NFL Draft 2026: Surprise Players Rising on the Draft Radar

Prospects Who Rose in the 2026 NFL Draft

The evaluation process for the NFL draft is a year-round job, revealed Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters. The development of a prospect on draft lists is a multi-month process, based on performance on the field and pre-draft work. With the 2026 NFL Draft just around the corner, we analyze seven players who have gained ground since the start of the 2025 season. Last year, the list included two first-round offensive linemen. Here are the top prospects who have climbed the ranks for 2026.

Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

Scouts Inc. Ranking: No. 14 Freeling, with his impressive measurements (6 feet 7 inches, 315 pounds), was considered by many as a possible second-round pick. After 13 starts last season, he has established himself as a solid first-round prospect.Turning point: SEC observers noted an improvement in his pass protection technique. His matchups against Auburn and Texas were key.Reasons for his rise: His unusual agility for his size, with a time of 4.93 seconds in the 40-yard dash, 34¾-inch arms, and movements similar to those of a tight end. He also showed a great ability to react to the inside counterattacks of the defenders.

“Honestly, yoga really helps prevent injuries. It’s huge for feeling comfortable, simply being flexible, and also the mindfulness part. Being aware of your body and how you feel is really important for staying agile and playing fast on the football field.” – Freeling
Freeling

Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

Scouts Inc. Ranking: No. 20 Thieneman has gone from a possible mid- or late-second-round pick to a potential first-round choice, thanks to his performance at the Senior Bowl and the Combine.Turning point: His solid career as a starter for three years, with 302 tackles and eight interceptions, added to a time of 4.37 seconds in the 40 yards and a vertical jump of 41 inches at the Combine.Reasons for his rise: His excellent instincts, as demonstrated in the victory against Penn State, where he secured the victory with an interception. His physique and athleticism are suited to the NFL game.

“I just felt like his eyes are in the right place and he doesn’t lose eye contact. The guy understands what routes can be run and what he can eliminate. And he can move.” – AFC Scout
AFC Scout

Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State

Scouts Inc. Ranking: No. 41 Iheanachor has moved up the ranks, positioning himself to be considered in the second round. Coming from Nigeria, he didn’t play American football until he arrived at East Los Angeles College.Turning point: His 26 college starts, including his performance against Texas Tech’s line players, and his work at the Senior Bowl.Reasons for his rise: His size, mobility (4.95 seconds in the 40-yard dash) and 83¼-inch wingspan, which attracts offensive line coaches.

“I would primarily [play] defense, really. Like, the slip, the block, all that. I feel like, as an offensive lineman, you need good feet… That’s one of the most important standards.” – Iheanachor
Iheanachor

Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State

Scouts Inc. Ranking: No. 71 Hurst has gone from being a late third-round player to one who could be selected in the second. After being a no-star recruit, he has been a regular on top 30 visits.Turning point: His performance has matched his measurements (6 feet 4 inches, 206 pounds). He had 1,004 receiving yards in a season in which Georgia State had 3,049 passing yards, accounting for approximately one-third of the Panthers’ passing offense.Reasons for his rise: With a time of 4.42 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the Combine, Hurst is an intriguing option for offenses. Teams must evaluate how he will perform against professional defenders.

“You’d like to see more against the best cornerbacks, but I like the trajectory. He has a lot of good football waiting for him.” – NFC General Manager
NFC General Manager

Jeff Caldwell, WR, Cincinnati

Scouts Inc. Ranking: No. 146 Caldwell has shown enough in one season in Cincinnati, after three seasons at FCS Lindenwood, to potentially move up from the last to the first part of the third round.Turning point: His final season at Lindenwood in 2024, averaging 19.5 yards per reception with 11 touchdowns. His six touchdown receptions in five games with the Bearcats and his performance at the Combine caught attention.Reasons for his rise: His combination of size and speed attracts offenses looking for advantages in the red zone. He was the tallest receiver at the Combine (6 feet 5 inches) and his 4.31-second time in the 40-yard dash was the second fastest among receivers.

“I look at the board and you don’t see many guys with that kind of length running like that. It needs work, it needs training, it needs to attack the ball, but the qualities are there.” – AFC College Scouting Director
AFC College Scouting Director

Eric Gentry, Edge, USC

Scouts Inc. Ranking: No. 222 Gentry, with his measurements of 6 feet 7 inches and 228 pounds, could be selected in the final rounds. The biggest doubts are how his physique will be after an NFL strength program and where he would fit in.Turning point: He had 12 starts for the Trojans last season, after playing only five games due to multiple concussions. He returned for USC’s bowl game and had a season of 75 tackles in 2025.Reasons for his rise: He worked with the defensive linemen at the Combine, and his measurements are attractive to teams that believe he can gain strength and mass to improve his ability to overcome blocks. He has an 86¼-inch wingspan and ran the 40-yard dash in 4.6 seconds in his pro day.

“He’s a unique body type, but he’s played a lot of games (52 in five seasons), has some catches, knocks the ball down, takes it out. If he puts in the effort, there are opportunities for him, [he has] the kind of wingspan to attack the ball.” – AFC Defensive Coordinator
AFC Defensive Coordinator

Barika Kpeenu, RB, North Dakota State

Scouts Inc. Rating: Unrated

Kpeenu stood out as a senior, with 1,005 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns last season, emerging as a possible priority free agent. Some in the league say he has the potential to be selected in the final part of the Draft.Turning point: Kpeenu averaged 5.3 yards per carry during his career. Observers value his consistency and willingness to protect the pass. He had seven games last season with at least two touchdowns on the ground.Reasons for his rise: Although his 4.68-second time in the 40-yard dash at North Dakota State’s pro day may raise doubts, Kpeenu gained 10 or more yards on 17% of his carries last season. He had two 100-yard rushing games with fewer than 15 carries.