Underrated Prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft: Players to Watch
Each NFL draft class features star names that need no introduction. In 2026, figures like Ohio State safety Caleb Downs and Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik lead the list. However, this analysis focuses on those players who could surprise and rise in the prospect lists during the next college football season and beyond.
After consulting with scouts and NFL personnel, we have selected ten underrated players with the potential to excel in the coming months. This is the third year we have conducted this exercise, and last year’s list included second-round picks like guard Jonah Savaiinaea and safety Kevin Winston Jr. Who are the players who could follow a similar path in this cycle? Here are the players, in no specific order, starting with a quarterback who finished last season in great form. More about the 2026 draft class.Sawyer Robertson, QB, Baylor
The search for the quarterback who emerges from the shadows and climbs the draft ranks is constant. Although Cameron Ward wasn’t completely off the radar, he was overshadowed by players like Carson Beck, Quinn Ewers, and Shedeur Sanders a year ago. Ward finally surpassed everyone and was selected as number 1 in the draft. Robertson, at 6 feet 4 inches and 220 pounds, possesses the physical tools to outperform more well-known quarterbacks. This former four-star recruit transferred to Baylor from Mississippi State before the 2023 season.In his first season as a starter, Robertson threw for 3,071 yards with 28 touchdown passes and eight interceptions, in addition to adding 230 yards and four touchdowns on the ground. With a strong right arm and good mobility, he can attack defenses vertically and create plays with his legs. He had 52 passes of more than 20 yards last season. Although he needs to work on his decision-making and speed up his release, Robertson has a lot of physical potential to excite scouts and coaches.“If you’re looking for someone to come out of nowhere, it’s Robertson. He’s what everyone wants Drew Allar from Penn State to be,” commented a scout from the AFC South who covers the Southwest.
AFC South Scout
Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
Ohio State is considered the current “WRU”, thanks to a recent string of first-round players and NFL stars. Although receiver Jeremiah Smith receives the most praise, Tate should not be underestimated. Tate, a former five-star recruit, has been in the shadow since he arrived at the Buckeyes in 2023. Marvin Harrison Jr. was the star in his first year, while Emeka Egbuka and Smith stood out last season. With Egbuka in the NFL, Tate could benefit from increased attention from defensive coordinators who will try to stop Smith.Tate, at 6 feet 3 inches and 191 pounds, has only had 70 receptions for 997 yards and five touchdowns in two seasons, but much more is expected of him in 2025. He has the tools to seize the opportunity.“I’m betting on Tate. He’s big, but his technical skill as a route runner is impressive. He’s very good at generating separation with his size and his ability to stop and start. He’ll be a very good WR2 in the NFL,” said an NFC East regional scout.
NFC East regional scout
Gracen Halton, DT, Oklahoma
Halton’s takeoff began in 2024, when the defensive tackle recorded five sacks in 13 games, after failing to get any in the previous two seasons.Despite being small (6 feet 2 inches and 291 pounds), his quickness and explosiveness make it difficult for interior offensive linemen to block him. He led the FBS with a pressure rate of 14.1% at the defensive tackle position last season, making him one of the best interior pass rushers returning to the league. Scouts have taken notice.
“G-Baby,” as his teammates call him, could have entered the 2025 draft, but chose to stay in college. With his versatile pass-rushing moves, his quickness, and his run defense, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Halton were selected in the first two rounds next April.“I loved his progression from seeing the field as a rookie to working more as a sophomore, and then, boom, he had that big year last year. You can already hear comparisons to Gerald McCoy,” said a scout from the NFC West.
NFC West Scout
Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech
If this name sounds familiar, it’s because of his time at UCF. After initially signing with Auburn as a four-star recruit, Hunter, 6-foot-4 and 320 pounds, played three seasons with the Knights, accumulating five career sacks and earning second-team All-Big 12 honors last season. He is now heading to Lubbock with the opportunity to shine in the Red Raiders’ 3-4 scheme.The 3-4 scheme doesn’t usually produce great stats for defensive linemen, but Hunter’s play at UCF has caught the attention of NFL scouts. Like Byron Murphy II (No. 16, 2024) and Kenneth Grant (No. 13, 2025), Hunter is a massive interior prospect who could go in the first round.“Hunter is a big guy, but his strength and ability to draw double teams is what will make him stand out on the 30 line,” said an NFC South scout who has seen him play in person.
NFC South Scout
Jack Endries, TE, Texas
The Longhorns have utilized their tight ends a lot in the last two seasons, with Ja’Tavion Sanders and Gunnar Helm as primary targets. Endries has the opportunity to be the best of the trio. With 6 feet 4 inches and 240 pounds, this transfer player from Cal has a similar build to Sanders and the versatility to be a flexible tight end who can line up in the slot, in the backfield, or in line next to the offensive tackle. Endries caught 56 passes for 623 yards and two touchdowns as a sophomore last season, with only one drop, demonstrating his sure hands.Endries has two seasons of eligibility remaining, so he is not guaranteed to participate in the 2026 draft. But expect to hear his name frequently in the pre-season period.“Coach Steve Sarkisian is doing a great job developing tight ends and adapting his offense to them, but I wonder how much Endries will see the ball with Arch Manning’s deep pass,” said a national scout from the AFC West, before adding that Endries’ versatility should shine in Austin. “He’s such a good athlete and can play anywhere. He is one of the two most talented tight ends in the country.”
