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2026 NFL Draft Sleepers: 37 Small-School Stars and Mid-Round Gems

Joe Cervenka

Host · Writer

2026 NFL Draft Sleepers: You Tell Us Your Top Steal
The Pittsburgh Verdict: Who Wins the Weekend?
- The Quarterback Debate: Cole Payton tallied 29 combined TDs. Is he the next great small-school success story, or just a product of the Bison system?
- The Sack Machines: Between Michael Heldman and Nadame Tucker, which mid-major edge rusher has the higher NFL ceiling?
- Small School Hype: Tyren Montgomery went from a basketball walk-on to a Senior Bowl star. Does his 40-inch vertical make him a Year 1 starter?
- Matchup Nightmares: Would you rather have a 4.70-speed DT like Zane Durant or a versatile gadget like Eli Heidenreich in the fourth round?
- Cast Your Vote: Which of these 37 sleepers do you think has the best chance to be a Pro Bowler by 2028? Who will be the steal of the 2026 NFL Draft?
2026 NFL Draft Sleepers: Mining for Value
The Draft Board’s Hidden Gems

The 2026 NFL Draft board in Pittsburgh features a few spots that jump off the page for very different reasons, but they all offer a clear dream matchup worth targeting.

While the world is obsessing over Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza and the Indiana Hoosiers’ title run, we’re looking at the sleepers carrying an enormous workload without the national spotlight.

From NDSU's dual-threat dynamo Cole Payton to the basketball-to-football pivot of Tyren Montgomery, these 37 prospects are anything but a goose egg in terms of pro potential.

