New 2027 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings Revealed for RBs by Dane Brugler

Ahead of the 2026 college football season, one expert put together an early look at the top running backs who could hear their names called in the 2027 NFL draft.

The Athletic's Dane Brugler revealed his rankings of the top five running back prospects who are eligible to make the jump to the league next year, with Ole Miss junior speedster Kewan Lacy. The full list is as follows:

1. Kewan Lacy, Ole Miss
2. Jadan Baugh, Florida
3. Ahmad Hardy, Missouri
4. Mark Fletcher Jr., Miami
5. Justice Haynes, Georgia Tech

In his first year with the Rebels after transferring from Missouri, Lacy finished top-three in the FBS in rushing yards (1,567) and rushing touchdowns (24). Brugler noted that he has the chance to join Arizona Cardinals rookie Jeremiyah Love, the No. 3 pick in this year's draft, as a first-round selection next year.

"The NFL desires several different qualities at the running back position, but above all, the league covets ball carriers who create explosive plays," Brugler stated. "Lacy (who turned 20 this summer) is arguably the most explosive back in college football. Though not on Love's level as a prospect, Lacy has first-round talent."

While Lacy, Florida's Jadan Baugh and Missouri's Ahmad Hardy are all underclassmen, Brugler also highlighted seniors Mark Fletcher Jr. of Miami and Justice Haynes of Georgia. He noted that Fletcher's best trait is his "flashes of Derrick Henry."

The 2026 college football season will give these players the chance to prove they are worthy of being chosen in the 2027 NFL draft, so it will be fun to see if any of them improve their stock over the next few months.