Is Jadan Baugh an option for the Vikings in the 2027 NFL Draft?
Florida running back Jadan Baugh combines an NFL-level frame with proven production, elite patience and vision, and superb contact balance. He’s a potential option for the Minnesota Vikings in the 2027 NFL Draft. In fact, Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski paired the two sides in his recent mock draft.
Baugh had a hot start to the 2026 season with 15 attempts for 140 yards and three touchdowns. Of these yards, 130 came after contact, and he forced 13 missed tackles. It doesn’t matter who the competition is; these are impressive stats and show the player he is.
Baugh’s A-list trait is his ability to break tackles, as the stats indicate. He has the rare blend of power and lateral agility that lets him run through a defender’s chest on one play, then juke them on the next. This makes him nearly impossible to bring down in open space.
Additionally, Baugh has exceptional vision and patience in the backfield, which helps him survey the field, allow his blocks to set up, and find an open lane. His stellar one-cut ability helps him change gaps quickly and find green grass.
Beyond this, the six-foot-one, 225-pound junior is a reliable, workhorse back. In his 391 touches (combined rushing and receiving), he has only one fumble and has stayed injury-free. He’s a consistent, explosive weapon that an offense can count on to be available.
Baugh’s talent is evident, but his fit with the Vikings makes the pairing even more intriguing. Sobleski highlights this in his article.
“Kyler Murray will have an opportunity to prove himself this fall as the Minnesota Vikings' starting quarterback. Depending on his performance, a very different conversation could occur next offseason,” Sobleski wrote. “As of now, the organization can draft Florida's Jadan Baugh, add the class' top running back and provide the lineup with a new offensive focal point.”
As Sobleski noted, the Vikings need another dynamic weapon on offense, especially with questions at quarterback. They need to surround their future signal caller with playmakers, which they lack in the backfield. Currently, Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason sit atop their depth chart. However, Jones is 31 years old and Mason, while serviceable, isn’t an explosive threat. As a result, it would be wise to invest in a running back early next April.
If they do, then Jadan Baugh will be an enticing option for the Vikings. His workhorse ability, patience, and contact balance make him arguably the best running back in college football and a premier prospect in the 2027 NFL Draft.
