2027 NFL Draft Notebook: Isaac Brown, Jeremiah Cobb among running backs to know early

With the 2026 NFL Draft wrapping up, NFL scouts will soon turn their attention to the 2027 NFL Draft class. Early on, next year’s group looks deeper and features several mid-round running backs to watch, including Louisville’s Isaac Brown and Auburn’s Jeremiah Cobb.

In this week’s 2027 NFL Draft Notebook, we highlight those two backs, discuss a key area Georgia must improve, spotlight an ACC defender, and more. 

Isaac Brown emerging as a 2027 NFL Draft running back to know

One of the most explosive running backs in the 2027 NFL Draft, Louisville’s Isaac Brown averaged 8.8 yards per carry last season and saw 14 percent of his runs go for at least 15 yards. The biggest area he needs to clean up is pass protection after finishing with a 23.7 pass-blocking grade on Pro Football Focus, ranking near the bottom among FBS backs with at least 50 blocking snaps. If he can become even average in that area, it will significantly boost his draft stock since he already brings value as a receiver with 43 catches over the past two seasons. 

Jeremiah Cobb poised for breakout season at Auburn

This should be a big year for Auburn running back Jeremiah Cobb, who earned third-team All-SEC honors last season after rushing for 969 yards and topping 100 yards in five games, the most by an Auburn back since 2021. A major reason for that outlook is the arrival of head coach Alex Golesh, who has already stated, “We’re going to run the heck out of the ball.” With his speed, kick return ability, and fluid running style in space, Cobb is set up to post career highs and could work his way into Day Two consideration in the 2027 NFL Draft. 

Georgia must improve deep passing game

One area Georgia has to fix this season is its downfield passing game after posting its lowest explosive pass rate since 2020. That drop-off came even with one of the SEC’s most dynamic playmakers in Zachariah Branch, who ran a 4.35 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine and led the FBS with an 87.1 percent catch rate. If this offense is going to take a step forward, quarterback Gunner Stockton has to be more accurate pushing the ball vertically, and transfer Isiah Canion needs to consistently win as a true deep threat like he showed at Georgia Tech. 

Oklahoma linebacker Owen Heinecke gets another chance

Oklahoma got good news recently with linebacker Owen Heinecke being granted one more year of eligibility. Heinecke, who attended the NFL Combine and had a shot to be a late-round pick, is coming off a season where he recorded 74 tackles and 12 tackles for loss despite only starting five games. If he can become a more reliable tackler after missing 16 tackles last season, his NFL Draft stock should improve. 

Wake Forest edge rusher producing at a high level

One of the most productive defenders in the ACC last season was Wake Forest edge defender Langston Hardy, who led the conference with 17 tackles for loss and added seven sacks. He carries a Day 3 draft grade entering the season thanks to his strength for a 250-pound defender and his ability to bend off the edge. Teams running a 3-4 defense are likely to show the most interest in him this cycle.

Devin McCuin faces crowded room at Ohio State

A 2027 NFL Draft wide receiver prospect who could see a noticeable drop in production this season is Devin McCuin. He earned third-team All-AAC honors at UTSA after leading the team with 65 receptions, 726 yards, and eight touchdowns, but the move to Ohio State puts him in a much tougher situation. He will be behind Jeremiah Smith and Brandon Inniss, and could even lose the No. 3 role to five-star freshman Chris Henry Jr., who flashed in the spring game with four catches for 96 yards. If McCuin’s production takes the expected hit in that crowded room, it won’t help his NFL Draft stock. 

Sanford suffers a serious injury

Going into Texas A&M’s spring game, expectations were high for linebacker Daymion Sanford as a projected starter, but those took a hit after he suffered a serious lower-body injury and had to be carted off the field. With the program not disclosing details or a timetable, his status for next season is very much up in the air. If the senior ends up missing significant time, it will have a major impact on his 2027 NFL Draft stock. 

Alabama wide receiver Noah Rodgers dealing with setback

Another 2027 NFL Draft prospect who suffered a serious injury this spring is Alabama wide receiver Noah Rodgers. He was hurt in Alabama’s spring game and had to be carted off the field, and Kalen DeBoer has stated he will miss the start of next season. Rodgers is a good-sized receiver at 6-foot-2, 201 pounds who transferred in as a four-star after catching 33 passes for 441 yards last season at NC State. 

Minnesota cornerback John Nestor boosting draft stock

One of the bigger transfer portal finds last season was Minnesota cornerback John Nestor, who saw limited playing time at Iowa before being rated the No. 34 cornerback in the 2026 transfer portal by 247Sports. He boosted his NFL stock significantly with a strong first season for the Gophers, tying for second in the nation with six interceptions while allowing just a 57.4 QBR. The biggest test for him next year will likely be the 40-yard dash, which could play a major role in whether NFL teams view him as a cornerback or a safety. 

Big things expected from Green

A player who should have a big role in Lane Kiffin’s offense at LSU is tight end Trey'Dez Green, who is coming off an impressive spring. He is also expected to draw NFL interest this season after catching 33 passes for 433 yards and seven touchdowns last year. The main area he needs to continue improving is his blocking. 

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow