2027 NFL Draft Prospect Watch: Jadan Baugh, Jayden Maiava have first-round hopes on the line

With the college football season entering its final stretch, the pressure is mounting for 2027 NFL Draft prospects to make a lasting impression on NFL scouts. This weekend, Florida running back Jadan Baugh and USC quarterback Jayden Maiava face tough matchups that could have a major impact on their draft stock and determine whether they remain in the first-round conversation.

In this week's NFL Draft Prospect Watch, we break down what Baugh and Maiava need to do to get their seasons back on track. We also examine Florida State wide receiver Duce Robinson's intriguing matchup against one of the top cornerbacks in the 2027 NFL Draft and highlight an overlooked Northwestern linebacker who could emerge as a late-round steal for the Buffalo Bills.

Jadan Baugh faces his biggest test in the 2027 NFL Draft RB race

One of the biggest matchups this weekend features No. 17 Florida taking on No. 3 Georgia. One prospect who could play a major role in determining the outcome is Florida running back Jadan Baugh.

Baugh was one of the most dominant running backs in college football to start the season, averaging 150 rushing yards per game over Florida's first four contests. However, his production has taken a significant dip recently, as he is averaging just 54.3 yards per game over his last three games. If he wants to get his NFL Draft stock back on track, he will need a strong performance against a tough Georgia run defense that ranks 10th nationally, allowing just 91.4 rushing yards per game.

If he wants to get his NFL Draft stock back on track, he will need a strong performance against a Georgia run defense that ranks 10th nationally, allowing just 91.4 rushing yards per game.

Much of Baugh's recent decline in production can be attributed to opposing defenses stacking the box and getting into the backfield before he can build momentum. However, when the 6-foot-1, 231-pound running back gets up to full speed, he is one of the most powerful backs in the 2027 NFL Draft class. His impressive contact balance and strong lower body have helped him force 40 missed tackles this season, according to PFF.

In addition to his power, Baugh displays surprising speed for a bigger back. He has already recorded 17 runs of 10-plus yards this season, according to PFF, including three runs of more than 50 yards. He also brings value as a receiver out of the backfield, hauling in 42 of the 50 passes thrown his way over the past year and a half.

The biggest question for NFL scouts this weekend is whether Baugh can create opportunities when the blocking breaks down. Georgia's defense has generally done an excellent job limiting opposing running games, and Baugh will need to show he can generate explosive plays even when defenders meet him near the line of scrimmage.

If Baugh can run through contact, break tackles at the second level and produce the kind of explosive plays he showed early in the season, he could reestablish himself as one of the more intriguing running back prospects in the 2027 NFL Draft. However, if Georgia continues to limit his opportunities before he can get moving, questions about his consistency and ability to produce against quality defenses will remain.

Jayden Maiava has a chance to rescue his first-round NFL Draft stock

Going into the season, the 2027 NFL Draft quarterback class was expected to be an elite group. However, it has yet to live up to the hype, with Oregon’s Dante Moore dealing with injury concerns and Texas’s Arch Manning struggling with inconsistency. One quarterback who still has an opportunity to improve his standing in the class is USC's Jayden Maiava, but Saturday's matchup against Ohio State will be a major test.

In his last game against Wisconsin, Maiava had one of the worst performances of his career, throwing two interceptions and taking three sacks in the Trojans’ 24-7 loss. Unfortunately for Maiava and his teammates, things will not get any easier this week as they face Ohio State and its sixth-ranked defense.

However, if Maiava can get his season back on track, it would go a long way toward convincing NFL scouts that he deserves consideration near the end of the first round. He has several high-end traits that make him an intriguing prospect, including a quick release that allows him to get rid of the ball in an average of 2.72 seconds, according to PFF, despite taking multiple shots downfield this season. He also possesses underrated arm strength and led the FBS last season with 37 completions on passes traveling at least 20 air yards, demonstrating his ability to push the ball downfield and generate explosive plays.

