2026 NFL Draft: 20 famous names who won’t be drafted until the later rounds

Allar was a Heisman hopeful coming into 2025, however a fractured left ankle ended his season early. He by no means put up elite numbers in school, although a wealth of expertise ought to make him enticing as a backup prospect.

There’s loads of tread on Allen’s tires after enjoying constantly for 4 years at Penn State. Nonetheless, he continued to progress all through his school profession, culminating with over 1,300 speeding yards and 15 scores final season. He might be pushed to Day 2 with a powerful mix.

Altmyer helped get the Illini program again on observe after transferring from Ole Miss. He began for 3 seasons and confirmed significantly improved passing accuracy final season with a completion price above 67%.

Beck grew to become a family identify for his play at Georgia and Miami. He has an NFL pocket passer profile, however grew a fame for struggling in large moments and had points with interceptions during the last two years.

The Hoosiers would not have ended up as Nationwide Champs with out Black, a James Madison switch. He is older than most gamers from his class, turning 25 in October, however Black’s manufacturing in his senior season stands out.

Listed at 6-foot-5, Brazzell is a Purple Zone risk to say the least. He had a breakout season in 2025 with 1,107 yards and 9 touchdowns in 12 video games.

Daniels helped get Kansas soccer again on observe throughout his profession as a cell playmaker. He is undersized and with out the accuracy to begin on the subsequent stage, however Daniels might discover a function as a backup in the suitable system.

Top performed for 4 totally different colleges in his school profession, ending with Texas Tech. He benefitted on a protection loaded with expertise, recording 10 sacks final season.

Hemby paired effectively with Kaelon Black after transferring from Maryland, recording 1,285 yards from scrimmage and 7 touchdowns final season. He has the flexibility to play on third downs.

Johnson was one of many nation’s main rushers final season, with 1,451 yards and 12 touchdowns. He additionally confirmed off nice versatility as a move catcher and must be a direct match as a third-down again.

Keenan plugged the center of Alabama’s protection for 4 seasons, exhibiting occasional pass-rushing upside. His lack of top will doubtless push him to the third day of the draft.

Klubnik by no means fairly met expectations at Clemson, and his stats took a number of hits final season. The previous prime recruit nonetheless has the sturdy arm and mobility that groups covet, however will doubtless be drafted on Day 3.

Nussmeier seemed like a possible first-round decide coming into 2025 regardless of his lack of athleticism, however a forgettable season whereas enjoying by an indirect harm has harm his inventory. He nonetheless managed to finish greater than 67% of his passes in 9 video games.

Pavia completed second within the Heisman race, however there’s skepticism about how his lack of measurement and talent set will translate to the NFL. He significantly improved his accuracy final season and remained a pesky, cell quarterback with 862 yards speeding.

Perkins rebounded from a torn ACL suffered in 2024, although his manufacturing final season nonetheless wasn’t fairly as much as the usual he set early in his profession. He might nonetheless push himself up draft boards with a powerful mix efficiency.

Retzlaff was productive because the starter at BYU and Tulane during the last two seasons, although his passing accuracy leaves one thing to be desired. His athleticism makes him an fascinating Day 3 prospect.

Robertson posted enormous numbers during the last two seasons at Baylor, together with over 3,600 yards and 31 touchdowns final 12 months. He displayed a powerful arm however has lacked accuracy.

An All-American at Texas Tech final season, Rodriguez was amongst school leaders in tackles during the last two years. He additionally proved to be a playmaker with 4 interceptions and 7 pressured fumbles final 12 months.

The tip zone was Sarratt’s second house in school, with 31 touchdowns in three years. His potential as a deep risk might translate effectively to the following stage.

Stowers was an All-American at Vanderbilt, with 62 catches for 769 yards final season. He is barely undersized at tight finish, however hoping to sneak into Day 2 of the draft.