2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: RB Jadarian Price, Notre Dame

Tyler Lawrence
5 days ago
3 min read

Name: Jadarian Price

Position: Running Back

School: Notre Dame University

Height/Weight: 5’11”, 209 lbs

Class: Junior (2025 season)

Hometown: Denison, TX

High School: Denison High School

Recruiting Rank: 4-star recruit, top-20 RB nationally in 2022 class (247Sports/ESPN)

(Photo by Michael Miller/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)

Draft Projections:

• Pro Football Network → Day 2 (Rounds 2–3), top-100 overall, RB2–3 (late 2025)

• PFF → Day 2 potential, strong grades on explosiveness

• NFL Draft Buzz → Round 2–3, #6 RB

• ESPN (Mel Kiper) → #2 RB in 2026 class

• Consensus → Day 2 (Rounds 2–3), RB2 behind Jeremiyah Love, with late Round 1 upside if testing elite

Career Background

A four-star recruit, Jadarian Price suffered a ruptured Achilles as a true freshman in 2022, missing the season. He contributed on special teams and offense in 2023 (limited carries) before breaking out in 2024 with 746 rushing yards and 7 TDs (6.2 YPC). In 2025, as the explosive complement to Jeremiyah Love in Notre Dame’s tandem, Price rushed for 674 yards and 11 TDs on 113 carries, added receiving scores, and dominated as a kick returner (multiple 100+ yard return TDs, ~37.5 YPR, FBS leader). Notre Dame finished 10-2 but skipped a bowl; Price earned All-American honors as an all-purpose player and declared for the 2026 NFL Draft on December 17, 2025.

(Photo by James Black/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Career Stats

• 2023 (Redshirt Freshman): Limited role, ~272 yards, 3 TDs

• 2024 (Sophomore): ~120 carries, 746 yards, 7 TDs (6.2 YPC)

• 2025 (Junior): 113 carries, 674 yards, 11 rush TDs (~6.0 YPC); ~15 receptions, ~87 yards, 2 rec TDs; 12 kick returns, ~450 yards, 2 return TDs

• Career Totals: ~346 carries, ~1,692 yards, 21 rush TDs; multiple receiving/return scores; 3 fumbles in 2025

Advanced Stats (2025, PFF/cross-referenced):

• PFF Overall Grade → ~83–85 (strong among rotational RBs)

• Yards Per Carry → ~6.0 (elite efficiency in limited touches)

• Forced Missed Tackles → High rate (elite elusiveness/speed)

• Yards After Contact → Strong (~3.5+ per attempt; above average)

• Breakaway Run Rate → High (multiple long runs, top-tier)

• Explosive Plays → Frequent (24 runs of 10+ yards; elite big-play threat)

• Pass Protection Grade → Low (~25.3; developmental)

• Kick Return → Elite (FBS-leading YPR, multiple TDs)

Awards and Accolades

High School:

• Highly productive multi-year starter

College:

• Third-Team All-American (AP, as all-purpose, 2025)

• Multiple All-American selections (four of five major)

• Paul Hornung Award Finalist (most versatile, 2025)

• Jet Award Finalist (top returner, 2025)

• Paul Hornung Award National Player of the Week (Oct. 21, 2025)

Character and Leadership

Price is praised for resilience (overcoming early Achilles injury), work ethic, and versatility. No off-field issues; viewed as a dynamic teammate who maximized complementary role. His declaration post-junior year reflects confidence in explosive traits and special teams value.

Injuries

Ruptured Achilles as true freshman (2022), full recovery. No major issues since; durable in rotational role.

Play Style

Price is an electric, speed-based runner with elite top-end gear, quick acceleration, and open-field elusiveness. He hurdles defenders, finishes with burst, and excels as a home-run threat/big-play creator. Elite kick returner adds game-changing dimension. Limited as a receiver/pass protector; best as change-of-pace/early-down complement. Comps include Raheem Mostert (speed/explosion) or Devin Singletary (quickness/vision).

Strengths

1. Elite Speed/Explosion — Sub-4.4 projection; multiple 100+ yard returns, rarely caught from behind.

2. Big-Play Ability — High YPC, frequent explosives; instant scoring threat.

3. Elusiveness — Quick cuts, hurdles; makes defenders miss in space.

4. Vision & Burst — Decisive, plant-and-go acceleration through holes.

5. Special Teams Value — Premier kick returner; immediate NFL impact.

Weaknesses

1. Pass Protection — Poor recognition/technique; low PFF grade limits third-down role.

2. Receiving — Limited routes/hands; mostly checkdowns, not polished.

3. Ball Security — 3 fumbles in 2025; needs better security at contact.

4. Power/Size — Not a pile-mover; struggles vs. loaded boxes.

5. Volume Experience — Complementary role; unproven as primary carrier.

Final Evaluation

Jadarian Price is an explosive riser and potential RB2 in the loaded 2026 class, pairing elite speed, big-play ability, and return value with Jeremiyah Love’s dominance at Notre Dame. Cross-referencing PFN, PFF, and NFL Draft Buzz highlights his home-run traits and special teams upside as Day 2 separators, though pass game limitations cap three-down ceiling. In speed-focused offenses, Price has Round 2 upside as a dynamic change-of-pace weapon (Raheem Mostert traits) with immediate return impact. Strong Combine could push late Round 1; he projects as a playoff contributor with Pro Bowl return potential.