Why Notre Dame’s Jadarian Price Might Be the Steal of the NFL Draft
Jeremiyah Love may have grabbed the headlines during his time at Notre Dame, but don’t let the spotlight fool you - Jadarian Price has been quietly building a case to be one of the most explosive running backs in this year’s NFL Draft class. According to Pro Football Focus analysts, Price isn’t just underrated - he might be a future star hiding in plain sight.
Let’s break it down.
Sharing the Backfield, Stealing the Show
It’s tough to stand out when you’re splitting carries with a player like Love, who’s been pegged as one of the top running back prospects in the country. But even in a shared backfield, Price made the most of every touch - and then some.
Over the past two seasons, Price has averaged a rock-solid 6.0 yards per carry. That’s not just efficient - that’s elite territory.
In 2024, he racked up 746 yards and 7 touchdowns. Then he followed it up with 674 yards and 11 scores this past season.
Those are numbers that demand attention, especially when you consider he wasn’t the featured back.
And it’s not just the stats that are catching the eyes of scouts - it’s how he gets them.
Built for the League
PFF’s evaluation paints a picture of a back who’s ready for the next level. “When this guy puts his foot in the ground, the speed-to-power conversion is unbelievable,” one analyst said. “He becomes a wrecking ball that you are trying to slow down.”
That kind of burst, combined with a muscular, athletic frame built for the rigors of the NFL, makes Price a prototype for the modern power-speed back. He’s not just a guy who can break a tackle - he’s a guy who can break a game open.
The Hidden Gem of the Draft?
Despite the production, despite the physical tools, Price isn’t showing up in many first-round projections. In fact, some mock drafts have him slipping all the way to Day 3. That’s the kind of oversight that could lead to one team looking like geniuses a few years down the road.
“There’s a world right now where three years from today, we’re sitting here and we’re like, wow - Jadarian Price is one of the best running backs in the NFL,” one analyst said.
It’s not hard to imagine. If Price had transferred to a program where he was the clear No. 1 option, his numbers might’ve been Heisman-worthy. Instead, he stayed in a crowded backfield and still delivered consistently efficient, high-impact football.
Final Word
The NFL Draft is always full of surprises, and every year there are players who slip through the cracks - only to shine once they get their shot. Jadarian Price has all the makings of that kind of player.
He’s productive, powerful, and polished. And if he lands with the right team, don’t be surprised if we’re looking back in a few years wondering how he ever lasted past Day 1.