Jadan Baugh’s recent dip in production has cooled his Heisman Trophy momentum, but it hasn't hurt his standing as an NFL prospect much.
USA TODAY Sports’ latest 2027 mock draft has the Florida running back going No. 20 overall to the Denver Broncos, making him the first running back off the board in Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz’s projections.
The fit centers on Denver’s need for more explosiveness on the ground. The Broncos’ run game has struggled to create big plays consistently, and Baugh’s size, workload, and tackle-breaking ability make him an obvious candidate to help change that.
"Baugh could be a transformative figure..." Middlehurst-Schwartz wrote. "... He's shown a heightened aptitude for creating yards for himself by snaking past would-be
tacklers. If the Broncos need more of a boost than fourth-round rookie Jonah Coleman can provide upon his return from injured reserve, Baugh could be what the offense needs to elevate its early-down outlook."
Baugh is listed at 6 foot 1 inch and 225 pounds and has already shown he can handle a feature-back role for Florida. Even after quiet outings against Missouri and South Carolina, he has 672 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns in six games.
A first-round selection would also continue Baugh’s rapid rise from productive SEC back to a legitimate NFL prospect. He entered the season with plenty of attention after rushing for 1,170 yards in 2025, and his four-game tear to open this fall pushed him into the national spotlight.
For now, USA TODAY Sports ranks him among the 20 best prospects in the 2027 draft class.
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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: USA TODAY's 2027 NFL mock draft has Jadan Baugh going in first round
