Jadarian Price enters the 2026 NFL Draft as one of the more intriguing running back fits for teams seeking explosiveness without expending premium capital. For an Arizona Cardinals roster that continues to search for long-term stability and juice in the backfield, Price profiles as a strong value target in the middle rounds.
He may not be a volume bell-cow by profile, but his ability to change games with efficiency and big-play ability makes him an appealing investment for a Cardinals offense that needs fresh legs.
Notes:
Height: 5108 (verified in-season)
Weight: 203 (verified in-season)
Expected 40 Yard Dash Time: 4.38–4.45
College Production: Rotational and situational contributor who flashed explosive efficiency, chunk plays, and home-run speed in limited but impactful touches. Rushed for 1,692 yards and 21 TDs in three seasons in South Bend.
Positives:
- High-end straight-line speed with legitimate breakaway ability. One crease can turn into six points.
- Quick accelerator who hits top speed rapidly through the hole -- ideal for zone and gap concepts that emphasize timing.
- Natural feel for space -- understands how to set up second-level defenders and outrun pursuit angles.
- Comfortable on swings, flats, and checkdowns out of the backfield.
- Light feet with the ability to bounce runs outside and stress the edge of the defense.
- Low mileage relative to many draft-eligible backs, preserving long-term durability upside (backup to Jeremiyah Love).
Price’s explosiveness stands out immediately on tape as he doesn't need ideal blocking surfaces to generate chunk plays, and his speed forces defensive coordinators to account for him pre-snap.
Negatives:
- Not a true power back -- runs best in space rather than through consistent interior contact.
- Vision between the tackles can be inconsistent when lanes are muddy.
- Pass protection remains a developmental area and could limit early-down usage early in his career.
- May be best suited for a committee role rather than a feature workload.
Price’s limitations are more about role definition than overall ability. He thrives when used creatively and in space, and teams expecting him to be a downhill, between-the-tackles grinder may be disappointed. His value increases significantly in offenses that prioritize spacing.
Jadarian Price NFL Player Comparison: Raheem Mostert
The comparison reflects play speed, acceleration, and usage projection. Like Mostert, Price can punish defenses with efficiency and explosive gains when given defined lanes and favorable looks, rather than being asked to carry an offense on volume alone.
Cardinals Fit:
For Arizona, Price makes sense as a mid-round target who can immediately contribute as a change-of-pace back with starting upside in the right rotation. At No. 65 overall, he would represent a calculated bet on speed and fit. At No. 104, although unlikely he'll be available, he would be a strong value selection with clear offensive utility.
Jadarian Price NFL Draft Grade: Mid Day 2
While not a universal scheme fit, Price’s explosiveness and efficiency make him attractive to teams like Arizona that need speed and versatility in the backfield. If deployed correctly, he has the potential to outplay his draft slot and become a key offensive piece early in his NFL career.