2026 NFL Draft: 25 prospects who are diamonds in the rough

Allen was a workhorse running back at Penn State over the last two seasons, and also proved to be a great short-yardage runner. He has a chance to sneak into Day 2 of the draft with a strong Combine after recording over 1,300 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns last season.

Altmyer had an excellent senior season at Illinois and continued to help his stock at the Senior Bowl. While he lacks top-end arm talent, Altmyer’s accuracy and athleticism make him a solid mid-round prospect.

A Biletnikoff finalist and All-American, Bell had a spectacular two seasons at UConn after transferring from Wisconsin. He showed deep speed and was highly productive last season with 101 catches for 1,278 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Black has the potential to be an early-down back in the NFL with good short-yardage production and the ability to run between the tackles. He finished with 1,040 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns in 16 games last season.

Brazzell’s stock inflated with a strong 2025 season, recording 16.4 yards per reception and nine touchdowns. At 6-foot-5 with top-end speed, he has a chance to be a great deep threat in the NFL and could flash at the Combine.

Heidenreich lacks elite physical attributes, but his versatility as both a running back and wideout in Navy’s offense should make him attractive to teams. He could be a fit in the slot, though he’s also a deep threat with 18.3 yards per catch during his college career.

Johnson has the type of three-down versatility that teams covet in today’s NFL, and his jump last season opened eyes. He had 297 touches, gaining 1,821 yards and 15 touchdowns.

Iowa has been a factor for NFL offensive linemen under Kirk Ferentz, and Jones is next in line. The All-American also won the Rimington Trophy as the best center in the country, and should be a strong plug-and-play on Day 2 of the draft.

Kilgore was a key player for the Gamecocks over the last three seasons. He showed a nose for the ball with eight picks and 21 passes defensed, and has a good chance to sneak into Day 2 of the draft.

A former top recruit, Klubnik had a relatively disappointing college career at Clemson, especially as the team’s offense regressed last season. Despite the struggles, he has first-round physical tools that could draw a quarterback-needy team to push him up the board.

Louis wasn’t able to repeat his outstanding 2024 season, but the linebacker has already started to build his stock back up at the Senior Bowl. He still proved capable of doing everything for the Panthers over the last two seasons, with 10 sacks and six interceptions.

Marshall is undersized at 5-foot-11, but it’s hard to argue with his production. He finished last season with 16 passes defensed and two interceptions, and could be a strong contributor from the third day of the draft.

Masses transferred from Florida International to Cal last year and proved he could dominate against higher-level competition. He finished with five interceptions and 13 passes defensed, and has enough size and speed to hold up in man coverage.

Murdock was a thumper in college with 17 forced fumbles over three seasons. While there could be questions about his speed, Murdock was one of the most prolific tacklers in the college game over the last two seasons.

Nussmeier’s NFL prospects have been debated during his college career. He lacks the mobility and athleticism seen in many pro quarterbacks, but Nussmeier’s arm is NFL-caliber. If he proves fully back from an abdominal injury suffered last season, Nussmeier should get a long look in Day 2 or 3.

Overton’s college production didn’t quite match his hype as a former five-star recruit, but he’s the type of athlete who could shoot up boards after the Combine. He finished last season with 42 tackles and four sacks.

Parker’s production at Clemson fell last season, but he still has a chance to be a first-round pick. He had 21.5 sacks over three seasons, though his sack production fell from 11 in 2024 to 5 last season.

Perkins also failed to produce in his return from a torn ACL, with only 4 sacks last season. His track record and great speed should still push him to Day 2 of the draft, and he has the potential to be an immediate impact player.

Ponds is questioned due to his lack of height, but the production is undeniable. He was a standout on the Indiana defense last season with 61 tackles and two interceptions, and has a chance to be picked on Day 2 of the draft.

A school would rarely produce two highly drafted running backs in the same year, but that could be the case in 2026 with Jeremiyah Love and Price. Price has been productive when he found the field, averaging 6.0 yards per carry over three seasons, and possesses breakaway speed. His lack of work could be seen as an asset, given the short shelf life of running backs in the NFL.

Rodriguez is coming off an incredible season, winning the Bednarik and Nagurski Awards as the top defensive player in the country. He had a breakout season for the Red Raiders in 2024, but took his game a step further last season with 128 tackles, four interceptions, and seven forced fumbles. He’s likely to be a Day 2 pick and could play regularly immediately.

Sarratt was a prolific receiver in the Red Zone during his college career, with 31 receiving touchdowns over three seasons. His lack of deep speed could push him down draft boards, but Sarratt’s ability to make contested catches translates to the next level.

The tight end class in 2026 isn’t great, but Stowers could lead the group. He was a key part of Vanderbilt’s offense over the last two seasons after transferring from New Mexico State, with over 1,400 yards receiving in two seasons.

Voisin has potential as a late-round pick who can contribute in special teams. He had 67 catches last season and fits as a slot receiver.

Young was a force for Mizzou last season, recording 6.5 sacks and 16.5 tackles for loss. The 6-foot-5 defensive end is stout against the run and has the measurables for first-round consideration.