Let's dive into the targets that offer substantial value in the paint—because finding a Day 3 starter should be a formality, not a fever dream.
37. Jaden Dugger, LB (Louisiana-Lafayette)
The Golden Egg Hybrid Defender
- A unique safety-to-linebacker convert, the 6-foot-5, 239-pound Jaden Dugger exploded for 125 tackles and 13 tackles for loss in his lone season with the Ragin' Cajuns.
- He earned First-Team All-Sun Belt honors and a Shrine Bowl invite after transferring from Georgetown, proving his game translates to the FBS level.
- Scouts identify him as a Golden Egg prospect due to his tantalizing length and ability to mirror running backs while staying clean against blockers.
- With four sacks and three pass deflections in 2025, he offers the sideline-to-sideline speed and versatility required of a modern NFL middle linebacker.
36. J'Mari Taylor, RB (Virginia)
The ACC’s Record-Breaking Thunder Back
- J'Mari Taylor claimed the ACC regular season rushing title with 1,062 yards, becoming the first conference back since 1999 to record 14 rushing, one passing, and one receiving TD in a single season.
- The North Carolina Central transfer led Virginia to its second 10-win season in program history, accounting for a staggering 1,335 all-purpose yards.
- Known as a thunder back, he runs with compact power and elite balance, specializing in short-yardage carries and tough touchdowns.
- Taylor is a three-down threat whose willingness and talent in pass protection should facilitate an immediate role as a complementary backup.
35. James Brockermeyer, C (Miami)
The Lockdown Anchor with NFL DNA
- The son of an NFL first-rounder, James Brockermeyer finished 2025 as the nation's 4th-best pass-blocking center, surrendering zero sacks across 825 offensive snaps.
- Standing 6-foot-6 and 335 pounds, he showcased plus core strength and a balanced base at the Senior Bowl, routinely outperforming larger defensive counterparts.
- His 83.4 pass-blocking grade from PFF reflects a technically sound anchor who allowed only ten total pressures during his first season at Miami.
- A First-Team All-ACC selection, Brockermeyer is an NFL-ready starter who brings elite intelligence and a professional pedigree to the interior.
34. Mason Reiger, EDGE (Wisconsin)
The Turbo Technician with Violent Hands
- Mason Reiger exploded into the national spotlight as the East-West Shrine Bowl Defensive MVP, recording three sacks and a strip-sack in a dominant performance at the Ford Center.
- A high-impact transfer from Louisville, he led the Badgers with 45 total pressures and an elite 82.4 overall PFF grade during the 2025 campaign.
- Scouts are enamored with his violent hands and rush angle IQ, noting his ability to convert from run defense to pass rush with wicked closing speed.
- Measuring 6-foot-5 with nearly 33-inch arms, Reiger is a refined technician who has vaulted from a Day 3 flyer to a firm Day 2 contender.
33. Mark Gronowski, QB (Iowa)
The Dual-Threat Signal Caller with MVP Pedigree
- The East-West Shrine Bowl Offensive MVP solidified his stock after transferring from South Dakota State to Iowa, demonstrating a level of versatility and toughness scouts prize.
- Mark Gronowski posted an astonishing 16 rushing touchdowns and 545 rushing yards in 2025, proving he is a dynamic playmaker in short-yardage and red-zone situations.
- He earned a spot on the All-Practice team in Frisco, where he even threw a key block to seal the edge on a rushing score, showing his grit and utility.
- With 1,741 passing yards and 10 passing TDs against Big Ten competition, he projects as a high-floor developmental QB capable of securing a roster spot through dual-threat ability.
32. A.J. Pena, EDGE (Rhode Island)
The FCS Disruptor with Elite Pressure
- AJ Pena has been an absolute nightmare for FCS offenses, racking up sacks and hurries with a high-octane motor.
- He possesses the short-area burst and nasty streak that jump off the film for any defensive scout.
- His in-zone whiff rate against tackles suggests his game will translate smoothly to the professional level.
- He is the final sleeper on our list, a high-value gem ready to make his mark in Pittsburgh.
31. Eli Stowers, TE (Vanderbilt)
The Converted-QB Matchup Nightmare
- Eli Stowers is an athletic tight end who transitioned from QB and blossomed into an Evan Engram-style playmaker.
- He is a flex weapon who creates separation in space, serving as a tailor-made fit for a modern, pass-heavy offense.
- His advanced metric progression and ability to catch lobs in the paint make him an elite red-zone threat.
