2026 NFL Scouting Report: Jadarian Price

Jadarian Price, 5-11/203
Running Back
Notre Dame

Jadarian Price Scouting Report

By Charlie Campbell

Strengths:

Acceleration
Quick first step to hit the hole
Second gear in the open field
Can rip off long gains on any carry
Instinctive runner
Excellent vision
Anticipation
Compact build
Strength to run through tackles
Picks up yards after contact
Elusive, has moves in the open field
Cutting ability
Quick feet
Can run in short-yardage situations
Receiving skills
Solid route-runner
Soft hands
Excellent body lean to run low
Runs behind pads
Bends at the knee
Keeps feet going after contact
Decisive runner
Three down starter ability
Special teams kick return ability
Enters NFL fresh, little mileage, small college workload
Ready to compete quickly

Weaknesses:

Not overly big
Not overly fast
Straight line runner

Prospect Summary:

At most schools, Price would have been a feature back who produced a big stat line during his collegiate career. However, at Notre Dame, Price was stuck behind a superstar back in Jeremiyah Love, yet Price showed that he is a future NFL starter in his own right. In 2024, Price averaged 6.2 yards per carry for 746 yards with seven touchdowns. In 2025, Price was very good as the No. 2 back behind Love. Price averaged six yards per carry for 674 yards with 11 touchdowns. He had six catches for 87 yards and a touchdown. He has also been a dynamic kick returner with two returns for touchdowns.

There is no doubt that Price has the ability to be an NFL running back with a skill set to be in contention as a three-down starter early in his pro career. The first trait that generates a lot of talk about Price is his acceleration, as he has a quick first step to hit the hole and a second gear to burst to the second level of the defense. In the open field, Price can rip off yards in chunks as a threat to turn ordinary carries into big gains. Price is a one-cut, downhill, straight-line runner with a knack for ripping off long gains and scoring sprints.

Aside from his quickness, Price is a natural runner with instincts. He has excellent vision and anticipation to follow his line before bursting downhill as he quickly anticipates where a hole is about to open. On top of his feel for running with the ball, he has a compact build that provides him with some power to run through tackles and pick up yards after contact. Price has plus balance to maintain his feet after getting hit by defenders, and he uses his stature to run through would-be tacklers. In the open field, Price has some moves, quick feet, and elusiveness. His strength and build make him a quality short-yardage runner as well.

Price did not get a lot of opportunities, but he functioned well as an outlet receiver and blocker in the passing game in limited chances. For the NFL, Price could use some development in the passing game in protection, as well as contributing as a receiver.

In the 2026 NFL Draft, Price is likely to go in the second round. Check out my latest 2026 NFL Mock Draft to see where Price is currently being projected.

Prospect Comparison:

J.K. Dobbins. In terms of style of play, Price reminds me of Dobbins. Some team sources said that Price reminded them of a taller version of Clyde Edwards-Helaire.