The 2026 NFL draft is one of the weakest classes we have seen in years, and because of this, scouts will be digging deep in a hunt for late-round gems. Every year, we see players you might not expect to rise as we get closer to the draft, either through more detailed film analysis or offseason testing. Often, we see this happen with smaller-school prospects who show traits or skills that prove they can keep up at the highest level.
Examples of late-round risers in 2025 include Grey Zabel, Armand Membou, and Nick Emmanwori, three of whom were some of the best rookies in the league this season. Guys who rise late in the draft process are often “higher risk” prospects who have all the talent and potential but also carry the risk of not taking the steps necessary to be productive. But in a class like this one, many scouts may find it a necessary risk to gamble on high upside players and late risers in the draft. Today, I wanted to take a look at my favorite guys who I think could see a massive boost in their draft stock this offseason.
Dametrious Crownover
Crownover has been one of my favorite players in this year’s class for some time now, in large part because of his dominating size. He is listed at 6’7 and over 330 pounds, an elite mark for an NFL tackle, and while it can be hard to tell on film, I have a strong feeling his arm length will only do him favors. Crownover has incredible power and is one of the most dominant run blockers in the nation. In pass pro, things can get a bit sloppy, and his long strides can be impressive, but also hurt him against speed rushers who look to come back inside. Tons of upside here, and if he shows up in the Senior Bowl, he could be a fast riser.
Markel Bell
Bell is a very similar prospect to Crownover, but with everything exaggerated 100 times. Bell is probably the largest player in the class at 6’9/340, and his massive frame will be a blessing and a curse in draft circles. He is rumored to have 36+ inch arms, exceptional length for the NFL, and his massive size is very apparent on and off the field. For perspective, Miami trusted him enough to put him on the blindside and left Frances Mauigoa on the right side. Bell has incredible bend for someone of his size, and someone will be willing to take a shot on his athleticism earlier than you think. For perspective, Miami trusted him enough to put him on the blindside and left Frances Mauigoa on the right side.
Nolan Rucci
Rucci may be the single most underrated offensive lineman in this year’s draft, and I have a lot of confidence in his ability to develop into a great NFL offensive tackle. Coming out of high school, Rucci was a five-star recruit widely regarded as one of the nation’s best tackle prospects. After starting his career at Wisconsin, Rucci played in only six games over three years, but since transferring to Penn State, he has looked strong at right tackle. He is 6’8″ with a strong frame, and his film shows there will be a lot for NFL teams to work with going forward.
Chase Bisontis
Bistontis is a name you will hear me talk about quite a bit this offseason, and, despite being a consensus top-100 player, is someone I think will continue to climb boards. NFL teams do not heavily value guard as much as other spots on the offensive line, but Bisontis is one of the most well rounded lineman in the class. He has tackle size at 6’6/330, but does an incredible job bending his knees and getting into opposing players’ pads early. He is violent at the line of scrimmage and is someone I think will have a very long NFL career.
Gabe Jacas
Jacas is a bit of a tweener, meaning scouts don’t know exactly which position he will play in the NFL because of his size. At 6’3/280, he is a bit big to be a full-time edge, but I have confidence that his athleticism will allow him to play out there at the NFL level. He will be at the Senior Bowl and is someone I expect to impress in the individual drills, which will boost his stock significantly.
Kenyatta Jackson Jr.
What Jackson lacks in experience, he makes up for in athleticism, and his film is a mash-up of pass-rush highlights combined with simple inconsistency. At 6’6/260, Jackson possesses the ideal traits to be an NFL defensive end, but he will need some work before he can be a truly productive NFL player. The 2025 season was Jackson’s first year as a starter, and he may return to school. If he comes out this season, expect to see his name mentioned higher and higher as we get closer to April.
Davison Igbinosun
I feel like I am constantly writing about Igbinosun, and I will not stop until he gets the recognition he deserves. As of today, Iggy is my CB 1, and his ability to do it all on the boundary is something that you rarely see from college prospects. The biggest gripe scouts had with Iggy last offseason was penalties, and when they go back and watch the film this year, they will see he has improved significantly in that department. I see him taking a massive jump this offseason.
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren
Similar to Emmanwori, EMW is an unreal athlete, and you can expect him to light up the NFL draft combine this offseason. Toledo has been producing defensive backs recently at a somewhat consistent rate, and EMW is the next man in line to carry the torch. He has superstar potential, and when he proves he can compete at the highest level this offseason, his stock will skyrocket.
Drew Allar
Allar likely would have been a top 3 QB in last year’s class because of his traits alone, but after returning to school, he struggled in Penn State’s biggest game against Oregon and then was knocked out for the season with a major injury. But as we have seen, other skilled quarterbacks elect to return to school, someone will have to make an offseason rise, and Allar is my pick. He was a top recruit out of high school, and Allar has all the intangible tools to succeed in the NFL. With some development, he could have an exceptional NFL career.
Roman Hemby
Hemby transferred to Indiana this offseason after he was all but exiled by the staff at the University of Maryland. With the Hoosiers, Hemby has proven to be one of the best backs in college football, and his elite acceleration and ability to fight through contact have been impressive. He is an incredible athlete, and I expect him to test very well this offseason. I had the chance to work with Hemby some in college, and he is a great person on and off the field. He will excel in interviews and testing, and he may very well be a day-two player.