- He’s a mid-round gem ready to carve up NFL secondaries.
30. Lee Hunter, DT (Texas Tech)
The Heavyweight Run-Stuffer
- Lee Hunter is an interior anchor who has been quietly one of the best stories in the Big 12.
- He possesses the kind of physical dimensions and tools that allow him to eliminate run lanes before they even develop.
- His estimated net rating as a run-stopper is among the highest in the 2026 class.
- For a team needing to fix a bottom-ten run rating, Hunter is the must-fix solution.
29. Keldric Faulk, EDGE (Auburn)
The High-Motor Defensive Anchor
- Keldric Faulk is a physically imposing defender who recorded seven sacks in a breakout 2024 campaign.
- He offers a dream matchup for a 4-3 defense, utilizing an elite first step and massive 34 3/8-inch arms.
- His pass-rush win rate sits just outside the top ten for all Power Four defensive ends.
- Mark my words: he’s a mid-round sleeper who will provide instant value on passing downs.
28. Delby Lemieux, IOL (Dartmouth)
The Ivy League Trench Master
- Delby Lemieux has displayed versatility across the offensive line and earned a Senior Bowl invite after a dominant Ivy League career.
- He is an NFL-ready interior blocker with a physicality-first culture that scouts love in the middle rounds.
- Although he lacks elite size, his diagnostic skills and leverage are in the 90th percentile.
- He is a diamond in the rough who could stabilize a line for years.
27. Daniel Sobkowicz, WR (Illinois State)
The FCS Production King
- Daniel Sobkowicz is a high-volume receiver who has consistently produced at an All-American level in the FCS.
- He ranks in the top ten nationally for catches and touchdowns, showing a soulful song of route-running polish.
- His natural hands and efficiency in the paint make him one of the cleanest fits for a timing-based offense.
- He’s a mid-round gem who doesn't chase bad pitches and finds the sticks every time.
26. Ted Hurst, WR (Georgia State)
The Big-Play Downfield Beast
- Ted Hurst proved he was ready for a step up in competition after an excellent Senior Bowl week.
- The 6-foot-4, 206-pound receiver is a big-play downfield threat who averaged over 14 yards per reception last year on 71 catches.
- He ran a stellar 4.42 40-yard dash at the Combine, confirming his status as an elite vertical threat.
- His reach and catch radius make him a red-zone dream matchup.
25. Brylan Green, S (Liberty)
The Playmaking Safety from the Flames
- Brylan Green has been a ball-hawk extraordinaire for Liberty, showing the range and diagnostic skills that travel on Saturdays.
- He is a versatile secondary piece who can play deep or in the box, providing a dream matchup for defensive coordinators.
- His career-high interception totals (5 in 2023) and forced fumbles make him a high-impact Day 3 prospect.
- For a team needing a safety spark, Green is the ticket.
24. Max Iheanachor, OT (Arizona State)
The Late-Blooming Power Four Gem
- Max Iheanachor is a 6-foot-6 powerhouse who became one of the favorite sleepers of analysts this winter.
- He is a versatile technician who can slide to guard if needed, but his athleticism and length are pro-ready.
- His estimated net rating as a move blocker suggests he’ll be a high-floor starter in a zone-heavy scheme.
- Mark my words, his stock is soaring as we approach the Pittsburgh clock.
23. Nadame Tucker, EDGE (Western Michigan)
The Twitchy Sack Artist with MAC Flavor
- Nadame Tucker is a super twitchy pass rusher who broke out with a whopping 14.5 sacks after transferring to Western Michigan last season.
- He put forth an impressive performance at the Senior Bowl, proving he can handle elite competition.
- His in-zone whiff rate against tackles is elite, and he possesses a lightning-fast first step.
- He is a mid-round sleeper who offers clear value on third downs.
22. Kaleb Proctor, DL (Southeastern Louisiana)
The Best-Kept Secret in the Trenches
- Kaleb Proctor is a big-bodied defensive lineman who recorded career-highs in sacks (eight) in 2025.
- He is versatile enough to play multiple positions along the front, making him a high-value rotational piece.
- His motor never misses a beat, and his diagnostic skills are among the best in the FCS.
- He may be the best-kept secret at this year’s NFL Draft.
21. Jalen Walthall, WR (Incarnate Word)
The FCS Speedster with Ideal Size
- Jalen Walthall possesses ideal size at nearly 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds, and he hit the Combine with massive broad jump numbers (10' 11").
- He is a legitimate sleeper from a small program that does not get a ton of scouting looks.
