SerpApi.Org
NFL draft analysts never slow down. With training camp beginning soon for every team in the league, the focus immediately shifts from the 2026 draft class to the 2027 draft class. For the BYU Cougars, that means focusing on running back LJ Martin, the team's most prominent NFL talent.
Martin is coming off a terrific junior campaign as the Cougars' RB1, carrying the ball 236 times for 1,305 yards and 12 touchdowns. He was named the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year for his efforts, catapulting himself into the 2027 NFL Draft conversation. And he still has one more season in Provo remaining to showcase himself to scouts and league personnel before his draft placement is revealed.
The Athletic released their preseason running back rankings for the 2027 draft class, with Martin falling outside the top five of overall prospects. Ole Miss' Kewan Lacy, Florida's Jaden Baugh, Missouri's Ahmad Hardy, Miami's Mark Fletcher Jr. and Georgia Tech's Justice Haynes made up the top five.
While that's a bit of a surprising ranking, Martin found himself as the No. 3 running back among seniors behind Fletcher and Hayes. Lacy and Baugh are juniors but are expected to forego their eligibility and enter the 2027 draft.
As the reigning conference player of the year and an offense that is built on physicality up front, expect Martin to put on a show this fall. If he can replicate and even elevate upon his successes last season, it's conceivable that he cracks the top five of running backs in the 2027 class and even inches towards being one of the first two or three running backs chosen next April.
Contact/Follow @BYUCougarsWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of BYU Cougars news, notes and opinion.
This article originally appeared on BYU Cougars Wire: LJ Martin ranked as No. 3 senior RB in 2027 NFL Draft class
