the process. Do not be surprised if Frazier is able to sneak his way into the second round, bridging the gap between the upper-tier RBs and potential Day 2 fringe prospects.

Fringe Day 2 RBs in the 2027 NFL Draft

Isaac Brown - Louisville

When given the opportunity, Isaac Brown was able to flip the field position in a flash by averaging 8.8 yards per carry, making him one of the more exciting players to watch next season.

Jadan Baugh - Florida

While the Florida Gators offense severely underwhelmed as a whole, Jadan Baugh was still able to keep them competitive with his individual production in the backfield, ranking in the top-20 in Rush Success Rate.

Mark Fletcher - Miami

Last year’s leader in the ACC in PPA per Play, Mark Fletcher will be able to rival the top of the draft board should he build on his momentum while taking advantage of a very favorable schedule.

Justice Haynes - Georgia Tech

After transferring to Georgia Tech, Justice Haynes will take over as their RB1, garnering a heavier workload to help build his case for being one of the top RBs selected in next year’s draft.

Players Mentioned in this Article

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Published Jul 14, 2026, 6:45 AM ET