- His explosive traits and downfield threat capability make him a clear matchup advantage.
- His vertical testing (35") was impressive and should land him a mid-round spot.
20. John Michael Gyllenborg, TE (Wyoming)
The Savvy Route-Running Mismatch
- John Michael Gyllenborg is a flex tight end who creates mismatches when detached from the line of scrimmage.
- He finished his college career with 80 catches, projecting as a savvy route runner with high-end hands.
- His ability to create separation against linebackers is a dream matchup for a creative play-caller.
- A strong Senior Bowl showing has him moving up draft boards as a must-watch sleeper.
19. Eli Heidenreich, RB/Slot (Navy)
The Mid-Atlantic’s Gadget Weapon
- Navy used Eli Heidenreich all over the formation, resulting in over 1,400 yards from scrimmage and nine touchdowns.
- A Pittsburgh native, he produced 51 receptions for 941 yards, showing elite versatility as a playmaker.
- He’ll be a versatile gadget weapon at the next level, capable of filling multiple roles in a complex offense.
- His estimated pace and diagnostic skills make him a high-value Day 3 grab.
18. Charles Demmings, CB (Stephen F. Austin)
FCS Length and Senior Bowl Polish
- Charles Demmings earned a Senior Bowl invite after capping off his career with a four-interception season and elite length.
- He offers the kind of physical traits that jump off the page for teams needing a boundary corner who can play on an island.
- His ball skills are in the paint, ranking him as a potential middle-round sleeper.
- He is the small-school star ready to handle the jump to the league.
17. Malachi Lawrence, EDGE (UCF)
An Explosive First Step Worth Targeting
- Malachi Lawrence recorded 19.5 sacks over his final three seasons at UCF, breaking out as a super twitchy and explosive pass rusher.
- He sported an impressive pressure rate, demonstrating an elite get-off that leaves tackles out of position.
- He is a situational nightmare who can provide instant value on passing downs.
- His ability to win on the outside shoulder is tailor-made for an NFL nickel package.
16. Robert Henry Jr., RB (UTSA)
The Roadrunner with a Heavyweight Burst
- Robert Henry lacks size but his efficiency at UTSA was a soulful song; he averaged an eye-popping 6.9 yards per carry in 2025.
- He is an explosive rusher with lateral jump-cut ability, having rushed for nearly 200 yards against Texas A&M to open last season.
- His production as a pass catcher makes him a clear matchup advantage for a dynamic offense.
- Expect Henry to be a third or fourth-round steal.
15. Sam Hecht, C (Kansas State)
The Consistent Anchor of the Little Apple
- Sam Hecht’s technically sound playstyle is the backbone of a great O-line; he gave up zero sacks and just two quarterback hits over 25 college starts.
- He is an NFL-ready center prospect who consistently held his own against top-tier Big 12 defensive lines.
- While his size won’t jump off the page at 303 pounds, his football smarts and diagnosis are in the 90th percentile of this class.
- Hecht is the ultimate "safe bet" in the later rounds, offering a team a consistent starter who rarely commits penalties.
14. Chris Johnson, CB (San Diego State)
The Aztec’s Lockdown Technician
- Chris Johnson was a standout in the defensive backfield, facing off against elite competition and proving his short-area burst is ready for the professional jump.
- He is a technically sound cornerback with a balanced base and strong hands, routinely outperforming defensive counterparts in press drills.
- His A-plus awareness and ability to control the back end like a traffic cop have him firmly on the radar of NFL scouts.
- Johnson projects as a reliable nickel or boundary corner who provides immediate value in a pass-heavy NFL.
13. Mike Washington Jr., RB (Arkansas)
The Chiseled Heavyweight with Top-End Speed
- Mike Washington offers a rare blend of 6-foot, 228-pound size and elite top-end speed, rarely being caught from behind once he hits the open field.
- The former Razorback star popped at practice with a quick, downhill cut that demonstrated his explosive outside-zone potential.
- He is a plus ball tracker and an explosive playmaking pass catcher in one-on-one drills, expanding the playbook for any drafting team.
- Gotta love a back who combines bruising power with a double-digit touchdown pedigree.
12. Denzel Boston, WR (Washington)
The Polished Chain-Mover
- Denzel Boston is a physical and reliable wideout who fits the mold of a "do the dirty work" chain-mover at the NFL level.
