Jadarian Price has quickly emerged as one of the most intriguing running back prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft, blending vision, explosiveness, and special teams value. After a productive career with Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Price made the leap to the pros and was selected in the first round, signaling strong belief in his upside.
NFL Draft Projection & Selection
Price entered the 2026 NFL Draft as one of the top running backs in the class, often ranked just behind his teammate Jeremiyah Love. His stock steadily rose thanks to consistent production and big-play ability.
- Draft Pick: Round 1, Pick No. 32
- Team: Seattle Seahawks
- Viewed as a plug-and-play contributor in a balanced offensive system
Despite sharing carries in college, scouts saw Price as a high-upside back capable of thriving with a larger workload in the NFL.
NFL Combine Performance
At the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, Price delivered a solid all-around athletic showing:
- 40-yard dash: 4.49–4.50 seconds
- Vertical jump: 35 inches
- Broad jump: 124 inches
- Bench press: 21 reps
While not the fastest back in the class, his numbers confirmed good speed and explosiveness for a 200+ pound runner. His 40 time, in particular, placed him comfortably among competitive NFL-caliber backs.
40-Yard Dash Breakdown
Here’s Price’s official run from the combine:
Jadarian Price runs 4.50-second 40-yard dash at NFL Combine
His 4.49–4.50-second 40 time highlights his acceleration and ability to break off long runs, even if he’s not considered an elite burner.
Notre Dame Career & Stats
At University of Notre Dame, Price built a reputation as a reliable and explosive contributor:
- Career rushing yards: 1,400+
- Yards per carry: 6.1 average
- Total touchdowns (2025): 15
He often played behind Jeremiyah Love but still made a huge impact:
- 99-yard kickoff return TD
- Strong efficiency despite limited touches
- Big-play rate among the best in his class
Playing Style & Strengths
Price stands out for his instinctive running style and vision:
Key Strengths
- Excellent patience and lane recognition
- Strong contact balance and agility
- Big-play ability (high percentage of explosive runs)
- Versatility as a kickoff returner
Areas to Improve
- Not elite top-end speed compared to top RB prospects
- Limited third-down/receiving usage in college
- Shared workload raises projection questions
Scouts widely describe him as a smooth, tempo-driven runner with natural instincts, capable of fitting into zone-based NFL schemes.
Highlights & Big-Play Ability
Price’s highlight reel reflects his dynamic skill set:
- Long touchdown runs and breakaway speed
- Elite kickoff return ability
- Consistent chunk gains in limited touches
His ability to turn small openings into explosive plays makes him a valuable weapon in modern offenses.
Final Verdict
Jadarian Price may not have been the most hyped running back in college football, but his production, efficiency, and versatility made him a first-round NFL Draft pick.
With a strong combine performance, a proven track record at Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and a clear role with the Seattle Seahawks, Price is poised to become a key contributor at the next level.
Leave a Reply