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Saints Scouting: Four Mid-Round Running Backs to Watch
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- Saints Scouting: Four Mid-Round Running Backs to Watch
The New Orleans Saints can't run the ball. That may be harsh, but it's honest. 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers had more rushing yards than their leading rusher last week; that's not a winning formula. As a result, they must infuse the group with young talent in the 2027 NFL Draft.
However, the Saints likely won't commit a day-one pick to the group due to bigger needs on defense. With this, scouting mid-round running backs is necessary. Fortunately for them, a deep class awaits, highlighted by these four mid-to-late-round options.
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Cam Cook- West Virginia
Cam Cook is currently my favorite mid-round option for the Saints. The 5-foot-9, 203-pound running back led the nation in rushing yards in 2025 at Jacksonville State and is impressing again at West Virginia with 923 yards and 7 touchdowns.
Cook combines elite short-area quickness and elusiveness with high-level vision. He allows his blocks to set before rapidly accelerating through the lane. He's slippery in open space and is difficult to tackle.
DeSean Bishop- Tennessee
DeSean Bishop has been outstanding for the Volunteers and is cementing himself as a day-two prospect. He's dominated SEC competition, already tallying 957 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns. The five-foot-10, 215-pound junior has four straight 100-yard games in conference play, including a 220-yard and three-touchdown beatdown against Auburn.
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Bishop has a rare mixture of power and elusiveness that makes him dangerous. He excels at breaking tackles, 39 in 2026, and is a big-play threat with his formidable top-end speed.
Dylan Riley- Boise State
Dylan Riley has quietly carried Boise State into the AP poll. He leads the nation with 963 rushing yards and already has two 200+ yard performances in 2026.
Riley, the five-foot-10, 203-pound junior, has elite explosiveness. He pairs excellent burst and acceleration with threatening vertical speed. Additionally, he's elusive in space and requires multiple defenders to corral him.
Jahiem White- North Texas
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Jahiem White is having a breakout season at North Texas, spending the previous three at West Virginia, with 861 yards and 11 touchdowns. He's also added 250 yards and two receiving touchdowns. The talent was always there, but he couldn't stay healthy. Now he's showcasing his reliability and is skyrocketing up draft boards.
White isn't a workhorse back, standing at five-foot-seven and 190 pounds, but compensates with otherworldly short-area quickness and elusiveness. He has amazing contact balance and pinballs off contact, driving his legs forward. He has superb vision and patience in the backfield and consistently finds open lanes.