- He is one of CBS Sports' biggest sleeper picks, projected to be an instant impact playmaker for teams seeking a yards-after-catch (YAC) threat.
- His natural hands and efficiency in short areas make him one of the cleanest fits in the draft for a timing-based offense.
- Boston thrives on slants and crossers, providing a quarterback with a massive margin for error in tight coverage.
11. Jeff Caldwell, WR (Cincinnati)
The Deep-Ball Specialist from Lindenwood
- Jeff Caldwell averaged over 17 yards per catch in three consecutive seasons at the D-II level before transferring to Cincinnati and maintaining his deep-threat status.
- He is an underrated candidate to leap the chart-topping broad jump at the NFL Combine, showcasing explosive lower-body power.
- Caldwell brings much-needed athleticism and deep speed to a receiver room, serving up top-notch vertical routes that force safeties to back up.
- He’s a combo threat who wins on contested catches despite being a bit shy of the "blue-chip" height requirements.
10. Kyle Louis, LB (Pitt)
The Sideline-to-Sideline Speedster
- Kyle Louis was super athletic at this year's Senior Bowl, surpassing 21.30 mph on the GPS in Mobile while defending from sideline to sideline.
- He has the A-plus diagnostic skills and awareness to flourish in a hybrid role, enabling him to blitz, run, and cover with equal efficiency.
- His ability to carry slot receivers down the seam and smoothly mirror tight ends makes him a hot commodity in scouting circles.
- If your team needs a Fred Warner-type cog for their defense, Louis is the "presto" solution in the mid-rounds.
9. Zane Durant, DT (Penn State)
The Defensive Freak with Olympic Speed
- Zane Durant is an ultra-athletic defender who could run a 40-yard dash time under 4.70, a terrifying number for an interior lineman.
- He recorded a career-high four sacks in the 2025 campaign, showing the ability to win with force or finesse at the point of attack.
- NFL evaluators are smitten with his A-gap disruption and his capability to eliminate run lanes before they even develop.
- Durant is a top-tier "matchup nightmare" for interior offensive lines, providing substantial value as a Day 2 or early Day 3 steal.
8. Jacob Rodriguez, LB (Texas Tech)
The Most Decorated Sleeper in the Class
- Say what you want about "mid-round" status, but Jacob Rodriguez won just about every college football award available, including the 2025 Bronko Nagurski Trophy.
- The Butkus and Lombardi Award winner led an explosive Texas Tech defense with instincts and athleticism that scouts are calling "Micah Parsons-esque."
- Rodriguez has a red-hot motor and the physical makeup to play multiple positions, making him a high-value "seek-and-destroy" linebacker.
- Mark my words: for a team needing a sideline-to-sideline designated playmaker, Rodriguez is the ultimate "free point" in the fourth round.
7. Caden Barnett, OT (Wyoming)
The Versatile Trench Warrior
- Caden Barnett was the Mountain West’s highest-graded guard in 2025, showing the strong run-blocking skills and "trench warrior" mentality NFL teams crave.
- At 6-foot-5 and 320 pounds, he specializes in double-teaming defenders and anchoring against high-octane bull rushes.
- As an alumnus of the same school as Josh Allen, Barnett has the toughness to handle throwing—and blocking—in the cold of the AFC North or East.
- His estimated net rating as a move blocker projects him as an elite fallback who could eventually start at either tackle or guard.
6. Montie Quinn, RB (Curry College)
The Record-Shattering D-III Workhorse
- If ever there was a perfect time for a record-shattering performance, Montie Quinn found it in his final collegiate quarters, solidifying himself as a 2026 draft candidate.
- Quinn’s efficiency and vision allow him to explode through the hole, sporting a production rate that makes the jump from D-III to the NFL look plausible.
- He is looking to begin his professional journey as a late-round flyer, following in the footsteps of legendary small-school backs who thrived on early-down volume.
- His film rating is impressively high, showing a player who understands how to press off blocks and find daylight.
5. Tyren Montgomery, WR (John Carroll)
The D-III Sensation with Basketball Bounce
- The small-school standout of the 2026 Senior Bowl is undoubtedly Tyren Montgomery, a former LSU basketball walk-on who has been impossible to guard in Mobile.
- Montgomery hit the Senior Bowl harder than a buzzer-beater, showcasing agility and short-area burst that had NFL scouts scrambling for his tape.