When evaluating Maiava’s game, however, the first concern is his footwork. When he fails to set his feet properly, his accuracy can become inconsistent, leading to missed opportunities and turnovers. His lack of mobility could also concern NFL teams, as he is more of a traditional pocket passer than the increasingly athletic quarterbacks dominating today's NFL.

Against an Ohio State defense capable of putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks, Maiava will need to demonstrate better decision-making and accuracy under pressure. If he can protect the football and showcase his arm talent, he could strengthen his case as a first-round pick. However, another poor performance would raise further questions about his consistency and NFL potential.

Duce Robinson vs. Ashton Hampton: A 2027 NFL Draft showdown

Florida State wide receiver Duce Robinson has shown up in a big way against some of the best competition on his schedule this season. Against Miami last week, Robinson caught five passes for 113 yards and two touchdowns. Earlier in the season, he also had a strong performance against Alabama, hauling in six passes for 135 yards and a touchdown. Unfortunately, Robinson has struggled to find that same level of production against other opponents, finishing with fewer than 55 receiving yards in several games and fewer than 20 yards in two of his last three contests.

This week, Robinson will face Clemson cornerback Ashton Hampton, my second-ranked cornerback in the 2027 NFL Draft. Hampton has earned an 85.4 PFF coverage grade this season while allowing just 13 completions. In addition to his impressive production, Hampton has the size at 6-foot-2 and the strength to challenge Robinson at the catch point, making this an important matchup for the Florida State receiver.

If Robinson can put together another strong performance against Clemson, particularly against Hampton, he will strengthen his case as a potential third-round pick. His biggest selling points are his impressive combination of size and speed. At 6-foot-6 and 230 pounds, Robinson has the physical tools NFL teams covet in a receiver. Last season, he also led the ACC with 17 receptions of 20-plus yards and 12 receptions of 30-plus yards, demonstrating his ability to make explosive plays downfield.

However, Robinson still needs to prove he can consistently use his size to win contested catches. Despite being one of the biggest wide receivers in the 2027 NFL Draft class, he has caught just three of 14 contested targets this season, according to PFF. I also have concerns about his agility, particularly his ability to make sharp cuts and create separation on his routes. A strong showing against Hampton would go a long way toward answering some of those questions and showing NFL scouts that his physical tools can translate into consistent production at the next level.

Braydon Brus could be the 2027 NFL Draft sleeper Buffalo needs

One of the biggest surprises in college football this season has been Northwestern. The Wildcats were predicted to finish 14th in the Big Ten, but they currently sit at 6-1 and look like legitimate contenders to reach the Big Ten Championship Game. On Saturday, however, they will face their toughest test of the season against Oregon.

One of the biggest reasons for Northwestern’s hot start has been the play of linebacker Braydon Brus, who has emerged as a leader of the Wildcats’ defense. Northwestern has held three of its last four opponents to 14 points or fewer, and Brus has played a major role in that success. Through seven games, he has recorded 62 tackles, including 10.5 tackles for loss, four sacks and one interception. He has also recorded double-digit tackles in each of his last two games.

Despite his impressive production, Brus remains largely overlooked by NFL Draft analysts. He is not listed among the top 800 prospects in the 2027 NFL Draft by NFL Mock Draft Database. However, his instincts against the run, reliable tackling and underrated accuracy in diagnosing plays have earned him a Day 3 draft grade on my board. If he continues to produce at this level, he could emerge as an under-the-radar linebacker prospect worth monitoring throughout the remainder of the season.

One team that should consider taking a closer look at Brus ahead of the 2027 NFL Draft is the Buffalo Bills. According to Bleacher Report, linebacker has been Buffalo’s biggest weaknesses this season, and the position received a D- grade heading into the team’s bye week. The Bills could use additional talent at the position, both to compete for starting jobs and to improve their depth. Using one of their two seventh-round picks on Brus could be a smart investment in a productive linebacker who has the potential to outperform his draft position.

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