AFC West National Scout
Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
After two seasons as a starter at Purdue, where he had six interceptions as a freshman in 2023 and became a dangerous kick returner, Thieneman transferred to Oregon. Ranked as ESPN’s No. 1 safety in the transfer portal, he will lead the Ducks’ secondary and should become a household name in Dan Lanning’s NFL-style defensive scheme, which utilizes his safeties in multiple alignments. With 6 feet and 207 pounds, Thieneman is not a big prospect like Nick Emmanwori in the last draft, but he is a versatile defender who can line up in any of the safety positions or even as a slot cornerback.Thieneman can be too aggressive in his pursuit angles, but he is a clean tackler in the open field and provides true split safety value that fits any defensive scheme. If he fits into Lanning’s defense as we believe he will, Thieneman has first-round potential.“When you look at the football IQ, the versatility, the speed and the range, he has it all. Safeties always seem to fall in the draft, but he has first-round tools,” said an AFC West scout.
AFC West scout
Cayden Green, G/OT, Missouri
Mizzou has become an offensive lineman factory in recent years, with three players selected in the last two drafts (including Armand Membou, number 7 pick in 2025) and two more scheduled to be selected early in 2026. NFL scouts believe Green has the agility and strength to be selected early. At 6 feet 5 inches and 315 pounds, Green, who transferred from Oklahoma after the 2023 season, has the ideal size for an NFL guard, but some believe he could also play left tackle. That’s something to keep in mind when Missouri’s training camp begins, as the Tigers look to replace Marcus Bryant, who was selected by the Patriots in the seventh round in April. Green has the footwork, agility, and length to excel on the perimeter if needed.Green’s run-blocking domain stands out in the game, but he must improve his balance in pass blocking. If that improvement occurs, he has the ability to be an All-American and a first-round prospect.“Watching his feet at left guard, I think he could play tackle. He’s a lot like Membou in that way. He’s very athletically versatile,” said an NFC offensive line coach who studied his game.
NFC Offensive Line Coach
Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
Spencer Fano is often the first name mentioned when discussing Utah’s offensive line prospects, but Lomu is also catching the attention of professional evaluators. The 6-foot-6-inch, 305-pound left tackle allowed only two sacks last season as a redshirt freshman. Lomu’s ability to run block and his movement in pass protection excite scouts about what he will do in the upcoming campaign.Lomu has three years of eligibility remaining, but his mobility and composure in pass protection are indicative of a high draft selection. He is tailor-made for zone blocking schemes, and with more experience, the 19-year-old could become one of the best players in the country.“Utah went through a lot of adversity on offense last year, but he stood out. And if you’re good enough to move Fano to the right side after all his accomplishments, that says a lot,” said an AFC North scout.
AFC North Scout
CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
Allen started in 13 games last season for the Bulldogs and stood out in the game while scouting his draft-eligible teammates. Now it’s his turn. At 6 feet 1 inch and 235 pounds, he is made for the professional game and has the speed and explosiveness to be a solid modern linebacker prospect. The 2024 Allen game showed a downhill attacker who recorded 49 solo tackles and an interception. He had a great game against Georgia Tech, where he had 10 tackles. He is a rising star on a defense known for producing first-round prospects.Playing on a defense that had three first-round picks in 2025 kept Allen off the radar, but he won’t stay out of the spotlight for long.“You observe his instincts, his toughness and how well he plays when entering the gaps to face the run, and it’s a throwback to guys like Fred Warner and Lavonte David early in their careers… but he’s a better passer,” said an NFC general manager.
NFC General Manager
Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Who will be the transfer quarterback who will rise up the draft boards this year? Much of the initial buzz centers on former Cal quarterback, Mendoza… and for good reason. After a breakout season in which he threw for 3,004 yards with 16 touchdowns and six interceptions, Mendoza transferred to Indiana to play in Curt Cignetti’s Air Raid offense. Expectations soon followed the redshirt junior, especially considering Cignetti’s scheme and the presence of legitimate NFL wide receiver prospect, Elijah Sarratt, on Indiana’s roster.
With 6 feet 5 inches and 225 pounds, Mendoza has the ideal size, a quick release, fast decision-making, and the arm talent to drive the ball to all areas of the field.A two-star recruit out of high school, Mendoza has been underestimated since he originally committed to Yale. Bigger names like Allar, Manning, and Beck might drive the initial conversation about quarterbacks, but Mendoza has NFL fans.“Watch that guy throw fade passes to the back shoulder and you’ll see the touch, timing, and power to be an NFL player,” said another NFC East regional scout. He added that Mendoza’s toughness is also a key trait, but he’s concerned about the residual effects of the offensive line he played behind last season.
NFC East regional scout