- He made the highlight catch of the week—an acrobatic grab over a top-tier San Diego State corner—proving his athletic ability and competitiveness are world-class.
- He’s a diamond in the rough who offers elite upside as a deep threat and return specialist.
4. Michael Heldman, EDGE (Central Michigan)
The Mid-Major Sack Machine
- To say Michael Heldman is a sack machine would be an insult to the Terminator; he racked up 10.5 sacks in 2025, including dominant reps against Power Four competition.
- He has shown he can be an elite pass rusher regardless of the logo on the opponent's helmet, using a refined set of counters and a relentless motor.
- Heldman is a special prospect because he offers clear value on third downs, projecting as a high-end rotational edge early in his pro career.
- His production rating jumps off the page, and mark my words, he’ll be a household name for a defense-needy franchise by 2028.
3. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S (Toledo)
The Ball-Hawk from the MAC
- Out of all the lesser-known prospects, Emmanuel McNeil-Warren was the most recognized name in the MAC, standing tall with 77 tackles and three forced fumbles in his career.
- He is a pro-ready safety who would be a perfect scheme fit for a 3-4 defensive system, wreaking havoc on ball carriers with his physical approach.
- McNeil-Warren’s estimated range and diagnostic skills sing a soulful song to scouts, positioning him as one of the best "bang-for-your-buck" picks on Day 3.
- His ability to act as a ball hawk in the NFL while creating turnovers is a matchup advantage you gotta love.
2. Bryce Lance, WR (North Dakota State)
The Boundary Weapon with NFL DNA
- If that name sounds familiar, it’s because he’s the little brother of Trey, but Bryce Lance is carving out his own legacy with consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons.
- At 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds, Lance is an absolute bully in catch space, delivering 25 career touchdown catches and leaving a massive mark in the NDSU record books.
- The analytics love his explosive traits; he is expected to leap a 40-inch vertical at the Combine and projects as a high-floor possession receiver.
- Losing him to the NFL will be a tough pill for the Bison, but he’s a predictable riser for a team needing a reliable red-zone threat.
1. Cole Payton, QB (North Dakota State)
The Bison’s Dual-Threat Dynamite
- Cole Payton is one of the most unique QB prospects in years, coming off an outstanding 2025 season where he carried the Bison to a 12-1 record.
- The 6-foot-2, 233-pound lefty hit the scorecard hard, tallying 2,719 passing yards and 16 passing TDs while punishing defenses with 13 rushing scores on 777 rushing yards.
- Mark my words: his big, strong-armed throwing style is perfect for the freezing winter months of the NFL, making him a dream developmental pick in the middle rounds.
- Say what you want about his "raw" status—his maturity and athleticism jump off the page and suggest he’s ready to jump the chart at the next level.
2026 NFL Draft Sleepers: You Tell Us Your Top Steal
The Pittsburgh Verdict: Who Wins the Weekend?
- The Quarterback Debate: Cole Payton tallied 29 combined TDs. Is he the next great small-school success story, or just a product of the Bison system?
- The Sack Machines: Between Michael Heldman and Nadame Tucker, which mid-major edge rusher has the higher NFL ceiling?
- Small School Hype: Tyren Montgomery went from a basketball walk-on to a Senior Bowl star. Does his 40-inch vertical make him a Year 1 starter?
- Matchup Nightmares: Would you rather have a 4.70-speed DT like Zane Durant or a versatile gadget like Eli Heidenreich in the fourth round?
- Cast Your Vote: Which of these 37 sleepers do you think has the best chance to be a Pro Bowler by 2028? Who will be the steal of the 2026 NFL Draft?
2026 NFL Draft Sleepers: Mining for Value
The Draft Board’s Hidden Gems

The 2026 NFL Draft board in Pittsburgh features a few spots that jump off the page for very different reasons, but they all offer a clear dream matchup worth targeting.

While the world is obsessing over Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza and the Indiana Hoosiers’ title run, we’re looking at the sleepers carrying an enormous workload without the national spotlight.

From NDSU's dual-threat dynamo Cole Payton to the basketball-to-football pivot of Tyren Montgomery, these 37 prospects are anything but a goose egg in terms of pro potential.

Let's dive into the targets that offer substantial value in the paint—because finding a Day 3 starter should be a formality, not a fever dream.