With the 2026 college football season well underway, The Athletic’s NFL draft expert Dane Brugler is regularly looking at how prospects for the 2027 draft are performing, and this week he highlighted a BYU Cougar and a Utah Ute.
First up was BYU running back LJ Martin, who ran for 176 yards on 15 carries with three touchdowns last Saturday in a win over Colorado State.
“The No. 1 criterion for me when scouting the running back position is vision — the NFL wants runners with anticipation who can read blocks and find running room,” Brugler wrote. “That is why I enjoy watching Martin, who marries his feet with his eyes and walks the fine line between being patient but also quick and urgent.”
Later, Brugler added, “Instead of running into his own blockers, Martin maximizes the blocking using quick eyes and strong, balanced cutting skills. His reads and moves are on time with the blocking execution, which isn’t a coincidence.
“Martin won’t be the most explosive back in the 2027 draft class, but he is a quick and controlled athlete, especially for a bigger back (6 feet 2 inches tall and 226 pounds). And his efficiency at the line of scrimmage — thanks to his vision and decision-making — will make him an asset for an NFL backfield.”
While Martin has been firmly on the NFL radar for quite some time, the next prospect Brugler highlighted was someone he acknowledged “wasn’t on my radar over the summer” in Utah offensive tackle Zereoue Williams.
“Blocked by Spencer Fano and Caleb Lomu on the depth chart the last few seasons, he bided his time and is now the Utes’ starting left tackle as a sixth-year senior,” Brugler wrote of Williams. “Based on the early results, he looks like a draft pick.”
Brugler noted Williams’ all-around capability, but especially his ability in pass protection.
“In the run game, Williams plays with strength at contact and finishing grit through the whistle. He has been even more impressive in pass protection, showing adequate lateral movements and the massive size (6-7, 316, with 35 3/4-inch arms) to cover up rushers,” Brugler wrote.
“Through three games, Williams has pitched a shutout in pass pro, allowing zero sacks and zero pressures without committing a penalty.”
