NFL Draft 360: Jadan Baugh could ignite Patriots backfield, plus a QB sleeper on the rise

The 2027 NFL Draft quarterback class is getting all the hype, but Florida star running back Jadan Baugh is making sure the running backs aren't left out of the conversation.

After another spectacular performance in Week 3 against Auburn, Baugh showcased his explosive running style while leading Florida to a 44-39 road victory. He looks great in a Gators uniform, but there's one NFL uniform that could make his skill set even more intriguing.

In the debut of NFL Draft 360, we examine Baugh's potential fit with an AFC contender, spotlight an overlooked quarterback making noise and hit the latest news and notes around the 2027 NFL Draft.

Jadan Baugh could give the Patriots another explosive weapon

While the quarterbacks and wide receivers are shining in the spotlight when it comes to the deep 2027 NFL Draft talent pool, don't sleep on the running back class.

Leading that class early in the 2026 college football season is Baugh, who has put himself in the conversation for the Heisman Trophy.

After a breakout sophomore season, Baugh continues to put the nation on notice and catch the attention of NFL teams with a hot start to the season for Florida. Through the first three games, Baugh is second in the nation in rushing with 458 yards and tied for first with eight rushing touchdowns. Standing at 6-foot-1, 225 pounds, Baugh is a blend of size, power and speed that makes him tough to take down.

If you need evidence, look at this rushing touchdown in Week 3 against Auburn:

What also makes Baugh a complete back, and a prospect the New England Patriots should be paying close attention to, is his three-down versatility and ball security, which has been a problem for current Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson.

Could the Patriots decide to move on from Stevenson?

If they finally do, a backfield of TreVeyon Henderson and Baugh would be an intriguing combination. The two could give the Patriots a dynamic one-two punch at running back that would also help Drake Maye and the passing game, especially with his success delivering the ball off play action.

Now, the question becomes whether the Patriots would spend a first-round pick on a running back given their other projected needs in 2027.

New England already used a high second-round pick on Henderson, so investing another premium selection at the position would be a major commitment. But if Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels see Baugh as the type of back who could transform the offense and give them another home-run hitter in the rushing attack, why not?

Baugh projects as an explosive runner who can make defenders miss and create something even when the blocking breaks down. Stevenson has had his moments as the lead back in New England, but ball security and a lack of elusiveness have been concerns.

Baugh thrives in those areas.

NFL Draft 360 Sleeper of the Week: William “Pop” Watson III

The NFL Draft 360 Sleeper of the Week is University of Massachusetts quarterback William “Pop” Watson III. The Virginia Tech transfer has energized the program and helped lead a UMass team that went winless a year ago to a 3-0 start to the 2026 college football season, including an upset win over Rutgers in the season opener.

Standing at 6-foot, 210 pounds, Watson is a dual-threat quarterback who is sneaking into the conversation as a potential late-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. Although a bit undersized, Watson's high football IQ and accurate passing make him a threat outside the pocket, where he can extend plays while keeping his eyes downfield. If nothing is open, Watson can use his legs to make plays.

Through three games this season, Watson has completed 75.4 percent of his passes for 509 yards, five touchdowns and one interception. In the upset win over Rutgers, he showcased his accuracy by completing 19-of-22 passes for 197 yards and three touchdowns.

While transferring from Virginia Tech to UMass decreased his national recognition, it has given him an opportunity to showcase his talent. He'll have more chances to do that in upcoming matchups against UConn, Miami (Ohio), Toledo and Buffalo.

If Watson keeps UMass competitive throughout the season, he could work his way into the late-round conversation in the 2027 NFL Draft. If selected, he would be the first UMass player drafted since 2021. If he goes undrafted, he'll have an opportunity to follow former Minutemen Victor Cruz and James Ihedigbo as undrafted free-agent success stories in the NFL.

NFL Draft News & Notes

Chris Marshall makes his case with a Catch of the Year candidate

A later-round prospect making noise as a draft stock riser is Arkansas wide receiver Chris Marshall.

The five-star recruit, who transferred to the Razorbacks from Boise State, is currently scouted as a Day 3 prospect but is trending toward a breakout season with 19 receptions for 278 yards through three games in 2026.

With his 6-foot-3 frame, Marshall put on a show in the team's loss to Georgia with seven receptions for 136 yards and an acrobatic, one-handed catch that will be a candidate for “Catch of the Year.”

Marshall's size, catch radius and ability to make defenders miss in the open field make him a wide receiver to watch in the middle rounds of the 2027 NFL Draft. If he keeps putting together performances like the one against Georgia, he could rise all the way into the late-Day 2 conversation.

David Stone injury worth monitoring

One of the top defensive line prospects in the 2027 NFL Draft got a scare this week when Oklahoma star David Stone suffered a knee injury in Monday's practice.

While the initial news surrounding the injury offered some optimism, NFL scouts will keep an eye on Stone's status as one of the more powerful and explosive interior defensive linemen in college football.

In recent NFL Mocks mock drafts, we have Stone going as high as No. 6 overall. NFL Draft analyst Todd McShay has him going as late as No. 32 to the Cleveland Browns.

For now, the biggest thing is Stone getting healthy and back on the field. How quickly he returns and performs following the injury will be something NFL scouts monitor as the season continues.

Kamario Taylor gives us an early name to know for 2028

The 2028 NFL Draft quarterback class is already looking like another strong and talented group.

At the top of the list of names to watch is Mississippi State's Kamario Taylor, who has been lighting it up so far this season.

While NFL teams marvel at the likes of Arch Manning, Dante Moore, Darian Mensah and CJ Carr as the cream of the crop of the 2027 draft class, Taylor is a name scouts, draft analysts and draft enthusiasts should already be keeping an eye on due to his massive size at quarterback combined with his elite arm strength.

If you don't know Taylor already, start paying attention. He has the physical tools to become one of the biggest quarterback names in the 2028 NFL Draft class.

LaNorris Sellers needs to get back on track

A quarterback who has fallen out of some of the hype surrounding the elite 2027 NFL Draft quarterback class is South Carolina's LaNorris Sellers.

The Gamecocks are 2-1 and Sellers has thrown for 648 yards, but his decision-making so far this season could lead to him slipping on evaluators' draft boards. With three interceptions, he'll need to improve where he goes with the football and not allow impatience to lead to bad decisions.

The eye test still shows a quarterback with tremendous talent, but the miscues have started to overshadow some of the highlights.

There is plenty of season left for Sellers to change that narrative.

With Week 4 approaching, the quarterbacks will continue to command most of the attention, but this 2027 NFL Draft class is showing its depth at several positions.

Baugh is leading that charge at running back, and if his hot start continues, the Patriots won't be the only NFL team that makes sense as a potential landing spot.

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