2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Jawhar Jordan (RB – Louisville)

FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Louisville running back Jawhar Jordan.

2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Jawhar Jordan

Jawhar Jordan (RB – Louisville)

5’10” – 185 lbs.

Background:

Jawhar Jordan was a three-star recruit who originally committed to Syracuse. Played sparingly for two years (177 total rushing yards) before transferring to Louisville following the 2020 season. Had a minimal role in 2021 before taking over as the team’s lead back the following year where he rushed for 142-815-4 (5.7). His 2023 campaign was easily his best — 181-1,128-13 (6.2) rushing and 21-246-1 (11.7) receiving.

Positives:

Two-year starter with escalating output in Louisville’s heavily zone-based offense. Runs with a low center of gravity and good knee-bend. Shows pretty good burst in the hole. Looks fast and decisive when the blocking’s there. Makes clean cuts to slot into rushing lanes between the tackles. Smooth accelerator with solid speed to win the edge on stretch/toss/outside rushing attempts. Shows the vision to recognize cutback opportunities. Weaves through traffic well at the second level. Able to run through arm tackles when he gets to the secondary. Competitiveness and leg drive after contact is solid. Ball security has been adequate overall with just six career fumbles; protected the ball more effectively at Louisville. Developed into a pretty reliable safety valve in the passing game this year, mostly off of delayed releases. Engages from his feet in blitz pickup.

Negatives:

Will be a 25-year-old rookie. Has a thin build. Could play with a little more patience between the tackles; tends to run into the backs of his linemen at times. Balance isn’t quite as good as anticipated. Not going to break a ton of tackles, especially before he gets into space. Lacks the size/strength to push the pile or fall forward consistently at the end of his runs. Role expanded this season but hasn’t been a major receiving threat. Has a bit more experience in blitz pickup than usual but lacks ideal size/strength for that role. Some perfunctory chips before releasing; would like to see more physicality to disrupt opposing rushers.

Summary:

A pretty smooth running back with adequate vision, clean cuts and solid top-end speed. Can struggle to create for himself and lacks the size/power to grind out tough yardage between the tackles and push the pile. Although he doesn’t have the ideal frame for blitz pickup or very extensive experience as a receiver, he’s relatively experienced as a blocker and his athletic profile is well-suited to a safety valve role on third down. Profiles best as a change-of-pace back in an offense predicated on outside zone concepts.

Projection: Round 6/Round 7