The New York Giants are eyeing a run-heavy offense for 2026, but the question remains: is their current backfield lineup up to the task?
Enter Jadarian Price, the Notre Dame standout often touted as the second-best running back in the 2026 NFL Draft, just behind his teammate Jeremiyah Love. While Price might not have the same explosive upside as Love, he’s a formidable talent in his own right.
Price shares several traits with the current Giants' running backs, known for his versatility and reliability. But will the Giants opt for more of the same, or are they looking for something different?
Strengths
Best Traits
- Vision
- Cutback Ability
- Contact Balance
- Pass Protection
- Competitive Toughness
Jadarian Price is a versatile running back with a well-rounded skill set. His quickness, agility, speed, and contact balance are evident across his gameplay.
Price's vision allows him to anticipate defenders effectively at both the first and second levels. He demonstrates patience, waiting for blocks to develop, and uses his movement to set up defenders, creating cutting opportunities.
Price is adept at reading cutback lanes, using his agility to exploit openings with quick jump-cuts. His short, choppy steps enable swift direction changes and quick acceleration.
At 5-foot 10 ⅝ inches and 203 pounds, Price runs with surprising power, often falling forward to gain extra yards. His compact build aids in maintaining balance and driving through contact.
In pass protection, Price shows a solid understanding of blocking schemes and aggressively engages defenders. His leverage and pad level maximize his strength, allowing him to protect his quarterback effectively, even when outmatched.
Weaknesses
While Price is well-rounded, he lacks the elite athleticism that could elevate his game. He’s proficient at gaining tough yards but doesn’t possess the burst to turn small openings into big plays.
A notable concern is his limited experience as a pass catcher, with only 15 receptions in 41 games at Notre Dame. Teams will need to evaluate his potential in the passing game through workouts and interviews.
Additionally, teams will want to assess the long-term impact of Price’s Achilles injury from 2022. Though he’s several years removed from it, ensuring his health is paramount.
Projection
Jadarian Price projects as a solid rotational back in the NFL. He’s well-suited for a one-cut, downhill running scheme but has the adaptability to fit into various offensive systems.
While his low receiving volume might be a concern for teams that rely heavily on running backs as pass catchers, his pass protection skills should secure him a role on third downs.
In summary, Price might not dazzle with spectacular plays, but his consistency and reliability make him a valuable asset for any team. He’s the type of player coaches appreciate for his dependability and readiness to contribute in diverse situations.