Jadarian Price NFL Draft Scouting Report

Notre Dame's Jadarian Price is one of the top running back prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft, despite being a backup for the Fighting Irish last season. Even in a reserve role, Price showed off a complete skill set and big-play explosiveness that should make him the second back off the board.

Here's everything NFL fans need to know about Price heading into this year's draft:

Jadarian Price's Vitals

Height: 5-11

Weight: 209

Age: 22

Jadarian Price's Strengths

An explosive runner with ideal short-area quickness and burst, Price has home-run ability whether he’s beating defenders to the edge and turning the corner, or exploding north-and-south when he finds a crease. He’s not the biggest back, but he still runs with toughness and a decent measure of contact balance that typically requires multiple tacklers. His vision and patience allow him to accurately pick his spots when choosing to cut upfield on zone runs, setting up his blocks and forcing would-be tacklers to take a path of greater resistance to get to him. Price also brings added value in the return game, where he’s always a threat to take one to the house.

Jadarian Price's Weaknesses

One of the biggest concerns when projecting Price’s value at the next level will be his role and workload, having been the change-of-pace back for the Fighting Irish beyond Jeremiyah Love. It’s possible he could prove to be a workhorse in his own right if given the chance in the NFL, but that’s pure projection. As with most college backs, Price’s technique and consistency as a pass protector will need refinement from NFL coaching.

Final Analysis

Price clearly has the explosiveness and mental tools to be a productive runner with big-play ability, but questions about his ability to handle a full workload could keep him on the board until Day 2. He should make an instant impact in the return game, and would be best suited as the “lightning” half of a two-person ground attack that would keep him fresh for four quarters.

2026 NFL Draft Projection: 2nd Round